Indy Parsons: ‘After fertility struggles, I couldn’t be more grateful for my two gorgeous kids’

I’ve always liked working for myself.

In fact, it’s all I’ve ever known really. I started my first business, Little Green Spoon, a recipe website and app, while I was in college and now ten years on, I am so excited to be where I am now, having just launched Sines, my marble candle brand.

In secondary school, I always thought I wanted to do medicine but towards the end, I changed my mind.

I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. I ended up studying Business, Economics and Social Studies (BESS) at Trinity. I chose business as it was nice and broad and a good foundation for any career. 

I did work experience in two hospitals in transition year at school and they both had a lasting impression on me.

For years I was sure I wanted to be a doctor and although I loved both experiences and found them incredibly interesting, it was invaluable to realise that I wasn’t certain it was for me. 

My first real job was at IMAGE!

In my first two years at college, I worked a couple of days a week at the IMAGE offices doing admin work and a little bit of sales.  

The most invaluable thing I learned early on in my career was to sleep on it!

It’s become my life motto and my husband always slags me for saying it so often but I really believe sleeping on any big decision or response gives you so much perspective. I’ve always worked for myself – and mostly by myself – so I’ve really learnt to trust my gut (after I’ve slept on it!).

I don’t have one specific mentor but there are lots of amazing women in business that I’m lucky enough to know.

They’ve grown incredible brands and inspire me every day. 

The biggest risk I have taken in my career so far is launching Sines.

My career to date has always been centred around food so it was a big risk to move into a new space. I am so passionate about Sines, I truly believe there is nothing like our candles. They are handcrafted from the most beautiful Arabescato marble so every piece is unique. They’re as much a piece of art for your home as they are a scented candle and because of our refills, they can be burned and enjoyed every day. Moving into a new industry has been daunting but it’s so worth it when you really love and believe in your product. 

I wake up at 6:15am – my kids usually wake around the same time and my husband gets them up while I quickly shower, then I take over as he heads out the door.

As soon as I’m showered, I’m on breakfast and school prep with my two kids (Teddy, 5 and Penelope, 1) until I’ve dropped them both off by 9am. Once we’re in the kitchen I usually have a cup of green tea while they have breakfast.

The first thing I do every morning is check my phone.

I hate to admit it but I usually give myself five minutes to scan my emails, Instagram and remind myself of the day’s to-do list before getting out of bed.

I can’t go to work without an oat flat white.

It’s a lovely few minutes to myself between the school run and the work day. I save my coffee and breakfast until after the kids have gone – I’ve given up trying to have it with them after a few years of cold coffee and stolen toast!

I work from home so after dropping the kids off, I try to squeeze in a quick workout before starting work.

I do pilates on an app from home so it’s easier to fit in. I start my working day around 9:30am. I usually spend the first portion of the day doing any quick admin tasks – ticking a few things off my list makes me feel productive and gets me in a flow. 

I love being organised and compartmentalising tasks so I usually make a to-do list for tomorrow at the end of each day (and add to it all evening as things come up).

The first thing I do at work is check my to-do list! Juggling the mental load of work and family often makes me feel like I’m forgetting something important so writing things down (I do it on my phone) makes me feel much more in control. 

The most useful business tool I use every day is Instagram.

It’s my main marketing tool and a great way to engage directly with people. I have my personal account @thelittlegreenspoon and now @__sines.

I rarely get through my working day without 10 cups of tea.

I find it really hard to drink water by itself so instead I pretty much always have a cup of green tea beside me. I break for lunch usually around 12.30pm. At the moment I’m big into smashed chickpeas, chives and avocado on toast with a good drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. It’s so quick and good for you and it’s so delicious. 

The best part of my day is putting my kids to bed.

My husband and I take turns putting each kid to bed and I love the one-to-one quiet time. I used to try and rush through it after a long day but in the last few months, I’ve made a conscious effort to enjoy it and really soak it in and it’s become my favourite part of the day.  

I know it’s been a good day if my to-do list has all been ticked off.

I’m definitely a bit of a control freak so I find it so satisfying! I’m also quite an anxious person so feeling like I’m on top of things gives me a lot of comfort. 

I try to be in bed by 10pm at the latest.

I love my sleep so early nights are a must with early mornings. I switch off from work by about 9pm. It’s far too late but comes with starting your own business and there are always things to be done after the kids go to sleep.

Before I go to bed, I’ll always wash my face and do my skincare.

It’s the one bit of self-care I never let slip even when I’m really busy.

After a long work week, I destress by having a date night in.

Our Friday nights have become a sacred ritual for my husband and I. When the house is clean and quiet, we order a nice dinner, light the candles, turn on our favourite playlist and have a glass of wine. It’s heaven. 

The accomplishment I’m most proud of is my kids.

After fertility struggles, I couldn’t be more grateful for my two gorgeous kids. I really can’t believe how lucky I am.

If you want to get into my line of work, my advice is to make something that you are really proud of.

With Sines, I’ve created something that I really wanted for my own home but couldn’t find and it’s even better than I imagined. I’m so proud of it. If you want to work for yourself you have to believe in what you are doing. My first business, Little Green Spoon, isn’t finished per se – I will always love sharing recipes and I know I will always love food, but after ten years, I was craving a change. At the moment, I’m putting my everything into Sines.

Photography by Ruth Maria Murphy.