WMW #20: Yolanda Temiz, solopreneur, Canva coach, creative virtual assistant & mum of 2
"I recommend that anyone who will listen consider having a side hustle"
I joined so many communities last year and have met so many interesting people who are truly doing cool things. One common factor across the communities I have joined, is the general desire of people to build lives with more freedom.
Freedom to manage their time, their priorities, their family, their life - all whilst doing fulfilling work and making a good income.
My interview today is with Yolanda Temiz, a brand and Canva expert and mum of 2. Our paths collided via Amy Porterfield’s Digital Course Academy and we connected via Instagram, supporting each other’s journey.
Yolanda was full time class teacher who transitioned into a solopreneur providing content services via Canva to businesses for their branding assets and online channels.
Post-Covid, having two small kids made her want to prioritize her availability to her children, which triggered her to launch her online business with the long term goal of time and financial freedom.
Here is a bit of her story.
Meet Yolanda Temiz, solopreneur, branding and Canva expert, & mum of 2
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m originally from Australia. After finishing my teaching degree, I moved to London with my sister to work and travel throughout Europe. I met a great Turkish man online, and eventually, we moved to the Netherlands together to study/work.
The Netherlands has truly become our home, as we've experienced so many important milestones here, such as buying our first house, getting married, and starting a family. We've had an absolutely amazing 10 years here and couldn't be happier.
Q. What is your business mission?
I'm all about using my skills in Canva, branding, content creation, systems, and organization to help others crush it on social media. My mission is to help individuals and businesses overcome the stress and confusion of social media and create a confident and effective online presence.
Q. What inspired the launch of your Canva business?
After having kids, I really lost the joy in my teaching career, and my perfectionist personality struggled with showing up less than perfect for the kids in my classroom. The shift to online teaching during the COVID pandemic opened my eyes to a new way of working. I found joy in teaching online without the rush to get to work or the distractions of a noisy classroom.
As a result, I resigned from my classroom position shortly after returning to work and enrolled in a virtual assistant course. I then started my own online business, creating social media graphics for a few local expat ladies.
While I enjoy using Canva and creating graphics for others, my inner teacher won't let me stop there. I am currently developing a course to teach others how to use Canva effectively so that they can save time, gain confidence, and make the most of this valuable small business tool.
Q. What are the challenges you face?
Lack of time to do it all!
Q. As a mum, founder and creator, how do you manage your time?
I am constantly in a battle against time. My 5-year-old daughter attends school 5 days a week with 2 half days; while my 3-year-old son is mostly in my care, except for three mornings a week when he attends a playgroup. During this time, I try to fit in as much client work as possible and create reels/tutorials for my account while utilizing natural light. Although my husband is supportive, he misses our leisure time together since I often continue working after putting the kids to bed. I am aware that I struggle with managing my time effectively, but we try to maintain routines that work well for all of us whenever possible.
Q. How has having your own business online changed your life, both as a professional and a mum?
While I was teaching at the school, I maintained strict working boundaries. Once I left the campus, my workday was over. However, since starting my own business, I've allowed many of those boundaries to blur. I find myself working sporadically throughout the day and night, which can be challenging and stressful. Nevertheless, I made this choice to prioritize my availability for my children, and I do not regret my choice.
Q. What is your advice to mums looking to start an online business or side hustle?
I am in the process of finding effective systems for my family and myself. It seems like a trial-and-error process for everyone until they discover what works.
I recommend that anyone who will listen consider having a side hustle! I was taught to believe that life consisted of completing school, securing a 'good job', and working diligently, and I suspect that I am not alone in this. It excites me to share with others that there are other wonderful possibilities out there!
Q. What are your thoughts on the emerging growth of creatorpreneurs and future potential of this space, especially for mums?
Many mothers face challenges in finding work that is flexible enough to allow them to care for their children while also earning a living. Building a business as a creatorpreneur provides an opportunity to create a career that fits around their family's needs and schedules.
I am thrilled to see this trend gaining momentum. I'm excited to see more and more individuals, especially mums, taking advantage of the opportunities available to them.
Q. What is your ultimate goal as a working mum?
I value the freedom that comes with my current situation. With young children and their frequent illnesses, it's important for me to have flexibility in my schedule. My previous employer made me feel guilty whenever I needed time off, but now I feel relieved to have the ability to be available whenever something comes up.
At present, my husband is the primary financial provider for our family. However, my long-term goal is to increase my financial contribution and ensure that we can enjoy the good things in life and create cherished memories together.
Q. Where do you get your inspiration?
I find inspiration by connecting with other mums and solopreneurs. To expand my network, I have joined various networking communities. Being in an expat community here in the Netherlands, I have come across many trailing spouses who also provide me with a great source of inspiration.
Q. What is your best productivity hack?
I have to admit that my productivity is not always consistent - it tends to ebb and flow! I am currently exploring the concept of cycle syncing and content creation, and I plan to track my cycles to see if I can identify any patterns.
In terms of what does work for me, having a clean and organized space is essential. I find it difficult to relax and focus when there is clutter and mess around. I like to jot down a to-do list to get started and then prioritize my tasks accordingly. I put away my phone, wear headphones, and play concentration or study music to help me focus.
When I need to finish a task, and my children are home, I make use of extra iPad time without feeling guilty. I believe it's essential to prioritize self-care, and I don't have time to feel guilty about taking a break to do something for myself/my business.
Q. What is your best parenting hack?
Oh gosh, I am searching for these constantly! I use a timer for sooo many things, on my phone, on google home, sand timers. So many timers
Q. What do you do in your 'me-time' and how does it help you?
Currently, my go-to activity for me-time is fitness. I participate in a small group class with other expat women two or three times a week, and it does wonders for my physical and mental health. Recently, my trainer went on holiday for a few weeks, and I noticed a significant change in my mood and a decrease in my patience levels with my family.
Apart from fitness, I have a bit of a Netflix addiction, and I love to indulge in some easy-to-watch shows to help me relax and unwind.
Q. Favourite tool that makes your life / business easier?
My top favourite business tool is definitely Canva! Additionally, my husband and I use shared apps for lists and calendars, making our home life much easier.
Q. Favourite quote
“Less is more!” This philosophy of minimalism is something that I apply in many areas of my life.
Q. Best thing you have read or watched lately
Reading more is one of my goals for this year! I have several books that I am reading at the moment; I’m enjoying Atomic Habits by James Clear as well as some parenting books (The Explosive Child, The Whole Brain Child) to help us understand those pesky little developing brains and get us through some challenging times (with a focus on ADHD for my son).
If you are a small business looking for branding support, connect with Yolanda here!
If you have a message for her, leave a comment and I will make sure she gets it, or you can connect with her on instagram, here.
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And, as I continue to explore AI tools that are changing the way we work…
Canva has just introduced AI features like a magic write, edit and erase; automatic AI presentations, and freehand drawing. These developments are truly mind blogging.
If you have had any inclination to write, design or create anything online, but have pushed it aside because you feel you do not have the skills, now is the time to bring that creative side out and let these amazing tools help you bring your imagination to life.
As David Perell says, everything you put out there is a vehicle for serendipity.
More on links generative AI and the future of work, here below.
Have a great weekend xx
