2 mins
HJ VOICE NOTES
On the cusp of returning to work after maternity leave, Ria Kulik shares her journey of being a salon owner and parent
"YOU DON’T WANT TO LET PEOPLE DOWN AND IT’S HARD BECAUSE US HAIRDRESSERS ARE CLASSIC PEOPLE PLEASERS!”
Last year was a pressure cooker of a year for me. I took over our family salon (The HairBank) and four weeks later found out I was pregnant. I was thrilled about expecting, however I wanted to give my new role 200%, but I was completely mentally and physically exhausted.
I told my staff about my pregnancy early because I was so ill, but I was terrified of telling my clients and the brand I work with. I felt like I was on an upward trajectory and I had worked so hard to get to that point. When you take maternity leave, it feels like taking a career break. Gender roles frustrate me, but most dads (if you’re in a heteronormative relationship) don’t experience the anxiety like a mum does.
My daughter is five and a half months old and I’m back working in a different way. I’m not in the salon doing hair, but I am the boss and working behind the scenes. I’m trying to figure out what is going to work best for me. I do feel rushed to get back behind the chair. I’ve had clients asking me when I’m back - they don’t realise the impact it has. After maternity leave you do lose clients – and I’ve got to make peace with that. You don’t want to let people down and it’s hard because us hairdressers are classic people pleasers!
Being a mother does allow you to set boundaries. I used to be full time, but now I will be working part time. I’m lucky I have an amazing team, most of them are mums too and they’ve gone through it all - including my own Mum. As a team we’re secure in setting boundaries between work and family life. Everyone that has had a family has come back to work, but we don’t expect them to do the hours they were doing before. We have regular catch ups with parents, asking if they’re happy with their hours. It’s all about flexibility and communication.
Historically, financial support on maternity leave hasn’t been great. Thankfully I’ve got family that will help look after my daughter. If I didn’t have them I don’t know what I would have done. I welcome the government’s free childcare allowance that will come into effect from April 2024. But we need more to help parents back into work.
Aside from the mental and financial aspects of returning to work postpartum, there are the physical aspects to consider too. Before I was pregnant I really focused on my strength, but now I haven’t got time to prioritise my physical health. Hairdressing is a physically demanding job and you need to look after yourself. I know that scheduling in time for myself will make me a better employer and parent, but when will I do that?