Meet Jenny Stewart, qualified yoga teacher, Co-Founder of wellness platform Balance + Glo, and new mum to Freddie.
Jenny has been practicing yoga for over 15 years and since moving to the Isle of Wight just over three years ago, has embraced all things coastal and island-living.
We were excited to chat with Jenny for our Super Mum series. Read on to hear about her experiences as a new mum, tops-tips for mum self-care, favourite island eco-businesses, plus more about the exciting launch of Balance + Glo's new wellness series created and designed for new and expectant mammas, Bump + Beyond.
]]>Jenny has been practicing yoga for over 15 years and since moving to the Isle of Wight just over three years ago, has embraced all things coastal and island-living.
We were excited to chat with Jenny for our Super Mum series. Read on to hear about her experiences as a new mum, tops-tips for mum self-care, favourite island eco-businesses, plus more about the exciting launch of Balance + Glo's new wellness series created and designed for new and expectant mammas, Bump + Beyond.
How do mornings look in your household?
Mornings now look very different to how they used to - Fred usually wakes up at 6am chatting to himself very loudly at the moment - luckily I’ve always been a morning person haha! Since becoming a mum, I’ve tried to keep some of my old habits intact like having a hot lemon water (brilliant for cleansing your digestive system first thing!) and getting in a little movement whether it be yoga or a bike ride if I can before the day truly even gets started.
Can you tell us a bit about your story and what inspired you to start your business here, Balance+Glo?
I moved to the Isle of Wight just over three years ago on a bit of a whim! My husband and I didn't know anyone here but fell in love with the house we now live in. I’d been feeling a little like we had just been crazily busy with our life - commuting for work, working crazy hours and not spending much time together plus we just always wanted to be by the sea and the island felt like the right place for us to be. In a bit daring move, I quit my full time marketing job and started teaching yoga full time on the island. We embraced island life from the off, making the most of the amazing countryside and beaches here - cycling, running, swimming, snorkelling, surfing and more and the island seemed to embrace us too!
I met my now business partner Evelyn at a yoga class and we started talking, one thing led to another and we ran our first Balance + Glo retreat in 2018 and since then the business has grown into a team of wellness experts across many different fields. It’s hard not to be inspired by the island - the crystal clear sea, the innate connection to mother nature, the space here as a sanctuary from our busy lives. I loved the fact that on my lunch break I could go for a sea swim, yoga on the beach or cycle along the coast road!
What are some of your favourite island eco businesses?
Island Refillery - an innovative zero waste doorstep delivery refill service. I love their ethos and the products are divine. We work with them now to provide all the toiletries for our island retreats.
Modern Garden Kitchen - A regenerative market garden on the Island providing fresh produce across the island. Owner Fran caters for our island retreats using all her own sourced fresh ingredients from the garden. Her food is absolutely incredible.
One Happy Yogi - these guys have created amazing yoga mats made from sustainable materials. And with every yoga mat purchased a tree is planted!! The designs are also by an illustrator based on the island.
I love that the island provides such a supportive community for entrepreneurs!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A magazine journalist!! So writing this feels like I’m reaching my original goal!
Which females inspires you?
There are so many! From famous faces to entrepreneurs and my friends and family.
Do you have a parenting style?
As a first time mum I’m learning the ropes so I haven’t adopted a style as such. We are just trying new things each day with Freddie and seeing what works for him and us and what doesn’t and taking it from there. I’m finding it’s important to go with the flow and be willing to adapt when you need to - all skills which I’ve also learnt on the yoga mat!!
Where is your fave place in the world?
My home on the Isle of Wight!
Although I am partial to the incredible views from Table Mountain in Cape Town, the crystal clear water in Greece and LOVE Chamonix in France where I met my husband - those mountain views can’t be beaten!
What has been your career highlight so far?
Launching The Online Studio last year during Covid and building such an awesome Balance + Glo community has been pretty incredible during a pretty dark and horrible time we built something which brought a little joy and light into people’s lives.
What do you love most about your work?
The sense of community that continues to grow with Balance + Glo. It’s been incredible to have this sense of family - with the team, with our members and with those who come to our retreats and events. Plus connecting with all kinds of amazing businesses and brands has been awesome too. That kind of support is invaluable and I’m forever grateful for that.
What are you working on now and what’s in the pipelines?
Currently we are working on launching our new pre and post natal wellness series called Bump + Beyond on The Online Studio which is super exciting. The wellness series we have created will guide you through both pre and postnatal exercises, yoga, meditations, breath work and educational videos from a field of experts including a qualified women’s physiotherapist to help you build confidence, gain strength and enhance positivity throughout pregnancy and beyond. Whether you want to learn more about what your pelvic floor is or connect with your bump or baby through a mindful meditation, stretch out your body during pregnancy or rebuild your strength post birth Bump + Beyond is for all stages & phases of your journey.
Can you share some of your self-care tips for busy mums to help unwind?
What's been your proudest moment as a parent to date?
Just Freddie being healthy and happy! He also just started to say the word MAMA - which has absolutely made my week!!!
Yay! And finally, what's your favorite baby gadget which you could not live without?
Freddie’s bouncy chair! Guaranteed fun, easy to move around the house and you always have two hands free.
Follow Jenny's island adventures on her social media here, you can find out more about the Balance + Glo platform here.
]]>We are excited to introduce Joanna Lee, the founder of baby clothing rental business, Grokinder, to our Super Mum blog series.
We first met Joanna when she was in the process of setting up Grokinder and approached us about becoming a stockist of Hunter+Boo.
We are inspired by the company's ethos, to source "quality, organic clothes from sustainable brands, and increase their lifespan by rotating them to multiple families for as long as the clothes remain in a good enough condition" and were keen to know more about Joanna's background, sources of inspiration and green living tips.
Read on to hear more about Joanna's story of how the business came to be when, triggered by the desire to have a more flexible work-life balance, she took the leap from the corporate world to pursue her own passion for a unique offering with a circular economy approach.
]]>We first met Joanna when she was in the process of setting up Grokinder and approached us about becoming a stockist of Hunter+Boo.
We are inspired by the company's ethos, to source "quality, organic clothes from sustainable brands, and increase their lifespan by rotating them to multiple families for as long as the clothes remain in a good enough condition" and were keen to know more about Joanna's background, sources of inspiration and green living tips.
Read on to hear Joanna's story of how the business came to be when, triggered by the desire to have a more flexible work-life balance, she took the leap from the corporate world to pursue her own passion for a unique offering with a circular economy approach.
How do mornings look in your household?
Not too bad actually. My husband leaves for work early, so it’s up to me to get my toddler out of bed and to school.
I leave my baby with my trusty helper while I do so – she feeds her breakfast and helps look after her when I’m away.
