Overwhelming Response to Free Lash Workshop Reveals Mothers' Struggle for Flexible Work
Tania Kalila, a 24-year-old lash technician from London, knows the relentless challenge of balancing work with raising a child. Even during the birth of her son Giovanni, now seven months old, she was texting clients to reschedule appointments. Yet Tania considers herself fortunate, as her career in the beauty industry allows her to adapt around childcare needs. With her own studio, she can bring Giovanni along and also train aspiring beauticians online remotely. 'It's a job that means I'm able to balance my time between my baby and my business,' Tania explains to Metro.
A Simple Offer That Struck a Chord
Eager to help other mothers achieve a similar balance, Tania recently advertised a free workshop to teach women how to perform eyelash services like extensions and lifts. She specifically targeted mothers with children under five and secured product donations from brands including London Lash Pro, The Lash Hause, and Fangyal. Initially planning for just 10 participants, she was stunned when over 150 mothers responded after she posted on Instagram. The overwhelming demand forced her to double the class size, made possible by the supporting brands.
For Tania, this flood of interest served as a stark reminder of the limited flexible working options available to mothers. Statistics underscore this issue:
- A 2023 study by the Fawcett Society found that one in 10 working mums are forced to quit their jobs due to childcare pressures.
- Two-fifths have turned down promotions for the same reason, and 85% struggle to find jobs accommodating their needs.
- A 2021 Trade Union Congress survey revealed that half of working mums aren't granted the flexible conditions they request, with 86% of those who do work flexibly facing discrimination and feeling disadvantaged at work.
- Open Study College data shows that a third of women change careers after having children.
Personal Journey and Community Building
As a self-employed professional, Tania didn't take formal maternity leave, returning to work soon after Giovanni's birth in June 2025. She admits that without her business, she would have faced financial hardship during pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. 'The thing about the beauty industry is that you don't have to schedule it as a Monday to Friday thing. You're able to pick the days you work, which is what's so beautiful about it,' she notes.
Giovanni arrived a month early, spending 12 days in neonatal intensive care for an infection. Tania managed some online work shortly after and fully resumed within a couple of months. Now, she works weekends from 11am to 4pm, dedicating weekdays to childcare. She hoped her workshop would offer other women a similar work-life balance. 'I felt really hopeful that this might be the start of something,' she says.
Reading through the 150 applications, Tania was moved by the emotional stories shared. Applicants explained their reasons for wanting to join, with many citing redundancy, single motherhood, or difficult household situations. 'So many said they don't come across workshops like mine. I thought: "if I'm one person out of how many in the world, and they've never seen this before." It made me feel sad,' she recalls.
To support attendees, Tania hired a space in Barking, London, allowing mothers to bring their babies and setting up a soft play area for visibility during training. She also created a WhatsApp group to foster a support network. 'I wanted a sense of community. It's extremely difficult to do anything on your own, so hopefully, them leaning on each other can help them in their journey,' she explains. 'You never know who you might work with in the future, so I hope that I've built some really nice connections there.'
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneur Mums
Offering guidance to new mothers starting businesses, Tania stresses asking for help and practising self-care. 'You're not the same person returning to work as if you were sick. You gave birth, and you went through that physical trauma,' she says. Her key tips include:
- Don't rush anything and avoid comparing your journey to others.
- Prioritise yourself and your baby above all else.
- Maintain passion for your business, as it fuels growth without losing the love for it.
This initiative highlights a growing need for flexible, supportive work environments for mothers, as Tania's experience shows even small offers can make a significant impact.
