Hello! Here at thortful, we think parents are superheroes. So, for our next creator spotlight, we want to shine the light on parents.
The mums, dads, step-mums, step-dads, dads taking on the role of mum, mums taking on the role of dads, grandparents, the list is endless. We want to spotlight them all.
Juggling work and parenting can be a challenge, and it’s important to celebrate the parents who are doing it all.
For part one of this creator spotlight, we spoke to dad, Billy, from fyou Cards who balances wearing his parent hats alongside creating part time. We hear his story and learn about the challenges and successes.
fyou Cards
Hi, I’m Billy (29) and my partner and I recently welcomed our first child, Dylan. I work full time within the Insurance industry (I know! Not very exciting) handling a variety of claims for an online retailer. My creator business is called fyou cards selling offensive, backhanded and straight up rude cards intended to make the recipient laugh. You definitely need a good sense of humour and/or thick skin to be on the receiving end.
How did you get started with your own business?
I’ve always been a creative person and for around 5 years I had notes written down in my phone with ideas for greeting cards but I had absolutely no clue as to how to create them digitally so all it ever was for a while was just an idea. One day I saw an instagram reel on the basics of using Procreate and it sparked a fire in me to start experimenting. After a few months of practice and endless hours of YouTube tutorials I had my very first design.
Describe your typical work day…
I start my day at 5:30am by going to the gym (give it a rest Mark Wahlberg). I then start my full time job from 8am to 5pm. Luckily, I work from home so I’m able to squeeze in a few cuddles, feeds and nappy changes with Dylan in between emails. After work, I try to prioritise spending as much time with Dylan as possible, as well as taking my dog Ziggy out for his daily walk. Once I’ve put Dylan down for the night, usually around 8-9pm, I work in bed on my iPad creating designs, content for social media and looking at ways to update or diversify my designs.
How do you juggle your work/life balance of being a parent?
Juggling the work/life balance is definitely a struggle some days and I wear a lot of hats, dad, boyfriend, manager, dog dad and creator/small business owner but I prioritise as best as I can. Currently fyou cards is my side hustle so unfortunately it has to take a back seat from time to time. Exercise certainly helps me with keeping a clear head and my mental health in check.
How do your family or children inspire your work?
I create designs that I would want to send to my friends and family. I have a warped, twisted and dark sense of humour and I love seeing my friends and family’s faces when they read the offensive card I have got for them.
What is the main challenge you face being a parent and running a business?
The most difficult part of creating is thinking of a brilliant idea first thing in the morning, feeling really inspired and all I want to do is grab my iPad and get to work. As a new dad with a full time job, my son and work come first so I have to wait until the evening to get started but I always make sure to open the notes on my phone and jot down my ideas.
Do you have any advice for other dads thinking of starting their own business?
My advice to other dads wanting to start their own business is, what are you waiting for? Life gets so much busier when you’re a dad and it’s so easy to put it off or to one side while you’re just trying to get through the day. We all start somewhere so just start small, build up to it and be patient. If and when you do start, and you’re feeling super inspired to create, it’s really easy to prioritise this as it’s a great feeling when you get that buzz. Or it might be that you’re motivated by earning a bit more cash especially in this climate. However, time is the most valuable thing so spend it wisely. Like with all things, there’s a balance and it takes a while to get it right.
We hope you enjoyed this Creator Spotlight. Join us next time where we chat to three more parents.
If you have a story you want us to shine the light on, please send us an email to [email protected].
See you next time!
Team thortful
