No one ever said raising kids was easy - but with the added pressure of a career whilst being a mum, it takes careful planning - whether your little ones are babies being tucked into their high chairs for dinner, or 16 year old near-adult teens like Angela’s son. Read on to see how she thrives, bonding with her family, having a flourishing career and staying fit and healthy all at the same time!
Name: Angela Velonas
Website/blog: Sydney Cosmetic Clinic and Breast Excellence Australia
Social media:
Sydney Cosmetic Clinic - Facebook and Instagram
Breast Excellence – Facebook and Instagram
Tell us a bit about yourself and your child/children….
I am happily married (coming up to our 21st Wedding Anniversary!) and we have one child – his name is Nicky and he is 16 years old. Our small family unit is very important to us and we try to spend as much time together as possible even though we lead fairly busy lives.
What is the name of your business/blog and what does your work entail?
I am the Director of the Sydney Cosmetic Clinic located in Sydney’s CBD. We also run three Breast Augmentation Clinics (Breast Excellence Australia) located in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The clinic was started by Dr George Mayson back in 1985 and I joined the clinic about 20 years ago when Cosmetic Surgery was in its infancy. The industry is very different now but we still remain a ‘Doctor Only’ Clinic offering quality treatments that give patients results at a value-for-money price.
What made you decide to be both a mum and a career woman?
It isn’t something I actually made a conscious decision to do it’s just how it worked out. I don’t think I could be a great Mum without having a career and being me. Having a career, having a partner and having a child is my life it’s not a matter of choosing one over the other.
What challenges do you face balancing both roles and how do you overcome them?
It’s not without its challenges (‘time’ is the biggest one for me!) because you’re constantly juggling, however, it has become easier as my son has gotten older. I happen to be a very organized person and I can multi-task which really helps. I write lots of ‘To Do’ lists and I’m fanatical about keeping a diary. Outsourcing mundane tasks such as cleaning, ironing…also helps. One thing I won’t compromise on is having a healthy meal at the end of the day. I don’t like to rely on take-away food and I don’t!
What is one tip you have for unwinding after a stressful day?
Even if I’m really tired going to the gym always makes me feel more energetic. I’m very lucky that I only live down the road from the gym so I really have no excuses! Also, a glass of red with lovely cheese always hits the spot.
What is one fun weekend activity that your family enjoys together?
We live in Sydney but also spend a fair bit of time on the Gold Coast. When we are there we start our day with coffee at Pomeroys at Isle of Capri. They roast their own coffee and to them coffee is like artmaking. Then we head down to Kirra Beach where my husband and my son have lots of fun with their boogie boards while I just enjoy the waves. From there we head to Pizza Hut right there on the beach for a ‘all you can eat lunch’ of pizza, pasta, salad bar and they have a soft serve machine! A great day that reminds me of my childhood.
What is one time-saving parenting tip you can recommend?
I keep a diary of all my son’s due dates for assignments so I can help him plan his time but also make sure assignments get done before their due date. I’m like his personal planner! It also saves me stressing with him trying to get things done at the last minute.
What benefits do you think there are to being a career mum?
For me being a career Mum is just another part of my life. I am also a wife, a daughter, a friend…All of these relationships need time. With being a Mum my time has always been precious with my child so he and I have done lots of activities together such as singing, dancing, sport, art, museums… These are activities that we have done together it wasn’t a drop off and pick up situation. Maybe if I had been a stay at home Mum I wouldn’t have done so much. I suppose I’ll never know.
Lastly, what do you do to ensure you maintain a strong bond with your child/children, despite having numerous responsibilities?
Talk. We talk and I ask lots of questions about my son’s day, his friends… I genuinely show an interest in his life. We have a ritual that every time my husband is away for work we go to our favourite sushi restaurant and we just talk and talk. I find my son opens up and talks to me honestly and openly. It very much reminds me of my relationship with my Mum – my best friend. Mum and I used to go for a monthly facial and then dinner together. She spoilt me and I loved our time together! If I can have half the relationship with my son that I had with my Mum that bond will be strong forever!!!
So there you have it - with careful preparation and prioritising you can have a busy but fulfilling lifestyle! Get out there and do activities with your kids, whether its things like singing and dancing like Angela got involved in with her son Nicky, or something as simple as going for a bike ride with your little ones at the park! It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you are spending time together.
