How I Make It Work: Ann Marie Cregan, Buying Director for Primark Childrenswear

Ann Marie Cregan has over 20 years of experience in the world of luxury and fast-paced high street fashion, working for brands such as Brown Thomas and Primark. She is currently Buying Director for Primark Childrenswear and has recently been a part of its launch in the US and Italy. She is married to Garrett and has two gorgeous kids, Louis (8) and Maia (7). We asked her how she manages it all and this is what she said... My day starts off early as the morning is where I fit in my exercise so that I can maximize my time with kids in the evening. I run with the Primark running club at 6.45am on a Monday and have a personal training session at 7am on Wednesdays and Fridays. During the summer months, I walk in and out of work, clocking up an extra 18K. This all involves being super organized the night before by packing my kit bag and ensuring I have the right hair products on hand. When I am in Dublin, I like to be at my desk at 8.20am. A high-protein breakfast is a must and at Primark HQ, we have a fantastic range of fresh and healthy options at our Courtyard Café which I usually enjoy while catching up on priorities for the day ahead with my management team. Every day is different at Primark and I usually have a full diary which can involve setting product direction with my buying and design team, signing off on the next season ranges, holding meetings and video conferences with our very diverse international supply base. The days I love are where we get to celebrate the brand, like at our recent Primark Kids events in Dublin and Madrid. I also hold regular idea generation sessions with the junior members of my team and really relish the fresh thinking of the next generation. I leave the office just after 6pm and once in the door, I am straight into mum mode by helping with homework. At 7.30pm, we have a family meal and all four of us catch up on the day's news. Now that the kids are older, bedtime is less stressful and by 8.15pm, they are both tucked up in bed with their books. Of course, they are never too old for a goodnight kiss and tuck in. These are the moments where you can often get a little nugget of quality insight into what is on their little minds. Once the kids are settled, I am back to organization mode for the next day, packing kit bags and making packed lunches – my husband and I do this together and catch up a little along the way! By 9.15pm, I am upstairs and getting myself sorted for the next day. If I can fit it in, I watch some TV but it's lights out by 11pm. Penneys/Primark spring/summer collection The best thing about being a parent is feeling an unconditional love which is like no other. When you become a parent, you have to develop a super organized mindset to ensure everything runs smoothly and realize the world is no longer all about you. Having kids also changes your reference group and where you frequent – I often get my best inspiration for our Primark kids range from a trip to the playground or theme park or seeing how the Portuguese, French or Spanish dress their kids on holidays or for an occasion. My favourite thing to do with the kids is going for a walk in Phoenix Park on a Sunday morning. We feed the ducks and go off road to discover the deer. There is something so refreshing about being free from technology and commercial distractions, and enjoying nature and lots of fresh air. The words of wisdom that I would like my kids to grow up with are... develop a hard work ethic, finish what you start, and appreciate everything you have. The best piece of advice I ever received was "living to make yourself happy is the best thing you can do for those around you." One piece of advice that I would give to other mums would be to never delay starting your family because of your career. Have your kids, like me, close together if possible as it really does pay off in the longer term. Also, try not to feel too guilty about not always being there and remember that quality time is more important than quantity. Penneys/Primark spring/summer collection I have an incredibly supportive husband who is so patient and understanding. He works quite close to our home and drops kids to school in the morning. If there is a crisis, he can usually be there within minutes. I have a super nanny who collects the kids from school and brings them to various activities or plays dates. My mother-in-law lives nearby as well and is always on hand if we need her. I have also made some lovely friends through school and crèche and know that I have backup as well as a careful eye during the day if I am concerned about anything at all or people to alert me if the school is having a particular event that is really important to the kids. At the moment, the product I am loving is Charlotte Tilbury magic cream and Primark’s beauty blenders. These little beauties provide more coverage and a flawless finish. I also like to have a pack of Primark facial wipes on hand for any eventuality while out and about with kids or traveling with work. For the kids, I can't get enough of our Primark lightweight faux down jackets which are perfect in the unpredictable Irish climate! Heaven is… lying on a beach with blue oceans and white sands and a good book, knowing I do not have to schedule anything other than where we are going to eat later. Pure bliss.