DANA AL MATROOK IS THE CO-FOUNDER OF TROVEA.
COM, THE ONLINE SHOPPING SITE FOR AFFORDABLE
TRENDY FASHION. SHE HAS TWO YOUNG CHILDREN.
Q) WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS
Q) HOW HARD IS IT TO
FOR OUR READERS WHO
JUGGLE KIDS, FAMILY, AND
ARE STRUGGLING WITH
WORK?
FAMILY AND WORK?
“It’s literally like juggling! You have to
be focused yet balanced and ready
to have some fun. It’s very gratifying
though, that’s one thing that makes
it easier. Knowing that you get
to refresh your mind and change
perspectives when you switch
between each of your roles being an
entrepreneur, wife, and mom and
think about the world in a different
way. Having a sense of humor,
passion for what you’re doing and a
supportive family makes it all easier.”
“Don’t feel pressured by social
norms - each person is different, do
what works for you. Learn how to
prioritize: you don’t have to attend
every event, or do that workout if
you’d rather hang out with your
family. Have your own little events
with your family. Want to work out?
Kids make the best dumbbells - who
else gets to carry around a 10 to 15
kilograms dumbbell and not look
stupid.”
ROSHNI SHEWAKRAMANI IS THE OWNER, CHIEF BUYER AND
MERCHANDISER OF THE SMITTEN BOUTIQUES WHICH SPECIALIZE IN CHIC
MATERNITY WEAR FOR YUMMY MUMMIES AND TRENDY KID’S CLOTHING.
SHE HAS TWO CHILDREN.
Q) HOW HARD IS IT TO JUGGLE
KIDS, FAMILY, AND WORK ?
tucked in, my husband Nilesh and I catch
up with friends over a dinner, or a movie.
“To say that juggling kids, family and work
is hectic is an understatement. Quality
family time is always a daily challenge, but
I try to make sure I’m around for school
drop offs and pick-ups. I try to wrap up my
work in the morning while the kids are at
school so that I am free to be with them
post 2 pm. We read together daily, and
my daughter Saesha is learning to play
the piano, so she practices for us every
evening for about 30 minutes or so. Board
games and Uno are our favorite way to
have some fun together. Once the kids are
Q) WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR OUR
READERS WHO ARE STRUGGLING
WITH FAMILY AND WORK?
“I’m still figuring it out myself. As the kids
grow older, their demands change and
we are constantly evolving. My husband,
family, and friends are the greatest
support system. Don’t feel shy to use that!
Kids love hanging out with people dear to
you! It forms their personality and makes
them comfortable with their heritage and
culture.”
RANA EL-EID IS A PARTNER & CHIEF WELLNESS ADVOCATE OF RESALONS AND SPAS WHOSE FOCUS IS ON GIVING BACK TO THEIR
CUSTOMERS. SHE HAS TWO DAUGHTERS.
Q) HOW HARD IS IT TO JUGGLE Q) WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR OUR
READERS WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH
KIDS, FAMILY, AND WORK?
FAMILY AND WORK?
“It took me a while to find a balance
that I was happy with. It was tough
at the beginning because I would
feel guilty if I was not with the girls
and guilty if I was not at work. When
I decided to stay focused on the
moment, enjoy my quality time and
let go of certain responsibilities, I was
able to more easily juggle it all with a
certain level of peace and harmony.”
“I give several tips in my book, ‘Think Like a Woman,
Act Like an Entrepreneur’, which is available on
Kindle. These tips are for entrepreneurs but they
apply to any woman who is trying to juggle a career
with her family. Here are a few: Be strong and never
give up. Be open to feedback. You are not your
business. Keep that brain sharp – read! Be a leader
that everyone will want to follow. Support a cause.
And lastly, never let go of your feminine grace.
Mar/Apr 2016
35