My day starts proper after I get home from the school run – I try to squeeze in snippets of work time when my baby is playing on her own (which rarely happens!), or when she’s napping.
What's your daily uniform?
T-shirt and shorts!! Comfort has always been most important to me – so it has to be shorts in this [tropical] weather of ours! For meetings, or trips to town, I might make a bit more effort and put on a nicer blouse, jeans, or a simple dress.
Who are some of your favorite eco brands?
Well.. I really like Hunter + Boo for kids’ clothes 😉 - it’s true because I find it really hard to find truly sustainable brands locally that are not green washing.
I also like Peco Bags for their nice prints and lightweight material.
I’ll have to be honest here – I only started my sustainable journey not too long ago, especially after researching in depth into the wastage of fast fashion. It’s an ongoing journey, and I’m sure I’ll learn and discover more great brands along the way.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I am born and bred in Singapore, and went through the public schooling system here like any average Singaporean.
After graduation, I landed myself a sales job in a bank, and that remained as my employer for the next 12 years even though I’ve moved across multiple roles through the bank. I don’t regret my corporate experiences as I believe the skillsets I’ve gained have and will help me in whichever career path I choose to take.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to own a café for as long as I remember. I probably envisioned it to be a slow lifestyle, offering people delicious things at my own pace. I now know this is as far from the truth as it can be!
What inspired you to launch Grokinder?
Definitely my two precious kids.
I chose to quit my corporate job so as to gain flexibility of time with them. I was away from my firstborn 12 hours a day during his first two years of life, and I constantly struggled with that. With the birth of my second child I decided to take the plunge to leave my job (and my steady income).
It was also more than just having flexibility of time though. Since having kids, I wanted to make a difference in a more tangible way. I chanced upon the concept of baby clothes rental subscription three years ago (it was launched in Denmark then) – immediately it made so much sense and I’ve thought of bringing it to Singapore since then. However, I was worried that the market here was not ready for that.
After I left my corporate job, I contemplated between taking up a job in the government or the social services sector, and this. I decided that there will never be the “perfect time” to pursue a dream, so here we are!
Can you tell us about how Grokinder works?
Grokinder provides a rental subscription service for baby clothes. For a monthly fee, subscribers get a bag of quality clothes for their child to enjoy while they fit. Whenever their baby outgrows the clothes, they can then swap them for another bag in the next size up.
We operate on the premise that babies outgrow their clothes faster than they can fully utilize or appreciate them. So we source for quality, organic clothes from sustainable brands, and increase their lifespan by rotating them to multiple families for as long as the clothes remain in a good enough condition.
So what are your top tips for parents looking to shop a more sustainable wardrobe for their kids?
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced with setting up/launching your business so far?
Hmm.. every step of the way presents different challenges, and I really can’t say which is more difficult than the other.
I’ve found creating a social media presence difficult at first, as I’ve always been a rather private person. Making friends online and building networks were certainly out of my comfort zone, but I’ve overcome it and don’t find it too difficult now.
Setting up the website and the subscription platform was also a hair-pulling affair – even though I’ve had experience working with tech in my previous job, trying to make the entire thing work by myself was a different matter altogether.
Overall, I’ve found being a sole business owner quite a lonely affair – there are certainly times I wish I have a partner to bounce ideas off, and to make decisions together. Fortunately, my husband has been very supportive – he always listens to my problems and gives great suggestions. In fact, he was the one who egged me to first approach H+B for a collaboration!
What advice would you give to a potential mumpreneur who is looking to start her own business?
I might not be qualified to give advice – as I’ve no idea if this will really take off! Haha. But, from my experience, I would say – calibrate what is truly important to you, and work out your finances with your spouse. Following these, if the circumstances allow, and if you have a passion or a dream, then just do it. There really wouldn’t be a perfect moment.
At this stage, I can confidently say that even if Grokinder doesn’t take off, I won’t have any regrets.
What is your vision for Grokinder?
My vision for Grokinder is to provide the full wardrobe for children, from newborns to six years old, from basic essentials, weekend wear, to occasional party or travel wear.
What's your favourite baby gadget which you could not live without?
Without a doubt, my baby carrier from Tula. I’ve used them for both kids – I feel like it empowered me as it enabled me to go anywhere and everywhere with my babies.
And finally, what's been your proudest moment as a parent to date?
I thought very hard about this – but I think there really isn’t one, because parenthood is a series of proud moments, every single day. From their first flip, first steps, first day surviving pre-school without tears, first time learning to share – all are moments that I’m incredibly proud of. And I am sure there will be many more to come as they continue to navigate through their lives!
You can check out Grokinder's amazing baby clothing rental service in Singapore here and follow them on social here.
]]>Did you know kids go through seven sizes of clothing in their first two years alone?!
In our latest Super Mum series we chat with Sally Giblin, Co-founder and CEO of Pure Bundle, a London based startup that’s disrupting children’s fashion. We were excited to learn more about her mission to make fashion circular and what led to the launch of her sustainable fashion platform.
The former Fashion Buyer and Management Consultant talks us through her own sustainable fashion journey, how parents can simplify their lives with a capsule wardrobe and the importance of raising Little Eco Warriors.
]]>Did you know kids go through seven sizes of clothing in their first two years alone?!
In our latest Super Mum series we chat with Sally Giblin, Co-founder and CEO of Pure Bundle, a London based startup that’s disrupting children’s fashion. We were excited to learn more about her mission to make fashion circular and what led to the launch of her sustainable fashion platform.
The former Fashion Buyer and Management Consultant talks us through her own sustainable fashion journey, how parents can simplify their lives with a capsule wardrobe and the importance of raising Little Eco Warriors.
Read on for the full interview including a link to Sally's FREE downloadable guide on how you can create a capsule wardrobe for your own little ones.
How do mornings look in your household?
I love getting up early...I find it’s the only way to get some time for me. And I’m a much nicer human if I do it. My husband will vouch for that 🤣
I take my dog for a run or do an online workout, then do some gratitude & visualisation. Then coffee!!
True to #mumlife, my 4 year old usually walks in mid routine...
What's your daily uniform?
Depends what I’m doing... I’m all about capsules wardrobes. Which is basically having a collection of items you love. Items that fit your life, your style, your body.
The last year has been a little different, that’s for sure. I pretty much flip between activewear and making an effort to dress up...with not so many places to go…🤣
Who is your favourite eco brand?
I love Vestiaire Collective. Last year - when I found myself in my first London winter with a beachy Sydney wardrobe - I found the most amazing pieces to re-love.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I really didn’t know! I’ve always wanted to do something with a positive impact...but it took me a while to find my thing.
Which females inspire you?
Kamela Harris, for the ceilings she’s shattering.
Ellen Macarthur, for her commitment to make things circular.
Greta Thunberg, for all the attention she’s bringing to climate change.
