If anyone is ever in doubt about mum’s commitment to their careers post babies, please, use this conversation as proof that we are only ever more ambitious and focused. This week I’m talking to Jelena Skene, co-founder of 2 businesses raised alongside 2 small boys. It’s been a busy few years for Jelena! My main takeaway from our conversation, and there are many, is: just start. You can’t plan everything around having a family, if you have a business idea, just try it. I also loved her thoughts on what makes a good business idea, and what you actually need to create a successful business. If you’re looking for advice on how to effectively PR pitch your business, listen to the end, Jelena has some incredible practical tips. This episode is sponsored by Ancient + Brave (www.ancientandbrave.earth/). If you’d like to try any of their products (I am a big fan of True Collagen!) you can use our discount code BTB20 for 20% off your first order. Takeaways: Jelena’s path from law, to fashion to marketing agency and how planning for a family informed her choice to move into entrepreneurship The highs and lows of Covid with a business and a baby Jelena’s varied experiences of birth and mat leave in the UK and abroad Equality both in earnings and in childcare with Jelena’s partner The contrast between an anxious pregnancy and the positive realities of motherhood The benefits of city connections for business opportunities You don’t need an original idea to start a business, just a gap in the market The development of Press Flow alongside their first business and their fundraising plans for 2025 Community support and especially amongst female founders is invaluable for early-stage business How motherhood enhanced Jelena’s focus and ambitions and societal misconceptions about mums Jelena’s tips on effective PR pitches Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Jelena's Journey 03:01 Career Shifts and Discovering Passion 06:14 Navigating Parenthood and Career Decisions 09:13 The Impact of COVID on Business 12:01 Building a Business During Lockdown 14:54 Balancing Work and Family Life 18:00 The Experience of Motherhood 21:03 Life in Barcelona and Business Growth 24:09 Returning to the UK and Future Plans 28:19 The Importance of Cities for Connections 30:07 The Journey to Pressflow 34:11 Building Pressflow: A Strategic Approach 39:01 Community and Networking for Founders 42:04 Motherhood and Ambition 46:31 Finding Purpose as a Mother and Entrepreneur 49:05 Tips for Effective PR Pitching 52:08 Finding Personal Joy Amidst Business and Motherhood Links: Website: www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Jelena Skene Agency-turned tech founder of Press Flow and mother of two, Jelena has a background in digital marketing for major fashion and lifestyle brands. In March, 2024, Jelena co-founded Press Flow Limited with her husband, a free PR platform that connects experts, PR professionals, and journalists. Press Flow provides unlimited free pitching, making it an accessible tool for small businesses, personal brands, PR professionals, and experts seeking media exposure. Not their first business, prior to Press Flow, Jelena and her husband ran an agency and together through COVID juggled the demands of new parenthood and founder life for the first time. Jelena Skene Links: Website: https://www.pressflow.io/ LinkedIn (Jelena): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelena-skene-2a3a9b60/ LinkedIn (Press Flow): https://www.linkedin.com/company/pressflow/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/
