Well, this is new.

Hello, it’s Christina here. Wow! I cannot believe that I am actually finally starting a Poca and Pan blog. You know when you have a list of things to do (or a million lists) but there is always that one thing that gets pushed further and further down, then you start a new list entirely adding said item but know full well it’s just going to sit there for eternity? Well, creating a Poca and Pan blog was that thing. I’ve always wanted to do it; I know the importance of blogging and the benefits it can bring to us smaller businesses. However, it’s frightened me too. What will I write about? Will people care? How can I make it relevant to the brand?

I’m not a complete novice at blogging either. I’ve blogged in the past (way in the past) about mental health. I’ve blogged for companies I’ve worked for. So I don’t know where the sudden dread came from. We’ll see how it goes, yeah?

I think something has changed recently. A little rocket has been hypothetically shoved up my backside. I’m about to hit the third trimester of pregnancy and amongst all the baby prep (so much baby prep) I’ve had the sudden urge to do well by my unborn daughter. I’m not the “bread winner” in my relationship. I was fortunate enough to be in a position where I could leave my full time job to focus on this creative business and I had the funds through a previous house sale to support myself for a while. I also help to care for my Grandparents, which brings in some extra cash. However, IVF got the better of our bank accounts. Now I’m through the debilitating fog of treatment and I am more mentally stable, I’m focused on business building again. When our daughter arrives, of course, my focus will be her. But, if I can just build a little more in the run-up to baby landing, I’ll feel good knowing I’ve tried my best for us. My partner, Hollie, works incredibly hard to support our growing family and I am so grateful. She’s pretty epic.

That’s a bit of background. And, it wasn’t too hard to write – huzzah!

So, where do I want to go with this new blogging venture?

It might go down a few different paths to be honest. I’ll use it as a platform to show off our prints – especially showing them in your beautifully styled homes for decor inspiration. I love all things interior, so that should be fun! I’d also like to speak openly about current topics, especially feminist and inclusivity chat. If you’ve already browsed our prints then you’ll know we’re hot on empowering others and encouraging individuality. I might even rope Dr Hollie into writing some feminist theory based blogs, what do you think? Also it would be cool to invite some passionate guest bloggers to join, opening up the space to talk about queer theory, topics surrounding gender etc.

There will probably be a bit of real mum (and mum to be) chat too. Not just the nitty gritty of leaking nips and night time poonamis either. Maybe things like the societal pressures on children; the worries of being a good parent; are we raising them right? LGBTQ+ parenting. You get the idea. We’re really proud of how far we have come as a couple and all we have faced on our baby-making journey – so we will always shout about it in one way or another.

And just to be clear, there is no room for unkindness or judgement here. Ever. Nor is there in my life to be honest. I’ve spent too long worrying what others think of me. It’s an unhealthy place to live. And, over time I realised those that constantly feel the need to comment or pass judgement in a non constructive way, are unhappy themselves. I’m not here for that and neither is this blog. Good vibes only, as they say. I’m an open-minded person. Each to their own kinda soul with no space for bringing people down, negativity or old-fashioned bitchiness. No, thank you. Maybe I’ll do an actual post on this topic, clearly it’s sparked something.

I think I’ll leave it there. First blog, successfully written. Maybe I’ll have a decaffeinated coffee with sugar to celebrate. Because that and chomping on ice cubes is about as exciting as it gets at 27 weeks pregnant.

Thanks for reading. Or skimming. Or for just stopping by!

Love, Christina – Poca and Pan x