Tell us about your family. How many Kids?
I’m a mum of four, two boys aged 7 and 9, and two girls aged 3 and 5, so life is full in every sense of the word. It’s busy, loud, messy, beautiful and complete chaos. I genuinely thrive in that chaos and love it. I’d much rather a busy, loud house than a quiet one.
What’s the part of being a mum that fills you up the most?
The connection.
The small moments where they come to you, trust you and need you, that’s everything. I also love watching them together, seeing them smile, play and form their own little friendships as siblings.
That brings me so much joy and a real sense of comfort, knowing they’ll always have each other for life.
What’s one thing that genuinely helps you stay afloat in the day-to-day juggle?
Waking up early and getting to my 5:30am BFT class.
It’s definitely not natural for me because I’m not a morning person, but it’s become a real commitment and discipline. I’ve had to train myself to get there and now I love it.
It gives me that one hour that’s just mine. I train with a great group of girls and our conversations alone fill my cup. By the time I get home, I can have a quiet shower, get dressed, which I always love, and sit with my coffee before the kids wake up.
When they do wake up, I feel ready and present for them. That early start really sets the tone for my whole day and is what helps me stay afloat through the juggle.
How do you carve out space for career, motherhood, love, friends, and still find a moment for you?
I’m still figuring that out, honestly.
I try to work within the rhythm of my life, school hours and real moments, rather than against it.
It’s actually quite funny, I’m answering these questions right now while watching the kids play on a road trip, so multitasking is definitely part of it too.
I’m also really lucky to have a strong village around me. My parents, my parents-in-law, my husband and close friends all play a big role. That support makes a huge difference and allows me to find space where I can.
A dinner out and a good conversation really fills my cup and helps me reset. I’ve learnt that a moment for myself doesn’t have to be big. Sometimes it’s that, or simply a quiet coffee or putting on an outfit that makes me feel good.
Where do you find fashion that genuinely feels like you?
Everywhere, and I think that’s the key.
I always keep an open mind when I shop. I don’t stick to certain brands or shops.
I’ll look in every department of a store. I think that comes from my background in buying. I like to have a full scope of what’s out there.
Some of my favourite pieces have come from unexpected places. It’s that feeling of finding something great where you didn’t expect it that I love.
I also love op shops and boutiques. Boutiques have such a beautiful, curated mix of brands, and I love supporting smaller, independently owned businesses.
I’ve always been a bit of a chameleon with my style. I dress based on my mood and how I feel that day rather than sticking to one particular look.
For me, it’s never about one place. It’s about having an open mind and finding pieces that feel right for you.
What does living a healthy, grounded life look like in your world?
Nothing extreme.
It’s about being present, moving my body when I can, getting fresh air and not putting too much pressure on myself.
I’ve also always had a strong sense of what keeps me grounded. I lived overseas from the age of 13, and coming home has always brought me back to myself.
For me, it really comes back to family. Knowing where I’ve come from and appreciating what I’ve worked hard for is what keeps me centred.
When you think about balance, what does that actually mean to you in real life?
Balance to me is really about flexibility.
It’s never perfectly even and can lean more one way than another depending on what’s needed that day.
I’ve always been naturally inclined to think that way. I don’t tend to sweat the small stuff. And with four kids, trying to stick to a rigid structure just doesn’t work.
For me, it’s about being able to go with the flow and pivot when needed, whether that’s during the day, at night or throughout the week.
That flexibility allows me to show up as the best mum I can be, without putting pressure on myself to have everything perfectly balanced all the time.
What does your morning routine look like, honestly?
This is probably the most structured part of my day.
I’m up at 5:30am to get to the gym, which means I’m showered, dressed and able to enjoy a coffee in peace before the kids wake up.
After that, it’s straight into mum mode. Lunch boxes and snack boxes are definitely not for the faint-hearted. With four kids all wanting different things, it can easily take half an hour.
The kids are actually really good at getting themselves dressed. With four children, they’ve had to become quite independent, and I love that about them.
We keep their schedules on the fridge so they know exactly what they need each day, and I try to make them responsible for their own things wherever possible.
How do you wind down at night?
Once the kids are in bed, which is getting a little later now, especially with my nine-year-old, I’m pretty ready to wind down myself.
Because I’m up so early, I like to get into my pyjamas when they do so I can properly relax with them, do their reading and help settle them for the night.
One thing I do love though is my skincare routine. Taking my makeup off, cleansing, applying my serums and moisturiser. That little ritual really helps me switch off and feel calm before bed.
What’s something about you that would genuinely surprise people?
I grew up overseas, which I don’t think people always realise.
I lived in Germany from a young age, attended an international school, then studied Fashion Merchandising Management in London. After that, I lived and worked in both London and New York.
I didn’t move back to Melbourne until I was 25.
What’s a truth about yourself that took years to finally admit?
That I needed to do something for me, and that I was actually scared to start.
I’d always wanted to create Charlotte Styled It, but I held myself back for a long time. I worried about what people would think and compared myself to others who looked so polished and perfect.
At 45, something has definitely shifted. I don’t worry as much about what people think anymore. I know I’m not perfect, and I’m really embracing that.
