It’s Monday and I’m kick-starting the week with another instalment of my ‘Working from Home - The Journals’, where I’m offering small business owners to share their experience of lockdown life. I couldn’t be happier to tell you that I’ve got Eliza of Eliza May Prints on the blog today!

Having worked with Eliza previously on her website copy, I know just how lovely this lady is so it’s an absolute pleasure to feature her today. Eliza specialises in bespoke wedding stationery and creates the prettiest paper goods you’ve EVER seen - totally fan-girling over here. Not only has she been running a successful stationery business throughout a pandemic, Eliza is also mum to a gorgeous little girl - I’m sure her lockdown story will resonate with many of you if you’ve been juggling business and parenting.

Let me hand you straight over to Eliza. Enjoy!

1 So, let’s talk about life in lockdown. What time do you get up? What’s your morning routine? Has this changed since working from home / being in lockdown?

Life in lockdown changed for me quite drastically not just because of all of the restrictions due to covid but because my baby girl was born in early May, so I've been figuring out a new routine and way of working around being a mum. My daily routine is much more structured than it used to be, I wake up at 7.30am like clockwork thanks to my trusty new baby alarm clock, then it's playtime/breakfast before getting dressed and ready for 9.30am which is then nap time and that's when I sit down to start work. While she's still so little I squeeze my working hours into nap time and evenings, it's a juggle but I'm grateful for the flexibility of my job and that I can fit it around looking after her.

2 How do you remain motivated while working from home?

I've worked from home for a few years now so I'm quite used to it and I've always found it quite easy to stay motivated. I'm a handwritten list kind of girl and I'm not sure I'd cope without my daily to do list keeping me on track. Coffee/tea and biscuit breaks also keep me going!

3 Do you listen to any podcasts while working from home?

I listened to a few baby related ones whilst I was pregnant but I prefer to listen to music while I'm working.

4 Lockdown has impacted businesses all over the world. How can people support you? E.g. #ShopSmallBusiness, sharing a post on FB, commenting on an Instagram post etc.

Following along on social media and interacting with posts means so much to small businesses.

5 Tell me one local business that you’ve decided to support during lockdown. It could be your local coffee shop, someone who hand-makes masks etc.

We're very lucky to have an amazing food truck market in Cambridge https://www.foodparkcam.com/ and my favourite truck is Buffalo Joe's - the best chicken wings ever! https://www.buffalojoes.co.uk/

6 Tell me your favourite isolation cocktail / snack / treat?

I got a bit addicted to chocolate cornflake nests last Easter at the start of lockdown 1.0, you know the ones you make with the mini eggs in the middle. I reckon I'll get through my fair share of them again this Easter too! I also discovered a cherry brandy old fashioned cocktail which is amazing!

7 What’s your go-to ‘pick me up’ during lockdown life / working from home?

Anything food/drink related and a trip to the park with my little lady always makes me smile.

8 How are you keeping in touch with friends and family?

Lots of phone calls and FacetTiming.

9 Name one lockdown pet peeve

Getting to the shop and realising I've forgotten my face mask!

10 Name one lockdown love

Extra time together as a family definitely!

11 What do you have in store for your business? What’s got you feeling inspired?

I have some new wedding stationery designs coming soon and some exciting projects in the pipeline which I can't reveal just yet.

“Following along on social media and interacting with posts means so much to small businesses...”

12 What’s one thing you want to do after lockdown restrictions are lifted?

I really want to go out for cocktails & dinner with my husband. We definitely deserve a baby free evening.

13 What has been your favourite Netflix series to binge on during lockdown?

So many! Ozark, Fargo, Selling Sunset, Bridgerton, - a real mixed bag. I'm currently watching MindHunter which I'm really enjoying.

14 Are there any books on your shelf you’d recommend reading during lockdown?

Do baby books count? Sadly I never really read unless I'm on holiday, there's just too much to watch on TV!

15 What will you take from lockdown? Is there anything you’re grateful for or that you’ll do differently going forward?

Lockdown has taught me to appreciate the small things and going forward I'll make sure I slow things down a bit and be kinder to myself.

16 Describe lockdown for you in three words.

Definitely life changing, unforgettable and emotional - all in the best kind of way. I know it's been really tough for everyone but I'll always remember this period fondly spent in my baby bubble soaking up all the extra cuddles.