Does having a predominantly female team change how you provide your services to your customers?
While the gender composition of a team can influence dynamics of clients’ relationship, what truly matters is the team’s commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of our customers. Our predominantly female team brings, I am convinced, a deeper understanding of certain aspects of motherhood, potentially enhancing support for women during their journey. However, empathy, knowledge, and a customer-centric approach are crucial regardless of the team’s gender makeup.

At the end of the day I believe that a healthy team is a balanced team and for Blue Almonds to function most efficiently we really need both of the energies combined together.

Why and how did you start BA? Have you always wanted to have your own business?
I started Blue Almonds before my first child Filip was born. In fact, my business is a year older than my 15 year old Filip.

I had previously worked for a hedge fund for a couple of years after I moved from London to Poland. I remember feeling the rigid corporate culture was quite restrictive. I always felt very entrepreneurial, and needed a wider variety of things to do and participate in.

I pictured myself as being more creative going forward and I really wanted to give birth to a creation of my own.

On top of this I was already 34 years old when my husband and I started considering the wonderful but challenging realities of having our own children. My friends started having babies and there was a constant need for gifts so I became familiar with all the baby shops in the area. My inspiration must have come from there, even if I was, at that point, still considering other various business opportunities such as opening a little café or a video rental business. I also associated running my own business with freedom and flexibility and those were important arguments for starting my own business, but funnily enough that later proved to be very far from reality, especially in my early years of Blue Almonds.

Although my final business choice felt a bit unusual at first given no prior experience in this field, it instantly proved to be a very natural fit for me, and I love the fact that I could so easily relate to my pregnant customers as a mum-to-be.

You recently celebrated International Women’s day with a guest speaker for your team. Do you see it as part of your role to encourage and empower other women in business?
Certainly! Hosting events like International Women’s Day celebrations with guest speakers allows us to spotlight the experiences, insights, and successes of women in various fields. It’s about creating a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and inspiring opportunities. I feel very privileged having a great circle of women being a large inspiration to me and I understand that my contribution for this world to become a better version of itself could be simply sharing those women with one another and connecting them together in a meaningful way where they can all feel they are contributing and purposeful.

1. Baby Gear: Items like a crib or moses basket, car seat, pushchair, nappies, bottles, breast pump (if breastfeeding), and clothing are crucial.

2. Nursery Setup: Create a comfortable and safe space for your baby to sleep and play, including a crib or moses basket, changing table, and storage for clothes and supplies.

3. Feeding Supplies: Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, ensure you have the necessary equipment such as bottles, teats, breast pump (if breastfeeding), and feeding pillow.

4. Health and Safety: Stock up on baby-friendly health and grooming items like baby thermometer, baby nail clippers, infant-safe toiletries, and a first-aid kit.

5. Parenting Books/Resources: Educate yourself on baby care, breastfeeding, and parenting techniques through books, online resources, and parenting classes.

6. Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and fellow parents who can offer advice, help, and encouragement during the transition to parenthood.

7. Emotional Preparation: Recognise that parenthood can be both rewarding and challenging. Take time to mentally prepare for the changes ahead and prioritise self-care to maintain your well-being.

8. Financial Planning: Consider the costs associated with having a baby, including healthcare expenses, childcare, and potential changes to your income or work situation.

9. Childcare Arrangements: If applicable, make arrangements for childcare or parental leave to ensure you have support during the early stages of parenthood.

10. Flexibility and Adaptability: Understand that every baby is different, and parenting may not always go as planned. Stay flexible, trust your instincts, and be prepared to adapt to your baby’s needs as they grow and develop.

By focusing on these essentials, you can better prepare for the arrival of your first baby and embark on your parenting journey with more confidence and readiness.