We love the concept of Pure Bundle, please can you tell us about it and how you got started?
Did you know that babies can go through seven sizes in their first two years?! When my son was born, I spent so much time finding, sorting, donating clothes...every time he grew.
Alongside this, fashion production and consumption is spiralling out of control. We now have enough clothes on the planet for six generations.
Pure Bundle is an award winning new way to dress your child. That helps you fight the clutter, the waste, and the endless expense.
You can choose from collections of pristine preloved & past season clothes, curated by stylists. Each ‘capsule’ is one of a kind, with mix and match outfits from quality brands. Plus you can send your loved items back to us for cash, store credit or a donation to Little Village. We currently offer our ‘re-love’ capsules in sizes 0 - 3 years.
Do you have any top tips for parents looking to shop a more sustainable wardrobe for their kids?
Yes, loads! But I’ll limit myself to 3 :)
1. Capsule wardrobes. Essentially, it's a small collection of clothes you ❤️ that easily mix and match together. But the real beauty of capsules?
✨ They save you time
✨ They save you money
✨ They save you space
✨ You create more outfits with less clothes
✨ You're doing something good for the planet
What's not to love? We have a FREE guide on creating capsule wardrobes for your little one which you can download here.
2. Re-love. There are 183 million baby clothes items stashed away in people’s homes in the UK. You can find the most amazing pieces for a fraction of the price of new!
3. If you’re buying new, buy planet friendly brands. Like the fabulous Hunter + Boo ❤️
Thank you so much! And what do you love most about your work?
First, our fabulous community of parents. Second, the impact we’re all making to fight fashion waste. Third, the huge potential of resale to make fashion better. Resale is predicted to outsize fast fashion by 2029.
What advice would you give to a potential mumpreneur who is looking to start her own business?
Find people to inspire you, support you, collaborate with you.
Podcasts are a fabulous way to have brilliant business builders in your pocket. Accelerators are an amazing way to boost your knowledge, progress and connections. And founder networks are a great source of info, collaboration and support.
What are you working on now and what’s in the pipeline for the future?
My CoFounder Thais and I are building an incredible new capsule wardrobe experience for parents. We’re starting to test this with some of our community, which is super exciting.
We’re also looking to add bigger sizes to our Loved Again Collection, plus more past season stock from planet friendly brands. We just partnered with Kite Clothing on this.
I’ll also be sharing more about raising eco kids. I just wrote a piece in The Grace Tales about why we all need to be raising eco kids and spoke at It’s Time: A Festival Of Climate Action about how to raise little eco heroes.
What is your philosophy on motherhood?
Go with the flow. It’s all a phase - the amazing bits and the not so amazing bits. Raise kind, resilient little eco heroes.
What's been your proudest moment as a parent to date?
My son starting Reception last year...he’s a little ray of sunshine.
And any funny parenting story to share?
When I asked my 4 year old son what we celebrate, he said “We pretend we’re going on holidays!”. Geezus. That’s 2021 for you 😝
You can connect with Sally on Instagram here or visit the Pure Bundle website.
]]>Did you know that research has shown that mums have on average, just 17 minutes of time to themselves each day?!
Being a mum is hard work! From waking in the middle of the night to feed your baby to picking the kids up from school, us mums have busy schedules and that means we’re often exhausted.
So when it comes to looking after your own health and wellness, it’s totally normal to feel stressed and not know where to start...
Fortunately, we caught up with Health Coach and Mindfulness Teacher, Lou, who has shared her favourite micro-self care tools for mums that have ‘no time’ for self-care.
Take some time for YOU, now. Pop the kettle on, and read all about how learning to squeeze self-care into your life may actually lead to less stress, more patience and a clearer focus.
]]>Reading time: 10 minutes
Did you know that research has shown that mums have on average, just 17 minutes of time to themselves each day?!
Being a mum is hard work! From waking in the middle of the night to feed your baby to picking the kids up from school, us mums have busy schedules and that means we’re often exhausted.
So when it comes to looking after your own health and wellness, it’s totally normal to feel stressed and not know where to start...
Fortunately, we caught up with Health Coach and Mindfulness Teacher, Lou, who has shared her favourite micro-self care tools for mums that have ‘no time’ for self-care.
Take some time for YOU, now. Pop the kettle on, and read all about how learning to squeeze self-care into your life may actually lead to less stress, more patience and a clearer focus.
Time is valuable for any busy mum. There never seems to be enough of it. And when you think about your priorities, making time for self-care probably falls near the bottom of your list —below kids, work, home, and family time.
Consequently, self-care quickly falls by the wayside as you continue with the daily grind.
Even though it may seem like the right thing to do, routinely dismissing your own needs can have an adverse effect on your overall health. It can make you irritable, fatigued, stressed and susceptible to a full-blown burnout. So, in order to save your health (and sanity), make time for self-care!
The challenge is, most of us already know this. We KNOW as parents how important it is to take care of ourselves. When we can stay connected to our own wellbeing, it overflows onto our children and we're more patient, loving, joyful parents. However, knowing and doing are completely different things.
When on earth do we find the time or energy to exercise...read a book… meditate...or really do anything for ourselves? It’s all too easy to fall into the repeated pattern of I should, I will, and then….I didn't today. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe on Sunday. Maybe next Sunday….
The reality is that the struggle is real. YOU ARE NOT ALONE in this. Research has shown that mums have on average just 17 minutes of time to themselves each day, so it is hard! But, if you can find even just 10 precious minutes for a little self-care each day, you are going to be so much better for it, and your kids will be better for it too. In fact, learning to squeeze self-care into your life may actually lead to less stress, more patience and a clearer focus.
This is why I love the concept of MICRO-SELF CARE! Let's be real, it's not feasible to soak in bubble baths for hours or go cloud-watching when you are navigating the chaos of motherhood. Trust me, I know. With four kids under six, I know how hard it is. The trick is to practice self-care in short intervals, little micro moments, so you can easily fit these mind-set makeover tools into your jam-packed routine. Start with just 10 minutes a day and build it up from there. You owe it to yourself to give yourself those 10 minutes.
And for me, real self-care, the kind that shifts habits and mind-sets and sets you up for a happier, healthier life is messy! It’s not about bath bombs and candles and escaping – it’s getting to know your boundaries and how you can best nourish your mind, body and soul…without any guilt.
Sounds good? Here are eight of my favourite micro self-care tools for mums that have ‘no time’ for self-care….
1. BreatheStop what you’re doing and take a deep breath. Do not underestimate the power of a deep breath. These precious seconds may be the difference between losing your cool and responding calmly; between feeling overwhelmed and staying focused.
I honestly believe that energy boosting breathwork can be better than caffeine. Use the power of breath to create an incredible feeling of energy, clarity and focus through your body.
