Motherhood, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship: An Interview with Ina Swim Director Sallina Carlyle

To honor Mother’s Day and the remarkable mothers who make a difference in our lives, we interviewed Sallina, the Director and Owner of Ina Swim, to learn about her journey as a working mother.

As a mother, Sallina understands the importance of balancing work, life, and personal time.

In this interview, we discuss Sallina’s experiences as a working mother, the challenges she faces, and how she incorporates her values as a mother into her work at Ina Swim. Sallina shares her insights on motherhood, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, offering valuable advice and inspiration to all mothers.

How has being a mother influenced your work as the director and owner of Ina Swim?

Being a mother has profoundly influenced my work as the director and owner of Ina Swim. As a mother, I understand the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment, and I strive to make that same environment for my team and customers at Ina Swim.

Motherhood has also instilled in me a profound responsibility to protect and preserve our planet for future generations. At Ina Swim, we are committed to sustainability and reducing environmental impact through eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices.

Being a mother has taught me the value of empathy, compassion, respect, and patience, which I try to bring to my work at Ina Swim. I am grateful for the perspective motherhood has given me, which has undoubtedly shaped how I approach my work and the values I hold as a business owner.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a working mother, and how have you balanced your personal and professional life?

As a working mother, balancing my personal and professional life has been one of my biggest challenges. It can be difficult to manage my responsibilities at home while also meeting the demands of my work.

One strategy that has helped me is to establish a routine and prioritize my work tasks. I plan my day in advance and allocate time for both work and family responsibilities. I also set boundaries, such as not checking work emails during family time, to ensure I am present and engaged with my family.

Balancing work and family life is an ongoing challenge, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. However, by establishing routines, setting boundaries, and making time for self-care, I have found a way to manage my personal and professional responsibilities.

What values and life lessons do you hope to instill in your children, and how do you incorporate these values into your work at Ina Swim?

As a mother, I hope to instill empathy, kindness, and environmental responsibility in my son. These values also inform my work at Ina Swim.

We prioritize sustainability in our production processes, from using eco-friendly materials to implementing ethical production practices. This aligns with my values of environmental responsibility and teaching my children the importance of protecting our planet.

At Ina Swim, we also prioritize diversity and inclusivity and strive to create welcoming and accepting environments for all our customers. These values of kindness and empathy are essential to our company’s culture and reflect the values that I hope to instill in my children.

As a mother and business owner, I try to lead by example and demonstrate the values that I hold dear. By incorporating these values into my work at Ina Swim, I hope to create a positive impact within and beyond our company and inspire others to live with empathy, kindness, and environmental responsibility.

How has your mother influenced your life and career, and what is your message to her on this Mother’s Day?

My mother has been a tremendous influence on my life and career. She instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and empathy, which have shaped who I am today.

Growing up, my mum always encouraged me to pursue my passions and dreams. She supported my decision to start Ina Swim and has been a constant source of guidance throughout my career.

On this Mother’s Day, my message to her is of gratitude and love. I am grateful for her unwavering support and guidance and for her many sacrifices for our family. Her passion and compassion have shaped me, and I am honored to call her my mother.

What advice would you give to mothers trying to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams while raising a family?

My advice to mothers who are trying to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams while raising a family is to prioritize and stay focused.

Firstly, it is essential to prioritize your time and establish a routine that works for you and your family. This can help you balance your responsibilities and ensure you have enough time for your business and your family.

Secondly, staying focused on your goals can help you overcome any challenges you may encounter. It is essential to have a clear vision for your business and to stay committed to it, even during the tough times.

Thirdly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to family and friends who can support your entrepreneurial journey and help you manage your responsibilities at home.

Lastly, take care of yourself. It can be easy to get caught up in the demands of running a business and raising a family, but it is essential to make time for self-care and prioritize your well-being.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience with your child that has inspired you in your work at Ina Swim?

One memorable experience that influenced my work at Ina Swim was teaching my son how to grow his herbs, salads, and vegetables. This experience has significantly promoted sustainability and environmental responsibility while incorporating aspects of gentle parenting and fact-sharing.

By involving him in growing our food, I can teach them about the importance of taking care of the environment and the impact our actions can have. We discuss how the food we grow is more sustainable than purchasing produce from a store and the impact that pesticides and other harmful chemicals can have on the environment.

Moreover, this experience has helped to show him how everything in nature evolves and changes over time. We discuss the different stages of plant growth, from seed to harvest, and the time and effort it takes to cultivate our food. This reinforces a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the natural world.

Teaching my son how to grow his food allows me to promote sustainable practices and instill essential values. This experience has positively influenced my work at Ina Swim, as it reinforces the importance of sustainability and ethical production practices in everything we do.

As a mother, what is the most important lesson you have learned about motherhood and raising children?

The most important lesson I have learned as a mother is prioritizing quality time and connection with my children. Being present and adapting to their changing needs is crucial in maintaining a solid relationship. Flexibility, patience, and love are essential qualities that help me navigate the challenges of balancing work, personal life, and raising a family.

Lastly, what message do you have for all mothers on this Mother’s Day?

To all the mothers out there, my message on this Mother’s Day is to take a moment to recognize the fantastic work you do every day. Being a mother is a challenging and rewarding experience that requires patience, resilience, and love. I encourage all mothers to prioritize self-care, be kind to themselves, and celebrate the joy of being a mother. Remember that your hard work and dedication are appreciated and valued and that you are positively impacting the world through your role as a mother.

Happy Mother’s Day!