Daughter motives business owner
A MUM determined to show her young daughter that anything is possible if you are passionate enough has opened her first business.
Divine Beauty, located at 2/108 Russell Street, was officially unveiled as a safe space for clients to relax, unwind, and feel their best selves.
Owner Katie Kay said her one-year-old daughter Milani was her biggest motivator as she struggled to find the perfect balance between work and mum life.
“I wanted to show her that we’re in control of our own success,” she said.
“I wanted to break the cycle and show her we can be successful as women, we can support ourselves, we can have goals and dreams, and our lives don’t fall apart just because I’m a single mum.
“Trying to support her, being on my own and the costs of everything is really hard, but I wanted to do something I love with the hope of one day being able to tell her, ‘Mummy did it’.”
Divine Beauty offers beauty services including eyelash extensions, massages, brows and makeup, with the aim that clients can relax in a safe space, whether they need to escape from the hassles of everyday life or just need a quiet space to take care of themselves.
“A big reason for the business was I wanted to find myself again, outside of just being a mum,” Ms Kay said.
“You can get lost in motherhood and not take care of yourself like you should be.
“Your focus is always on your child, but it’s really easy to lose your identity.
“For me, I would always feel fresh and rejuvenated if I took the time to get my hair or eyebrows done, and I wanted to offer others the same opportunity.
“I believe if you look good, you feel good.”
Ms Kay said while she was excited for the future of her business, she knew there would be sacrifices along the way and things she might miss.
She said thanks to her ongoing support network, she was able to remind herself this “is only a season” in the longterm goals.
“Mum guilt is a real thing,” she said. “It can have a big effect on your mental health with balancing everything because you do feel very guilty about it, even though you’re still being a good parent.
“It’s hard because I love being a mum, and I wouldn’t change it, but I am also more than that, and I have to have my own thing as well, and I shouldn’t feel guilty for that.
“I am working hard to do something for the both of us, and I know one day she’ll understand that.”
Ms Kay said she was inspired by a lot of women in her life to start her business, and witnessing other mums successful in their journeys solidified that it was possible for her, too.