Building, balancing and becoming: My journey through business, motherhood and self-care
Hi fellow Mobsters, My name is Fauzia. I'm a GP and skin specialist, founder of The Derma Dr and proud mum, this is my story.
Dr. Fauzia Arif, a doctor for over 15 years as an NHS GP and founder of The Derma Dr, an aesthetic clinic helping people look and feel good in their skin, inside and out. here she is at a Big MOB Mum Meetup in Walthamstow
Building a business around family, flexibility and fulfillment
When I decided to start my skin health and wellness business, it wasn’t just about offering great skin treatments. It was to create a life that worked for my family.I have been a doctor for over 15 years and work as an NHS GP. While I loved helping people, I knew deep down that the lifestyle wouldn’t align with the future I wanted. The long hours, limited flexibility and constant juggling just didn’t fit with my dream of starting a family, especially with no immediate family nearby to help during school holidays or last-minute childcare changes.I wanted something that would allow me to grow, challenge myself and build something meaningful yet still be there for the little moments that matter most. And that’s how my skin health and wellness business was born.Motherhood has shaped everything
When you’re balancing work and family, you learn quickly that time is your most precious resource.It’s not about doing everything, it’s about prioritising. With the right mindset, boundaries and a little grace for yourself on the harder days, you can be a present parent and build something successful. Progress, not perfection. That’s the real secret.There are days when I feel stretched, but I remind myself that building a life I love means showing my kids what’s possible when you follow your purpose.A few things that have helped me manage both worlds:
Boundaries are your best friend. Protect your work time and your family time fiercely.Ask for help without guilt. You don’t have to do it all.Celebrate small wins. They add up, and they matter.
Creating flexibility without losing focus
One of the biggest blessings of running my own business is the flexibility. Being able to plan my work around my family’s needs, school runs, and the unpredictable rhythm of motherhood has made all the difference.But flexibility shouldn’t mean chaos. It’s about designing systems that support you, not drain you. I time block to do things in 15-30 minute intervals, have weekly planning sessions and batch tasks like social media to help create structure to my week.Building the dream
When I first started my business, I thought “balance” meant giving everything equal attention. What I’ve come to realise is that balance is more like rhythm. Some days you’re all in on the business, some days your family needs you more, and others, you simply need to rest.Building something meaningful takes patience. My biggest advice for anyone starting out is this:Start before you feel ready. The perfect moment doesn’t exist. You learn by doing.Stay curious and keep evolving. What you start with might not be where you end up.Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty. Growth takes time.
Skin, self-care & showing up
Skin health and wellness are not just what I promote, they’re what I live. I believe that when you feel good in your skin, you show up better for yourself, your family and your goals.Skin has an uncanny way of revealing how well you’re looking after yourself. I’ve learned that great skin isn’t just about the products; it’s about lifestyle, consistency and mindset.Here are a few tips that make a big difference for me:Hydration, inside and out. Water, sleep and a good hydrating serum go a long way.Sunscreen every single day. Even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors.Health and nutrition. Eat a balanced, healthy diet, exercise five minutes daily and take good quality collagen supplements.Keep it simple. You don’t need a 10-step routine. Cleanse, treat, moisturise, protect.Manage stress. It shows up on your skin. Mindfulness, breathwork, gratitude journal or even five minutes of quiet can reset your body and your mind.Treat self-care as a daily discipline, not a luxury. When you pour into yourself, you have more to give to everyone else.
Go for it, and be kind to yourself
Starting my business was never just about skincare, it was about creating freedom, flexibility and fulfillment. It’s about showing my children that it’s possible to build something beautiful from the ground up, even when the odds feel stacked against you.So, give yourself grace. Keep learning. Stay kind to yourself. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present. To every mum or woman dreaming of a business that fits her life, go for it. You already have everything it takes.