There’s a real sense of relief in finally starting, and I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead.
What’s a single moment that quietly shifted the direction of your life?
When I was 12 and my parents told me we were moving from Adelaide to Germany.
Looking back, I think that was one of the first times I really trusted my instincts. I just knew it was going to be an adventure and a huge life change, and it completely shaped the direction of my life.
If we hadn’t made that move, I don’t think I would have gone on to study and work in London and New York.
What’s a mistake you’re genuinely grateful you made?
Trying to do everything perfectly for so long.
It actually held me back and stopped me from doing things.
Letting go of perfection and embracing who I really am has allowed me to take the next step and put myself out there.
What’s one boundary that completely changed your life?
Understanding that my time and energy matter too, and that it’s okay to protect them.
For me, that looks like my 5:30am gym class. That hour is non-negotiable. It’s my time to move, reset and start the day properly.
My husband and I both prioritise exercise, and we’ve learnt that looking after ourselves helps us show up better for everyone else.
What part of yourself do you judge the most?
Probably whether I’m doing enough.
As a mum, as a wife and now as someone building a business for myself.
I think that self-judgement comes from caring. I want to do everything well, and I’m learning to be a little kinder to myself in the process.
What’s something you pretend you don’t care about, but secretly do?
Wanting things to work.
Whether that’s my family, my relationship or Charlotte Styled It, I care deeply.
I might act relaxed about it, but the truth is I really want the things I care about to succeed and become something meaningful.
If you could live an entirely different life for a year, what would you choose?
I’d go back to Europe, back to Germany, and spend time in Italy as well.
That whole chapter of my life holds some of my most special memories and the thought of living it again, even for a year, brings up so much emotion.
What’s something that still feels uncomfortable, but you’re pushing yourself to do anyway?
Putting myself out there and building something publicly.
It doesn’t come naturally to me, but I know it’s worth it.
With Charlotte Styled It, I’m learning to show up consistently, even when it feels uncomfortable, and to back myself a little more each time.
When you think about your younger self, what do you wish she knew?
That everything works out in the end. It’s all about timing.
I’d also tell her not to question herself so much. To trust her ability and know that she is good enough.
What’s the hardest part of motherhood for you to admit out loud?
Probably how easy it is to lose yourself and your sense of identity, especially in those early years.
There’s such a huge shift when you become a mother, and for a while everything revolves around your children.
But there is a beautiful side to it all too. You do find yourself again. It just takes time.
I think the biggest thing is being patient and kind to yourself through that phase and trusting that you’ll come out the other side with an even stronger sense of who you are.
Turning Passion Into Purpose
After years of putting her family first, Charlotte is finally making space for something that’s entirely her own, sharing her love of fashion in a way that feels honest, achievable and true to the life she lives today.
What inspired you to start Charlotte Styled It?
It had been sitting with me for a long time.
I’ve always loved fashion. It’s been a huge part of my life and career. But becoming a mum changed my relationship with it.
Like so many women, I lost parts of myself in those early years. I had to rethink how I dressed through breastfeeding, body changes and the realities of motherhood. But even through all of that, putting outfits together was always something I loved.
Over time, I felt this pull to reconnect with that part of myself, but in a way that felt relevant to the life I’m living now.
I wanted to show fashion in a way that feels achievable. Not overly styled or perfect, but something that fits into everyday life, especially as a mum.
For a long time, I held myself back. I worried about what people would think and constantly compared myself to others. Eventually, something shifted and I realised I simply wanted to share what I genuinely love, getting dressed, styling outfits and showing the thought process behind what I wear.
Charlotte Styled It came from that place. A desire to create something honest, relatable and reflective of real life.
Can you share with us what’s next for Charlotte Styled It?
Right now, I’m taking it as it comes and genuinely enjoying the process.
I’m trying to put my best foot forward without putting too much pressure on myself because my family will always be my priority.
I want Charlotte Styled It to evolve naturally and reflect what I’m actually wearing day to day, and how fashion fits into my real life.
For me, it’s about people connecting with it and enjoying it, and then seeing where it goes from there.
Building a community of women and inspiring them to feel better and more confident about themselves in each phase of life.
Not about changing who they are, but helping them feel more confident in themselves.
What’s the most challenging thing about having your own business?
I’m still very much at the beginning, so there’s a lot of excitement around it.
I have so many ideas and it’s something I could easily work on around the clock. Even when I’m trying to fall asleep, my mind is thinking about new ideas or things I’d like to create.
The biggest challenge for me is setting boundaries and actually sticking to them.
Knowing when to switch off so it doesn’t take away from my family time or the other important parts of my life is something I’m still learning.
What’s the best thing about having your own business?
The autonomy.
Having control over what you create, how you spend your time and the direction you take.
It really does feel like the world is your oyster. There are so many possibilities, which is exciting, and it allows you to follow what feels right creatively.
For me, it’s also about building something that fits around my life and my family, rather than the other way around.
Having that flexibility, creative freedom and the opportunity to create something that genuinely feels like me is probably the best part.
To discover Charlotte Styled It, click here.
