Tell us about your family.
I’m an Australian mother of three, currently living in Southern California. Over the past 18 years, I’ve lived abroad across multiple cities, which has deeply shaped how I see family, work, and life.
What was your biggest adjustment when becoming a mum?
Choosing just one is impossible — but the hardest adjustment has been redefining the dynamic between my husband and me. Motherhood itself, with its all-encompassing commitment, was something I was somewhat prepared for. I come from a big family, and my mum is a teacher, so caring for others was familiar.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the shift from a long, pre-kids life of travel, business building, and spontaneity to a reality where one parent is often anchored at home while the other travels extensively. That transition took a lot of time, patience, and recalibration.
How do you manage the juggle when it comes to trying to do it all?
I don’t believe it’s possible to do it all. Right now, I’m coming out of the intensity of having three young children close together while also building a new business. It’s given me an even deeper respect for women navigating both professional and personal worlds.
I’ve learned that juggling requires leaning on others — something that hasn’t come easily to me as a fiercely independent woman. Admitting that I can’t do it all has been humbling. I now reverse-engineer everything: I identify what truly matters, why it matters, and then commit my time accordingly.
That said, I still need reminders from those close to me to slow down or recalibrate.
Ultimately, I don’t aim to juggle everything — I aim to show up each day, knowing I’ll likely go to bed with a longer to-do list than when I woke up.
But if the people in my life feel heard, loved, and connected, then I’ve done what matters most.
What is the best thing about being a mum?
It’s truly a gift. Motherhood challenges me to grow every single day. I’m surrounded by more love than I ever imagined possible, and I experience a quiet empowerment in simply getting through the day — showing up, doing the work, and finding confidence in that consistency.
What’s been your biggest challenge as a mum?
Learning to prioritise my own needs alongside everyone else’s.
What surprised you the most when becoming a mum?
You discover who your lifelong friends really are. Motherhood reveals who truly has your back. These friendships are unlike any others — the depth and importance of them is hard to put into words.
What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?
The weight of the mental load — and that you’re never fully “on top” of it. Learning to be okay with that would have helped me immensely.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself or others?
I would prioritise clearer communication with my husband around our roles. With a consistently travelling partner, I slipped into simply doing everything myself because it felt easier. Over time, survival mode took over, and the imbalance led me to burnout.
If I could redo it, I would collaborate much earlier — openly discussing what was feasible and what support we both needed.
Do you have any tips or tricks to manage the day-to-day juggle?
Nighttime is sacred to me. That’s when I paint, read, or now, build my business — it’s my personal space.
I also prep food ahead of time; Sunday afternoons are for meal prep. And I keep a “hype list” in my phone — affirmations I read when I need confidence or energy. It gives me the spark I need.
How do you manage your time to fit in career, being a mum, relationship and time for you?
Honestly — I don’t do this perfectly. Each year brings a new challenge. I work in three-month seasons and accept that I can’t do everything at once. I choose three priorities at a time.
For me, my business is my self-care. I don’t have much time for treatments or holidays right now, but learning, building, and growing creatively fulfils me deeply.
Who is in your village and you couldn’t live without?
Living abroad without consistent family support, my village is small but vital. My husband — whether in town or away — is my anchor and my adult voice.
I have a nanny two days a week who provides stability, and my mother and sisters are always on speed dial.
My friendships may be scattered, but when we connect, they’re grounding and meaningful.
What’s in your bag you can’t leave home without:
Hydralyte tablets for daily hydration, lip balm (no specific brand), La Roche-Posay SPF 50+ sunscreen, my iPhone — my lifeline for work and family — and my Sony G7 camera. Photography and visual journaling are so important to me.
Your favourite holiday spot?
Last summer, we went to Lisbon, Portugal. It was everything and more with kids.
Why did you love it?
It offered something for everyone — incredible food, art, beaches, a welcoming culture, and it was surprisingly affordable.
What location is on top of your wish list to travel to next?
Marbella, Spain.
What is your favourite brand?
I’m biased — my own. Zandra Stone. We’re building a fashion space that speaks to the dynamic woman in an effortless, wellbeing-focused way.
The trend you’re loving right now:
I don’t follow trends; if you love it, wear it. But I am loving the return of bold, pure colour. All-white linen never resonated with me.
The trend you can’t get on board with:
Heavily branded luxury bags.
Your latest brand discovery:
Shuffles — the fun mood-boarding pastime.
What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?
Being at peace with where you are right now.
How do you keep your body moving?
Life with kids keeps me moving. On weekends, I aim to do something just for me — like a spin class.
Your non-negotiables when it comes to health and wellness:
Sleep, time with loved ones, and continually challenging myself.
What does ‘balance’ mean to you?
Balance is harmony within the ebbs and flows of life. Equilibrium is fluid — it’s always shifting. Awareness is what brings it back into alignment.
What drove the creation of Zandra Stone?
Inviting women to use style as a tool for creativity, confidence, and positivity. It’s a lifestyle platform designed to uplift everyone it touches.
What’s next for Zandra Stone?
So much. We’re USA-based with Australian roots and a growing global footprint. At just twelve months old, our focus is on nurturing community and aligning with people who truly resonate with the brand.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned?
It’s a journey. Every day, commit to taking small steps toward your vision. Some days they’ll feel big, others small — but every step forward still counts.
Click here for a link to a previous Zandra Stone feature
Alexandra's Zandra Stone Picks
Riley Stripe Pant
Clyde Vest
Florence Wrap Dress – Olive
Rosa Pareo