If you’re not breathing optimally, you’re robbing yourself of energy. The way you breathe may be causing you to feel tired, fatigued, foggy, and uninspired. This is because proper, controlled breathing ensures an optimal oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange. This is vital for high energy and mental alertness levels. Since oxygen is the breath of life, it’s rocket fuel for the body and mind.
With this exercise, we’re focusing on deep, diaphragmatic breathing. This means we’re not using out chest or upper body to breathe. We are engaging our lower belly as we inhale and exhale. On the inhale, your lower belly should rise outwardly. On the exhale, the lower belly moves inwardly, towards the navel. These movements draw air into the lungs, and not just the upper lungs, as in chest breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing fills every part your lungs, including the lower parts.
Do this simple breathing exercise twice a day or whenever you feel yourself losing steam:
You can integrate breathing into your daily living very easily — you simply have to be conscious of it. When you wake up in the morning, think about it. When you go to sleep at night, think about it. Instead of yelling at a red traffic light to change, focus on your breath. When someone is talking to you and you have no interest in what they are saying, turn your attention to your breathing! When your toddler is driving you mad….you get the gist!
2. Cup of calmWhen you start feeling a little overwhelmed, this is a great ‘2-minute’ self-care tool. Mindful meditation doesn’t need to take a long time, just 2 or 3 minutes can be enough to give you a little space to slow down, press pause, re-connect and re-energise for the rest of the day. So if you are feeling a little stressed, just a couple of minutes to practice this ‘cup of calm’ mindful moment …
Make yourself a cup of your favourite warm drink and sit down. Notice three things in this moment – the colour of the drink, the weight of the mug, the feeling of the chair. Then consciously breath into your shoulders, try and relax them down a little and enjoy your cuppa – savouring the flavour. Return gently to the senses whenever you notice the mind straying into thought. Be open to your senses, rather than try to analyse what’s happening.
3. Say no, more!
As a mum, you can often feel like you're pulled in a million different directions trying to please everyone in the family. You might even feel guilty about saying no to certain requests from family members, children or friends. But you shouldn't! It's okay to say no sometimes, and to not take on extra work on your plate when you don’t think you can manage it or it will stress you out. Remember to look after yourself as much as you look after others around you, or you could be in danger of burning out.
‘No’ is such a small word yet so hard to say! You can say no and still be a good friend, colleague, sister, person. Sometimes you’ve just got to take care of YOU.
Saying no is empowering. Saying ‘no’ is a massive self-care gift to yourself. Even saying ‘yes’ to things you are ‘meh’ about means you will be out of time and energy for the things you want to give a big fat YES to. So if it’s not a hell yeah – it’s a no. Design your life around the good stuff, make space for that first so that the not so good stuff slowly slips away.
Here are a few ways you can say ‘no’
Positive affirmations are a powerful way of sending yourself a great dose of positive vibes and a great self-love tool.
They can be grounding, energizing, motivating, inspiring - today let’s make them LOVING and send ourselves some loving kindness.
I totally get that many of you couldn’t care less about repeating affirmations. I used to be one of those, but when I began recovering from postnatal depletion, positive affirmations helped me like nothing else. And they have been a constant supportive mind-nourishing tool throughout my motherhood journey.
By starting your day with the repetition of one or more positive affirmations, you set the right intention for the day, brighten your mood and up your confidence. Maybe try writing them down and keep looing at them throughout the day to remind yourself of them.
It may feel awkward at first to say these words to yourself and you won’t even believe them to be true. Don’t let that discourage you from actively using affirmations as a way to take care of yourself because they work miraculously when it comes to taking good care of your body, mind and soul.
Slowly, slowly, day-by-day you will reinforce the messages and train your subconscious mind to tune into the truth of self-love more and more often. It really is MAGICAL stuff!
Here are a few of my favourite self-love affirmations:
Today, I choose me
I love my body and all it does for me
I believe in me
I love the woman that I am
I am growing and learning every day
I am deserving of happiness, love, peace, freedom, and anything else I desire
The more I practice loving myself, the more loveable I become
I deserve all that is good
I am loved
Gratitude is a fantastic little mindset makeover tool and something that you can practice throughout the day as you go, so it doesn’t add anything extra to your ever-mounting ‘to do’ list. Just try and slow down just a fraction, just enough to briefly ‘press pause’ and just try and be in the moment of whatever you are experiencing and mentally note down what you are grateful for in that moment.
So for example – a child’s laugh. Just be in that moment and mentally note down how grateful you are for that magical laugh. DONE! That’s it. Try and rack up as many of these as you can throughout your day. This micro self-care tool will help you embrace the everyday magic amongst the chaos and whirlwind of motherhood. Magic moments, are all around you if you can just try and tune into them – and if you can you are going to feel more positive, happier, grounded, calm and in control. You will shift your mindset into a positive ‘high vibe’ zone – and you will start to subconsciously train your brain to see more positivity all around you and in return this will attract more positivity into your life.
6. Thought shakeDo you sometimes need a thought shake? If you are feeling a bit low or a bit flat, seek positive inspiration from others. It helps to shake your thoughts up – replacing any negative chatter in your head with positivity instead.
This might mean grabbing a quick coffee with a great friend, listening to your favourite music, listening to an uplifting podcast, or reading an inspirational book. If you choose a book or a podcast; set an alarm for 10 minutes, read/listen away and then you will come away feeling much more positive and ready to get on with the day again.
Sometimes our minds just need a little break and a good dose of positive high vibes to reboot and help us keep going! Learning to be in-tune with your mood and noticing when your mood starts to dip, and then having some simple tools to hand that work for you is a real gamechanger.
7. Assess your energy and mood hoovers!Self-care is hard and sometimes means setting tricky boundaries and letting go of the stuff that drains us.
I’ve talked quite a lot about how you can boost your energy and shift your mindset with tools you can add into your daily life…but what about the stuff you can LET GO?
What saps your energy and hoovers your mood? What could you do with saying 'goodbye' to in order to fill your self-care cup with a little more energy?
Make a list for yourself, and try to stop just a few of these things. You will gain SO much more quality time in your life. Here are a few ideas for your ‘stop-doing’ list:
What makes you happy? Think about what lights you up inside and makes you smile (a walk outside in the fresh air, drinks with good friends, reading a great book, a yoga workout)
Then think about whether you prioritise time for this?
Usually there will be some misalignment between how you are spending your time each day and your happy list, there may be very few or even no items from your happy list on your daily ‘to do’ list.
But how can you possibly find time in your already jam-packed schedule to fit anything else in? My tip here is to start super small. Identify just one way you could find a little more space in your day for you. What one thing could you add to your daily ‘to do’ list to fill your ‘happiness’ cup a little more?
