Cherie is the lovely mama behind cult brand (haha) Pepper & Me. Go and check her out for the most amazing food inspo!
Could you tell me a little bit about yourself and what you do:
My Name is Cherie, i am the owner of Pepper & Me, i’ve been running this little company for the past two years. We make spice pastes, seasoning blends and spice rubs, with the aim of making the family meal a little easier and a little more delicious.
We have grown from a small run from home business to warehouse with four staff, shipping all over NZ and Australia.
Age when you had your first baby:
I was 27 when Pepper was born, and i'll be 29 when our little man arrives.
What was your reaction when you found out you were pregnant?
Just a mixture of shock and excitement i guess! I knew straight away that I wanted to leave Auckland before the baby came, so we had to jump into planning how that was all going to work.
What has been your biggest challenge with running a business and being a mama at the same time?
During busy times at work it’s always hard to find time for everything. So during the quieter weeks i make sure to spend extra time with Pepper (2) while i can. If you are focused on your business and your kids, and looking after yourself the hardest part is certainly finding time for your husband!
How do you balance Home and work life? (any tips/tricks to share?)
I try and keep work at work now (when i can) so home time is for family. I have fridays off so that’s mum and Pepper day, and my phone is often switched off. Weekends used to be full on with business stuff but now thats a bit more under control, weekends are for hanging out with the family, relaxing and trips away. It has taken a full 18 months to be able to get to a good place with work life balance though, the first year i was working every second I could.
I do try and make sure i get a bit of time for myself, the odd girls dinner out or lunch dates with friends, or getting my hair done.
Best piece of advice you were given about parenting:
Sometimes you have to trust yourself and do what feels right. Usually your the one who knows best, even though it often feels like you have no clue!
What would you do if you weren’t doing your current job/running your business? I would probably be stuck back in the cheffing game, or trying to be a stay at home mum - neither of which appeal to me!
Have you met any challenges being a mama in your 20s?
We were the first of our friend group to have kids, but we were so lucky to have met such amazing new friends through our antenatal class. Those girls were lifesavers, it would have been so hard to do without people to chat with and have coffee and cake with to discuss all the little dramas we were all going through! A good support network made all the challenges a bit easier.
What has been your biggest challenge in your 20s (non-parenting related)?
Well i don’t have long left of being in my 20s, It’s been a pretty massive ten years though! From working on a super yacht and travelling the world, to coming home and meeting my husband and eventually settling down - Then moving to Tauranga and having kids. I guess the biggest challenge is finding your self, figuring out your place in the world, who and what you want to be. Im lucky i have always had a passion for food and have always followed that throughout my career, but in the last few years i’ve become passionate about other thing like supporting other women in business, supporting New Zealand made, being a good mum and enjoying life. Everyday brings a new challenge, usually trying to outsmart a toddler!
If you could give one piece of advice to twenty-something’s pre kids what would it be?
Enjoy your sleep. Seriously.
Enjoy the peaceful moments, and enjoy your partner. Don’t stress so much about work, it does not achieve anything.