Losing Herself & Finding Yolky Club: Tee Bright on Motherhood, Identity and Starting Over

After becoming a mum, Tee Bright felt like she’d lost a part of herself. That vulnerable season became the inspiration behind Yolky Club, a colourful brand helping women reconnect with their confidence, identity and joy.

Tell us about your family.

I have two beautiful little girls, Bobby and Dusty, who keep life chaotic, fun and incredibly messy! We recently moved to Queensland and are loving this new chapter. My husband is Jackson, and we also have a gorgeous dog called Bowie.

What was the biggest adjustment when you became a mum?

Becoming a mum completely shifted my perspective on what really matters, especially with the world we’re living in and everything we’re witnessing. I feel so incredibly lucky to have two healthy, beautiful little girls.

Motherhood isn’t easy and the juggle is very real, especially as a working mum, but it’s also the greatest privilege. Without a doubt, being their mum feels like my life’s purpose.

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

I don’t think anyone can really prepare you for the juggle.

It was definitely easier when we lived in Geelong because we had so much support around us. Moving to Queensland meant starting from scratch without family and friends, which has been a whole new level of challenging.

On the flip side, working from home gives me a lot more flexibility, which I’m so grateful for. But running my own business while juggling two little girls, the house and everything else has definitely had its moments.

What’s the best thing about being a mum?

Watching my girls grow into their own little people.

Bobby is four and a half now, and the questions she asks blow my mind. She’s an absolute character, and I’ll never get over her curiosity and imagination.

Dusty isn’t chatting too much just yet, but she’s bloody incredible and a little bit naughty, which I secretly love.

These are the moments I know I’ll cherish forever. My girls make my world so incredibly bright.

What’s been the biggest challenge of motherhood?

The mum guilt, without a doubt.

Having to travel for work and leave the girls, especially if they’re sick, is so hard. Moving away from Geelong was another huge challenge. Leaving behind their cousins, friends and everything familiar was really emotional, and I still carry a lot of guilt around that decision.

Dusty was little enough that she didn’t really notice, but it was definitely harder with Bobby.

What surprised you most about becoming a mum?

I wasn’t prepared for how much I’d lose my sense of identity after having babies.

I’ve always loved fashion and expressing myself through what I wear, but postpartum really challenged my confidence. That’s actually why I started Yolky Club. I simply wanted colourful, oversized tees that made me feel like myself again.

It’s amazing that something born from such a vulnerable season has grown into a business and, hopefully, our family’s future.

What do you wish you’d known before becoming a mum?

Go with the flow.

Try not to have everything planned because babies have a funny way of changing every plan. Take it one day at a time, enjoy the little moments and give yourself plenty of grace.

 

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

I still remind myself of this because I’m definitely still in the thick of it.

Forget the housework. The washing can wait. The mess will still be there tomorrow. Be present with your kids because these little moments go by so quickly.

I put so much pressure on myself to have everything together, but I’m learning that…

The memories matter so much more than a perfectly clean house.

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

Honestly… not really!

I try to be organised the night before where I can, but most days I’m just winging it and hoping for the best. I think every mum is simply figuring it out as she goes.

How do you balance career, motherhood, your relationship and time for yourself?

When I’m working, I’m all in.

When I’m with the girls, I really try to put my phone away and be present. It’s not always easy when your business literally lives on your phone, but I’m constantly trying to find that balance.

It’s definitely not perfect, but I’m doing my best, and I think that’s enough.

Who makes up your village?

Right now, our village is much smaller than it used to be.

Jack is my biggest supporter, and I’m so grateful for everything he does for me, our girls and our family. He’s honestly the best person I know.

Back in Geelong we had all our family and friends around us, and the support was incredible. Some people probably thought we were crazy for moving away. Honestly, I think it myself some days!

But I know we’ll build our community here too. We’ve already met some beautiful people in Brisbane, especially our neighbours, Maddy and Justin, who have been so kind and supportive since we arrived.

I’m really looking forward to the day Bobby starts school and we continue growing our little village here. Although, if I’m honest, I also can’t wait because I don’t want her to grow up too quickly.

What can you not leave home without?

Honestly… my phone in my pocket and a lip balm in my hand!

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

Paris!

I absolutely love this city. Jack, Bobby and I visited in 2023, and I could happily move there tomorrow.

Why do you love it so much?

It’s romantic, full of creatives and I’m completely drawn to it.

Where’s next on your travel wish list?

Back to Paris… of course!

What’s a fashion brand you always come back to?

Don’t make me choose!

Honestly, anything colourful. If it brings me joy, I love it.

What’s a trend you’re loving right now?

I’m loving seeing people have more fun with colour and get creative with thrifted fashion.

Is there a trend you just can’t get on board with?

I absolutely love the boho look, but I just can’t pull it off myself.

What’s your latest fashion discovery?

Sienna Inspo. So much fun!

Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?

Vinted and Depop.

What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?

If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything. Looking after myself is completely non-negotiable.

How do you keep your body moving?

Running. I absolutely love it.

What are your top five tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

  1. Move your body.
  2. Eat the rainbow, even though I’m fussy as anything.
  3. Laugh often.
  4. Listen to music.
  5. Never underestimate the power of the occasional margarita.

What are your non-negotiables when it comes to health and wellness?

I’m probably a little over the top because if I’ve got even the smallest niggle, I’m straight to the doctor!

What does the word ‘balance’ mean to you?

Do your best, but don’t forget to enjoy your life.

 

What inspired you to start Yolky Club?

I hope Yolky Club helps mums reconnect with themselves and regain a little of their confidence and identity through colourful, dopamine-filled pieces that bring joy.

Making women feel good when they put them on and remind them that they deserve to feel like themselves again.

What’s been the best part of building Yolky Club?

Without a doubt, it’s the community.

Receiving messages from customers telling me how one of our tees has brightened their day is something I’ll never take for granted.

What’s been the biggest challenge?

The working hours.

I definitely need to get better at setting boundaries.

Is there anything exciting in the pipeline you can share with us?

Yes!

We’ve got something really special coming up with Red Nose Australia that I’m incredibly proud of. It’s a collaboration that’s very close to my heart, and I can’t wait to share more about it.

What’s your advice for anyone wanting to start a business?

Just have a crack.

It’s scary, and you’ll never feel like you know everything. I certainly don’t! But you’ve got nothing to lose by giving it a go.

You’ll learn as you go, meet some incredible people along the way, and I promise it’ll be worth it.

Discover Yolky Club

Ready to add a little more colour to your wardrobe? Explore Yolky Club and discover the vibrant collection inspired by motherhood, confidence and finding your way back to yourself.

Tee's Yolky Picks

Cool Cool Long Sleeve

Dips & Chips Tee

Spring Long Sleeve

Cosmic Tee

Ciao Bella Tee

Funk Long Sleeve Kids