CLAIRE BRISTON – MAMA OF TWO – BORN IN THE NORTH EAST, BASED IN THE NORTH WEST – 30 SOMETHING – 5 FOOT NOTHING
I AM Never, Ever concise.
HIYA!
As it says above ^, I’m Claire, also known as Judy Pink (long story). I’m Mama to Eli who is 7 and Edie who is 9 months. I have been with James for 16 years – we’re going for the Long Term Engagement thing tho (13 years and counting!). James and I met at college aged 16, both born in the North East, we now all live in the North West (Cheadle Hulme/Bramhall area of Greater Manchester / Cheshire).
Many moons ago, my career path started in Retail – working through store Visual Marketing & Styling roles . In 2008, we took a one-way journey from The North to The Big Smoke. I swapped a role in Buying & Merchandising (Arcadia) for eCommerce and Copywriting ( at AllSaints HQ, Spitalfields). Moving on from there, I found my passion in Digital Marketing, where I then progressed through Exec roles for AllSaints (Global Social Media Coordinator), Godiva and eBay UK & DE. However, I’ve recently changed career paths completely. I saw 2017 in with a brand new role as an Early Years Practitioner – splitting the working week between Pre-School Assistant (SEN & Mat Cover) and Support Assistant at an Infant School.
Writing though, has always been a passion of mine – heck I wanted to be an English Teacher-come Fashion Journalist at one stage (taking on a stint as a Fashion Writer at The Sunday Sun newspaper and Copywriter role at AllSaints). So now that my work/life balance is in order, my site can take my attention once again.
In 2012 I became a Mama, to Mr Eli. He was born with several medical conditions (more on that below and in OLD posts). Eli began his journey into the Education system in September 2016 – though, he’s one of the youngest in the school with his birthday being August. He’s cheeky, cheery and creative – very imaginative and loves his Art, LEGO, Dinosaurs & Space.
During August 2017 I miscarried our very much-wanted second child. We became the statistic – #iam1in4. The experience was heartbreaking – I continue to document our journey through my blog. You can read all posts here >>> Miscarriage & Me.
As of January 2019, I announced that we’re finally expecting again! You can read my Pregnancy Announcement, here.
Now we’re up to date and it’s the 8th week of LOCKDOWN here in the UK. Edie, our daughter, is 9 months old and already has the biggest attitude but and even bigger smile!
—
I am a huge champion of independent brands, especially those founded by parents. There’s something a little bit special about buying products from a family-run business; whether that be a Husband-and-Wife team or a Mum-Boss/Dad-Preneur. You’re not funding a corporate machine – you’re helping out real people. A real family. Allowing a family to continue to be creative, perhaps alongside that oh so frustrating restraint of ‘inflexible working’, putting food on the table and supporting the roof over their heads. And that feels really good. I’m also keen to find out how people juggle their work & family life. What helps? What doesn’t help?! Is life really as rosy as Instagram has us believe? I will soon have a ‘Never Concise // Chat’ series to dig a little deeper with some incredible creative families.
If you’re a new or established family-run brand, business or service, please do get in touch. I’d love to give you a big up in any way possible!
Follow me on Instagram for my latest updates: @JudyPink
LATEST EDIT: MAY 2020
—
Memoirs of Maternity was born in August 2011 after my other half and I decided that it was definitely time that we wanted to start our family. This blog documented the stresses and strains that came with my pregnancy. Our absolutely incredible darling boy, Mr Eli, was born on 6th August 2012. The day our lives changed forever. Mr Eli is completely one-of-a-kind. SUCH a character; such a happy little boy. I then went a little bit quiet as the throws of Motherhood quickly took over!
Mr Eli was born with two conditions, Talipes and Torticollis. I spoke about the Talipes during my pregnancy blogs. But the Torticollis was not diagnosed until Eli was 10 weeks old. I’m striving to raise awareness of both these conditions and would love to hear from those who have experience with them.
Expect to also find features on my other passions: Fashion, Design & Lifestyle… oh and the odd adventure from us and Mr Eli!
I absolutely love Mum and Baba brands, always on the look out for new start-up’s, so do give ma holler!
MM. x
Follow me on Instagram: @Claire_Briston
Dear Claire,
I’d love to get in touch with you to see if we can work together with some of our clients.
Very much looking forward to hearing back from you.
All my best,
Ruby
Hello Ruby,
Thank you for your message!
Please do email me – hello[at]memoirsofmaternity[dot]com
I look forward to hearing from you!
Claire.