Inside the Life of Shamini Rajarethnam — CEO of RATIONALE

Where ambition, family, and real life meet in the middle

Tell us about your family. How many Kids?

I am married to Athan, founder of July, and we have three kids — a 7-year-old daughter, a 5-year-old son, and a 2-year-old daughter who keeps us on our toes.

Adjusting to motherhood..

The freedom to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. That shifts dramatically when you realise you have to care for someone else who is dependent on you.

How do you manage the juggle when it comes to trying to do it all?

I don’t try to do it all, mainly because I can’t!

We have help, and I prioritise what I am able to do, which means I have to be okay with saying no to things I would have previously loved to do or be part of.

The best thing about motherhood?

It’s the endless love, strength, and joy you realise you have for someone other than yourself. Not forgetting the snuggles, cuddles, and the ridiculous things they say that make you laugh and smile.

The biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge has been learning how to be extremely patient and to go with the flow. I often have lists or tasks I’d like to complete within a specific timeframe, and unfortunately it never really goes my way much anymore.

I’ve realised that being patient with them, being in the moment, and being kind to myself helps to even out the frustrations I used to experience.

The biggest surprise?

That no one is ever prepared for this, but we all eventually find our way.

What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?

That no one is ever completely prepared for how much this changes your life.

There’s so much that happens after pregnancy and birth that we don’t focus on, which would probably benefit any parent stepping into parenthood. I wish I had a better understanding of how my life would shift — how you may go through waves of losing your identity and confidence, but knowing that you will pick yourself up again.

I also wish I realised that being kind to yourself is probably the first mantra we need to be taught as mothers.

If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself or others?

You’ll find your way, and you’ll find your mother tribe — those other mums who parent like you, think like you, fiercely love their children like you, but also enjoy being away from them. You’ll find your people, and you’re not alone.

Do you have any tips or tricks to manage the day-to-day juggle?

Not really — I’d love a couple thrown my way! I do try to dedicate a set time, even 30 minutes a day, to get personal/kid/family admin done so it doesn’t compound, but honestly, it never seems enough.

How do you manage your time to fit in career, being a mum, relationship and time for you

This is tough and ever-evolving, and I haven’t solved it yet. I do think there are seasons where I don’t have time for everyone or everything because family or work commitments come first. I’ve learnt to be comfortable with certain commitments being deprioritised. When it comes to relationships, I try to show they’re still important to me — even if I don’t see people as often, I stay in touch in other ways.

Who is in your village and you couldn’t live without?

Everyone. My parents-in-law have been incredibly important for my husband and me. We have our nannies and friends who have become like aunts to our kids.

And my ride-or-die mum friends — we come together when we need each other for support.

There’s nothing like wine, snacks, and a good laugh while the kids look after one another.

You can’t leave home without:

Keys, iPhone, Kindle, lip balm, Nurofen.

Your favourite holiday spot?

My current favourite spot with the family is Kardamyli in Greece. We stayed at the Patrick Leigh Fermor House in 2024 — it’s the most idyllic and serene place.

Another favourite is Formentera in Spain, which I visited with girlfriends in 2025.

Why do you love this place?

I love both places for different reasons, but the common thread is the memories I’ve made there.

Next on the travel list?

Iceland or Norway to see the Northern Lights. It’s so unusual for me as I’m usually a tropical holiday person, but it feels like a bucket list destination.

Your favourite brand and why?

I have many! I’m loving homegrown brands like Oroton at the moment, as well as Scanlan Theodore, LMND for shirts, Toteme, and Blaze Milano for blazers. I also like some pieces from Essentiel Antwerp.

The trend you’re loving right now

I’m loving this French/American preppy bourgeois look — particularly inspired by Michael Rider’s first collection for Celine.

I love the pops of colour with everyday modern pieces — knit polos, Oxford shirts, wide-leg trousers, and layering.

I also love the nod back to statement accessories and embellished belts.

The trend you can’t get on board with

Lots of cut-outs!

What’s your latest brand discovery?

Akris (I think it’s Swedish?), and locally, Clea and E Nolan from Melbourne.

Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?

Online — definitely online.

A healthy lifestyle means…

Everything in moderation — and doing things I can maintain consistently.

How do you keep your body moving?

I mix it up depending on the time I have — walking, running, cycling on the Peloton, weights, or a HIIT class. Sometimes I count the 10,000 steps from cleaning the house and picking up toys as my movement for the day.

Your top 5 tips for living a healthy lifestyle?

Move your body — even if it’s just a quick walk or cleaning the house
Laugh — see your friends, it does so much for your mood
Eat well in moderation — seasonal, local, whole foods
Sleep — listen to your body and don’t feel guilty
Breathe — I definitely need to take my own advice here!

Do you have any non-negotiables?

Sleep.

What does “balance” mean to you?

Balance is a tricky word. I prefer “prioritise.” At different times, I prioritise different things — work, family, or social life — depending on what’s needed.

How long have you been CEO at RATIONALE?

For a long time! I started with the brand in 2011 as Digital and Marketing Coordinator and am now CEO. It’s been about 7 years in this role.

The best thing about being CEO?

Working with the team and learning so much from them.

The most challenging part?

Knowing when to focus on the details versus the bigger picture, and making hard decisions that impact the team.

What has surprised you most about the role?

How much I’ve learnt — and how constantly challenged and invigorated I feel.

Your proudest moment?

Every proud moment comes back to the team — so it’s the team we’ve built at RATIONALE.

How important are company values and culture for mums wanting a flourishing career?

Incredibly important — not just for mums, but for anyone wanting to grow in their career.

Advice for companies on culture?

It’s not enough to have values on paper — they need to be embedded into the business.

Culture requires constant care and contribution from everyone.

Advice for mums with big career goals?

Remind yourself your goals are valid and achievable. Communicate with your partner so home life is aligned. Be open at work, advocate for yourself, and don’t let self-doubt get in the way.

Step inside the world of RATIONALE