We are mothers

On the occasion of Mother's Day and because the question has come up so often, we want to give you an insight into what it is like for us to be mothers and entrepreneurs: Not always easy! And that is exactly why we want to share our personal experiences with you. To show that you can have both: a career and a private life.

Two women, one company. Who takes care of what at NINA REIN?

Susanne: We have roughly defined areas for ourselves. Julia heads up design and production and also looks after HR. Susanne is responsible for marketing and sales and, thanks to her business background, also keeps an eye on finances. But there is a lot of exchange and we work very closely together at certain events, such as the pop-up store. 

Julia: Susanne summed it all up really well. Teamwork is very important to us.

You are not only founders, but also mothers. How old are your children?

Susanne: My girls are 3 and 5 years old and go to kindergarten when it is open. 

Julia: I have 2 boys aged 8 and 4.5, so I have the full program with homeschooling and kindergarten.

 

Career and children. How do you manage to combine the two?

Susanne: For me it's a mixture of organization, wanting to work, support from my family and chaos. It's not always easy, but I think it's important that I don't have to choose. It should never be a child or a career, neither for moms nor dads. 

Julia: "You grow with the tasks." was a very formative motto after the birth of my first son. Even though my boys are becoming more independent, my tasks have grown. I think that's good, otherwise I get restless! I have support from my family and a lot of organization, sometimes spontaneous and chaotic. Children and work enrich me, I find solutions there. 

Do you even have time for yourself anymore?

Susanne: Yes. But I just have to make time for myself. Nobody else gives it to me. At the same time, I think that everyone has different needs for time for themselves. For me, time in which I can decide for myself is very valuable. But I usually use it to work or study on the side.  

Julia: Yes, you have to take it! Even if it's difficult sometimes, because you always have something to do. If it's not the brand, then you have to do the housework every day. That makes me even more excited about my power break, after which my batteries are recharged.  

How are you experiencing the lockdown at the moment? Is childcare always available for your children?

Susanne: My children are looked after by a parent-child initiative. We parents are the sponsor and take on a variety of tasks. That has been a challenge in recent months. But I am very happy that we all have such a close relationship and that all parents and educators do their best to keep things running smoothly. We have a great kindergarten and a great network. And when the kindergarten is closed because of Corona, we still have a lot of help from the grandparents.

Julia: A very sensitive topic, as I completely disagree with the childcare and education policy. It is a special challenge to combine childcare and work. Unfortunately, this challenge is mainly passed on to the parents. Unfortunately, I see little equality or support in the current measures. 

What are your tips for moms and founders?

Susanne: Just do it! You can't always wait for everything and everyone else, otherwise life will be over at some point. Nevertheless, childcare is an important point that you as a working parent simply have to consider, discuss and somehow organize.

Julia: Think about it, do it and then the fun begins. 

Julia Ickert & Susanne Kinast GbR (January 2021 - July 2023)