Start with trying to find just 10 minutes a day. Maybe use time when you scroll social media for a ‘happy list’ task. Or cut back on TV. Maybe you could get up 10 minutes earlier? Try giving batch cooking a try to free up time in the kitchen for a little more time for you. Can something on your ‘to do’ list wait until tomorrow to make space for something on your ‘happy list’?
Prioritising yourself is really important and can make you feel so much more positive and happy about your day, even just 10 precious minutes. What are you going to do for YOU today to make you happy?
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We are super excited to kick things off with Miriam Pierre, a champion of small and independant businesses, Miriam launched her platform Nurture Collective to offer a range of super cool ethical brands together in one place (including Hunter+Boo we might add!)
Check out the full interview below where we talk with Miriam about juggling That Lockdown Life, green steps we can take during the pandemic, and why you shouldn't worry about having a cream sofa during a home birth :)
How’s your lockdown been and what’s been your daily routine?
What's your daily uniform/mum uniform?
Gym gear or Comfy! T-shirt and jeans. I love being comfortable… Gosh does that sound mumsy..!!
No that sounds like us too! What is your favorite green brand?
Elvis & Kresse – recycling to create a luxury fashion brand I just love what they stand for - they exist because they wanted to solve a waste problem (ex-fire hoses) and creating great quality bags came second.
Lowie - beautiful small successful womenswear brand in south London stylish comfortable stylish and sustainable- ticking all my boxes!
Who Gives A Crap – don’t like the name but the brand ethics are great.
Do you have any tips on how we can stay green-focused during this pandemic?
I would say its less about staying green but more a wonderful opportunity to try new things such as reusable nappies or refills. In general, we are spending more time at home and there is less pressure to be anywhere or do anything in a certain time. New mums should definitely try reusable nappies or wipes or try zero waste products and it can be fun too as you can get older kids involved and teach them about it too. I would also say support local and independent business as more than ever it creates happy dances :) Lastly appreciate and take time to enjoy family life and nature.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I was always dreaming of being a ballet dancer. I was inspired after reading a book on life of a Ballet Dancer and I thought well that’s it all I need to do is attend the White Lodge Ballet School and I can make it. Of course, it was never going to be that easy but I kept going and eventually trained as a contemporary dancer which in turn lead me to some amazing opportunities.
Which females inspires you?
Michelle Obama - I love the way she speaks and her views as on life as black American woman of an ex USA president. She carries herself well and has wonderful charm
Ferne Cotton - she really nailed her TV & Radio career and, but I love that after she became a mum for the second time, she took a career change... it’s something that I can identify with.
Anita Roddick- I love what she achieved with the Body Shop turning it from two shops into a worldwide chain. She was ahead of her time in terms of marketing and business sense.
What was your life like pre-baby and how has it changed since?
It hasn’t really changed as I am still able to do most things I did before my daughter came; I think most people are ready to lead a family-focused life which is why you had kids in the first place - that’s how it feels to me. I do feel life has got busier as there are more people in it! But I embrace the busyness, it gives me focus.
What do you love most about your work?
Meeting like-minded people and businesses who are passionate about sustainability and interested in how the world is changing.
What advice would you give to a potential mumpreneur who is looking to start her own business?
Research your ideas thoroughly and road test it with potential customers. Accept all feedback as a gift and be prepared to change direction which can sometimes be so difficult when you believe passionately in your idea.
Any tips for us working mums on juggling career and motherhood?
Be as well organized as you can be, build a fantastic support network and accept that not everything is possible in one day.
What are you working on now and what’s in the pipeline for the future?
Really focusing on growing the business and developing the visual icons to enable customers to really measure their impact at the point of purchase.
Such an awesome feature! What is your philosophy on motherhood?
Don’t sweat the small stuff and be prepared to say sorry when you’re wrong – even if they are three.
What's been your proudest moment as a parent to date?
Having an amazing natural home birth which was most incredible 8-hour journey I have ever been on with myself! I was blown away by my own body’s capabilities. The whole pregnancy journey is pretty amazing.
And teaching my daughter to sing Spanish nursery rhymes when we don’t really speak Spanish!
What's been your biggest lessons learned being a mum
Patience for sure!
And any funny parenting stories to share?
Once I found I was pregnant, Karl and I thought we would do some nesting of our home by buying a gorgeous new sofa – in cream! At the last stage of my home birth, I was literally about to birth Yasmin, and Karl started suggesting “not on the sofa not on the sofa how about this nice wooden chair!” - I could literally have killed him! Luckily the midwife was on hand to keep us all focused and Yasmin was born safely on to the sofa without even a trace of evidence!
That's amazing! Thanks so much for speaking with us Miriam :)
You can check out the awesome products on offer at Nurture Collective here.
]]>This article is taken from our recent interview with Mini Mode Global Kids Fashion Week - www.mini-mode.co.uk
"Today, we’re here with a new designer interview – this time we’re talking to Hunter and Boo.
We’ve created this interview series with our brands to give you a little more of an insight into the brand itself – the face behind the brand and what inspires them to do what they do and how different brands work across the world.
We were so thrilled to have them at our show and we’re excited to give you a deeper insight into them in our interview, keep reading to find out more.
Sarah and Beth Medley are the sister duo behind Hunter+Boo, an award-winning modern, ethical and sustainable baby and kids-wear label that doesn’t compromise on style or personality.
With respective backgrounds in fashion and business, they founded the label in 2017 combining their love of nature, art and fashion with a desire to improve the lives of those who produce the collection.
Made with the softest 100% organic cotton and eco dyes, each garment celebrates the joy of childhood, made with care for the environment and our workers.
Why did you start Hunter and Boo?
Sarah: Beth and I have always wanted to work together, and after the birth of her twins she identified a gap in the market for really cool ethically made and organic kids clothing. With my background in fashion it seemed like the perfect fit! We launched our range in Singapore just over 2 years ago – since then we have expanded our ranges and partnered with some brilliant retailers – as well as showing at Mini Mode, a very proud moment!
Tell us about your brand
Sarah: Hunter+Boo is founded on strong principles of quality production, timeless designs and beautiful unique products. Our clothing line currently includes a range of dresses, rompers, tops, bottoms, bibs and blankets, all made with 100% super-soft GOTS certified organic cotton. Our bold signature prints are all manufactured using eco-dyes. Every product is made with comfort in mind, from the cosy feel of the organic cotton against the skin, to the delicate screen printed inside labels.
How important is being an ethical brand to you and what steps do you take to make your brand as ethical as possible?
Beth: Being an ethical brand is a core value of our business and impacts everything we do at Hunter+Boo, from the materials we select to the packaging we use. We set out from the beginning to be a brand of action, building the business on a set of firm ethical foundations. We strive to continually learn and improve our practices with the aim of leaving as small a footprint as possible on our precious planet.
What challenges have you faced since starting the brand?
