By HTE Founder, Erin Hughes.
Some people are naturally creative. They don’t just make beautiful things. They create pieces that tell a story, spark a feeling and help people express who they are.
For Rosie Hughes, founder of Waby, creativity has always been part of her identity. Long before motherhood, she found joy in making things with her hands, experimenting with colour and finding ways to express herself through creativity.
“I’ve always been a creative person,” Rosie says. “I think life is about expression and finding ways to connect with like-minded people. There is no better way than visually expressing yourself, and jewellery is such an easy way to be playful and individual.”
It was motherhood, however, that brought her back to that creative part of herself.
As her daughters became old enough to play independently, Rosie found herself in a season many mothers know all too well. She was still deeply present, but finally had small moments where she could reconnect with the woman she was outside of motherhood.
“My children reached an age where they were old enough to play and explore without me needing to be so hands on. We’ve always created things together, but I wanted to make something that would spark joy, both for me and for whoever received it.”
Those quiet afternoons soon became something much bigger.
Sitting on the beach while her girls played, Rosie began making colourful necklaces simply because they made her happy.
“I was sitting in the sun while the kids played, making things I loved and feeling really good about what I was creating.”
Without realising it, Waby had quietly begun.
Motherhood hasn’t just inspired her business. It has completely shaped it.
“Becoming a mother alters you in unimaginable ways. Having two girls has definitely tapped back into the little girl inside myself who loves colour and trinkets and shiny things that boost dopamine.”
She laughs at how adulthood often convinces women that playing it safe is the only option.
“You tend to forget as you get older that it’s OK to love colour and dress up. Beige feels safe, but life is too short.”
That philosophy has become the heart of Waby. Jewellery designed to feel joyful, expressive and just a little bit nostalgic. A reminder that growing up doesn’t mean leaving playfulness behind.
Like many women balancing business and family, Rosie is honest about the challenges that come with wearing multiple hats.
“Things change constantly. As someone who loves routine, becoming a mum made me realise you really do have to be flexible. Children keep you on your toes and sometimes surrendering to the chaos is easier than fighting it.”
Running a creative business alongside motherhood hasn’t always been easy, particularly because creativity can’t be switched on whenever it’s convenient.
“You have to feel inspired to create something beautiful. It can’t be forced. Feeling happy about what you’re making is so important.”
That is why protecting time for herself has become non-negotiable.
“Carving out time for yourself is necessary as a mother. Whenever I get creative time, I feel calmer as a person, and that naturally flows into the rest of the day with my family.”
Rosie also knows the self-doubt that so many women quietly carry.
“There are always moments where you wonder whether what you’re doing is worth it, both as a business owner and as a mother.”
Her advice is refreshingly simple.
“Lean on your friends and family. Speak openly with the people around you, but also trust your own gut and intuition. As women, we usually know what’s best for ourselves and our families.”
For Rosie, creating jewellery has never been about accessories.
It’s about creating small moments of happiness in an often overwhelming world.
“I think the world is such a serious place and life can feel really overwhelming. I wanted to bring a little bit of whimsy back into adulthood.”
Sometimes that joy appears in the most unexpected places.
“I know I’ve decorated myself successfully when I get compliments from the seven-year-olds at school drop-off.”
It’s exactly the kind of compliment she’s hoping for.
Motherhood has also challenged her sense of identity, something she believes every woman experiences in different ways.
“Your identity comes into question after motherhood. You’re navigating who you were before children, who you want to be for your kids, but also learning to feel comfortable with who you are right now.”
Outside of motherhood and business, Rosie makes a conscious effort to nurture the parts of herself that existed long before becoming a mum.
“Reading books and exercising are really important to me. They’re the things that fill my cup on a deeper level and they’re vital for my wellbeing.”
She’s equally passionate about protecting her mental health and creating healthy boundaries.
“I’m huge on protecting my wellbeing. Being present with my children when I can, while also protecting my creative time, is vital to creating a healthy balance.”
When women wear Waby, Rosie doesn’t want them to simply wear jewellery.
She wants them to feel something.
“I want them to feel whatever is right for them in that moment. Maybe it’s feeling a little more put together for work, or maybe they just need a little more magic around their neck while tackling a morning at the playground. I want women to feel playful and expressive in their identity.”
It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes confidence doesn’t come from changing who you are. Sometimes it comes from simply reconnecting with the parts of yourself you’ve forgotten.
For Rosie, that’s exactly what Waby represents.
A little more colour.
A little more creativity.
A little more joy.
And permission to embrace every version of yourself, no matter what season of life you’re in.
As Rosie puts it best:
“Follow your dreams, no matter what age or season of life you’re in. We’re so selfless to those around us, so when it’s time to chase the things that bring us fulfilment, we deserve the support to do so. Trust your gut. Everyone will have unsolicited advice, but you get to choose what you take on. Create a life that works for you and your family, even if it doesn’t fit the mould of what others expect.”
Bring a Little More Colour to Your Day
Inspired by motherhood, creativity and the joy of self-expression, Waby’s handcrafted jewellery is designed to add a little magic to everyday moments.
Shop the Waby collection on Here, There, Everywhere here.
Shop Waby
Waby Necklace – Floss: Freshwater Pearl & Stone
Waby Necklace – Blue Agate: Freshwater Pearl & Stone
Waby Necklace – Chartreuse: Freshwater Pearl & Stone
Waby Necklace – Rose Quartz: Freshwater Pearl & Stone
Waby Necklace – Mauve: Freshwater Pearl & Stone
