As I sit down to write this month’s blog, I’m wondering where June disappeared to. It has been one of the busiest, most emotional and rewarding months we’ve had in quite some time. Between family milestones, travelling abroad, home renovations, growing Lilypod and the honour of being shortlisted for a Local Enterprise Office Waterford Digital Award, June was certainly a month to remember.
To be recognised alongside three other fantastic Waterford businesses was both humbling and incredibly rewarding. As a one-woman business, I wear every hat - from creating products and packing orders to managing the website, social media and marketing - so having that hard work acknowledged was a real pinch-me moment. Being shortlisted is an achievement I’ll always be proud of and a reminder of just how far Lilypod has come.
On the family front, June marked some huge milestones. The boys have officially finished up in primary school for the summer holidays, and I honestly can’t believe how quickly the months are flying by.
Our little Miss Lily also graduated from preschool this month – a moment that filled me with so much pride (and maybe a few happy tears too!) Watching all three of my children grow is such a privilege, and the main reason I do what I do what I do, so that I can work around their schedules while maintaining some level of independence.
June also brought an unforgettable trip to France for a friends wedding. Travelling solo with three children might sound daunting, and I was certainly dreading it at first, but they were absolutely incredible. They reminded me just how resilient, adventurous and supportive they are, and together we made memories that we’ll treasure for years to come - they even got a bonus treat of getting to see their dad mid 10 week overseas trip which never happens.
Back home, life certainly didn’t slow down. Between keeping Lilypod running, attending our regular markets, working behind the scenes on exciting business plans, and tackling ongoing home renovations, there wasn’t much time to stop and catch my breath. While the renovations have been disruptive, it’s exciting to see everything slowly coming together, creating a better space for both my family and for Lilypod’s future.
Although production has been quieter than usual while I focused on renovations, I’m looking forward to getting back into my workshop and creating again. There’s something so therapeutic about making products by hand, and I can’t wait to restock some favourites and bring a few new ideas to life.
As we welcome July, I’m giving myself permission to embrace a different pace. Summer holidays are such a precious time, and I want to make the most of having the children at home. We’ll be exploring more, making memories together, enjoying simple adventures and hopefully soaking up plenty of sunshine along the way.
At the same time, I’m hoping to put the finishing touches to home and Lilypod renovations, settle back into making products, and continue growing Lilypod one thoughtful step at a time.
Thank you, as always, for supporting my business. Every order, every kind message, every market visit and every share means more than you know. You’re helping me build something truly special while raising my family, and I’m incredibly grateful to have you on this journey.
Here’s to a slower, sunnier and joy-filled July.
With Love,
Ellie xxx