Beth: Finding a factory that shares our ethical values was a long and challenging process. After a lot of research, we met with our factory in Sri Lanka and were excited to discover they hold some pretty awesome ethical certifications like GOTS and Garments Without Guilt. They are a family owned business and we love visiting with them and seeing our designs come to life.
Sarah: I would say time! We are still a very small team and it is hard work balancing the demands of motherhood and business. That said it’s extremely rewarding, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?
Sarah: As an ethical brand we believe that fundamentally our clothing at Hunter+Boo should offer season-less style. We are often recognised for our signature bold, oversized, and unisex prints which are all designed in-house and take inspiration from many sources of personal artistic influence, from nature to art and antiques. We also take our customer feedback seriously and have developed new shapes and designs based on items that they would like to see. And of course, we can’t help but find inspiration daily from our own kids, my one-year-old son, Harry, and Beth’s twin son and daughter who are the brand’s namesakes!
Mini Mode is all about empowering and inspiring the next generation. What do you think needs to be done to improve kid’s self-esteem?
Beth: Firstly, we totally agree with you and love being part of the Mini Mode shows which are always such fun for everyone involved! It’s clear the kids are having a blast and the inclusivity you promote is admirable and a huge step forward. From a personal perspective, as a mum I try to instil confidence for my own kids by empowering them through giving the choice to make their own decisions, for example what they would like to eat or where we are going to play today. I also allow them to be independent where possible, helping with daily chores and responsibilities, using reward charts as positive reinforcement!
What’s next for your brand?
Sarah: We have been mainly focussed on the Singapore and Asian side of the business for the past two years, and this season we are very excited to extend the Brand into Europe, with the launch of our European website and some exciting new partnerships coming up!
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Like many other parents right now, with working and schooling from home becoming our new normal, we have been struggling to create any kind of work-life balance and structure to our days! One lifeline has been discovering so many fantastic and creative online resources which help keep the kids both entertained and educated, and give us that precious few minutes' peace.
Check out the round up below of some of our faves:
Rainbow for Coronavirus
Such a simple idea but so inspiring! A suggested activity from my kids' school, we asked the children to paint a rainbow and put it in their window, the idea being to spread the symbol of hope plus it makes a fun game for the kids to spot them if they go out for a walk! Don't forget to tag any pics you post with #rainbowwindow and #rainbowtrail
P.E With Joe
Joe Wicks (aka the Body Coach) is currently offering daily live YouTube fitness videos on his channel. Whilst the exercise routines are aimed at kids, this is one the whole family can get involved in - get those endorphins going and start your day on a high!
Play-a-long Live with play.hooray
Play Hooray is a community of parents, carers and educators who celebrate everything about the world of play! Their practical and hands-on Play-a-long live crafting sessions are guaranteed boredom busters - you might even get time to clear your inbox.. Classes held daily via Instagram Live.
Dance Classes with The Ballet Coach
For those missing their weekly dance classes, Sarah Du-Feu is an English National Ballet School trained dancer bringing live classes for your little ones. Tune in via her Instagram and Facebook live channels.
Kids' Kitchen Raves with Arielle Free
If we can't go out, DJ and Radio 1 Presenter Arielle Free is bringing the party to us with her fantastic Kids Kitchen Raves. With requests taken and feel-good tunes guaranteed - glow sticks are optional! Mondays and Thursday at 3pm on her Instagram and Facebook Live Channels.
PS - you can check out the interview we did with Arielle over here!
Pic: via hitc.com
Wellness Expert Jasmine Hemsley
Let's not neglect our own health and wellbeing! We love following author and wellness expert Jasmine Hemsley where we can find practical tips to improve our wellbeing. Try tuning into Jasmine's Instagram Lives where she offers regular sessions such as meditation and sound baths - pure bliss!
Pic: via JasmineHemsley.com
We hope you are all staying safe and well at home and if you have any other suggestions for online kids activities we'd love to hear so please pop them in the comments below!
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Now in their 6th year, these awards are judged by a panel of industry experts in the UK, USA and Australia and honour the best mother and baby products worldwide. Categories comprise: baby & kids, skincare, bath, body, wellbeing, children's apparel and nutrition, with a strong focus on products with a natural, organic and earth-friendly ethos.
We are thrilled to have been honoured with this global and ethically focused award - and even happier that they said:
"Congratulations all of you including the Sri Lanka team. You shone! Beautiful designs, cute styles and an all important ethical, sustainable foundation. 👌🏼"
You can read about all the award winners here.
]]>
We are excited to bring you the Mother's Day edition of our Super Mums blog.
Meet Mathilde Moyell Juul, the founder of green lifestyle guide, orgayana.
This travel-loving Danish-born Super Mum talks us through how she fulfilled her early career ambitions as a journalist and editor, and how struggles with a personal health crisis were a lightbulb moment to pursue an interest in her own personal passion; sharing with others how to create a more sustainable lifestyle.
Read on for Mathilde's tips on easy ways you can live more green and sustainably, her thoughts on parenting and a career highlight interviewing Bradley Cooper (!).
]]>Meet Mathilde Moyell Juul, the founder of green lifestyle guide, orgayana.
This travel-loving Danish-born Super Mum of three talks us through fulfilling her early career ambitions as a journalist and editor, and how overcoming a personal health crisis was a lightbulb moment to pursue her own passion; sharing with others how to create a more sustainable lifestyle.
Read on for Mathilde's tips on easy ways you can live more green and sustainably, her thoughts on parenting and a career highlight interviewing Bradley Cooper (!).
How do mornings look in your household?
Probably more affected by the sound than the look, our toddler likes to make sure we all know he’s awake, early! The upside, is that we have plenty of time in the mornings, not much stress and time to enjoy the breakfast slowly, read a book and chat on the way to bus pick-up for our two older ones.
What's your daily uniform?
Very much depend on the schedule that day - it often starts of with some fitness wear and then I’ll generally be quite relaxed in organic shorts/bottoms from Aiayu and a t-shirt from sustainably sourced Source Collections. If I have to dress up a bit for an event, I like to wear my up-cycled colourful dress from Sidsel Edelbo or dig out an old classic, like one of my Jasper Living dresses.
You work with some fantastic green and eco brands, can you share some of your favourites?
That’s a tough one, so many brands popping up all the time, but for skincare I love many of the local brands here in Singapore, especially Biconi that has helped me reduce my skincare range to about three products: Coconut oil (removing make-up, face cleansing, body oil and as a hair serum), a natural soap bar for body, and a natural face serum for moisturising. I also love The Sustainability Project for reusable items and The Green Collective in Kinex Mall for a one-stop shopping trip on all things green!
Can you give us some of your top tips to achieve a more green and conscious lifestyle?
