A Life in Seasons: Motherhood, Work, and Letting Go of Perfection

Courtney McIntosh, founder of The Inarra, on motherhood, work, and living with intention

Tell us about your family. How Many Kids?

I’m a mum to two beautiful boys, Johnny and Alfie, and our beautiful baby girl, Mila. The boys are close in age but completely different in temperament, each in their own unique way, and they shape my days in ways that are both grounding and chaotic — now joined by Mila.

Motherhood has stretched me more than anything else in my life, but it’s also softened me.

Our family life isn’t loud or flashy — it’s very real, very full, and very anchored in love.

What’s the part of being a mum that fills you up the most?

Witnessing who my children are becoming. Watching their personalities unfold, seeing their empathy and little worlds grow, hearing the way they talk to each other and to my husband and me. It’s all so special, and their curiosity and innocence just make my heart melt. Those moments fill me in a way nothing else can. It’s humbling to realise you’re shaping someone’s inner world just by how you show up.

What’s one thing that genuinely helps you stay afloat in the day-to-day juggle?

Lowering the bar and letting go of perfection. Also accepting that some days are about presence, not productivity.

How do you carve put space for career, motherhood, love, friends, and still find a moment for you?

I don’t think I “carve” space so much as constantly re-prioritise. It’s seasonal.

Some weeks career takes the lead, other weeks motherhood does.

I’ve learned to stop aiming for balance every single day and instead look at balance across time.

Where do you find fashion that genuinely feels like you?

I’ve always loved fashion and collected pieces over time that feel timeless.

I’m drawn to smaller, women-founded brands that create beautiful pieces made to last, rather than chasing trends.

I use Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration, then build slowly on what I already own. Day to day, everything has to be practical, but still make you feel good.

What does living a healthy, grounded life look like in your world?

It’s simple, not rigid. Enough sleep where possible, nourishing food without guilt, movement that feels supportive rather than punishing, and emotional honesty. Being grounded for me means listening to my body instead of overriding it.

How do you keep your body moving in a way that feels realistic and sustainable?

I choose movement that fits into my life rather than asking my life to fit around it. Walking, Pilates, stretching, gentle strength work. Consistency over intensity, always. Some weeks are far better than others — take the wins when they come!

What’s one non-negotiable that keeps your mind and body well?

Time alone. Even if it’s brief. Quiet, uninterrupted space to think or do nothing at all is essential for me.

When you think of ‘balance’, what does that actually mean to you in real life? 

Balance isn’t equal. It’s responsive. It’s knowing when to push and when to rest, and trusting yourself to adjust without guilt.

What does your morning routine look like, honestly?

At the moment, I’m adjusting to life after pregnancy, so some mornings can still feel heavy. I’m very lucky that my two little boys are gentle and don’t demand a lot from me.

I’m really conscious that my energy sets the tone for our home, so even during the school routine I try to keep things cool, calm, and collected so they start the day feeling settled too.

The morning rush is never easy for anyone, and I make a point of not looking at emails until they’re both at school.

How do you wind down at night? What does your evening routine look like?

I’m not a night owl at all, and by around 8:30pm I’m usually exhausted.

Winding down looks like getting the kids bathed, fed, and settled, doing a quick tidy and reset of the house so we don’t wake up to mess, and reading with them before bed.

More often than not, I head to bed soon after. If I have a little energy left, I’ll make a cup of tea and read a few chapters of my book — that feels like a luxury in this season.

What’s something about you that would genuinely surprise people?

I’m far more introverted than people assume. I need solitude to recharge, even though my work is outward-facing.

What’s a truth about yourself that took you years to finally admit?

That I don’t have to do everything alone to prove my strength

When do you feel most like the truest version of you?

When I’m writing, creating, or in deep conversation that really moves me.

What’s a single moment that quietly shifted the direction of your life? 

Becoming a mother. It redefined my values, my ambition, and my career. It really changed the way I want to spend my time.

What’s a mistake you’re genuinely grateful you made?

