Christina Harrow 
Mother of two boisterous boys and founder and creative director of www.artzzi.com - Personalised children's artwork.

I have always worked, but was determined to take time off to bring up my family, so my husband and I saved to allow me such a huge chunk of time to devote to our children. And fortunately we were rewarded with 2 gorgeous boys that make us the perfect family. However every family has cracks and mine were starting to show after 2 years of being a ‘mum’.  

Being a stay a home mum is not as carefree as it may first appear, and although I would never change it, it does takes a lot mentally to go from an independent woman, working 9-5, after work drinks, dinners etc, to catering to the needs of a 2 and 3 year old. I needed mental stimulation and my job had always provided this. As much as my children kept me busy, happy, and run ragged when I sat down in the evenings my brain needed a challenge. My husband works hard for us and by the evening he was too tired to entertain my needs and then one day I realised that he shouldn't have to. I am in control of my well-being and if I need more in my life, then I need to provide that challenge. So I started making baby books for the boys and then I created drawings and pictures for their bedrooms. I showed these to my friends and family, and the feedback was great. Everyone loved the sketches and drawings, and soon I was recreating them. It’s now 2 years later and I have a lovely on-line business selling my artwork. 

Having an online business gives me the freedom to work my own hours, I can spend my days playing with the kids and I spend my evenings drawing, painting and completing orders. My husband has been my rock and has always supported me through the trials and tribulations of starting a business, but the best thing he gave me was the confidence to do it myself. He could've made my website and planned my google analytics etc etc, but he knew that I was more than capable and just needed pushing (kicking and screaming at times) out of my comfort zone. And good job he did, Artzzi is now MY business, that I run all on my own, I'm sure the spice girls would be proud! 
So go out there and be who you want to be, don’t rely on others for happiness, you need to go and grab it! 
Happy International Women's Day!