Meet Rachelle Saevil: Founder of Saevil Row, Mum of Two, and Becoming the Woman She Was Always Meant to Be

From a one-way ticket to Paris to two thriving businesses and a young family, Rachelle Saevil shares the quiet truths, big ambitions, and daily rituals shaping this season of her life.

Tell us about your family. How many Kids?

I still sometimes do a double take at the fact that I have my own family. Am I qualified for this? Haha.

My husband, Anthony, and I have two kids: our daughter, Hartley, who is three, and our son, Berkley, who is one. And I can’t forget our dog baby, Pinot, our eight-year-old Hungarian Vizsla, who is the fierce protector of our family.

What’s the part of being a mum that fills you up the most?

Being with them in the small moments is what really fills my cup.

I know I can’t be there for every waking moment, so I try to make the little things count.

Whether it’s baking cookies with my daughter, helping her trace letters, or watching my son stack blocks, it’s a reminder of just how fleeting these early days are. I really love simply being there and soaking it all in.

What’s one thing that genuinely helps you stay afloat in the day-to-day juggle?

Lately, it’s been taking a few moments for myself to listen to an activation or meditation and reconnect with myself before diving into the demands of the day.

When things feel overwhelming, I’m trying to remind myself to take a few deep belly breaths to regulate my nervous system.

I don’t want to live on edge or run on empty, so prioritising my wellbeing has become really important to me, especially with the demands of work, kids, and the never-ending to-do list.

How do you carve out space for career, motherhood, love, friends, and still find a moment for you?

I’m definitely not perfect at this, but recently I’ve become REALLY intentional about prioritisation.

It’s so easy for the days to pass by, and I think for a long time I lived quite passively without truly nurturing other areas of my life.

This year, I’ve made a promise to myself to change my life. I know that sounds incredibly bold, but I want to be unrecognisable by December 2026 in terms of my habits and mindset.

It’s a commitment to myself and to the woman I know I can become.

Part of that means making sure I’m filling my cup in every area of my life. Right now, family and career take up most of my energy, which is completely understandable, but I’m also intentionally scheduling time with friends, even if it means locking something into the calendar months in advance.

For myself, I’ve built a pretty solid evening routine. A show, my red light mask, a meditation… honestly, it’s bliss.

Where do you find fashion that genuinely feels like you?

I’m definitely a work in progress when it comes to fashion.

Since becoming a mum twice over, I feel like my style has taken a massive back seat. In those early motherhood days, I lived in clothes that were inevitably covered in milk, snot, and grubby little fingers.

One thing I did this year was a colour analysis, and honestly, it’s completely changed the way I look at clothes. I now know which colours suit me best, and I try to stick within that palette, even if I love a style that doesn’t necessarily work for me.

It’s definitely given me more confidence in what I wear, but when it comes to personal style, I’m still figuring that out. I don’t quite have a signature look that feels completely like me… yet.

What does living a healthy, grounded life look like in your world?

When I think about living a grounded life, the word that comes to mind is intention.

I like moving to my own rhythm, without feeling rushed, and doing things with thought and consideration. That’s when I feel most aligned, and that’s really the foundation of everything for me.

When it comes to food, I don’t just eat for the sake of it. I want to enjoy what I’m making and make sure it’s nourishing. But I also believe in balance. I’ll absolutely have a salad for lunch and a burger, fries, and a glass of wine for dinner.

Both things can exist.

 

How do you keep your body moving in a way that feels realistic and sustainable?

When I was nine months postpartum with my first, I started training with a personal trainer, and it completely changed my perspective on exercise.

Having someone invested in your goals and guiding you without having to think about every little decision was a total game changer for me.

I’ve continued that through my second pregnancy and now postpartum again, and it’s helped me build a realistic and sustainable routine. Right now, I train two days a week because that’s what works for this season of life, and that’s enough.

What’s one non-negotiable that keeps your mind and body well?

Rest. Full stop.

It doesn’t come naturally to me because I’m very much a go-go-go person, but taking a moment to sit, lie down, or simply rest, even when my mind is racing a million miles an hour, always helps me in the long run.

When you think of balance, what does that actually mean to you in real life?

To me, balance is a give and take.

I’m a mum who owns two businesses, so life is busy. When I’m at work, I’m all in. When I’m at home, I’m all in. Both things can be true at the same time.

What I struggle with is trying to do both at once. I don’t enjoy that feeling of working from home while my kids are there because it feels like I’m being pulled in two directions.

