Thirty-year old mum Holly Scarsella is our type of girl. She's down to earth, yet super successful, beautiful and stylish to boot. Forbes voted her in their highly acclaimed 30 under 30 for her accomplishments founding Pampelone resort wear.
Holly worked tirelessly to launch Pampelone which is now available in over 18 countries at 90 retailers. Now a Mum of a toddler and with a baby on the way, we chatted with Holly to find out more about her life.
So Holly, thanks for chatting to us. So how do you juggle a business and a baby?
I think this is always the million dollar question and I'm still very much learning. Some days I just feel like I get nothing completed without a nanny and a 16 month-old running around like a hurricane! I think the best way I'm finding is to dedicate certain days to the business on which Sienna is with her grandma and even in that one day I am so incredibly productive and focused with no distractions. For the rest of the week I do emails in nap times or post bed time.
What’s your greatest accomplishment to date?
Personally my daughter naturally, but professionally was being named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. It was so overwhelming to have a body like Forbes recognise what I'd achieved single handedly with my business.
Do you plan to take some time off when baby number two comes?
Absolutely! With Sienna I didn't really take maternity leave as such which I think really had an effect on my body - I was just mentally and physically exhausted and trying to work! This time I'm going to take some solid time off.
Your name sounds exotic - where are you from?
I'm a very lucky wife who inherited my husband's Italian surname.
How many kids do you have and how old are they?
One daughter who is 16 months and I'm 6 months pregnant currently.
My main piece of advice is to be realistic. I am the biggest advocate for businesses started by mums but you have to be realistic with just how time demanding it is. I do a lot of mentoring and the biggest feedback I get is that people don't realise just how hard it is to juggle both. Businesses in their start-up years tend to need a huge amount of time, effort and dedication so if you can't put a realistic business plan together then don't do it.
What does your daily routine look like?
I wake with my daughter at 7am and we do breakfast routine and a nice long walk! We're home for Sienna's morning nap at 9:30am at which time I spend 2 x hours doing emails and any conference calls for work. Then it's lunchtime and then we spend all afternoon out in meetings / play dates!
Who inspires you?
So many people inspire me in so many different ways, but at the moment I'm HUGELY admiring Michelle Kennedy from Peanut and watching just what she's achieved with the app and juggling motherhood too! What a boss!
How would you describe your style?
Classic. I rarely follow trends so tend to go with what has always suited my body shape which is usually jeans, mules / moccasins and a blazer. Good news is that it's also very comfortable.
Any people we should be following on Instagram?
For style I love my two friends Laura Wills (@thefashionbugblog) and Olivia Rubin (@oliviarubin) they do mum style do perfectly
Apart from your Toddlekind playmat, what other baby essentials would you recommend to a friend?
I do not leave the house without 2/3 Elizabeth Scarlett pouches! They're the perfect size to use as a stylish nappy bag but also to put snacks etc. I have a velvet Palmier and a Turtle one.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
I absolutely love having no plans and spending it with my family. Long lazy brunches and walks around Battersea Park are my favourite!
And finally, if you could choose one mantra to live by what would it be?
Be nice!! It gets you so far in life!!
Images courtesy of Susheel Schroeder
