Tell us about your family. How Many Kids?
I’ve been married to my husband, Marsh, for 19 years and we have two teenage boys.
What was your biggest adjustment when becoming a mum?
I think it was the loss of identity I thought I had.
I found myself saying (when I wasn’t working), that I was “just a mum now”, when in reality, it’s the hardest, most rewarding job of all.
I can say this now that I don’t have toddlers!
How do you manage the juggle when it comes to trying to do it all?
It’s much easier now that I don’t need to organise babysitters, and one of my boys can even drive, so I don’t need to juggle as much. I still try to be home when they finish school and go to all their sporting games, as well as have my own social life. I think it’s important to have a good network of parents so you can carpool to events and share the load.
The best thing about being a mum?
I actually really love spending time with my kids – they’re intelligent, funny, and a joy to be around. They challenge my perspective on things too.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve experienced when becoming a mum or whilst being a mum?
It’s been 16 years since I had a newborn, but I don’t think any books or blogs can ever truly prepare you for the sleep deprivation in the early years.
I found that really hard, and I’d get anxious every afternoon worrying what the night would be like.
What surprised you the most when becoming a mum?
That all the hard work and nagging actually pays off when your kids turn into people you want to be around. (Maybe not their mess though!)
What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?
That all the hard bits are generally just a phase and you will get through it, and then you’ll be hit with another challenge!
If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself or others?
You will sleep again!
Do you have any tips or tricks to manage the day-to-day juggle?
I find meal planning takes some angst out of every afternoon – you only have to go through one painful session of deciding what to cook per week!
How do you manage your time to fit in career, being a mum, relationship and time for you?
I think that’s tricky, mums generally put everyone else first. But as my boys have grown up, I’m realising there’s more time for my own hobbies and interests. I just need to work out what those are!
Who is in your village and you couldn’t live without?
My mum, my in-laws, and my girlfriends both near and far. I’ve lived in a few cities, so I’ve gathered a crew that’s both local and ones I can ring or message when I need advice or to share news.
The five things in your bag you can’t leave home without:
- Emma Kate x Jumbled diary
- Typo Flow Writer pen
- Leif Boronia hand cream
- Lucy Folk Journeyman sunglasses
- Maison Crivelli Hibiscus Mahajád perfume.
Your favourite holiday spot?
You can’t really go past Paris.
Why do you love it?
The architecture, the art, the food, the shopping – everything!
What location is at the top of your travel wish list?
Morocco. I’d planned a trip there during COVID, and it was cancelled, so it’s still at the top of my list.
What is your favourite brand and why?
La DoubleJ – her prints are amazing!
The trend you’re loving right now
Buying pre-loved fashion from a local boutique called Cercle Lifestyle.
The trend you can’t get on board with:
I’m showing my age and life stage, but cut-outs on dresses and tops… not for me!
Your latest brand discovery:
I’m at the point where I have to wear reading glasses daily, so I found the brand AHLEM, which has some beautiful frames.
Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?
Online… I’m easily influenced!
What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?
Moving (somehow) every day, trying to eat unprocessed foods, and enjoying treats in moderation.
What do you do to keep your body moving?
Walking, Pilates, running, and weights at my gym.
Your top five tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Planning, planning, planning, planning, planning! If you don’t plan, that’s when you don’t exercise and eat poorly.
Your non-negotiables when it comes to health and wellness
Walks with my girlfriends (catching up while exercising = great for time-poor mums), trying to drink more water, and going to bed at a reasonable time so I’m not cranky the next day (for everyone’s sake!).
What does the word ‘balance’ mean to you?
Balance, for me, means family stuff doesn’t get compromised by work, that’s why I started my business in the first place.
What was your driving force behind the creation of Project Ten?
I wanted to own my own business and build something I could manage without compromising time with my kids and being there for their milestones.
Do you have ‘pinch me’ moments about how far the brand has come?
I have them regularly when I see my bags being used on a busy beach or at the local supermarket, it really is a great feeling!
What’s next for Project Ten?
Hopefully we can keep growing and move into more overseas markets.
Jacquie's Picks
Laptop Case – Multi Stripe
Barrel Bag – Sunny Floral
Oversized Tote – Sardine
