The Reality, the Joy & the Journey with Karla Dawes

Tell us about your family. How many kids do you have?

My husband, George, and I have two kids — Bill, who’s six, and Mieke, who’s four. They keep us busy, entertained, and occasionally questioning our sanity, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

What was your biggest adjustment when becoming a mum?

For me, it was realising you’ll never quite be the same person you were before kids. There’s a sense of grieving your old self — the freedom, the spontaneity, the version of you that could say yes to everything.

It hit me hardest with my business, because so much of what I do involves socialising and dining out, and suddenly I couldn’t do it all anymore.

That was tough, especially when your business feels like such a big part of who you are. But I had to learn to let go a little and trust that things would find a new rhythm — and they did.

How do you manage the juggle when it comes to trying to do it all?

I don’t! Well, I definitely didn’t at the start. When the kids were little (they’re only 18 months apart), I was working full-time and the juggle was very real — and very stressful. Last year, Mieke was only in two days of three-year-old kinder, and the rest was a mix of me, grandparents, and endless sports activities. I constantly felt stretched and never able to properly focus on work. This year, I feel like I’ve finally found a better rhythm. I got Mieke into a local long day childcare in addition to her kinder days, and I’ve set up a designated day off — Thursday— that I spend with her.

I think as mums, we often feel like we’re failing if we’re not there all the time, but I’ve realised I’m actually a better mum when I’m not stressed or spread too thin.

It’s about finding the right balance of external care and protected work time.

What is the best thing about being a mum?

Growing these little people and watching them turn into the most amazing humans. The love I have for them is like nothing I’ve ever experienced — they’re my little crew.

What’s been your biggest challenge as a mum?

They were born just 18 months apart, so I basically had two babies at once — and we were in COVID lockdown, which meant I was also trying to work through it all. It was a lot!

When I was pregnant with Mieke, I had to go on bed rest for almost four months because of a short cervix, which was incredibly hard with a 14-month-old at home. It honestly just sucked.

That whole period was a blur of exhaustion and survival mode (and for George too), but somehow we got through it. Looking back now, I can see how strong it made me — even if it didn’t feel that way at the time.

What surprised you the most when becoming a mum?

That I can actually do it! I was never a super maternal person growing up, and when we decided to have kids I was excited — but also thinking, how on earth am I going to raise actual humans? But it’s amazing how it all kicks in once they’re born. Slowly but surely, you just figure it out — and somehow, you become exactly who they need.

What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?

I wish I knew that trying to do everything run a business — raise two babies, keep life together — would never feel balanced, and that’s totally fine.

I used to think I had to be across everything all the time, but motherhood has taught me to let go, slow down, and trust that good things can still happen even when you’re not in control.

I also wish I’d done a proper postpartum food and healing plan, rather than thinking I had to be out and about meeting friends and family and took the time to stay at home and heal, we put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect straight after giving birth! There are so many amazing services, like Elan House of Wellness, that provide postpartum snacks and food supplies, traditional Chinese medicine products, and in-home postpartum support.

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

I’d tell myself to breathe and stop putting so much pressure on being everything to everyone — the perfect mum, the perfect boss, the perfect partner. When you’re in it, it’s chaos and guilt and exhaustion, but it doesn’t last forever. You’ll find your rhythm.

Do you have any tips or tricks to manage the day-to-day juggle?

Having a routine really helps — everyone has their role to play throughout the day.

George and I split the mornings: he makes breakfast for the kids (he makes a mean Weet-Bix ) and gets them dressed, and I’m on lunchbox duty.

We’ve got a weekly roster that keeps things running (mostly) smoothly, and we’re lucky to have help from each set of grandparents once a week too. Setting boundaries and sticking to them has been huge for me — having a clear day that’s just for Mieke and me has been a total game changer. And honestly, coffee. Lots of coffee (ST ALi, obviously).

How do you manage your time to fit in career, being a mum, relationship and time for you?

It’s hard, but I’ve learned that boundaries are everything. I make sure I have a proper day off work where I’m not available (unless there’s an emergency — the buck still stops with me!).

My team and clients really respect that, and it means I can spend the day with Mieke and get things done for the household or family without feeling torn.

I also make time for exercise during the week — it helps me reset and keeps the stress at bay. When you’re being pulled in every direction and not fully present anywhere, everything starts to fall apart. So I try to keep things as separate as possible.

