Tell us about your family.
Two kids: Luca, who is 12, and Olive, who is 9.
Tell us about your work.
I help my husband, who’s a builder, with admin. I also consult on offshore production for small fashion businesses, work at our local bookshop on Fridays, and run my own online fashion brand, Textili Kaftans, where I sell embroidered kaftans.
What’s the part of being a mum that fills you up the most?
The simple moments of being at home and just hanging out together.
What’s one thing that genuinely helps you stay afloat in the day-to-day juggle?
Lists! I have so many lists going on all the time… maybe too many.
How do you carve out space for career, motherhood, love, friends, and still find a moment for you?
Having both kids at school makes a huge difference, though I still feel like I’m never truly on top of everything. Going for walks up to the Bluff in Barwon Heads is my favourite way to unwind — either listening to an audiobook or walking with a girlfriend so we can catch up. Both are equally satisfying.
Where do you find fashion that genuinely feels like you?
I’m a Depop gal. I love how the algorithm shows you brands you’ve never heard of based on what you search, and it’s such a great way to find designer pieces for a fraction of the cost.
What does living a healthy, grounded life look like in your world?
Cooking. I love cooking for my family. We’re all foodies, so I get a lot of satisfaction from making meals everyone loves.
Sometimes I get a bit carried away and we end up with a three-course meal on a Tuesday night — but I love it. I don’t love the mess, but luckily my husband Tom doesn’t mind doing the dishes.
How do you keep your body moving in a way that feels realistic and sustainable?
Getting up very early to do the 6am Pilates class or a Bluff walk. If I don’t do it then, I won’t do it.
What’s one non-negotiable that keeps your mind and body well?
Eating well, exercise, me-time, and chocolate every day.
When you think of ‘balance’, what does that actually mean to you in real life?
I’m a Libran, so I’m all about balance. I can feel it immediately when I start leaning too far into too much of anything.
What does your morning routine honestly look like?
Exercise, lunch boxes, and then mostly yelling at the kids to get out of bed and out the door.
How do you wind down at night?
I need to read — it’s my ultimate unwinding tool.
What’s something about you that would genuinely surprise people?
I can easily not leave the house for days. If I didn’t have a family, I think I could be a hermit.
What’s a truth about yourself that took you years to finally admit?
Wine is not my friend.
When do you feel most like the truest version of you?
At home with my family.
What’s a single moment that quietly shifted the direction of your life?
Moving from Melbourne to Barwon Heads in 2010.
What’s a mistake you’re genuinely grateful you made?
I can’t think of a mistake I’m glad I made, but I’ve definitely made mistakes when it comes to being clear about my boundaries in my consulting work. I’ve learned that you can’t assume anything—everyone has different expectations.
Having the tough conversations early in the relationship is essential, and that’s something I learned the hard way.
I’ve also learned to value my time and experience and to charge appropriately.
What’s one boundary that completely changed your life?
Having kids has made me more resilient in standing up for myself and my decisions. I want to show them that they can do the same.
Also, knowing when to say no — and being content with it.
What part of yourself do you judge the most, and why?
Overthinking. I go round and round on things and exhaust myself. I eventually work through whatever it is and move on, so I guess it’s therapeutic — but it can be tiring.
What’s something you pretend you don’t care about, but secretly do?
I’m terrible at regular appointments and looking after my skin and hair, and I have no idea how to apply makeup.
I pretend not to care because it’s easier, but I do wish I’d taken better care of my skin over the years (less sun exposure!) and knew how to do a simple makeup look.
What’s something about you that people would never guess?
I love reality TV. It feels like a holiday for my brain.
If you could live an entirely different life for a year, what would you choose?
I love the idea of living overseas with the kids and fully immersing ourselves in a different culture.
What’s something that still feels uncomfortable, but you’re pushing yourself to do anyway?
Social media — being the face of Textili and sharing myself online.
What’s a version of yourself you’re trying to become?
More confident in my work.
When you think about your younger self, what do you wish she knew?
That in true friendships, the give and take is equal.
What’s the hardest part of motherhood for you to admit out loud?
It’s non-stop — from the minute you wake up to the moment you go to sleep.
If you’re not physically doing things for them, you’re mentally planning, considering, or worrying about them.
What’s a small joy that gets you through this season of life?
Cheese and friends.
Visit, Buy, Do
If you could visit anywhere, buy anything, and do something just for you, what would they be?
I went to New York years ago and would love to go back with my husband. I’d eat everything, shop all day, and go to every art gallery and show at night. That’s our plan one day.
Chantelle’s Textili Kaftan Picks
Mini Classic Kaftan – Rosewood Tie Dye
Midi Classic Kaftan – Cactus
Handwoven Belts – Extra Long
Maxi Kaftan – Crepe
