Mama tribe – Simone Thomas tells you how to boss business as a busy mum

Q1. Please introduce yourself: Name, what do you do & how many children you have.

Simone Thomas. Founder of Multi-Award Winning Simone Thomas Wellness. Founder of award-winning Simone Thomas Salons. Published author “Happy Body Healthy Hair” a must-read for all expectant mums or busy mums to buy on Amazon. Profession a leading hair loss consultant, bio-energetics practitioner, and nutrition advisor. 2015 Great Britain’s Female Entrepreneur Winner (GBEA Awards) – after the win I went into labour 😉 with my first son Ashton

Q2. How do you manage to juggle work and life balance as a mother?

A lot of planning, breathing, and staying relaxed even on the days I want to cry. It has not been an easy journey being a mum both my parents have passed away when I was younger, so I have had to juggle two young boys from day one.

I have worked exceptionally hard the past five years to be able to give my two boys consistency and been able to have a mother’s help “mummy Karen” the boys call her.

If it was not for the help and support of Karen I would have broken a long time ago trying to manage 17+ staff, two boys under five and have a social life as well as space for myself for exercise and time out.

Q.3 What top tips would you give to any working mum?

Sleep, water and good food are what make me be able to tackle the hardest of days when I have disturbed sleep due to one of my sons being unwell in the night. I find if I don’t eat the right foods, drink enough water or exercise daily I can get really frustrated easily so for me these three things help me to focus, have the energy I need and excitement to do what I do.

I love having a busy day and coming home to my boys, a lot of mums feel guilty for going to work of pushing themselves to accomplish our dreams but for me, I feel a much better person for it coming home to my boys telling them about what I have done in a day, and they really enjoy it. We swap stories of what we have done, theirs is mainly chasing dinosaurs and kill monsters or kissing girls at school.

Q4. What do you love most about London? Do you have a favourite spot with your children?

I love London and I find it really gives me a big buzz whether that’s being in a gorgeous restaurant, shopping at Selfridges, sitting in the park or staying in my favourite hotel The Corinthia as a special treat to myself.

There is something so exciting about being around other people and watching them all in their own bubble. I love the diversity of fashion and that no one bats an eyelid when you express yourself through clothes, hair, and makeup.

The diverse art culture and music scene is a huge draw for me. My boys love the old, cobbled streets especially the ones with music playing and people dancing and enjoying life, my eldest wants to be. Rockstar when he is older, so I have my hands full with him already….

Q5. How do you define quality ‘me-time’?

I try to have me time at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes, this could be an early morning walk, a Pilates workout or just sitting with my hot water and lemon and having me time. No phone, no distractions just me and the sound of whatever is going on around me.

Through lockdown I invested in a Peloton which I love and enjoy my quick cycle and arm burn workout.

I also invest in my health and wellbeing daily with my Simone Thomas Wellness supplements and try to be 80% good with my food choices and I make sure I have a manicure and pedicure every three weeks and every three months a HydraFacial with a Hydra Tight this is my time.

I am not a huge drinker so for me investing in how I feel and look with facials or a lymphatic massage makes me feel like a new woman, something I will be working more on now I am 40 I want to make sure I am as healthy and well for the next 40+ years to see my boys become amazing men.

Q6. What is your favourite & least favourite thing about parenthood?

Babies, children and being a parent does not come with a manual and every parent’s experience is different. The years go so quickly, one minute they are tiny babies and the next they are 6 years old and having a full-blown conversation with you and then 18 and off to explore the world.

Most favourite part is I see so much of me in my boys as well as my parents and our personalities. At times they make you so mad but also laugh in how strong they are and how they are developing their own incredible minds.

Q7. Tell us something people don’t know about you.

My friend always call me the naked one, from a young age I never liked clothes and would always been seen running around in the nude well not much has changed in 40 years and my girlfriends know if we ever stay away I don’t wear PJ’s so to be warned ;-).

Or if you want something less out there I have played Piano and Saxophone since I was 8.

Q8. Given we are all about embracing Motherhood, what advice would you give a first-time Mum?

Do not put pressure on yourself when it comes to giving birth, everyone’s birth story is so different. Only surround yourself in positive birth stories. I did hypnobirthing for both my boys and had the most amazing experience. I felt energised after and full of energy.

Another tip is don’t do too much too soon, stay at home and eat good food, set boundaries with everyone otherwise the door will be non-stop ringing with guests, and you will find yourself tired and war out from repeating yourself. I remember with both my boys at 4 weeks I arranged a nice lunch with my friend to see them all and to have a good catch up with everyone there.

Breast, formula, bottle whatever works for you just do it and don’t worry about other people’s opinions. If breastfeeding does not feel you need to hide away in the corner –  embrace the breast and be proud you are feeding an amazing living human being. Too many people have an opinion on breast, bottle and formula and we need to stop and let mum’s and families do what is best for them always.

Amazing support network of women empowering each other. I love the different topics from mental health, to best places to go, or how to deal with certain situations with your children. It is a great platform and has such great resources.

Read more inspiring interviews as part of our online motherhood exhibition and get in touch to share your story with us. We would love to hear from you.