April and May… they vanished in a blur of sleepless nights, client deadlines, and the constant hum of building my own businesses. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that balancing parenthood and entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. But what did I actually achieve amidst the chaos? Let’s dive in.
Client Wins: More Than Just a Paycheck ✨
My client work this period wasn’t just about paying the bills; it was about making a tangible difference for people I care about and collaborating with long-term partners:
- Book Cover Brilliance: A Return to My Roots A friend from sixth form college was publishing his second book and needed a killer cover. He needed something very specific. He asked me to step up and help him with the image and the layout. It was a nice return to basics, flexing my layout skills to make the cover as appealing as possible. We delegated the image to one of our talented 3D artists, creating a rendered image of a caveman’s hand and axe. Seeing the finished product on Amazon, complete with glowing reviews, filled me with pride. It’s a reminder that even small projects can have a big impact.
"What skills or passions have you set aside that could be revitalized to bring new energy and purpose to your work?"
- 3D Adventures: Bringing the Invisible to Life Two exciting 3D projects are underway with an advertising agency I’ve collaborated with since 2010. While NDAs prevent me from revealing specifics, I can share the excitement behind the work. The first project, which began earlier this year, is shaping up beautifully, featuring stunning scenes with diverse weather elements and a powerful musical score that I personally selected and edited. I’m eagerly awaiting client feedback before adding the final logo animation.The second project, which began just a few weeks ago, involves bringing a highly technical product to life through animation. It’s a challenge to make something inherently “dull” visually appealing and engaging. We’re working with incredibly complex CAD files, optimizing them for 3D animation. It’s a hands-on process, but I’m grateful to have a team member who can handle the bulk of the work while I focus on setting the scenes and animating. The goal is to create a clean, informative animation that showcases the product’s benefits in a compelling way.
- Website Wonders: Speed, Simplicity, and Sanity I landed a new Australian website care client for Empire Base, which is fantastic for recurring revenue. In the world of websites, I’ve also started a new project with the advertising agency in Birmingham to rebuild their site and their client’s website in WordPress. We’re rebuilding from scratch with more modern technology, focusing on speed, ease of use, and a better user experience for everyone. I’m genuinely excited about this project because it aligns with my core beliefs about website development. I believe that websites should be fast, efficient, and enjoyable to use, both for visitors and administrators. It’s about creating or using systems that empower people rather than frustrate them.
- DVD Dreams: From Concept to Creation A long-running DVD project is finally nearing completion. This project has been a labor of love (since I have a rather soft spot for good old DVDs!), taking a client’s concept and turning it into a tangible product. We’re in the final stages of approving the DVD and Digipak artwork, and the authored disc as well, so soon the retail discs will be in manufactured production. I’m particularly proud of the ideas I contributed for generating additional income streams, such as a members-only streaming website.
"Don't underestimate the power of collaboration and long-term partnerships. Building strong relationships can lead to exciting opportunities and mutual success."
Empire Base: Laying the Foundation for Growth
Building Empire Base is a marathon, not a sprint. I’ve been consistently creating blog posts, sharing valuable content with my subscribers. I’ve also crafted a lead magnet PDF packed with actionable advice. This is not your typical fluff-filled freebie; I wanted to provide real value to potential customers. The plan is to follow up with subscribers, understand their specific challenges, and provide tailored business advice.
I’m also researching and planning a community platform for another client to provide exceptional value to their customers. This is cutting-edge tech, and I’m excited to see it come to life. I’ve approached it as a great collaboration, and so positioned it as a potential income stream that I’m particularly excited about. After all, one of the keys to building wealth is creating multiple income streams, and if I can pull it off successfully, this will be another string on the bow for me.
Speaking of ventures, Pollux Technologies LLC in the US continues to progress. We’ve finalized new agreements with key personnel (the 1% owners), and we’re preparing to bring on the necessary providers. It’s only a matter of time before the US campaigns can scale up, generating greater revenue and profit. This is a very exciting prospect!
The Personal Side: Baby Bliss and Unexpected Challenges 👶🤕
On the personal side, our little boy is now nearly 16 weeks old, and his development is nothing short of astonishing. It’s incredible to witness how he recognizes us, his eyes lighting up with joy as he beams at us each morning. The way he gurgles and coos, as if trying to communicate, fills our home with laughter and warmth. He’s truly a joyful little presence in our lives.
We’ve been fortunate to have family visits during this time, creating beautiful memories together. My aunt and uncle visited, bringing a sense of connection and love, and my sister, who lives in Dubai, came back to meet her nephew for the first time. It was heartwarming to see them all interact with him, and we shared many laughs and cherished moments. One particularly memorable weekend was spent with my brother, who traveled from the southeast of the country. Watching him bond with our son was a delight, and it reminded me of the importance of family ties.
Additionally, I had a wonderful video call with a friend and past client based in Vancouver. She’s brimming with energy and ambition, working on exciting projects in the film industry. Our conversation was long overdue, and it reminded me how vital it is to stay connected with friends, sharing our experiences and supporting one another through life’s ups and downs. It was refreshing to talk about our respective challenges and triumphs, reinforcing the notion that we’re all in this together.
These moments—both intimate with family and connecting with old friends—have strengthened my sense of community and support, reminding me of the importance of nurturing relationships while navigating the challenges of parenthood and work.
However, the past two months also brought an unexpected health challenge. After experiencing persistent pain, I underwent a private ultrasound, which revealed gallstones. Subsequent MRI scans confirmed the diagnosis. I’m now on the waiting list for an operation, which I hope will happen soon. The pain has impacted my sleep and ability to hold the baby, putting additional strain on my wife. It’s a frustrating situation, but I’m trying to stay positive and focus on recovery.
"How do you prioritize self-care amidst the demands of parenthood and entrepreneurship?"
Grateful, Realistic, and Forward-Looking 🙏
Despite the challenges, I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made, the love of my family, and the support of my friends and colleagues. I’m excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. I’m also realistic about the challenges I face. I know that building a successful business and raising a family takes time, effort, and resilience. I’m committed to staying the course and creating a life that I’m proud of.
