Katie Moore is the Founder of Luxuread, a monthly book subscription box which sends customers a book, along with a beauty, lifestyle, or sweet treat.

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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?

My background is in paediatric nursing – I nursed for almost 10 years before I went on maternity leave with my first child.

Not long after I had my second child I had the idea for creating a regular delivery which would act as an incentive for busy women to take time out for themselves to relax and read a great book and so Luxuread was born.

2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

I start my day early – I’m up at 5AM each day to make sure I can fit an hour or so of work in, and get ready for the day before my children wake up; otherwise I feel like I’m behind the 8 ball all day!

A recent workday I had was: up at 5AM, 8AM swimming lessons for both my children, race home to shower and change them. I then dropped them at my friend’s house so I could go to a 10AM meeting about a local collaboration I’ve been working on, picked them up at midday and took them home for lunch and to get dinner on the stove (tagliatelle ragu – a family favourite, although it takes 3 hours to cook).

While the kids had some down time while eating their lunch, I finalised a few book selections. Publishing dates have been pushed back due to COVID-19, so there’s been some last-minute shuffling to do with our books.

Following that, I played with the kids until the evening routine started. The kids are usually in bed by 7, and I try not to do too much work after dinner, just so I can have some downtime.

3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working?

I’m able to be very flexible, and running my business from home means I’m able to work around my family commitments.

My husband is an accountant, so he manages all of Luxuread’s finances, and we work really well as a team. My son and daughter love helping me pack boxes, although I’m not too sure how helpful they really are – they just love being involved in any capacity.

4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?

I find it fairly easy for the scale to tip each way, so it’s something that I always need to monitor.

By rising earlier in the mornings now, I manage to get enough work done so that I don’t always have to sit down at the computer again until later in the day, when my children are playing together and don’t notice I’ve crept away.

5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?

Getting up at 5AM has definitely been a game changer. Being able to get a head start on your day is such a great way to kick things off.

6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?

I’ve had a run of really great biographies lately, and I’m currently making my way through The Cartiers, by Francesca Cartier Brickell, which is brilliant. I always enjoy the Lady-Land podcasts, by Lady-Brains, featuring the stories of female founders and entrepreneurs.

7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?

Asana is a lifesaver – it keeps track of all our projects in Luxuread, Luxuread Kids, as well as our day-to-day lives. I also could not live without my AirPods – having wireless earphones means I can listen to podcasts, audiobooks and take calls completely handsfree with no hassle of cords.

8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?

That’s a really tricky one to narrow down! I love to read and listen to interviews with a range of entrepreneurs, especially mums who have grown businesses and juggled that balance.

I think it’s a really tough balance to strike, so if you can do it, or if even you can be really candid about how you’re out there doing your best, I’m going to listen to that and draw inspiration.

9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

There’s always such a struggle to get the balance right, and you really just need to make it right for you. Do what you feel is comfortable, and adjust it according to how you and those around you react to it.

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