As a working mum and small business owner, life can feel like a whirlwind. Running a business is a full-time job, and then some. It’s demanding, all-consuming, ever-changing.
From leading a growing team to juggling product development, sales, and manufacturing, there’s always something on the list. And with every new milestone, the pressure builds though maybe ‘pressure’ is just another word for growth. Because that’s exactly what this is.
And while the demands are high, the truth is, I love what I do. It’s my passion, and I feel incredibly lucky to live it every day.
Victoria Eggs truly is a family business. None of it would be possible without my family.
From day one, they’ve been my biggest cheerleaders.
My dad has a mug collection that could rival a café - he genuinely owns one of every design I’ve ever made. (You’ll never be short of a cuppa at his place!)
But it’s more than the mugs. In the early days, he came to every trade fair. Despite his infamous DIY skills - affectionately known as ‘Roger the Bodger’ he helped set up countless stands. Nothing was quite straight, shelves were always slightly wonky, but we’d laugh through the chaos, fuelled by takeaway tea and nerves. He drove me all over the country, stayed in budget hotels, carried boxes, and has always kept me grounded with his unwavering support.
Dad helping me to set up at a trade fair in Harrogate, 2014.
My mum has been equally incredible. Back when I was just getting started, she hosted what I fondly call ‘Tupperware parties’ for my products, inviting her friends, neighbours, and even a few strangers to browse and buy. She still comments on every Facebook post, shares every win, and her voice is always the loudest cheering me on. Her pride is constant, and it means the world.
One of mum's party displays!
My sister-in-law screen printed the very first batch of t-shirts and tea towels in her studio, and my brother helped shape the brand and marketing back when it was still just an idea. Their belief gave me the courage to keep going when I doubted myself.
Then there’s Dan—my husband, my rock, and possibly the stealthiest romantic of all time. He placed the second-ever order on my website (we were just friends back then), and still insists it was all part of his long game to win me over. Honestly? I think it worked.
Dan’s a painter and decorator by trade, and when he arrived in my life, our trade fair stands got a serious upgrade. Out went the wobbly setups, and in came beautifully aligned displays with his pro’s eye for detail. He still helps with every event - setting up, packing down, keeping things running smoothly. And at home, he’s the one holding it all together. From cooking (he’s the better chef, hands down) to handling school runs, laundry, and life admin, he’s made it possible for me to grow the business knowing everything else is taken care of. (If it were left to me, we’d be eating cereal and wearing yesterday’s clothes!)
He even tries to enter our competitions, despite having zero chance of winning! That’s just who he is: supportive, involved, and always championing what I do.
I've even managed to rope Dan into modelling for me a few times too...
My in-laws are just as supportive. My father-in-law may be running out of cupboard space for mugs, but my mother-in-law has a tote bag collection that rivals my own, and proudly displays my cups, saucers, and baubles all year round. It means so much to know that they are proud of what we’ve built, and it makes birthdays and Christmas a little easier to shop for!
Now, as our daughter grows, I get to see her creativity flourish. She says she wants to be a vet—but in the meantime, she loves drawing beside me while I work. I feel so grateful to be home for school runs, to witness the small moments, and to show her what it looks like to follow a dream. She’s starting to understand what I do, and nothing beats the pride in her voice when she spots one of my products in a shop and points it out to her friends. Apparently, it’s pretty cool that her mum “gets to do colouring-in for a job.”
Etta was getting involved early on - start them young eh!
So, on this International Day of the Family, I want to take a moment to say thank you.
You’ve laughed with me through the chaos, lifted me in the hard moments, and cheered at every milestone. You’ve made every bit of the journey feel possible and joyful.
From the bottom of my heart—thank you.