How raising kids young gave Natalie Lukaitis a head start on the life she always dreamed of.

Can you tell us a little about you and your family:

I’ve been married for 22 years and we have two adult children – our son is 21 and our daughter is 19.

Adjusting to motherhood..

I became a mum just after my 18th birthday, so the adjustment wasn’t just big, it was life-altering. While most of my friends were off living their best post-high school lives – partying, travelling, starting careers – I was learning how to care for a tiny human.

But I was lucky. My husband has always been incredibly hands-on, we’ve raised our kids 50/50 from the beginning. And both of our families were so supportive, which made all the difference. It was a huge shift, but we had a village around us. That helped so much.

How do you manage the juggle?

Honestly? These days I don’t have to juggle nearly as much, and that’s one of the unexpected blessings of having kids young. Now that they’re older, I’ve been able to focus on my career—and some incredible opportunities have come my way because of that.

But in the early days? Total chaos. I was breastfeeding during uni lectures, raising toddlers, and trying to build a career. I remember interning at a major magazine in the UK with no family support nearby… I didn’t want to let anyone down, so I’d do a full day’s work for free (intern life!), then throw on my runners and sprint 30 minutes to after-school care. I turned it into my workout just to make it feel like less of a chore. That’s kind of been my theme—finding silver linings wherever I can.

The best thing about motherhood?

Sharing life with people you can’t imagine the world without. All of my best moments have my kids in them—and yes, a few of the worst ones too! But truly, being a parent is such a privilege. These little humans didn’t ask to be here, so I feel like it’s our responsibility to show up as our best selves. And the fact they make me want to be better every day? That’s a gift.

The biggest challenge?

Worry – without a doubt. The moment my kids were born, I knew I’d spend the rest of my life worrying about them. Their safety, their future, their health, their happiness… all of it.

“It’s like I feel every emotion they feel; if they’re hurting, I hurt. If they’re anxious, I carry that too. No one really warns you about the emotional load of parenting. You don’t just live your own feelings anymore, you live theirs too. It can be overwhelming.”

But when they’re happy, safe and thriving? There’s no better feeling. It’s this deep, quiet peace that’s hard to put into words.

The biggest surprise?

Realising who my true friends were. A lot of people fell away when I became a mum—especially so young. But the ones who stuck around? They became like family. I still hold those friendships really close.

What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?

How little sleep you actually get! I mean, I knew babies woke up a lot… but I didn’t realise I’d still be tired five years later. Nothing prepares you for that kind of exhaustion.

Any advice to a new mum or soon-to-be-mum?

Soak it all in. Stop and watch them. Really see them. Even when your to-do list is screaming at you – pause. The little quirks, the funny questions, the way they mispronounce words – it’s all gone in a flash. Be present. You won’t regret it.

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

Say yes to help. If a friend offers to babysit – take them up on it. I’m now in the season where I’m the one offering, and I demand my friends take the night off and go spend time with their partners. Your village is there – use it!

How do you manage your time?

Your priorities shift as your kids grow. I used to panic that if I focused too much on being a mum, my career would never happen. But it did. It just happened when it was meant to. There’s no perfect timeline or ‘right’ way to do any of this. The time you choose will be your time – and that’s what makes it right.

Who is in your village?

My husband. Always my husband. We’ve been best friends since we were 12, and we can communicate with just a look. He’s my village. We’ve always made each other a priority – and that’s something I tell all my friends: don’t forget why you chose each other. Your kids will grow up and find their own people… but you started this together. Keep choosing each other, always.

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

1. Lisa Eldridge Sculpt and Shade Lip Pencil in 2C – It’s like a foundation for your lips, bringing back natural colour in the most flattering way.
2. Lisa Eldridge Baume Embrace in Épanoui – The best lip balm I’ve ever used. Hydrating, luxe, and it actually works.
3. My phone – Obvious, but essential. I feel like I’m missing a limb without it.
4. Mini Baccarat Rouge – My signature scent for the past seven years. I always carry the travel size—it’s confidence in a bottle.
5. Chanel Hand Cream – The shape is genius, the formula is divine, and it smells like heaven.

Your favourite holiday spot?

Formentera. We always said we’d never holiday in the same place twice – until we visited about eight or nine years ago when the kids were little. We were completely hooked. Now we go as often as we can… so much so, we bought a house there last year for easy weekend escapes. It’s like my husband’s and my entire personality and spiritual wellbeing wrapped into one place. We’re hippies at heart – but with a taste for the finer things in life!

Next on the travel list?

We’re heading on a music tour from Nashville to New Orleans later this year, and I’m so excited! I absolutely love live music and can’t wait to experience that iconic musical trail.

Your favourite brand?

Sézane – Great quality, effortless cuts, and just so easy to wear.
Also Jacquemus—not just for the designs, but because I think he’s a genius. He’s doing what the big fashion houses have struggled to do in recent years.
And of course, CHANEL—it was my home for four years, and I’m a loyal girl!

I mostly shop on Net-a-Porter and Matches Fashion – but if the sun’s out, nothing beats a good old-fashioned in-store browse.

Trends; loving/hating?

I can’t get on board with florals and floaty stuff. It’s just not me.

But, suits? Love them! The bigger, the better!

Latest brand discovery?

Grace Ling – For beautifully tailored, dressy suits.

A healthy lifestyle means…

Doing things that make you – and the people around you – feel happy and content. A good mindset is everything. You need the determination to create it, and that starts with getting your head in the right place.

How do you keep your body moving?

Spin, reformer Pilates, and lots of walking – I  walk pretty much everywhere. My car’s only done about 3,000 miles in four years! My husband and I also surf together at The Wave in Bristol sometimes, which is a fun way to shake things up.

Your top tips for living a healthy lifestyle?

1. Make time—and stick to it – Whether it’s a workout, date night, or a day out with the kids, schedule it in and commit.
2. Embrace spontaneity – A little last-minute fun can do wonders for your mood.
3. Hydrate – The ultimate game-changer for body and mind.
4. Find your stress release – Mine’s drumming (I’ve been taking lessons for two years!) and learning Spanish.
5. Prioritise sleep – No compromises. I get at least eight hours a night—it makes all the difference.

Do you have any non-negotiables?

1. Symprove – Gut health is everything.
2. Regular massage – A must for both body and mind.
3. Weekly nail appointment – A small ritual that makes me feel polished.
4. Reformer Pilates (at least 3x a week) – Keeps me strong and grounded.
5. Solid skincare routine—and SPF, always!

What does “balance” mean to you?

It’s about listening to both the angel and devil on your shoulder – a little discipline, a little fun. Life’s too short not to enjoy it, so make sure you’re having a good time along the way!