I think balance is a choice. It’s choosing which side of the scale you’re on in that exact moment and allowing yourself to be fully present there.

What does your morning routine look like, honestly?

It changes depending on the season, but right now I’m trying to wake up at 5:15am so I can have a little time to myself before the day begins.

I use that time to meditate, stretch, move my body, and get ready before the kids wake up.

My daughter is usually awake early, but she’ll stay in her room reading or listening to stories before coming downstairs. If my son isn’t already awake, I’ll get him up around 6am, and breakfast is on the table shortly after.

By 7:30am, I’m trying to be out the door and heading into the office while my husband takes the kids to daycare.

How do you wind down at night?

Once the kids are in bed by 7pm, my husband and I will sit down for dinner together and have a quick chat about our day.

He knows how much I value my evening routine, so after dinner I’ll have a shower and start winding down. Usually that means my red light mask, journalling, replying to messages, or watching a show in bed.

Most nights, lights are out by 9pm so I can prioritise sleep and wake up early the next day.

I’d say my evening routine is one of the things I protect the most because it’s truly my time. It’s my opportunity to reset and reconnect with myself.

What’s something about you that would genuinely surprise people?

What’s a truth about yourself that took you years to finally admit out loud?

This is a hard one.

I don’t have to be everything to everyone.

I’ve spent so much of my life trying to prove myself to other people, and if I’m honest, I probably still do to some extent. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve really leaned into integrity and focusing more on the internal rather than the external.

When do you feel most like the truest version of you?

Honestly? After a good night’s sleep when I can think clearly.

I also know that when I’m doing things I genuinely love, I feel most like myself. It could be listening to a song that takes me back, running on the beach with my kids, or anything playful and light-hearted.

I think playfulness is what connects me to the truest version of who I am.

What’s a single moment that quietly shifted the direction of your life?

Moving to Paris in 2014 on a whim. It was just me and a one-way ticket, and I genuinely think it changed the direction of everything.

It also led me to meeting a group of Australians, which eventually brought me to Sydney, where I met my husband. It’s funny how one brave decision can create an entirely different life.

What’s a mistake you’re genuinely grateful you made?

I don’t really see things as mistakes. I see them as lessons or redirections.

I can’t think of anything that I would call a mistake that I’m grateful for, but I know a lot of people probably thought moving to Paris was one.

For me, though, it never felt like that. It was the biggest and boldest thing I’ve ever done, and it’s connected all the dots that led me to where I am today.

What’s one boundary that completely changed your life?

Saying no to things that I genuinely don’t want to do.

What part of yourself do you judge the most?

I judge my ability to make decisions because, deep down, I think I struggle to trust myself.

This has come up recently through some inner work, and it’s something I’m actively trying to change because I didn’t realise how much it was impacting different areas of my life.

What’s something you pretend you don’t care about, but secretly do?

I care deeply about time with my kids, especially while they’re still so little.

They’re in daycare most days, and if I’m being honest, part of me wishes they didn’t have to be. But I also have two businesses to run, and that’s what supports our family.

It’s a constant tension between gratitude and wanting more time with them.

What’s something about you that people would never guess?

I speak French!

I went to a French immersion school from Year 1 right through to Year 12, so it was part of my everyday life growing up. Then, of course, I used it again while living in Paris.

If you could live an entirely different life for a year, what would you choose?

I would live in a small Italian village or spend my days restoring an old French château in the south of France.

Honestly, that sounds pretty magical.

 

What’s something that still feels uncomfortable but you’re pushing yourself to do anyway?

Growth always feels uncomfortable.

I’m not someone who settles, so I often feel like I’m in a constant pursuit of being better or doing more, which, if we’re being honest, probably points to some deeper work I still need to do. Ha.

But truly, showing up is what gets me through. I might not feel like recording a podcast episode or tackling the big task sitting on my to-do list, but I know I’m always better for it once it’s done.

I’ve learned that motivation rarely comes first. Most of the time, it’s the act of showing up that creates the momentum. The hard things are still hard, but they almost never feel as heavy on the other side.

And maybe growth isn’t about constantly chasing more. Maybe it’s about trusting yourself enough to keep taking the next step, even when you’d rather stay where it’s comfortable.

What’s a version of yourself you’re trying to become?

I’ve touched on this a few times, but I really want to become a better version of myself by the end of this year.

