In Part 3 of a series on female entrepreneurs in the Toronto fashion industry, photographer Belinda Barrocks talks about balancing her business, Kamshuka, with raising a family, being a role model to her children, and following her passion.

Laura: Why did you decide to go into business for yourself?

Belinda: When I was pregnant with my first son Matthias. I couldn't bear to put him into the daycare system as I built a business. I wanted to be with my children, to be involved in raising them.

L: What have been your challenges?

B: I now have two beautiful children and along this journey there have been some challenges: juggling the children's activities, school, and homework while building a business was one of them. Finding the balance between spending time with my children and balancing paperwork (is another).

L: What have been the rewards?

B: Seeing my children interact with their peers and in school makes me really proud that I was able to invest in their first years on this Earth.

L: What do you love about being an entrepreneur?

B: I love the freedom to make decisions and to possess the ability to change peoples' lives with my art. I love the fact that I can wake up, enjoy the mornings, and still have time to have a productive day.

L: Any drawbacks?

B: I do all my own paperwork and balancing. I am an all-around person, handling all my invoicing, receipts, deliveries, and sometimes my own calls.

L: Would you have a more conventional job if it weren't for family considerations?

B: No, I always wanted to be a business owner, to be creative as my call, and to be able to call the shots, literally!

L: What advice would you give other women on this path?

B: Follow the dreams you have: see it, do it, and conquer it. There is nothing you cannot do when you are determined. Your children will see your drive and someday, if not already, strive to be like you are. I find it truly rewarding to hear my son say that someday he wants to travel the world like me and explore new places. To open up their little minds to the world of possibilities is more than enough for me to get excited about.

L: Would you say entrepreneurship is especially beneficial to mothers?

B: Yes, for sure. Everything takes time and hard work. But it's worth it in the end to see the look on your children's faces every day, in and out of their growing up.