Saying yes too often early on. It taught me discernment and the value of boundaries.

What’s one boundary that completely changed your life?

Protecting my time and learning to say no, and letting go of people-pleasing, changed my energy, my focus, and ultimately my relationships. It allowed me to show up more present and more honest, without feeling stretched or resentful.

What part of yourself do you judge the most (if you do), and why?

My productivity and success. I still equate worth with output at times, even though I know better.

What’s something you pretend you don’t care about, but secretly do? 

Being perceived as capable. I care more than I like to admit.

What’s something about you that people would never guess?

Possibly that I’m deeply sentimental. I keep letters, photos, and small mementos tied to emotional moments.

If you could live an entirely different life for a year, what would you choose?

A year with my family immersed in a new culture and learning a new language together.

Living somewhere by the sea, drenched in sun, with fewer obligations and more space to simply be.

Italy feels pretty perfect — slow days, shared meals, and creating memories with the people I love most.

What’s something that still feels uncomfortable, but you’re pushing yourself to do anyway?

Allowing myself to be seen and trusting that I don’t need to over-explain or soften who I am to be accepted.

What’s a version of yourself you’re trying to become?

Someone who trusts her intuition fully and rests without guilt.

When you think about your younger self, what do you wish she knew?

That she doesn’t need to rush becoming anything. Everything unfolds when it’s meant to.

What’s the hardest part of motherhood for you to admit out loud?

That it can feel lonely, even when you’re surrounded by love.

What’s a small joy that gets you through this season of life?

Early mornings before the house wakes up. That level of quiet feels sacred. Being pregnant, I haven’t had the energy to get up early as often as I’d like to, but I’m excited for this to become part of my routine again once postpartum softens.

The 5 things in your bag you can’t leave home without:

  1. My phone
  2. Fragrance — Thé Noir by Le Labo
  3. My laptop
  4. Sunglasses — I rotate Palme sunglasses, a beautiful brand created by a local mum
  5. My Frank Green water bottle

Visit, Buy, Do

Visit: Sardinia — we’re planning to be there later this year for summer, and I can’t wait.

Buy: House interiors. We’re about to move into a new home that we’ll renovate, and I can’t wait to get stuck into sourcing.

Do: Take up a weekly dance class with my best friend. Once I’m out of postpartum, this is at the top of my list.

What inspired you to start The Inarra?

A desire to create a space that reflected real motherhood — something thoughtful, layered, and honest, with style at its core and at the forefront of everything we do.

I wanted to build something that inspired women but also made them feel held and seen.

A place that supported women through different stages of life without asking them to shrink, perform, or fit into a version of motherhood that didn’t feel true.

What has been the biggest challenge?

Sustaining momentum and wearing all the hats of a business while honouring motherhood. Learning how to grow without burning out.

Have you had moments where you’ve wanted to give up?

Yes, absolutely. Having any business is not easy.

During moments of exhaustion and self-doubt, imposter syndrome can really creep in.

But those moments always pass, and clarity always returns. I’ve come to learn it’s part of the process and makes the wins that much sweeter.

When did you realise it was going to be a success?

When women started telling me they felt seen and how much it resonated. That mattered more than numbers.

Have you had to make any changes to The Inarra since becoming a mum?

The Inarra began after I became a mum, so I don’t know a world where the two don’t coexist. However, you absolutely make changes around how you work.

I work more intentionally, protect my time, and build flexibility into everything.

If work plans fall away unexpectedly due to a sick child or unforeseen circumstance, you learn to go with it and trust that tomorrow is a new day.

Can you share what’s coming up for The Inarra?

Continued evolution — deeper storytelling, meaningful partnerships I’m so excited about, and a very exciting new platform that genuinely supports working mothers.

Any advice for someone wanting to start a business?

Start before you feel ready.

Stay connected to your “why.” Build something that supports your life, not consumes it.

The most important thing is to just start and let momentum build and carry you. The only thing you’ll ever regret is not starting.

Discover The Inarra here.