Get to know: Aly from AllMumsTalk
We love following and working with a variety of influencers, and the wonderful Aly from AllMumsTalk is definitely no exception. We truly admire her ability to not only create beautiful content, but content that is funny and honest that many parents can relate to. If you fancy finding out just how she does it, then read our catch up with her below.
For people who haven't seen your blog or Instagram, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m Aly, London mum of two, wife to Justin @alldadstalk, trying to manage babyhood, toddlerhood and full time freelance work at the same time. I’m often failing at finding the right balance, but I guess it’s not all about the balance, but the journey...
What inspired you to set up your blog?
This is a very popular question, considering many of my friends and family still don’t understand much of my work while thinking I may be a stay at home mum (although I’ve been pretty much working full time since Amelie was 3 weeks old). Although I must admit most of my work is around the children, I’m extremely lucky to have created a position which allows me to take them with me to various events and meetings.
I was into photography ever since I was a little girl, then social media came along. While I was helping out friends who had started their own businesses to set up their social platforms I realised how much I enjoy it. I was trying to work out the right audience for them, I loooved creating various content and put them in touch with other like minded people.
What are the best bits about blogging?
The best part is the community you’re creating, the amazing mums you get to meet and be inspired by every single day. Also the great brands you get to work with and the stories behind their scenes you get to know and often be part of. I am a huge supporter of small, genuine brands therefore we’re in process of setting up an online platform called allmums.shop, meant to spread the word about great names such as PacaPod.
What’s a typical week like for you?
No week routine is the same. Actually, my life is anything but routine! For example last week I had lots of parenting and lifestyle networking events, brand launch parties and workshops. This week I’m trying to focus more on writing and taking the children out on playground dates. Next week I have lots of clients meetings as part of my freelance job is also social media, PR & marketing consulting for a few UK brands.
How do you and Justin juggle parenting between you?
Well, I must say I’m one of the lucky wives - I do have a husband who supports me a lot despite his very demanding job as a solicitor and part time daddy blogger. He’s a great dad, he’s often trying to make time and take Lucas to the playground or organise fun activities at home. He’s trying bedtime story reading sessions too, although trying to put Lucas to sleep is an energy depleting marathon, the kid just won’t go to sleep, so I must admit he’s often running away from this responsibility! Yet he’s also helping out with all my admin for which I have no genuine passion, therefore we both manage to her enough time to spend with the little ones.
What advice would you give to first time parents?
Do not overthink your journey as a parent! Follow your gut, you’ll usually be right. And even when you make mistakes, you learn from them. No parent is perfect. No journey is the same.
You have the Madison and Justin has the Gladstone - what are your favourite things about these bags?
For me it’s the beautiful design! It’s a very stylish changing bag, a smart investment for any parent. I’m taking mine to all sorts of events, from conferences to creative workshops or fancy dinners.
For Justin (who is highly organised) it’s the pods. They are brilliant, especially for the on the go parent.
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced whilst raising a family, and how have you overcome this?
Freelance work is extremely challenging. I find working mostly from home harder than any of my previous office jobs because it’s much easier to make mistakes (such as always being on the phone or on your computer when the children are around). Although I am physically more present for them, my mind is always busy thinking of client meetings, organising my social workload, planning shoots etc therefore lots of guilty feelings too...Before freelancing it was easier as once I left the office, I also left any work thoughts until the following day.
Do you have a top parenting hack?
Depending on the age of the children...For older babies and toddler, this is how I get time for a cup of (still) hot tea: get a large empty box, put them in, give them a colouring pen, a few toys, make little holes in it, glue some crafts or anything creative to distract them. You’ll definitely have at least half an hour for yourself!
How do you capture such great photos as a family?
Gosh, it was easier until Lucas turned three...We try to keep the family photoshoots fun, once it gets a bit stressful for various reasons, we tend to stop. I always carry bribing healthy treats such as Clearly Scrumptious dry fruits in my bag. But I’m also lucky enough to work with a few London photographers, one of my top favourite ones is Anna Pawleta who is a brilliant family photographer. We work on a regular basis so I can’t take credit for all my website or insta pixels ;)
To keep up to date with Aly and her family, be sure to visit her blog here & her Instagram here.
