Hey Hey Lovely. Today is the final interview as part of the “Transitions Series.” If you’re new around these parts over the past couple of weeks I’ve interviewed experts in their field to talk about how they tackled the various transitions in their lives. Today I have the lovely Sue Barlow of Sooby Events. Sue styled my baby shower and she did so with oh so much style. You see I’m a big ideas person. I’m creative. But sometimes putting stuff together from my head can be a little much. Plus I was pregnant at the time. I didn’t need to be up all night baking and styling a party.
Check out how awesome Sue’s styling is:
Sue B is a WAHM with a wonderful husband & 6 young kiddies aged 7 & under. So life is crazy, hectic, busy & just plain chaos at times. She started Sooby Events nearly 2 years ago when she realized just how much she enjoyed planning & throwing parties. What she didn’t realise at the time was how much of a blessing having such a creative outlet was – especially as an escape from the chaos at home, and to save her sanity!
WELCOME TO THE SISTERHOOD – SUE BARLOW
+ Maya Angelou once said that “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” What changes have you gone through over the years that have shaped you as a person and have developed what you do at Sooby Events?
I think every decision has the potential to be life-changing, and sometimes it’s the little tweaks & changes that make the biggest impact. But essentially, I’ve been blessed now to have established myself in a business & job that allows me to be creative, AND my own boss. So to me, Sooby Events Is all about allowing me to unleash some creativity & fun!
+ What industry areas were you working in before you made the transition?
Immediately prior to Sooby Events, I was a mum (& funnily enough still am!). Prior to that, I worked as a Behaviour Consultant in secondary schools in the UK. Prior to that, I worked as an Events Manager, shop assistant, insurance broker, singer, jewellery designer, receptionist, cover teacher, Tupperware manager, decorating consultant & baker . I’ve been privileged enough to have worked in loads of different industries & tried lots of things over the years. 😉
+ Have you used any of the skills from your previous careers and if so how are you incorporating this into what you do at Sooby Events?
Definitely! I use loads of those skills all the time – everything from typing, customer service to putting together colours. But I mostly find that I use my “mummy skills” more than anything, as I do loads of kids’ parties, so need to know what will make the littlies happiest on their party day.
+ What aspects of your transitions were the hardest?
Where I am now is scary in an exciting kind of way. I’ve outgrown the space at home that I used to use for Sooby Events, so now I’ve moved into my own office space & have to make sure I can pay the rent each month. It’s really wonderful to have my own space, which is away from the kiddies constantly knocking on my door, BUT also very daunting that now I have to be accountable & earn enough each month to pay my bills!
+ What top three tips do you have for people who are making the transition from one thing to another?
- Be bold. The worst that can happen is that you’ll fail. So what – you’ll also learn!
- Don’t look back. There’s nothing back there except the past, learn from it and look forwards again.
- Understand that there are seasons in your life. You may not like each season, but accept that that’s where you are and perhaps where you need to be for a time. But don’t stop aiming & plotting in the meantime! 😉
+ How did you stay grounded or prep yourself for your transition?
I have no idea how to answer this one! I’m much more of a “jump in” sort of girl and figure it out as you go! LOL
+ What surprises you the most about your current job?
That it’s successful! It’s the most flattering thing ever to get messages & emails from people telling me that someone has recommended me. I love that I’ve found something that is family-friendly, I love doing AND is valued by others as well.
+ What are some resources that you used that helped you with your transition?
Friends, friends, friends & my wonderful husband. I surround myself with people who build me up & support me. People who believe in me & what I can do, and tell me to go for it!
+ At the moment I’m transitioning from full time work to becoming a mum, all while still working on “The Butterfly House” on the side. What advice would you have for me as I transition into this whole new season?
Enjoy it! Enjoy the adventure & the experience. It may or may not be “your thing”, but you can still own it now and give it a red hot go!
+ If my days had one extra hour in it I would…
SLEEP!!! With 6 kids under 7 (including a 3 month old), sleep is my most valued commodity!!
Thank you so much Sue for your wise words. I know that things have been super busy and you’ve been unwell amongst other things. A big massive thank you. What was the one thing you took away from this interview? Comment and share using the buttons below. I’d love to hear what you think.
You can connect with Sue Barlow’s Sooby Event’s Facebook page here.