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 who looks after four children, Sallina understands the importance of balancing work, life, and personal time.

In this interview, we discuss her 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 out there.

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

Being a mother has had a profound influence on my work as the director and owner of Ina Swim. As a mother, I understand the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for my children, and I strive to create that same environment for my team and customers at Ina Swim.

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

Overall, being a mother has taught me the value of empathy, compassion, and patience, which I try to bring to my work at Ina Swim. I am grateful for the perspective that motherhood has given me, and it has certainly shaped the way 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 the biggest challenges I have faced. With four children to care for, it can be difficult to manage my responsibilities at home while also meeting the demands of my work.

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

Balancing work and family life is an ongoing challenge, and there are times when it can feel overwhelming. However, by establishing routines, setting boundaries, and making time for self-care, I have found a way to manage both 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 in my children the values of empathy, kindness, and environmental responsibility. These are also the values that I incorporate into 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 personal values of environmental responsibility and teaching my children the importance of protecting our planet.

At Ina Swim, we also prioritize diversity and inclusivity, and we strive to create a welcoming and accepting environments for all our customers. These values of kindness and empathy are essential to the culture of our company, and they 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 both within and beyond our company, and to inspire others to live with empathy, kindness, and environmental responsibility.

How has your own 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 follow my dreams. She supported me in 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 one of gratitude and love. I am grateful for her unwavering support and guidance, and for the many sacrifices she has made for our family. Her love and compassion have shaped the person I am today, and I am honored to call her my mother.

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

To mothers who are trying to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams while raising a family, my advice would be to prioritize and stay focused.

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

Secondly, staying focused on your goals can help you overcome any challenges that you may encounter along the way. It is important 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 you in 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 important to make time for self-care and to prioritize your own well-being.

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

One memorable experience that has influenced me in my work at Ina Swim was teaching my children how to grow their own herbs, salads, and vegetables. This experience has been significant in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility, while also incorporating aspects of gentle parenting and fact sharing.

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

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

Through teaching my children how to grow their own food, I am able to promote sustainable practices and instill important values in them. This experience has had a positive influence on 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 to prioritize quality time and connection with my children. Being present in their lives and adapting to their changing needs is crucial in maintaining a strong 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 amazing work that 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, to be kind to themselves, and to celebrate the joy that comes with being a mother. Remember that your hard work and dedication are appreciated and valued, and that you are making a positive impact on the world through your role as a mother. Happy Mother’s Day!