With Mother’s Day soon approaching, this week we’re celebrating the mums we admire. These women manage to be both dream parents and inspiring creative forces; balancing their day jobs with the unparalleled task of bringing another human into this world. We couldn’t wait till Sunday to bask in their glory, so we thought we’d start the party early this year.
Age?
29.
Where are you from?
Melbourne.
How old is your child and what is their name?
My son is two-and-a-half and his name is Fox.
How do you balance being a mum, working, and having fun with your friends?
Sometimes like a boss, and sometimes like a hungover embarrassment to mums everywhere.
How has motherhood changed you?
It forced me to pull my finger out.
The best bit about being a mum?
THE LOVE YOU FEEL.
Hardest bit about being a mum?
The fear of fucking it up.
What is your advice to future mums?
Don’t try too hard.
Kit Bettison runs online vintage store Alida Buffalo.
Age?
28.
Where are you from?
Byron Bay.
How old are your children and what are their names?
I have two sons; Artie Cosmo who is two-and-a-half and August Mars who is 13 weeks.
How do you balance being a mum, working, and having fun with your friends?
I’m lucky I can take my kids to work and have super flexible hours. When I’m on a shoot or styling for a client my husband usually takes the kids, so I get as much done as possible. When I’m working for my other company (Alida and Miller interior design) I’m lucky because my mum is my business partner and doubles as a nanny. There is always time for my girlfriends at the end of the day.
How has motherhood changed you?
It’s given me a greater perspective on life and has made me appreciate the small things more, but in other ways it hasn’t changed me at all. I still feel like myself, and I feel really lucky for that.
The best bit about being a mum?
Just having my own awesome gang that I love to death.
Hardest bit about being a mum?
Being fucking tired. Lucky they’re super cute.
What is your advice to future mums?
Don’t compare yourself to other mums. Just because you’re becoming a mum doesn’t mean you have to surrender to society’s perception of what a mother does or looks like. Wear your hair fucking pink with a sequinned leotard to school drop off if that’s what your heart desires. Who cares what the other mums think—just do you.
Stacia Hadiutomo is a freelance designer and FFF Zine creative director.
Age?
30.
Where are you from?
Sydney.
How old is your child and what is their name?
Akila Riley Soetantyo, she is six months old.
How do you balance being a mum, working, and having fun with your friends?
I just do the best I can and I don’t put a lot of pressure on myself. Once I surrendered to the unpredictability of motherhood, it all became easier.
How has motherhood changed you?
It has taught me to slow down and appreciate moments for what they are. It also taught me how to make sacrifices and be a little more selfless.
The best bit about being a mum?
That infinite love in my stomach. Getting all the kisses and cuddles, and seeing the smile on her face.
Hardest bit about being a mum?
Learning to stick to routines, and lacking sleep.
What is your advice to future mums?
Trust your instinct.
Keya Matthews is the PR and sales manager at Lonely Hearts.
Age?
28.
Where are you from?
Auckland, New Zealand.
How old is your child and what is their name?
Bo Violet, she is four months.
How do you balance being a mum, working, and having fun with your friends?
I’m still on maternity leave, but it definitely took me a while to wind down and step back even after I’d had Bo. Having an employer who was understanding and supportive of that really helped. When it comes to motherhood and work there’s no one size fits all; it can be hard going cold turkey from a role you love. Socially, I do a lot less drinking and a lot more breakfasts!
How has motherhood changed you?
I would like to think I’m a kinder person now.
The best bit about being a mum?
Baby laughs.
Hardest bit about being a mum?
Mother anxiety.
What is your advice to future mums?
Don’t sweat the birth. I planned for a drug free water birth—who doesn’t?— got pre-eclampsia and had every intervention under the sun. It was still the most empowering, exciting, rewarding day ever. Be pumped on yourself.
Check out part two and meet some more amazing mums.
Credits
Text Ingrid Kesa