Juggling Motherhood and Design: A Personal Perspective

As an interior designer and brand enthusiast, my days are a colourful blend of creativity and chaos, all within the comfort of my own home. But there's an extra layer to this canvas—I'm also a mum to two spirited girls, both three and under. Let me tell you, it's a journey filled with love, laughter, and laptop closures.

One of the most beautiful aspects of my setup is the precious bonding time I get with my little ones. They're like tiny creative assistants, always eager to sit down beside me and mimic my every move. Whether it's picking out colour swatches or doodling on paper, they're right there, soaking up the essence of design alongside me.

However, let's not sugarcoat it—some days are more challenging than others. Picture this: I'm halfway through an important project, fully immersed in the world of branding, when suddenly, a pair of tiny hands decide it's playtime and *bam*, my laptop screen goes down. Cue the internal sigh and the external giggle.

Daycare? Oh, how I wish it were a feasible option. Here on the Central Coast, the waiting lists rival those of trendy brunch spots, and the prices? Well, let's just say they could rival the GDP of a small nation. The reality is, to afford sending both my girls, I'd need to work full-time, which defeats the purpose of being home with them in the first place.

But amidst the challenges, there's a silver lining—a big, glittering one. I know just how fortunate I am to spend this much time with my girls, witnessing their growth and curiosity firsthand. It warms my heart to see their eagerness to learn about what I do. From arranging pillows to brainstorming logo ideas (with a crayon in hand, of course), they're like sponges, soaking up knowledge and creativity at every turn.

And let's talk about the feedback from family members who happen to be teachers. Their jaws practically hit the floor when they see the skills my girls possess at their tender ages. It's a testament not only to their innate curiosity but also to the joy of teaching and learning within the home.

I'm incredibly grateful for my understanding clients, many of whom are fellow parents. They not only comprehend but embrace the occasional interruptions during our virtual meetings. There's a sense of camaraderie in those moments—a shared understanding that family comes first, even in the world of design.

And when the house finally settles into the quiet hum of nighttime, that's when my solo design sessions truly begin. With the soft glow of my desk lamp illuminating the room, I dive deep into the realms of creativity, fuelled by the silence and solitude. Sure, burning the midnight oil can be exhausting, but there's a certain exhilaration in knowing that it's just me, my thoughts, and a blank canvas waiting to be filled. The love I have for what I do transcends the fatigue, propelling me forward into the early hours of the morning. It's in these solitary moments that I find my greatest inspiration, my most innovative ideas taking shape amidst the stillness of the night.

So here I am, navigating the intricate dance of motherhood and design, embracing the messy, marvellous journey with open arms. It's not always easy, but it's undoubtedly worth it. After all, in the midst of deadlines and crayon masterpieces, there's magic to be found—the magic of creating, learning, and loving, all under one roof.