Running a company is child's play

I started working at VCA in 2001. I joined on a temporary basis, after leaving the travel field, where I had worked for 5 years previously, in relatively junior positions. I was a Groups Supervisor, but that meant that I was responsible for group bookings, not that I had any organisational clout.

I left as I had a baby and travelling to Sandton every day was just too much for both her and I. my parents had a small business which consisted of the two of them only. It was young and unestablished, and they needed some temporary administrative assistance. Historically we had never had a good relationship, but it seemed a win win so I joined the team for a six month stint, while looking for something more local.

During this initial time, I fell in love with the work. Another girl joined the same day as I did, and our team of four grew, and the timespan I was at VCA grew, and my love for the clients and the work grew.

Now when I look back, 19 years later, it has been the ride of my life. My dad was the founder and majority shareholder, my mom then bought him out, and two years ago, I bought my mom out. It has been the biggest labour of love I have ever undertaken.  Firstly, a family business is probably the biggest risk people who love each other can take. I have seen some thrive and do exceptionally well. We did not have the same story. With friends, or with family, its personal. If you are the child, then you are the child at work. You are treated so, and are expected to behave so, even if you are not. If you are the parent, you expect to be treated as the parent but also the colleague or partner. Lines get blurred, and relationships are damaged, sometimes forever.

Being the sole owner, or being one of many, is a huge responsibility. Even bigger than being a parent. Knowing that you have to make decisions every day that affect not just you but your staff. And not just your staff but their families. Your children. Your clients, your client’s families. The reality is daunting and more often than not, quite terrifying. And when you join an organisation at 24, what do you actually know about life? What can you know? life schools you as you grow. As you experience. And wow. Either you learn, you adapt, and you change, or you bash your head and do not get up again. The choice is yours.

My children were raised within the walls of the company. Not having a support structure at home, when they were sick, when mommy had to work public holidays and weekends, they came with. And that is what they knew.

Have I made mistakes along the way? We don’t have enough time to talk about that. Too many to even bring to mind. Have I learned from them? You bet I did. Sometimes it took some time, but I always learned. I always grew, and I refused to just sit down and admit defeat. Ever. It is just not an option

Many people hoped I would fail. Thought shame, look at Hayley trying to run her mommy and daddy’s company. But what they didn’t realise, was that it was my company. It has been my company since I walked through the doors, and had the passion for my clients and what I do infuse with my very being. I have shed blood sweat and tears for this company. I have fought demons, clients, suppliers, partners, and my very self for this company to thrive. For my staff to have a secure happy safe environment. And I will continue to do so.

Running a business is one of the hardest tasks I have ever taken on. But one of the most satisfying, rewarding, and amazing experiences of my life, and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity.

To meditate or medicate?

At the beginning of the year, my topics were decided upon. This one seemed like a cut and dried one for me. And then…. COVID 19 struck.

In fact, 2020 struck. With all of it’s curve balls, all of it’s intensity and all of it’s chaos. Started reeling our heads and then…. The virus came to town.

I am in a new relationship, with a lovely man I have known for 16 years. We decided for safety reasons to brave the lockdown together. Which sounded like a fabulous idea to facilitate us getting to know each other on a much deeper level, and to bond. One we would never have again.

The period started out amazingly, and then…. My demons came to town. They didn’t knock politely on the door. They didn’t ask if they could come in. They were just there. Staring at me in the face. It was like they had never left.

I didn’t have an easy childhood, and was in a very unhappy marriage, which ended in my late twenties. I spent my thirties desperately working on me, so I could be a better mom, friend, daughter, sister and partner. I took medication, I stopped medication, I went on medication again, and then decided, I wanted to do it alone.

That is, until Rona came knocking. I cannot remember a time of more desperation, more chaos, more anger, more frustration, than the week of 30 March. Did it make sense? Not even a little. I have a home, I have food, I have a business and amazing staff members. I have a wonderful family, fantastic kids who are safe, and a loving boyfriend. And yet, not a SHRED of logic was to be found. I descended into the most manic depressive state I have been in in years. War erupted in our house as we battled for territory and for, most importantly, sanity.

After many ugly words, much unnecessary fighting, calm descended. It was as though I needed one final battle with them before they left the building.

What I am saying is, you are not alone. We are all facing demons at the moment. Fighting them on a daily basis. Being far from our loved ones. Worrying about their safety. Worrying about our health. Worrying about finances, the economy, our beautiful South Africa.

Just ride the wave. Hold on tight. Let it crash all around you. And then, when you open your eyes on the other side, you will be okay. It will have passed. And you will be prouder of yourself than ever before.

I am here. We are all here. Be kind to yourself.