It's working for Kelsey MacLean, Founder, KelseyMacLean.com
Pennsylvania
1 child
"For me, there is not a new normal. I am continually working to improve myself as a mother, wife and businesswoman. Every day is a different adventure!"
Kelsey MacLean, mother of a 4 year old son, is the founder and creative director of KelseyMacLean.com. KelseyMacLean.com provides fine clothing & accessories for babies, children and adults in a timeless style. The collection, featuring classic designs, is expertly crafted in Peru of decadently soft Pima cotton and other fine textiles. Each piece can be personalized with your monogram, name & logo.
Kelsey works with her husband and is grateful for the incredible support from her extended family to help raise son Ian.
WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WISH YOU COULD OFFER YOUR FORMER EXPECTANT SELF?
Patience!
WHAT WAS YOUR PRIMARY MOTIVATION FOR DECIDING TO RETURN (OR NOT) TO WORK?
I knew I had to go back to work and wanted to go back to work, and I did not want to work for someone else. I wanted to work for myself and build my own dreams. I decided, a month after my son was born, to start a baby/children’s (and now for adults as well) clothing company. I couldn’t find in the marketplace baby/children’s clothing that was super soft, well made, 100% pima cotton and designed in timeless style. Most of my clothing is available personalized with a monogram, name or logo.
HOW MUCH LEAVE DID YOU TAKE, AND HOW COMFORTABLE WERE YOU TAKING IT?
I did not work for about a year and a half, during that time I was going through IVF and pregnant.
HOW EASY WAS IT TO PUT A CHILDCARE ARRANGEMENT TOGETHER AND DID IT WORK FOR YOUR FAMILY?
My in laws and family have been a blessing. Without their help, it would not have been possible. It melts my heart when I see my son with our families and how much they adore him. He is fortunate to have so many family members a part of his life.
WHEN DID THE “NEW NORMAL” SET IN FOR YOU?
I am a work in progress, as my son grows, as my business grows, I learn more and more every day. For me, there is not a new normal. I am continually working to improve myself as a mother, wife and businesswoman. Every day is a different adventure!
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE GOING BACK TO WORK?
I felt guilty about going back to work. I knew I was blessed beyond belief to have a child and knew he would be my only child and I didn’t want to miss a second. It’s sometimes melancholic to know there are milestones I miss out on as he is in daycare and spends a great deal of time with his granny, grandad, uncles and aunts. For Ian, he has developed a very close relationship with extended family, has a great network of friends at his daycare (he is very social) and it’s been better for his development and growth.
WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST SOURCE OF SUPPORT IN RETURNING TO WORK?
My husband and I work together, which works out wonderfully as we have opposite strengths and weaknesses. My husband has been my rock of support. My brother, uncle and aunt and my in-laws have made it possible for us to start a business and help care for our son. Without their support, it would not have been possible. I have a LOT of people to thank!
AS A WORKING PARENT, A GOOD DAY IS WHEN ____
As a working parent, a good day is when everyone is happy, things run smoothly at the office and the house is clean.
AS A WORKING PARENT, A BAD DAY IS WHEN ____
As a working parent, a bad day is when there is not enough time in the day to fulfill my role as a mother, wife and at work. Time is very, very precious.
AS A WORKING PARENT, I NEVER EXPECTED __ WOULD BE SO HARD AND __ WOULD BE SO MUCH EASIER.
As a working parent, I never expected time management would be so hard and being a mom would be so much easier!