I love the days I drive into the office and can be completely focused, knowing the kids are settled and cared for. It makes me appreciate both my work and home life so much more. But let’s be realistic… sometimes all of that goes out the window!

The 5 things in your bag you can’t leave home without:

Your favourite holiday spot?

The Gold Coast! We recently took the kids there for the first time during the September holidays.

Why do you love it?

I spent so many holidays there growing up — over half my family lives on the GC (hello Dawesie’s Hut!) — so it felt really nostalgic to go back. We stayed just behind Tallebudgera Creek, which was perfect for the kids, and it reminded me why I’ve always loved it. It’s such a fun, easy place for families — sunshine, swimming, and that laid-back holiday vibe.

What location is on top of your wish list to travel to next?

Seoul! I’m obsessed with all things Korean and would absolutely love to visit.

What is your favourite brand?

P Johnson Femme. I love everything about their aesthetic — it’s timeless, effortless, and beautifully tailored without ever feeling overdone. The fabrics, cuts, and colours all feel considered but relaxed. It’s my go-to for work and events; their pieces make you feel instantly put together, confident, and comfortable.

The trend you’re loving right now:

Relaxed tailoring and neutrals — I’m very much in my “comfort meets polish” era. Anything that looks chic but feels like pyjamas is a win.

The trend you can’t get on board with:

Low-rise jeans. I lived through them once in the 2000s — I don’t need to do it again!

Your latest brand discovery:

It’s not a new discovery, but I love Sener Besim. I’m obsessed with the simplicity and sculptural feel of Sener’s pieces — they’re timeless but still make a statement. Everything feels refined, effortless, and beautifully considered.

Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?

A bit of a mix of High Street, Armadale, and Chadstone Shopping Centre. I actually hardly ever shop online — it’s just not the same!

What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?

For me, it’s all about balance. Moving my body, eating well, and getting enough sleep — but also enjoying a glass of wine, going out for dinner, and not being too hard on myself. It’s about feeling good physically and mentally.

How do you keep your body moving?

I do a mix of CorePlus (I love all their hot classes) and Fluid Form. I also walk a lot — I’ve become a bit fixated on my Fitbit and how many steps I do!

Your top tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

1. Move your body — even if it’s just a 15-minute walk to clear your head.
2. Eat well, but don’t overthink it. Balance is key.
3. Get enough sleep — everything feels harder when you’re tired (hello, grandma-in-bed-at-8pm some nights!). I’m also out of the baby stage now, so fewer night wakes help.
4. Have boundaries — proper work time and proper family time.
5. Keep it realistic — some weeks you’re on top of everything, other weeks not so much, and that’s okay.

Your non-negotiables when it comes to health and wellness:

I have to have all my powders and drinks in the morning — it’s my ritual. I use IMBIBE Probiotic Concentrate with M Body MSM and The Absolute, and I can’t start the day without them. I always try to fit in at least two exercise classes a week, and if I can’t, I make sure I go for a walk in nature.

What does ‘balance’ mean to you?

Knowing when to switch gears. When I’m at work, I’m focused on work. When I’m with the kids, I try to be fully present. It’s also about saying no when I need to, creating small moments just for me (hello, sitting at a café by yourself), and making time for the people I love.

What inspired you to start Karla Dawes Press Office?

I’d been working in PR for over 10 years and loved it, but I wanted to work with clients and brands I genuinely cared about — especially in food, drink, and hospitality.

I started KDPO with a laptop, three great clients, and a clear idea of the kind of work I wanted to do.

Ten years later, it’s still about the same thing: good people, great work, and strong relationships.

What is the best thing about running Karla Dawes Press Office?

The people — both the team and the clients (and the media and stakeholders we work with daily). I get to work with such talented, creative people who genuinely love what they do. I also love the freedom that comes with running my own business — the flexibility to work part-time, pick up the kids, and fit work around life, not the other way around.

What is the most challenging part?

It never really stops — your brain is always thinking about work, the team, or clients. There’s no real “off” switch. You also encounter tricky people and situations sometimes, especially early on, which can be stressful. But every challenge teaches you something, and you learn to trust your gut — if it says “red flag,” run a mile!

Do you have any exciting projects you can share?

The start of this year we are helping the team behind Johnny’s Green Room to open three new venues