BYO is first and foremost. If you are not already doing it, make sure your handbag or rucksack for the day consists of: a couple of reusable bags, a water bottle, a reusable coffee cup and a container and cutlery if you know you’ll be eating take-away. It might seem like a lot, but when it’s becomes a habit, you feel so much better for never having to get near a public bin or add to the pile of plastic bags in your own home.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A journalist. Yay, I made it!
That’s fantastic! And which female are you inspired by?
Zero Waste pioneer Bea Johnson - I’m in awe of her jar. To be able reduce all your waste and be left with one small jar a year, is not normal, it’s just really crazy impressive.
It’s mind blowing! So what is your philosophy on motherhood?
Finding the balance. Happy mother, happy kids right? But finding out what makes you happy as a woman OTHER than being a mother. For me, I felt a loss of identity for a couple of years, when my focus was 100% kids and although I had all the time for them, I wasn’t really 100% there or 100% happy. I realised that for me, having a career or passion that didn’t involve my role as a mother was essential to feel ‘me’ and enjoy my kids. Quality over quantity. (That said, entrepreneurship eats away some of the quality time too!)
Where is your fave place in the world?
That is so unbelievably tough to answer. But Galapagos Islands in Ecuador is probably the most unique place I’ve ever been to. I love spreading the word about favourite travel spots though, which is why I also host a travel blog with my kids, TripsByKids.
What inspired you to start your online platform, orgayana?
I’ve always been quite hooked on exploring health advice and trends, particularly after losing my dad to cancer and going through a tough time with a brain tumour myself. Trying to get our 3rd child, I also underwent four miscarriages and consequently started looking a my diet and health when the doctors had given up. Out of this came Chris, and he stayed.
My interest in health and sustainable lifestyle started earlier though - I grew up in Denmark, in a house with a vegetable garden, fruit trees, compost and recycling bins. And with the move to Singapore, I found it hard to find answers to many of my green questions, and thought: perhaps I could help answer them AND spread the word in Singapore, by doing a one-stop shop with great tips and advice on healthy and sustainable lifestyle? Well, orgayana was born.
What do you love most about your work?
I get to combine my competences, my passions and do good for the planet - all at the same time. That’s pretty unique I find and I feel incredibly blessed.
Anything that you know now you wish you’d known as a start-up mumpreneur?
How mentally and physically draining it is to wear ten different hats, where nine of them is doing something you haven’t done before. If I was to advise myself now, I would probably say chillax a bit - you can only do so much and rushing things and stressing does not make you a good advocate for a green lifestyle! - And team up with a partner, so when things get hard, you’re not all alone.
Really great advice, thank you! And what’s been your career highlight?
If I could possibly sum up the past year - creating a lifestyle magazine from scratch, doing incredible interviews with big change makers, presenting talks on less waste…. I guess my career highlight is that I have pushed my boundaries again and again, all while founding a media that can actually make a difference for people as well as for the planet.
And ok, interviewing Bradley Cooper in my the old tv-days was also pretty cool..
OK you win with the Bradley interview! And what have been your biggest lessons learned being a mum?
You cannot be present with your children while working or with any type of device in your hand. Be there a 100% or don’t be there at all.
What's been your proudest moment as a parent to date?
I can’t pick one. But my two eldest being elected as eco-warrior representatives at school - completely on their own initiate - made their eco-mum very proud. And just shows how important role modelling is - showing it, rather than telling it.
And finally, any funny parenting story to share?
I guess those moments when you don’t know whether to laugh or cry. All in the last month: Sienna, seven, cutting her fringe down to 2cm, because the hair was ‘in the way’. Or when Chris, two, drew a ‘firetruck’ on the sofa, so he could add to his collection. Or when Philip, nine, thought adding a bottle of liquid soap into the condo jacuzzi pool would just feel like a giant bath and not messy or problematic at all. Joy of kids, they do make me laugh a lot more than cry, thankfully.
You can read more about living a more conscious lifestyle on Mathilde's platform orgayana.
And.. we are co-hosting a special Kids' Eco Warrior festival with orgayana and the Green Collective on June 1st, 2019! You can RSVP on the event page here.
]]>We recently caught up with Sjaniël Turrell, holistic makeup artist and Super Mum to two gorgeous boys - Jaden and Riley.
Before juggling motherhood and combining her expertise in nutrition and health with clean beauty, Sjaniël worked as an international model for 15 years before moving to London. Her love for all things health and wellness grew, culminating in a qualification as a nutritional therapist.
With over 20 years' experience in the industry, Sjaniël talks us through Supermodel era make-up vs. today, the importance of using natural and organic skincare, to how her parenting style has changed with each of her babies.
]]>Before juggling motherhood and combining her expertise in nutrition and health with clean beauty, Sjaniël worked as an international model for 15 years before moving to London. Her love for all things health and wellness grew, culminating in a qualification as a nutritional therapist.
With over 20 years' experience in the industry, Sjaniël talks us through Supermodel era make-up vs. today, the importance of using natural and organic skincare, to how her parenting style has changed with each of her babies.
Read the full interview below and you can find out more about Sjaniël over at her website chemistryofwellness.com.
How do mornings look in your household?
I am NOT a morning person, but fortunately my husband is! He usually gets up with the kids around 6:30-7:30 and manages them till I manage to get out of bed, at least 30 min after we wake up.
I try to not reach for my phone first thing and I’m trying to do a bit of reading or devotion, but that only happens if my 21 month old, Riley, will allow. It’s usually just me laying in bed being jumped on and saving my bedside table contents from destruction!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I’ve never had a clear idea of what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I was very little I loved ballet and wanted to be a ballerina, and then for a few years a flight attendant or hairdresser, but as I got older I just found it more confusing to decide on any specific path.
How did you become a makeup artist and nutritional therapist, and what do you love most about it?
Makeup sort of happened by happy accident – I was 18 years old and working as an au-pair in the US. As part of what then was called a ‘cultural exchange visa’, I was required to do some sort of educational training in my year in America. No traditional college course was of interest to me (the entire reason I took a gap year to au-pair -duh) and so I found an agency that offered this makeup artist’s course. Once I started, I loved it and from there on I continued to experiment, practice and enjoy learning more and more about makeup. Once back home in South Africa, I ended up getting into modelling and that became my main career for 15 years, but I have always done makeup alongside in the industry and that has become my main focus in the last 7 years. It allows me to be creative and work one-on-one with individuals, both aspects which I love and thrive in.
I developed a keen interest in health and wellness around 2004 after I got married – I did years of self-study and research, but once I had moved to London in 2011 I became more involved in the wellness industry. After an awful stint of chronic fatigue, I had a massive turn around with healing through food and decided that I wanted to become a qualified expert and then signed up for my 3 year nutritional therapy diploma. I qualified in 2015 and have managed to combine my love of makeup with my love of wellbeing. I now refer to myself as a holistic makeup artist as I use only natural and organic products. I teach people how to make the change from commercial to conscious products and how to improve their immediate all-round environment to benefit their personal wellbeing.
