Eve Gunson is a Mum of 3, Interior Designer and a Content Creator behind Dot+Pop.

Can you tell us a little about your family?

We’re a family of five; myself, my husband, and our three beautiful, wild little ones. Two boys, Patterson (6) and Ted (3), and our baby girl, Dottie. There’s usually a renovation happening in the background too, so you could say chaos is our sixth family member.

Adjusting to motherhood…

Slowing down. Before kids, I was all about the hustle, running my design business in inner-city Melbourne, ticking off to-do lists. But motherhood doesn’t work to a schedule.

I had to learn to let go of control, rethink productivity, and embrace the idea that some days, keeping everyone alive is a big enough win.

How do you manage the juggle?

I don’t, not really. I prioritise what matters each day. Some days I’m all work mode, others I’m covered in baby vomit and forgetting to defrost dinner. I’ve let go of perfection. Help is essential. So is letting the house be messy (still working on that!). No one is doing it all, we just don’t see the behind-the-scenes.

The best thing about motherhood?

The little moments – cuddles, belly laughs, the “I love you, Mum”s. Watching them become their own people and knowing I get to be part of shaping their world is magic.

The biggest challenge?

The mental load. It’s never just nappies and nap schedules. It’s the constant, never-ending list in your head. Who needs what, what’s for dinner, birthday party RSVPs, have we got enough wipes – it’s a full-time job in itself.

The biggest surprise of motherhood?

How much you can love and still feel completely touched out. The emotional contradiction of motherhood is wild. You crave space and quiet, then miss them the second they’re asleep. It’s the most intense, beautiful rollercoaster.

What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?

That it’s okay to lose bits of yourself and that they come back, slowly, and often better.

You don’t bounce back, you rebuild. And the version of you on the other side is softer, stronger, and far more patient (most days).

Any advice to your past self or new mums?

Let go of the pressure to be everything to everyone. You’re doing enough. You are enough. And no one else actually has it all together – even if Instagram says otherwise. Find what works for your family and trust yourself.

Any tips to manage the day-to-day juggle?

Batch cooking when I can, shared calendars with my partner, and outsourcing what I can’t mentally carry anymore (hello, grocery delivery). Also my mum friends are my therapy. And knowing that some days will be a write-off, and that’s okay too.

How do you manage your time across career, parenting, and everything else?

I don’t. I fit in what I can, when I can. I work during nap times, school hours, or after bedtime.

I’m constantly adjusting based on who needs me most – my kids, my clients, or myself. There’s no perfect balance, just a constant

Who is in your village?

My husband, who’s hands-on and all-in. My parents and my in-laws are interstate – so we don’t have that built in support of grandparents close by. My close circle of girlfriends are always there for me, especially the ones who understand the reality of motherhood and don’t flinch at a 6am vent. Also… caffeine. Not a person, but essential.

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

1. Mecca Lip De-Luscious SPF 25 Lip Balm
   Hydrating, glossy and protective –  it’s my holy grail. I’ve got one in every bag, car, and drawer. The subtle pink tint is perfect for looking half-put-together when I’m running errands..
2. Status Anxiety ‘Vixen’ Sunglasses
   My go-to for elevating any outfit (even if I’m wearing bike shorts and a mum bun). They’re flattering, modern, and somehow make me feel like I’ve got it together.
3. Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist SPF50
   Because… Noosa. I’m in the sun constantly – whether it’s park runs, school pick-ups or site visits – this mist is a lifesaver. It goes over makeup, feels like nothing, and keeps my face protected all day.
4. Avenue the Label ‘Izzy’ Sunhat
   Stylish and practical. I love that you can roll it up in your bag without destroying it – essential when you’re juggling kids, beach bags, or both. It’s my ultimate sun-safe hack that still looks pulled-together.
5. A Bunnie Caddie Nappy Wallet (yes, even with baby #3)
   It’s compact, cute and doesn’t scream “mum bag.” I keep wipes, nappies, and a change of clothes tucked inside because someone’s always spilling, leaking, or melting down. Bonus points for actually looking chic in your tote.

Your favourite holiday spot?

The Bahamas — specifically Great Exuma Island. This was our pre-kids favourite… the kind of trip where the only thing on the agenda was beach, book, cocktail, repeat. We went in 2017 and it’s still one of our favourite holidays ever. We stayed at Sandals Emerald Bay, which felt like effortless, barefoot luxury. But the real magic was Stocking Island – crystal-clear water, secluded beaches, and that untouched, secret-paradise feel. We first visited in our twenties, and I still remember thinking, how is this place even real.

Why do you love it?

It was slow and simple in the best way. The colour of the water, the warmth of the people, the chance to fully switch off – it was the kind of trip that leaves a mark and becomes your forever benchmark for “relaxation.”

Next stop on your travel wish-list?

Greece. It’s one place we didn’t get to before kids and we talk about it all the time – the whitewashed buildings, the food, the history, the views. It’s firmly on the list for a family adventure now –  less island-hopping with cocktails, more beach days with snacks and naps. But still… the dream.

Your favourite brand?

DISSH – hands-down. Their tonal separates make getting dressed feel effortless but elevated. I love that everything feels wearable for day-to-day mum life, but still polished enough for meetings, shoots or dinners out. It’s the perfect balance of minimal, modern, and flattering.

Trend you’re loving?

Tonal dressing – neutrals on neutrals forever. Whether it’s a matching linen set or mixing creams and camels, it always looks considered (even if you got dressed in five minutes between school drop-off and emails).

Trend you can’t get on board with?

Low-rise jeans. I lived through it once in the early 2000s –  never again. Let the high-waist reign.

Latest brand discovery?

Posse – I’m loving their structured silhouettes and timeless pieces. Everything feels refined and romantic but still relaxed enough to actually wear. It’s that kind of “quiet luxury” vibe that doesn’t try too hard..

Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?

Online, between baby naps or while waiting in the school pick-up line. Mostly from DISSH, Kivari, Assembly Label and random targeted Instagram Ads! Pieces that mix and match easily, look chic, and survive mum life.

Your non-negotiables for health and wellness?

Water (obsessed with having Mini & Me Hydramamma in my water for extra hydration). Sleep (or at least trying).

Movement that feels good – not punishing.

And carving out time where I can actually hear myself think, even if it’s just 10 minutes with a coffee on the deck. 

What does balance mean to you?

Balance used to mean doing it all. Now it means doing what matters, when it matters, and letting the rest go. Some seasons are for thriving, some are just about surviving – and both are okay.