Mothers behind some of Chester city centre’s businesses have shared their experiences of juggling careers and family life – with one clear message: be kind to yourself.
Ahead of Mother’s Day this Sunday, Chester BID spoke to several mums working across the city centre about balancing work, business and raising children.
From a new mum with a baby just weeks old to women who have built careers and businesses while raising families, their stories highlight the strength and resilience of women in Chester’s business community.
Emily Strong, 32, co-owner of About You Boutique, in Eastgate Square and luxury store Papena on Northgate Street, has just welcomed her son Miles into the world – only 30 days before Mother’s Day.
Originally from an entrepreneurial family in Llandudno, Emily began working at just 13 before travelling the world working on super yachts. But despite her high flying life and career abroad, she always knew she wanted to return home and become a mum.
Emily and her sister, Chloe, first began selling online during lockdown through Facebook Live sessions, before deciding to expand their business into Chester, opening About You Boutique five years ago. Following the boutique’s continued success, they launched their second business in Chester together, Papena, two years later.
Whilst building her businesses, Emily and her partner James were privately enduring a testing journey to start a family. The path to motherhood wasn’t as straightforward as she had hoped – but after two years of trying, miracle baby Miles arrived with the help of IVF.
Emily said: “Being a mum is all I’ve ever wanted, and whilst I have always been very head strong, nothing is bigger than this job of being a mum I’m realising – it makes running two businesses feel easy, honestly!
“But with the right people around me, my amazing partner and such a strong and loyal team, I’m seeing that it is all possible. If you’re kind to yourself and the people around you, you can do anything.”
Meanwhile, Stephanie Matthews, manager of The White Company on Northgate Street, brings a wealth of experience in both motherhood and retail. Having worked in retail since the age of 16, she has built a strong career while also fulfilling her dream of becoming a mum, welcoming her beloved son Arthur when she was 25.
Arthur, who is now 15, has grown up watching his mum balance work and family life brilliantly since she headed back to full-time work after just 10 months of giving birth.
And her secret? Stephanie said routine, organisation and family support have been key.
“You have to be organised – the appointments, the schoolwork and everything else that comes with being a mum. We love holidays and we really make the most of that switch-off time and being together – it really is so important when life gets busy. And having a supportive family and a great team at work makes all the difference.”
Arthur has been inspired by his mum’s work ethic and is now a talented young athlete, playing golf for Wales and competing at academy level football. He also hopes to work in business one day, like his mum.
Another mother within Chester city centre is Yvonne Liu, co-owner of popular Watergate Street Row café, The Flower Cup, who opened the business with her husband during the pandemic. After searching across North Wales and the North West for the right place, they finally chose Chester, where Yvonne had gone to school.
The couple were in corporate jobs, and had both come from families that had restaurants when they were growing up. After getting married, it was their dream to have kids and a business for themselves as they have a real love for coffee and good food.
Five years on, the café is thriving and often sees queues at weekends.
Yvonne, who has two sons aged nine and five, said the business is like her third baby. She said running the business whilst raising children takes strong support networks.
“It definitely takes a village to raise children, especially very energetic, chatty ones with better social lives than ourselves! I have amazingly supportive parents and friends; from school mum favours to WhatsApp reminders, and a brilliant team at the café, husband included!
“Watergate Street is like a family in itself – everyone is so friendly and supportive, whether they’re popping in for their coffee or topping us up on ice if we ever run out on a busy day. We really feel that strong sense of community, both at home and at work. Without them all, I don’t know where we’d be.”
Luka Morrell, Business Engagement Manager for Chester BID said the stories truly reflect the strength of the city’s business community.
“Behind many of Chester’s businesses are women who are also mums, balancing family life with leadership and entrepreneurship. Their stories show incredible strength and remind us how important it is to be kind to ourselves while juggling so many responsibilities. We are so proud to support them and to see them thrive.”
For more about Chester BID visit: chesterbid.co.uk
