A Special Mother’s Day - 2024
1. What makes Mother's Day special to you personally?
Mothers day has always been a special day of the year. I can remember even before being a mother myself, I would get so excited for this special day celebrating my own mum. From cliché fluffy slippers, and home made scrap books reminding my mum how grateful I am for everything she does… its always been a big thing in my household.
I think Mothers day is a really nice day to say the things you don’t necessarily say to your mum/ mother figure and a day where you can show gratitude for all the mundane things that add up and equate to a beautiful and epic life. Now being a mother myself, I have a profound love and appreciation for my mum, and her mum and her mum and beyond but I also am SO proud of all of the epic mums that I have met through the experience of motherhood over the past 3 years!
Mothers day is a day to celebrate your own victories too. This year I am celebrating raising two little girls and running the business and ticking off goals I set at the end of last year… already! On another note, a major victory for me, learning to switch off and to spend time with my girls uninterrupted by emails, calls, builders asking about details that I know at the drop of a hat… I am embracing being in one place at one time and doing a good job at just that.
2. How do you manage your time effectively between being a mother to two young girls and running your interior design business?
I wish I had a definite response for this question. To tell you the truth, its ever evolving. As my kids get older and as my job list gets bigger, I am always learning and adapting to the changes of both.
I am forever wanting to be the best at both and I know some days it is impossible. The best way to manage my time at this current moment is to schedule EVERYTHING business wise. From Team WIPs, to client meetings, design time that is unhooked and serious business, to time to refresh our spotify playlist to refresh the studio and everyones vibe… it is all scheduled!
I also have a growing team now so things that don’t require me spending hours upon hours doing, I have my team support me so that I can allocate time to take Mila to soccer or Remi to her baby class!
A perk of running a business is evolving in every aspect at all times and making sure I can be there for the important moments of both family and business life. There are times that I will be emailing at all hours because I decided I needed some fresh air and went for a walk with the girls. I guess that is the trade off, the juggle, but also the beauty of it all.
3. Can you share any challenges you've faced while juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship and how you've overcome them?
T-I-R-E-D! In all honesty it is having the energy for an unruly day on the tools at work, and then starting my next ‘ shift’ with the girls at home. Some days I am at the top of my game, other days I’m texting my own mum to come and help wrangle the girls at bedtime. I have a very supportive partner who is a whiz at his own job and undoubtly the best girl dad in the world although some weeks he is travelling and I am always straight on the phone to get my grandmother or mum to pop over for extra hands. Without them, I would struggle when he is away!
I think like most things in life, having the right tribe around you is paramount for success and also JOY!
4. What advice would you give to other mothers who are entrepreneurs or aspiring business owners?
Work hard, come up with a business plan, be ready to do late nights and big days, but also get ready to never miss a moment with your family that is irreplaceable!
The trade off is all worth it in the end. Being able to pick up Mila from school or take the girls for a hot choc at our local café before or after work is a blessing. I love that every day we get to do something together and I love that the team know my girls and the madness and don’t even flinch if they hear a crying child in the background. They just talk over them so we can get stuff done! It’s humorous and amazing all at once.
5. What are your top 3 gifts to give your mum for Mother’s Day?
Selfishly I am soooo into a joint gift, heading to Crown for a day spa day with my mum would be wonderful. We’ve both had a lot on our plate lately so some TLC together would be heaven.
A beautiful Dinosaur Designs Vase in a super vibrant colour. We’ve just finished the dining room at my parents place and the room is neutral and ready for some funk with bright colours and unique pieces.
If you’ve met my Mum, you would almost picture her right in this moment wearing a pair of striking earrings. So without a doubt, I would definitely consider these Bottega Earrings
6. What inspired you to pursue a career in interior design, and how has motherhood influenced your approach to your work?
I have and always will be someone OBSESSED with how things look, how a space feels, all things design! From interiors to fashion, I have always been so invested and passionate! I studied design at UNSW Art and Design and from here I knew I wanted to create something for myself, and also design a life where I could have it all. It is beyond hardwork, but every day I feel so satisfied and accomplished. I am very proud of where we are!
7. Finally, how do you plan to celebrate Mother's Day this year?
This year I would love a sleep in! Followed by a morning at the park with my girls and Dan. I am almost 99.9% sure it will involve a picnic and chasing a three-year-old around the park. I wouldn’t have it any other way! Oh and If I’m picturing my perfect day, it would be sunny and I would spend at least a few minutes laying out on the grass with an iced latte in tow.
