I am here with another amazing Blissful Moms interview. Today we have Poornima Kulkarni with us. She is an engineer by profession but, at present a stay-at-home mom by choice. It has been quite a journey from a full-time corporate job to a mompreneur.
I met Poornima in the virtual world when I discovered her blog. Poornima’s posts captured moments she experienced with her daughter and completely resonated with me. Motherhood is crazy and exhausting, but at the same time it’s humbling and joyful. We as mothers need to be mindful of such moments with kids, as time literally flies.
Poornima started her own business of creating simple and economical craft kits. Her craft kits foster bonding, creativity while keeping your child productively occupied. Do check them through the link at the end of this interview.
Many thanks Poornima, for sharing your experiences and insights today!
1. Tell us about yourself, your passions and interests.
Hi, I am an engineer by profession. When my daughter was 2 ½ years old, I quit my full-time job. The need to connect with the outside world and with other, moms brought forth my blog. I wanted to share my ideas and my thoughts. One year later, I started Creative Bits.
We make craft kits designed for 2-6-year-old kids. The main purpose of starting this venture was to provide great quality, economical craft kits to help a mother and child bond better. I love engaging kids in activities, books, arts, crafts and games.
2. What is the best thing about being a mother?
It teaches you to love unconditionally.
3. Tell us about the most difficult day you faced and overcame as a mother?
The worst nightmare of any mother is when her child is hurt. It was 9.30 pm at night, and my husband was out of town. My daughter fell down and cut herself badly. There was blood oozing out. I took her to her paediatrician immediately who suggested a surgeon. She ultimately needed stitches just below her eye. I was calm and collected. I think every mom gets this inner strength when faced with such emergencies.
4. What advice would you give a mama who feels discouraged by the responsibilities?
Responsibilities are a part of life. They will always be there no matter what situation you are in. Get help wherever you can. Do not get run down. Get a maid or a cook, Check for services where you can engage your child for a few hours, get the phone number of the nearby services ranging from the grocery store, restaurants to the laundry or even online services and ease your pressures. And most importantly – Plan. I know every day is different, but a little planning helps you keep things on track and will help you keep everything under control.
5. What are you working on at present that you’re most excited about?
I love the fact that there is always so much to do. I have not actively taken part in exhibitions to sell our craft kits. This year, I am looking forward to taking part in a few of them.
6. Has motherhood changed you? How?
Oh yes! I think it does that to you. To every mother! Earlier life was so easy. We woke up in the mornings, went to respective jobs, returned home for dinner and repeated this the next day and the next!
Motherhood taught me there is a whole lot more to life. Life was meant to laugh out loud on the silliest things, to shout out loud when you are angry, to forgive and be forgiven each day, to teach, to learn, to grow and to help grow every single day.
Most of all it teaches you to take responsibility for another individual in any and every situation. It teaches you to love someone more than yourself. At times, it also teaches you the meaning of helplessness.
7. What self-care practices do you follow?
Despite tied-up schedules, responsibilities, daily routines, sickness and emergencies, I keep doing in whatever way I can, the things I love.I blog, I craft, I attend a music class, I spend time with my daughter and occasionally I meet up other friends or relatives. I may not do everything each single day, I may not do things according to my plans but, I try to do the things I love at least sometimes. Do the things you love.
8. What is/was your biggest challenge in balancing the time, space and energy to connect with yourself after becoming a mother? Any tips to share with us?
I manage my time by delegating and finding out the easiest ways to get a job done. I manage my space by keeping my working time when my child is in school or after she is asleep. My daughter is up from morning till late night. My energy levels droop miserably by 9.00 pm. Frankly, I need to increase my stamina and I will be working towards this goal this year.
9. What three things would you want/wanted your kids to learn?
Be thankful for what you have.
Be kind.
Be interested in books and stories.
10. Do you have a space in your house where you connect with yourself?
I love to sit in my balcony and am happy when I can find time to tend to my plants.
When I was working full time, I was very possessive about my work area. My desk would be the one with flowers & quotes on my pin boards & trendy storage for my stationery and neatly filed papers but, at the moment, I just have a simple desk at home. I have yet to find my special corner and fill it with “myself”.
11. Anything else you would like to add.
Every child and every mother is different. Every day in our lives is different. We are perfect sometimes and on other days we are imperfect. The same goes for our children. Move on. It’s okay.
To know more about Poornima check these resources-
A Spoonful of Ideas
Creative Bits
Are you a Bliss Mom, or do you know one? Want to be interviewed?
Send me an email at nupur@blissformoms.com we will send you the interview questions and info that we need.
This week Bliss for Moms is happy to introduce a platform created by moms – Kriti Katha.
Kriti Katha – a place to buy enchanting crafts and accessories for yourself and your home.
Check the hand-crafted bookmarks, dupattas and bridal potlis. The enterprise plans to add more items soon.
Priya says
Lovely interview!! Knowing Poornima and having followed her journey, she really has transformed her passion for art and crafts into her business.
nupurt says
Many thanks Priya ! great to see you here! Yes, Poornima’s journey is so inspiring. It is a pleasure to share her interview on Bliss for Moms.