The Art of Letting Go of Perfect

As co-founder of the new Collective Hub alongside Lisa Messenger, Jade Dunwoody is building a new chapter on her own terms. She talks creativity, embracing the chaos, protecting her energy and why fulfilment now matters more than appearing successful.

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

Their smile. The cuddles. That unconditional love.

They don’t care what you’ve done today. You’re still their person.

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

Lowering the bar.

Not everything needs to be done. Not everything needs to be perfect. Not everything needs me.

I pick the few things that actually matter that day and let the rest slide.

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

Honestly, I don’t think balance exists.

Some weeks work gets more of me, other weeks my family does.

I’ve stopped chasing perfection and started focusing on presence.

When I’m with my son, I want to actually be there. When I’m building something, I want to be fully in it.

And the “moment for me” is usually something small. A wine while I’m cooking dinner or a 20-minute run in the morning.

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

Balance to me means being able to succeed without abandoning yourself in the process.

It’s not equal parts everything.

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

Good sleep, when it happens! Movement, sun, being around my people and protecting my energy.

I’ve realised groundedness actually comes from simplifying things.

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

I stopped trying to force routines that don’t fit my life. I walk a lot, and I’ve learned consistency matters more than intensity.

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

Protecting my mornings from chaos.

Even if it’s just 20 quiet minutes before the day starts, I notice the difference immediately.

What does your morning routine look like, honestly?

Max first. Then I have a quick window to focus on me.

I try to prep as much as I can the night before. I love slower mornings, but they’re rare.

My non-negotiables are my skincare routine and coffee.

How do you wind down at night?

I’m definitely more of a homebody. A glass of wine with dinner, Netflix and trying to mentally disconnect from work, at least for a little while.

Although I do some of my best work at crazy hours of the morning, like 1am, so I’ve learned to lean into that.

Where do you find fashion that genuinely feels like you?

I’m drawn to brands that feel effortless but intentional.

I’m all about investment pieces rather than statement pieces. I’m very much a wear-it-on-repeat kind of person.

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

Probably that I’m actually quite introverted.

I hate putting myself out there and being the centre of attention. I’d always prefer to be the person behind the scenes.

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

I’m at my best when it’s chaotic, unfortunately!

For a long time, I thought I had to be really organised and have everything lined up perfectly. But I’ve realised that when I’m more fluid and relaxed about things, it works out better for me.

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

Usually in really ordinary moments.

At home with my family, by the beach or creating something I genuinely believe in.

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

Becoming a mother completely changed the way I see time, ambition and what actually matters.

It sharpened everything for me.

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

Overworking in my twenties.

I learned a lot from it, but it also showed me what I never wanted my entire life to become.

What’s one boundary that completely changed your life?

Not feeling the need to be constantly available.

I used to think responsiveness equalled value. Protecting my time changed everything.

What part of yourself do you judge the most?

Probably how hard I can be on myself internally.

I think ambitious people often move the goalposts constantly, so you rarely stop and acknowledge what you’ve already done.

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

I act pretty relaxed about things, but the truth is I care deeply about aesthetics, energy, how things feel and how people experience something.

What’s something about you people would never guess?

I’ve been writing fiction for a little while now, although I haven’t completed anything.

I love getting lost in narratives. It’s actually how I fall asleep. I start planning the dream I want to have, always as a new character.

Odd, right?

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

I’d bring my novels to life while living some kind of reclusive lifestyle, probably on a small island.

But, of course, my family would be there too.

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

Letting people see the process, not just the polished outcome.

I naturally like to refine things privately before sharing them.

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

Someone who’s deeply present.

I care less now about appearing successful and more about actually feeling fulfilled.

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

That she doesn’t need to prove her worth through exhaustion.

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

That sometimes you miss parts of your old freedom while still loving motherhood deeply.

Both things can be true.

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

Morning cuddles. Good coffee. Hearing Max laugh. Voice notes from friends. I’ve become that person who loves a good voice note.

The tiny things honestly carry so much weight now.

What can you not leave home without?

Phone charger
Because being caught on two per cent battery is never the plan.

Chanel travel perfume
Chanel only. I was converted by my Nana and Mum.

Rhode lip gloss
An everyday essential.

AirPods
Always with me.

A spare dummy
Mum life.

 

Visit, Buy, Do

Visit

Europe, but more off-the-beaten-track places. Tiny coastal towns, long lunches and places that feel slower and less discovered.

We’re actually heading to Paros next for my best friend’s wedding, which feels pretty perfect.

Buy

Honestly, becoming a mum completely changed my style. I’ve outgrown a lot of my pre-mum wardrobe, so right now I’m more excited by elevated travel essentials for the trip than anything overly fashion-y.

Do

A staycation.

Somewhere beautiful and quiet where I can switch off properly, order room service, sleep, read and not be responsible for anyone for 24 hours.

 

You worked on the original Collective Hub with Lisa Messenger. What inspired you to become part of Collective Hub 2.0?

Collective Hub was such a defining chapter for me the first time around. It genuinely shaped the way I think about creativity, business, culture and life.

So when Lisa and I started talking about bringing it back, it never felt like recreating something nostalgic. It felt like rebuilding it for the world we’re living in now.

For a long time, I felt like a piece of me was missing, but I couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

Now, I know.

What inspired me most was the opportunity to create something that feels genuinely useful again and aligned with both Lisa and me.

What has been the biggest challenge?

For me, the biggest challenge has always been being in environments that weren’t aligned with my values.

I’ve realised how important it is to be surrounded by people who bring out the best in others, believe anything is possible and challenge you creatively, while also accepting you for exactly who you are and making you feel valued.

When you’re in situations that feel misaligned, it pressure-tests everything. You start questioning yourself, your instincts and even what you’re doing there in the first place.

I’ve learned that the right environment changes everything.

The right people expand you. The wrong ones make you shrink.

What’s been the best thing about being part of a business?

Watching an idea become something real.

And the people. I’ve been lucky to work with incredibly creative, passionate people who push me to think bigger and see things differently. That kind of energy is hard to replicate.

Business evolves you. It forces you to grow, back yourself, trust your instincts and become more resilient than you realised you could be.

What advice would you give someone wanting to start or become part of a business?

Don’t wait until you feel fully ready.

Most people are waiting for certainty that never really comes.

Sometimes you have to back yourself before you feel ready.

I’d also say pay attention to the people and the environment as much as the opportunity itself. The right environment will expand you, challenge you in the best way and make you feel valued for who you are.

And trust your gut more.

If something feels deeply misaligned, it usually is.