I had the chance to chat with Capucine Goalard: mother of two, blogger and CEO of Instapreneurs. I wanted to talk with her about her role as a mother, the balance between her personal and professional life but also her possible advice for all mothers who feel ready to start an entrepreneurship. I have transcribed our conversation for you.
How has your life changed since becoming a mother?
I had to learn to organize myself, I think that's the term. Before having children I was free as a bird, I could go on trips whenever I wanted, go out, go to a restaurant without having to take care of anyone else but myself. And then, Agathe was born. It was never an upheaval for me, this change of life, of rhythm. I immediately loved being a mother, I had always dreamed of it.
I immediately took my role as a mother very seriously and therefore I had to adapt to this new life: organize myself, anticipate more in order to feel serene, comfortable, confident in my daily life, whether it be my life as a mother, my life as a woman or my professional life. Before I was a free electron, now I am an "organized electron".
How did you come to want to start your own business?
I think I was never meant to be an employee. I always wanted to be alone, independent in my personal projects and then, finally, in my professional life too. So I created my first (self) business at 22, I was a costume jewelry designer, I loved that period but as it wasn't my job at the base, I preferred to try my luck by launching myself 200% into content creation. In 2015/2016, I launched my second self-employed business. Then, with François, we had the idea of creating a training course to help people who want to develop their visibility on social networks, whether they are a brand/company, or want to become, like me, a content creator. In 2018, the "InstaPreneur Pro" (IPP) training course was born.
So I think it really depends on each person's personality. I was born to undertake, create new projects, challenge myself: I'm passionate about it, it's in my blood and it comes from my Dad.
How do you manage to balance your professional life with your family life?
To be honest, it's not easy every day because I'm associated with my partner for the IPP training, so it's very complicated for us not to bring work home. Especially since my main workplace is my home with Instagram, so it's even more complicated for me than for François. But I've had this way of working for 8 years, 8 years that my home has been my place of life with my family but also partly for work: it's all a question of balance I think.
I have an office at home (in addition to our offices with IPP) where I work exclusively (except shooting), I have my computer and my desk there. So, when I close the door in the evening I leave the work in this space and I don't go back there until the next morning.
So I try to leave work behind me and I "wage war" with François so that we avoid talking about work at dinner in the evening. It's not easy for him while I manage very well
What is the key to success in creating your own business when you are a mother?
For me, what is essential is to keep one day in the week (excluding weekends) for my children. For us, it is Wednesday and every Tuesday evening I say to myself: "tomorrow morning it's big cuddles all three of us and jogging day for everyone."
This day is in the middle of my week that I split into two parts: Monday-Tuesday I am at the office in Lyon to work with my associates and my IPP team. Thursday and Friday I am at home for my work as a content creator. Therefore, Wednesday with the children allows me to balance my week and make it more enjoyable with this kids break.
My key to success in any case is that, a day off with them.
What advice would you give to a mother who would like to become a business owner?
Working is good but thinking about yourself, continuing to take care of yourself, taking a break when it's too hard is essential! I think my advice is not to forget yourself, to take a step back when things are not going well in order to come back better. Because unfortunately, this will inevitably have an impact on your family life.
I take a step back every day from my work of the day, I look at what I did well and what I didn't do well and I try to make my next day better than the day before. When things really aren't going well, I take a 24/48 hour break where I put my brain on standby while I find new inspiration.
You have to listen to yourself, you have to know how to sometimes say: "okay, I have to review my way of operating because it doesn't suit me."
This is how we succeed I think, by always questioning ourselves and taking care of ourselves because we mothers know: in the evening our children are waiting for us at home. They want to take advantage of us, the worst thing to offer them is a mother still at work, who does not switch off and who does not take advantage of these precious moments.
What would be your number 1 tip for success on Instagram at a time when many are experiencing algorithm issues?
Don't stare at the subscriber/like counter. This is the worst mistake you can make to demoralize yourself and stop everything. Instagram, at its core, is about passionate content and I think many forget that. You really have to make sure you post real things, things that we like, that make us vibrate. Post for US before posting FOR OTHERS.
You have to do what you love while remaining natural, yourself. That's the key: naturalness, spontaneity.
What inspires you on a daily basis?
Everything. Art films, music, scenes from life at home, my family too. My children's laughter. The people I'm lucky enough to meet through my work. Everything really. Life, that is!
I wanted to thank Capucine once again for taking the time to talk with me and for sharing her tips for success! I hope you enjoy reading this exchange as much as we enjoyed doing this interview.
To continue following his adventures, here are his Instagram accounts: @capucinegoalard and @lesinstapreneurs
And his blog: http://capucinegoalard.com