Reflections and Aspirations: A Year of Growth and New Beginnings
May 2024
Rebecca Lovelock, Bretom Founder
The past year has been one of profound change, marked by professional triumphs and personal milestones, including growing Bretom and welcoming my second child. On the eve of Bretom’s ninth birthday, I thought I’d share the unique challenges and rewards I’ve experienced balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, while raising awareness about the realities of being a business owner with children.
We have recently expanded the Bretom team, taken on exciting new projects, and forged partnerships that have elevated our work to new heights. Achieving demonstrable growth in such a competitive industry is no small feat, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
One of the key drivers of our growth has been our commitment to humanising communications. In an era where digital interactions often lack a personal touch, we’ve focused on creating engaging communications that resonate on a human level. Our work has been designed to foster genuine connections between brands and their audiences, emphasising storytelling that evokes emotion and builds trust.
Our clients have been at the heart of this growth. Their trust in our vision and capabilities has allowed us to execute bold ideas and achieve remarkable results. From launching heartfelt diversity and inclusion campaigns for established companies to supporting new firm launches with a focus on authenticity, our portfolio has become more diverse and impactful than ever.
On a personal note, becoming a mother for the second time has been a joyful, challenging but enriching experience. It’s often said that parenting is the ultimate leadership role, and I couldn’t agree more. Juggling the demands of a growing business and a growing family has taught me invaluable lessons about balance, resilience, and the importance of a strong support system.
There have been days when I’ve felt overwhelmed. And I’ve learned that that’s okay. Balancing my ambition and capability, while still carving out time for my family, is an ongoing challenge for any working parent – but especially for female entrepreneurship. But the moments that seem the hardest often become the most illuminating; reinforcing the importance of flexibility, self-care and breaking down the stigma around the way each role ‘should’ be done.
My team has been incredibly supportive during this time, stepping up to take on additional responsibilities and showing an unwavering commitment to our collective goals. Their dedication has allowed me to take the necessary time to bond with William (now seven months old!), while also ensuring that the agency continues to thrive.
As I look to the future, my ambitions are both lofty and grounded in the experiences of the past year.
These reflections have reminded me of the quote by Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The growth and successes of the past year are a testament to the power of collaboration, both within my family and my professional team. Balancing late-night feedings and early morning meetings, navigating the complexities of post-natal health, all while managing the demands of international clients across different time zones, has been both a challenge and a privilege.
Thank you again, to those who have supported Bretom’s journey this far – we (and I!) wouldn’t be here without you all.
The coming year will undoubtedly bring its own set of challenges and opportunities. I look forward to navigating this next chapter with the same resilience and enthusiasm that has carried us this far. Here’s to another year of making bold moves, nurturing relationships, and creating meaningful impact.