Throw in a global pandemic and staying at home being the most important person to those who need you the most can lead to countless hours watching children's TV or creating those craft sessions which will only be used for not even half the time it took to set them up.

Ararat mother Ash Bell sold her business during the first half of 2020 to take on a full-time Mum role for children Toby, seven months, and Ava, two.

After staying home for more than 12 months, Ms Bell wanted to spend some downtime doing something that would give her daily mental stimulation (outside of navigating a two-year-old's personality), and satisfy her wanting to re-engage with the community - something she has missed over the course of the pandemic.

And so, The Christmas Directory was born.

"I wanted to donate some time and help local businesses that have been affected by COVID this year and last," Ms Bell said.

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"I've put together an Instagram page with featured stories for businesses of all types on a page where everything that's available in Ararat can be viewed in the one place."

Ms Bell said she was "a bit nervous" to put herself out there and worried people might not be interested.

"So far it's been really really well received," she said.

"I've been getting a lot of messages of thanks.

"Through the Instagram page, I've been putting together story highlights of different businesses in Ararat that people can browse through.

"I want to fill my knowledge of also what businesses in Ararat have to offer so people can send me a message and say 'hey, I need this'.

"It's all about connecting the community together and really promote that local shopping. Hopefully, most people in the area can find what they are looking for, for Christmas presents, right here in Ararat."

Ms Bell said as a past business owner she understood the challenges businesses faced.

"Especially after the last 18 months with the COVID-19 pandemic," she said.

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"A lot of people don't have the resources to promote themselves - it is often the first thing that goes when you look at business costs and time.

"Obviously there are ways to do some promotion which this doesn't replace that.

"If I can help out in some way then that's all I hope."

Ms Bell said she was also working on an online magazine, depending on how much spare time she has.

"I'm not an expert in any social media or advertising, simply just wanting to try and help in any way in my spare time," she said. "As a business owner, I would have loved to have something like the Instagram page to help promote my business.

"I did enjoy the advertising side of things when I had my business so I'm glad I could find something I enjoy while still being at home with my children."

Ms Bell said she has enjoyed keeping busy as the messages have started coming in.

"It's something for me to focus on that's for me, and doesn't have anything to do with the kids," she said. "It has been a struggle and I know other Mum's would be feeling the same as well. I'm hoping that the idea grows and I can put a call out to any other Mum's who would like to join in and help to give back to the community."

To reach out and find out more Ms Bell can be contacted via thechristmasdirectory@outlook.com.

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