10 Minutes with BEETL Founder - Kirsty Stanbridge
Building a business while raising young children is no small feat - and BEETL founder Kirsty Stanbridge knows this. In this conversation, Kirsty shares what a “full” day really looks like as a founder and mum, the lessons motherhood has taught her about leadership, and how she stays nourished while juggling school drop-offs, product development, and family life.
You’re building BEETL while raising your family - what does a “full” day look like for you from school drop-off to bedtime?
Most days start with the morning juggle: school drop-off for my eldest and getting my toddler organised. Once that’s done, I’m straight into BEETL: product development, retailer conversations, marketing and content. I left my corporate role last year to focus on the business full time, which has given me more flexibility, although I still find myself working around the clock. I’m incredibly lucky to have an amazing husband, before I left my corporate role, he really picked up a lot of the load with the kids so I could manage both my job and building the business. Over the past two years, we’ve also brought on a GM and co-owner, Tessa, who is a long-time friend and a mum herself. We juggle a lot together and send many voice notes throughout the day, it’s very special growing our little BEETL baby together. Afternoons are back to mum mode with school/daycare pickups, afterschool activities, dinner, bath time and bedtime stories.
Has motherhood changed the way you lead and build your business? In what ways has it made you sharper or softer?
Motherhood has made me both sharper and softer. It’s made me incredibly focused with my time and decisions because there simply aren’t as many hours as possible in the day. But it’s also made me more empathetic and values led. Everything we create at BEETL is for families like ours, so motherhood keeps me closely connected to the real needs of our customers.
When you’re pulled between being present at home and present at work, how do you balance where your energy goes?
I’ve learnt there isn’t a perfect balance, it shifts day by day. Some days the business needs more of me, other days the girls do. Having a supportive husband and a co-owner who understands the juggle of motherhood and business makes a huge difference. I try to focus on being fully present wherever I am rather than feeling guilty about the other side. Still a work in progress though!
What's something no one tells you about being a founder and a mum?
That it really does take a village. Behind every founder mum is usually a partner, family or friends helping hold things together. I’m incredibly grateful for my husband who has always believed in what I’m building, and for my co-owner Tessa - we’ve been friends for years and it’s very special growing BEETL together while navigating motherhood / young children at the same time.
On the days you feel overstretched, what grounds you? What does selfcare look like for you in this season of life?
Self-care looks quite simple at the moment. Getting outside for a walk, having a quiet coffee, or putting my phone away and being fully present with my girls helps reset everything. Sometimes it’s also just a quick nourishing snack (usually a Betty Bar) and a moment to pause, the small things really help.
What does nourishment look like for you when you’re deep in business mode?
Nourishment for me is about keeping things simple and steady - good snacks, lots of water, and food that helps keep my energy consistent through busy days. I always have something easy in my bag, like a Betty Bar, because when you’re jumping between meetings, school pick-ups and calls it’s helpful to have something nourishing on hand.
Are there non-negotiables you protect around your own nutrition?
I try not to skip meals, even on busy days. I don’t usually eat breakfast, so I have been challenging myself to do so, so I have sustained energy. Having easy, nourishing snacks nearby - like a Betty Bar - also helps keep me going when the day gets busy. My girls are now fans of Betty Bars so I have to hide them if we don’t have many in the house!
How do you approach nourishment for your family?
We keep things balanced and realistic. I want my girls to grow up enjoying food and understanding that nourishment can be both healthy and joyful. Some days it’s beautifully cooked meals, and other days it’s something quick between activities - that’s real family life.
What’s your philosophy around nourishment and cooking in your house - do you have a meal plan or are you more intuitive?
I’m definitely more intuitive. Some weeks we’re organised and have a plan, and other weeks it’s more “what do we have in the fridge tonight?”- which I think most families can relate to.
If you opened your work bag right now, what would we find inside?
My laptop, snacks, probably a few BEETL samples, lip balm, notebooks, and usually something belonging to one of my daughters that’s made its way in there. And very often a Betty Bar for those busy days on the go.
If you could name the lesson this chapter of your life is, what would it be?
Trusting the process. Building a business while raising young children requires patience and belief in the long game.
What part of entrepreneurship feels most energising for you right now?
Seeing BEETL reach more families. Whether that’s through new retailers, new products, or messages from mums saying something has helped their child’s skin, that’s incredibly motivating.
If you could give one piece of encouragement to ambitious mums building something meaningful, what would it be?
You don’t have to do everything perfectly to build something meaningful. Small steps forward every day add up, and progress is far more important than perfection.
Follow BEETL here.