For me, that comes down to habits, mindset, and embodiment. I feel like twelve months postpartum is such a significant milestone, and right now I’m focused on stepping into this new version of me, the Rachelle with two kids, two businesses, and an ambition that’s getting a second wind.

I know she’s already there. I just need to spend a little more time bringing her out.

 

When you think about your younger self, what do you wish she knew?

I wish she knew that she was already more than enough.

She didn’t need to try so hard to fit in because she was always going to carve out her own path.

In fact, her ability to bring people together would become far more valuable than trying to be liked by everyone.

 

What’s the hardest part of motherhood for you to admit out loud?

Being everything to both kids at the same time.

They both have a strong mum preference, and I find it really hard when I want to spend one-on-one time putting my son to bed, but my daughter wants to come in and read stories too.

I want to be fully present for both of them, and sometimes that’s the hardest part.

What’s a small joy that gets you through this season of life?

Looking back at photos of them as babies.

I genuinely can’t believe how quickly this time has gone. It makes me feel both sad and incredibly grateful at the same time. Watching them grow into their own little people while reflecting on the life we’re building together is one of life’s greatest joys.

Five things you can’t leave home without?

  • Lip Balm– I’m actually formulating one for a future brand, so I always have a few samples in my bag. At the moment, they’re still in plain white tubes!
  • Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm– An absolute staple.
  • Bailey Nelson Sunglasses– I never leave home without them.
  • Saint Laurent Card Holder– Small, practical, and easy to throw into any bag.
  • Mini Hair Brush– Because mum life means you’re always fixing your hair on the go.

Visit, Buy, Do

Visit: Venice.

Buy: An apartment in Paris.

Do: Singing lessons.

What inspired you to start Saevil Row?

I studied Advertising and Graphic Design, so naturally, it became the career path I pursued after finishing university.

After working with magazines and agencies, I started taking on freelance projects on the side, but it wasn’t until I moved to Paris in 2014 that I had the space and the courage to turn it into something bigger.

That’s when Saevil Row became my full-time focus.

The fact that I built it from my tiny one-bedroom apartment in Paris is still one of my favourite parts of the story.

What has been the biggest challenge?

Finding the right people to help grow the business.

I made a few poor hiring decisions in the early days, and if I could do it all again, I’d approach it very differently.

The biggest piece of advice I’d give someone now is to hire someone who’s better than you first. Someone who can take work off your plate so you can focus on growing the business rather than being buried in the day-to-day.

I hired a junior designer first, when what I really needed was someone more senior who could take on more of the design responsibilities and free me up to work on the bigger picture.

Have you had moments where you wanted to give up?

I wouldn’t say I’ve wanted to give up completely, but there have definitely been moments where I’ve thought, How am I going to keep this going?

There’s a lot of pressure that comes with having a team of four full-time staff relying on the business, but in many ways, that’s also what motivates me to keep moving forward.

There are moments where throwing it all away sounds tempting, but then I look at everything this business has given me, and it’s been pretty incredible.

When did you realise you were going to be a success?

Honestly, I still struggle with the word “successful” because I don’t know that I’ve ever properly defined what success means to me.

But when I look at the fact that we’ve been in business for eleven years, I know that means something. Success leaves clues.

I’ve always been someone who celebrates the little wins along the way, so there has definitely been plenty of champagne over the years.

Have you had to make any changes since becoming a mum?

My schedule has probably been the biggest adjustment.

I now have Wednesdays off with the kids, which means I work a four-day week, and honestly, I love it. I’ve never wanted a traditional five-day schedule, so having that dedicated time with them feels really important.

Of course, because our business is international, there are times when I still need to jump on an early call or respond to something urgent, but Anthony and I work together to make it happen.

Like everything in parenthood, it’s all about communication and flexibility.

Can you share anything exciting that’s coming up?

I’m not one to sit still, so I’ve been working behind the scenes on formulating a product that will hopefully be launching early 2027. On top of that, I’ve acquired another business to add to our portfolio (more on this soon!) so I think it’s say to say that I’m always up to something.

I question myself on my own capacity as I already have a lot on my plate, but I’m trying to remember that business doesn’t have a timeline and I’m enjoying the journey, not just trying to rush to an imaginary finish line.

What’s your advice for someone wanting to follow their dreams?

If you’ve been thinking about doing something for long enough, you owe it to yourself to try.

Action creates momentum.

Take the first step, even if it’s tiny, and trust that the next step will reveal itself. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Sometimes you simply have to start and allow the rest to unfold.

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