She’s battled burnout, bounced back from divorce, and is learning to let go of perfection.

Can you tell us a little about you and your family:

Family, to me, has always been about more than just biological connections. Since leaving home at 17 to move to New York, my family has been made up of the people who love, support, and stand by me no matter what. Life can be incredibly challenging at times, and in those moments, you choose the people you want by your side. At 39, I feel so grateful to have an incredible group of people surrounding me.

I became a mom to my daughter, Lila, when I was 28. She’s turning 11 at the end of February, and time has truly flown by. From the very beginning, we’ve been two peas in a pod. Our little family also includes our two dogs: Nala, a Doberman, and Max, an English Bulldog.

Adjusting to motherhood..

Becoming a mum came with so many adjustments. I was one of the first people I knew to have a baby, which made the early days feel incredibly isolating. My marriage was falling apart, and as a model, I couldn’t work because my body was healing after giving birth.

Those first three months of motherhood are like an out-of-body experience—no sleep, no idea what you’re doing, random crying, and hormones completely out of whack. But I truly believe life only gives you challenges you’re capable of handling. From the moment I had Lila, everything shifted. My life became entirely about her, and I was determined to be the best mum I could be, showing up for her in every possible way. Over time, you find your circle of “mum friends,” women who become your soulmates and help you navigate the chaos of motherhood and life.

I also learned that divorce isn’t the end of the world. Letting go of anger and unfairness was painful but transformative. That experience shaped me into a stronger, better version of myself.

Returning to modeling after having Lila was a completely different experience. Motherhood gave me a new perspective, and I started treating modeling as a true business. I went into overdrive, probably driving my poor agents crazy more than once. Modeling, much like professional sports, has an expiration date where consistent work becomes financially unsustainable. Having Lila motivated me to take control of my career and make every opportunity count.

How do you manage the juggle?

It’s incredibly difficult for most first-time moms to let go – whether it’s returning to work, trusting a nanny for the first time, taking that first vacation away, or, depending on your situation, leaving your child for their first weekend alone with their father.

“In the beginning, I really struggled with trying to do it all and ran myself into the ground. I wish I had been kinder to myself during that time because I was running on empty.”

Work wise, I was juggling an insane schedule – flying 22 hours straight from NYC to Sydney, heading directly to Channel 9 studios for a morning segment, reading scripts in the car while feeling completely drained, and trying to sound polished talking about underwear, skincare, or whatever was paying the bills at the time.

Eventually, though, you find a rhythm and balance, but it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, trial and error, and a lot of patience with yourself. It’s one of those “easier said than done” situations that you have to live and experience to truly figure out. Over time, I learned to trust others, prioritise my energy, and embrace the idea that I don’t have to do everything perfectly to be a great mom.

The best thing about motherhood?

I’ll probably cry as I write this because the answer is simply everything. From the first words and first steps to learning to catch a ball, ride a bike, make friends, go on trips, and have sleepovers – every moment is magical. Lila and I have travelled the world together, and she’s the best travel buddy I could ever ask for. We’ve gone camping, hiked to waterfalls, and even jumped off cliffs. She’s my best friend, just as wonderfully weird as I am, and the funniest person I know. She’s emotionally mature beyond her years, incredibly smart, and the reason I fight so hard for everything we have. She keeps me grounded and constantly makes fun of my Australian accent, which always brings a smile to my face.

The biggest challenge?

Motherhood can feel isolating at times, and I’ve definitely experienced moments of loneliness. As a single mum, there’s often little room to dwell on those lows because you have to keep pushing forward for your child. You learn to keep moving, even when it feels overwhelming.

Right now, I’m facing a new challenge as I transition careers, moving from modeling to real estate. Starting over has been both exciting and terrifying. It’s a completely new world, but when I started modeling, I took a leap of faith, and I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from being successful. I’m approaching this new chapter with that same determination.

There will always be people who doubt or hope you’ll fail, but I’ve learned to block out the noise. The challenges of motherhood and life have made me stronger, and they remind me that I’m capable of overcoming anything.

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

I would tell myself that everything will be okay. I’d remind myself of where I started, where I am now, and that no matter what, I always land on my feet and find a way forward. I’d also tell myself to breathe, to slow down, and to be more present in the moment. It’s so easy to get caught up in the chaos of life, but shutting out the noise and focusing on what truly matters makes all the difference. Trust the journey – you’re stronger than you think.

How do you manage your time?

Now that Lila is almost 11, managing everything has become a bit easier. Starting my new career with Lourdes Alatriste at Douglas Elliman has been an exciting and busy transition. I’ve been able to keep up with the demands thanks to having a solid support system. I have babysitters on rotation to help when I’m working, and Lila’s dad has been incredibly supportive of my career change, stepping in when needed.

For me, the key is making the time I have with Lila truly count—being present, listening, staying involved, and building meaningful connections. It’s about quality over quantity. Having a reliable support system allows me to give attention to my career, nurture relationships, and even find a little time for myself.

It’s always a balancing act, but with the right team around me, it’s possible to handle it all without feeling completely overwhelmed.

Who is in your village?

My village is made up of the most incredible people who have supported me through thick and thin, and I couldn’t imagine life without them.

First, there’s Brit, my best friend – we talk every day, all day. Then there’s my ex-step-mother-in-law (yes, quite the mouthful), “Babs,” who always keeps me grounded.

My neighbor in Miami, Katherine, became family to me. She helped me through two of the hardest years of my life, never stopped checking in, and always encouraged me to get out of the house, even when I didn’t want to.

Brandon and Adri are my best friends from NYC, and I love them dearly. Geoff has been my best friend since we were 13 – we met on the bus on the way to school and have been inseparable ever since.

Finally, there’s Lara, who is like a mirror of my life in the most uncanny way. Although our experiences are different, they run parallel, and she’s the one person I can call who truly understands, just as I do for her.

These people are my rocks, my constants, and my lifelines.