Ahead of Mother’s Day, this week i-D is celebrating the amazing mums who prove having a baby doesn’t mark the end of your creative life. In our second instalment we’re checking in with women who balance their exciting day jobs with raising amazing, unique kids.
Age?
33.
Where are you from?
Melbourne.
How old are your children and what are their names?
I have Valentina who is two-and-a-half and Enzo who is seven months old.
How do you balance being a mum, working, and having fun with your friends?
I found it was a bit easier to balance all of these things with one little one, but two changes things dramatically—so I’m not sure I’m balancing much at the moment. I try fit in as much work as I can while the kids are sleeping, and both are well-trained in the art of coffee shop etiquette for catching up with friends. An occasional dinner party is good for some adult conversation.
How has motherhood changed you?
It has helped me to be more of a planner, and definitely helped me become more patient and enjoy the little things.
The best bit about being a mum?
So much. Valentina is a little chatterbox and I love hearing her stories—her imagination is incredible. Enzo gives me big sloppy kisses, and his face lights up when he sees me walk into the room. These little things just melt my heart and make all the hard times worthwhile.
Most challenging bit about being a mum?
Not being able to just do what you want, when you want!
What is your advice to future mums?
Make sure you have a really good washing machine; the laundry is out of control.
Lara Vrkic is the founder of female art platform The Ladies Network.
Age?
23.
Where are you from?
Sydney.
How old is your child and what is their name?
My little guy’s name is Hudson and he just turned one yesterday.
How do you balance being a mum, working and having fun with your friends?
I’m lucky because they all coexist for me. I work with my friends on The Ladies Network and given the nature of it I’m able to bring Hudson to work and meetings. I have an incredible amount of support from my parents and a huge network of babysitters who beg me to leave him with them when I need some time to myself.
How has motherhood changed you?
I was always ambitious but kind of aimless before I had Hudson. Motherhood has made me incredibly focused. I’m much less of a time waster and am a much better planner! It’s also made me a lot more affectionate.
The best bit about being a mum?
Always having someone to hang out with and getting excited about things with Hudson that lose their magic when you get older.
Most challenging bit about being a mum?
I’m honestly the luckiest mother ever, but if I had to pick something it would probably be that my life can’t be as spontaneous as it used to be.
What is your advice to future mums?
Kids are much easier to raise than they look. Don’t read—or, read very little—about parenting techniques and development timeframes. I’ve really enjoyed learning everything as Hudson develops and being surprised when things happen.
Melody Jasmine is a photographer who we have profiled in our Woman Crush Wednesday column.
Age?
30.
Where are you from?
Byron Bay.
How old is your child and what is their name?
Zephyr Hendrix Rose Yeates, he’s two-and-a-half.
How do you balance being a mum, working, and having fun with your friends?
Having fun with friends has mostly dissolved but I have a lot of fun with Zephyr and try to incorporate friends into my photography work, so I always feel like it’s my little fun social hit when I get to do shoots. The first year with the baby was so changing, I found it really hard to focus on basically anything at all—but I feel like I’m getting a handle on the work/kid/life thing now.
How has motherhood changed you?
In every way possible! I never imagined I could be so selfless. You always have someone to care for, which is a beautiful and softening thing. It also sensitises you to another level; since being a mum I cry like someone has died when reading Bambi. All the really superficial stuff doesn’t even get a look in these days.
The best bit about being a mum?
Just giving Zephyr a cuddle brings me tears of joy some days! I always have a little buddy with me and seeing him evolve into the most beautiful little boy makes me believe in myself even more.
Most challenging bit about being a mum?
Kind of losing yourself a little because you are so busy all the time or always thinking of someone else or what you have to do right now. I’ve been a bit of a shocker with that one, but I’m always making a plan to get back on track! I want to start surfing again and simply take some time out for just me; that would be amazing.
What is your advice to future mums?
Take it all slow, don’t take everything so seriously, and keep calm. It will all be alright. It’s a rollercoaster that will be the best ride you’ll have in your entire life!
Read part one to meet more amazing mums.
Credits
Text Ingrid Kesa