Tell us about your family. How many kids?
We are a family of four and live in Barwon Heads. My husband Tom is a plumber and has his own business, our daughter Peggy is 8 and our son Bobby is 5. Tom and I moved to Barwon Heads in 2012 and we honestly couldn’t imagine living and raising a family anywhere else!
What was your biggest adjustment when becoming a mum?
Before kids I would say my business was my baby. I put so much time and effort into building it up with multiple weddings and events on the weekends, photo shoots, creative projects – really juggling it all as a one-woman band. So when kids came along, the biggest adjustment was realising that my time was no longer my own.
Once I became a mum, everything had to be considered in relation to someone else’s needs. I really had to pivot and make changes to the business including where I purchased flowers. Getting up at 2am to go to the flower markets in Melbourne wasn’t an option, so I turned to a local wholesaler and started driving all over the countryside visiting local farmers to source flowers. I also had to rein in the amount of work I took on, and the type of work. With Tom having his own business and me being at home with the kids, I had to assess what was realistic.
It wasn’t just the business changes — there was also a real shift in my identity. I went from being a florist with my business as my baby to suddenly finding myself in “mum mode.” I still had a deep passion for flowers, but I didn’t have the same capacity to work, and that took a long time to adjust to.
How do you manage the juggle when it comes to trying to do it all?
I’ve learned I can’t do it all — at least not all at the same time. Some days my business gets the best of me, some days my kids do, and some days I’m hanging on by a thread. I manage the juggle by prioritising the kids first. Work will always come second.
What is the best thing about being a mum?
I love seeing the little personalities we’ve created! I remember talking to Tom about it when we got pregnant — it’s like a science experiment watching how they turn out. Who they will look like, what their mannerisms will be, whether they’re more like me or more like Tom… and it’s constantly evolving.
What is the biggest challenge you experienced when becoming a mum or whilst being a mum?
Not being in control of everything! If my friends are reading this, they’ll agree with me. I don’t think it’s about wanting everything to be perfect — more that I like things done in a certain way.
We would all love to be the perfect mum, the perfect partner, the perfect business owner, but that is exhausting and unrealistic. I’m still trying to tell myself that “good enough” really is enough.
What surprised you the most when becoming a mum?
That maybe I’m a little more like my own mum than I thought I would be! I think we all grow up saying we won’t be like our parents, but sure enough, when it comes our turn, we find ourselves calling the same shots they did!
What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?
That every phase is short-lived. I think I would’ve stressed less and appreciated the little moments more if I understood how quickly everything changes. And I also wish women knew you are often setting yourself up for failure if you try to create a detailed birth plan, because it’s all about letting go of control.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself or others?
You don’t need to flog yourself to prove you are worthy — you’re allowed to take a break, to ask for help, and you don’t have to have your shit together all the time!
Do you have any tips or tricks to manage the day-to-day juggle?
I live by the 6 P’s: Proper preparation prevents piss poor performance!
I do school bags, lunch prep, and clothes the night before so mornings feel less manic — it also allows me to exercise first thing. And I’m not above shortcuts: weekly online grocery orders, batch-cooked freezer meals… whatever keeps the wheels moving.
How do you manage your time to fit in career, being a mum, relationship and time for you?
Getting up early and being overly organised! I prioritise health and wellness, which usually means rising at 5:30am to exercise — it’s how I like to start the day. I don’t always succeed in the organisation department, but I try to be 10 steps ahead of the game in case something doesn’t go to plan… I will admit though, it is exhausting!
Who is in your village and you couldn’t live without?
My village is a mix of family and friends who feel like family. My parents are supportive and will jump in when needed. And then my girlfriends/fellow mums who I can call on — they’re the ones who just understand.
I honestly don’t think motherhood was ever meant to be done alone, and I’m grateful every day for my little village.
The things you can’t leave home without:
Thankfully I’m out of the phase of dragging around a massive handbag with nappies and wipes, so I’m constantly swapping bags. But the items that always come with me are the essentials:
- Phone
- Keys
- Wallet
- Calmex lip balm
- AirPods
- Sunglasses
- Mini packet of tissues
Your favourite holiday spot is…
Locally: We love taking the kids to Wye River. There’s something about the simplicity — caravan park, one general store, one pub, one beach. It’s just so easy! We first visited when Peggy was about 10 months old.
International: We went on an amazing family holiday with friends last year to Spain, and my favourite spot was Mallorca. The beaches were incredible, as was the food. We had started the trip on the mainland in the big cities, which was a challenge for our little coastal kids, but once we hit the islands it was like letting dogs off the leash — they absolutely loved it.
What location is on top of your wish list to travel to next?
That’s a tough one… Tom and I turn 40 next year and have been thinking maybe Greece.
What is your favourite brand and why?
I’m not sure I can pick one specific brand, but I love Australian designers including Antipodean, Lucy Folk and Luuda. I love Australian labels for their effortless styles that understand our lifestyle — colour, texture, comfort and character.
The trend you’re loving right now?
I’m really loving the oversized dressing trend. It’s relaxed and, most importantly, comfortable — perfect for mum life, running between flower farm visits, the studio, and school drop-off/pick-up. You can throw on an oversized shirt or tee with pants, a hat and big sunglasses and look put-together without trying too hard.
The trend you can’t get on board with?
The trends haunting me at the moment are low-rise jeans, peplum tops and bubble skirts. I did it all in my early 20s and can’t see myself going there again!
What’s your latest brand discovery?
Not a new discovery, but my latest purchase: two Luuda dresses (because one wasn’t enough!). They do beautiful hand tie-dyed designs on natural fabrics, so each dress is unique.
Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?
A mix of in-store and online. I struggle buying online because sizes can be so variable, so I prefer in-store where possible. My favourite purchases are usually from overseas because you’re reminded of those moments whenever you wear them.
What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?
For me, a healthy lifestyle is about being strong physically and mentally. I make choices that support my energy, mood, and my ability to show up for Tom, the kids, my work, and myself. It’s eating real food (with the occasional treat!), getting outside, moving my body — but also knowing when to slow down.
What do you do to keep your body moving?
I don’t have long stretches of free time, so I aim to move my body before the kids get up — usually a 6am pilates or hot strength class three times a week. I don’t run as much as I used to; I’m lucky to get two runs in a week. I do the Barwon Heads bluff walk at least three times a week, and walk the kids to and from school when I can. I’m also a seasonal dipper — daily morning ocean dips from December through April. I wish I could do it year-round, but I’m not that brave!
What are your top 5 tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
• Drink water — minimum 2L daily, and I really feel it if I don’t.
• Food preparation — even chopping or roasting veggies ahead helps on busy nights.
• Get outside daily.
• Sleep — go to bed early! I went to Gwinganna last year and the biggest takeaway was to prioritise sleep.
• Keep it simple — small habits you actually stick to, no drastic changes.
Do you have any non-negotiables?
• Sleep — I am useless without it.
• Daily movement — for physical and mental wellbeing.
• Real food — healthy meals with whole foods.
• Boundaries — saying no when I need to.
What does “balance” mean to you?
For a long time I thought balance was impossible, but I’ve realised not every day will be in perfect balance. You need to shift and adjust — some days the business needs more of me, some days the kids do, and some days I need to refill my own cup. And that’s not selfish — no one gets the best of me if I don’t look after myself.
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