What is your career highlight so far?
I think for me it’s when I help women who genuinely have a fear or negative feeling about themselves or makeup. I love being able to find something that works for them or makes them see themselves in a new light.
For example, a 60 year woman came to me once and was so embarrassed about her acne scarring that she said she had never let anyone touch her face! After I had convinced her that I needed to touch her face to find a good foundation for her and seeing the result, she literally hugged me because she thought her skin looked good for the first time in her life. I have had similar experiences with people recovering from cancer or illness or brides who never really wear makeup – it feels so good to allow women to see the beauty in themselves.
You’ve been a makeup artist for over 20 years now – how has the industry changed in that time and what positive steps are being made towards a more environmentally friendly, sustainable and cruelty free industry?
Well, certainly the digital age has changed so much of how we wear and do makeup. When I started, photoshop and digital cameras did not exist (yeah, that makes me feel pretty old). We wore A LOT of makeup back in the 90’s – it was the era of supermodels and makeup artists and photographers had to do back then what can be fixed in seconds in post-production today.
I love that the real fashion trends over the last 10 years have become much more minimal – sheer, glowing skin – not much eye makeup, powders or layers. I remember growing up that my mum would not be caught dead leaving the house without lipstick – there was way more pressure on women to be made up. I love that ‘norm core’ and everyday fashion trends lend themselves to everyone being who they are and want to be. I do also realise that there is an entire younger, ‘YouTube’ generation that are obsessed with going back to wearing too much makeup and fixating on things like contouring, highlighting and ‘baking’ – but that genuinely is not the case in high fashion and city trends.
I do think though that the younger generation are much more aware of the impact that their choices have on the environment and that they want to use products that are kind to the earth and animals – I believe that the instant gratification trends will slowly start dying down and then overall, young girls and women are going to demand that big companies take responsibility for their packaging and cruelty free practices. We still have a very long way to go, but young women need to realise how much power they have in the buying decisions they make. Their collective buying choices and demands completely govern the way massive billion-dollar conglomerates make decisions.
Why do you believe it is so important only to use natural and organic skincare products?
Simply put, your skin is your body’s largest organ. It feels and filters your entire environment. It absorbs what is rubbed and applied onto it and is the biggest reflector of internal health. No one system in our body is disconnected from another – we are not made up of different systems, rather, we are one system with many parts and if one part does not get taken care of the rest won’t work well either.
That is the best way to think about your body. If you take care to eat healthy, organic food, but still apply any number of synthetic (often harmful) chemicals to your skin, you are still putting undue stressors on your body. So much of what we use in beauty products day to day has not been tested long enough to know the true outcome of their impact of our internal or even genetic health long term.
Of course, we have to ask – who are your favourite eco brands and product for makeup and skincare?
This is difficult to answer because there truly are SO many amazing products out there now. I wouldn’t say any one range or makeup brand ticks all the boxes or covers all the bases. It really is down to your individual needs. However, I will say that for me Twelve Beauty is an absolute favourite skincare brand for it’s clean and scientifically clever formulations for super dehydrated and sensitive skin (a must for pregnant and new mums). The serums and lip oil are the best I’ve tried.
On the makeup front I would say Absolution Cosmetics for the best lipsticks and concealer and right now Ere Perez for all round great foundations – although the list of favourites is way too long to mention here.
You are a big fan of vintage and second-hand shopping – where are your favourite places for this?
Gosh, I could live at a car boot! In South Africa the options for similar markets or car boot sales is very small, so I am in my element whenever I happen upon a great car boot sale here. Before it closed, the Wimbledon car boot was my absolute go-to for anything and everything. I would simply decide what my focus was for the day and go and fill up my granny trolley for £20 a go.
Right now, I am completely deprived of second hand shopping experiences as Wimbledon is no longer and also, since having another baby, I simply don’t make the effort to get out and explore. I do love to go into my local charity shops and see if I find anything special. Once in a while (when I have time to myself) I go into Traid and spend an hour or two finding myself some essentials for the next season – I’ve mostly given up on high street shopping and love discovering designer finds for next to nothing. THAT makes me super excited.
Other than shopping vintage, what are your best tips for buying sustainable clothing & who are your favourite brands?
TBH, as I said before, I seldom shop with mainstream or even sustainable brands – mostly because I’m on a mum budget and when I do have money it will usually go on buying the best supplements instead.
Fortunately, I have some fashionista friends who take very good care of me with hand-me-downs and I do have some lovely pieces from great brands. My favourite sustainable clothing brands are Closed Official and Armed Angels – they fit me well and I love their cool but casual collections.
For kids I also live for hand-me-downs or random charity shop finds. The realistic version for me is H&M Conscious (not quite as conscious as I’d like, but it’s what is available). I absolutely love Mini Rodini and of course Hunter+Boo. I also love finding handmade pieces at local farmers markets where local small businesses have great options.
What is your fave piece in your wardrobe?
Probably my dressing gown. Hahaha.
Yas! And what's your daily uniform/mum uniform?
I’m a jeans and t-shirt girl through and through. Even when I’m genuinely trying to dress up I end up in jeans and then just think that if I wear a nice pair of shoes my outfit will be formal. I definitely choose comfort over fashion.
Which females inspire you?
Any female who has a quiet, gentle confidence about her. I think it is a difficult thing to be very ok with who you are in the world today. We’re all looking at everyone else’s picture-perfect IG life and wondering if we’ve missed the boat somewhere along the line.
But I love a woman who owns her short comings, stands up for what she believes in and doesn’t feel like she needs to overcompensate to prove herself – and I don’t mean being a shrinking violet, I just mean feminine in their strength.
I suppose since I see myself as someone who probably overwhelms others with how much and how loud I can talk when I am passionate about topics, that I feel I could do with a bit of a filter. It could just be that I’m South African and haven’t had that slightly more reserved British sensibility bred into me :D
As a mother of two, what is your philosophy on motherhood and parenting style?
It’s very interesting discovering the mother I am now with my youngest compared to the mother I was first time round 10 years ago. I have definitely relaxed my parenting style. I suppose a lot has to do with living in a more conscious age where we acknowledge our children as individuals more, but also that I believe the older you become, the less you feel the need to be perfect.
My two boys are 10 years apart, but they are so extremely different in personality, that I’ve realised our children are simply little strangers that arrive in our family and our job is to get to know them and then love them for the person they are. We shape very little of who they are intrinsically – mother’s often see their children as an extension of themselves, but I am now fully aware that my children are completely separate from me as humans, and I simply have to nourish them as individuals and guide them to be the best versions of themselves.
Of course there will be many traits that you will recognise in both yourself and your partner (often the worst of both – haha) but you are ultimately not the one who can decide who they’re going to be. And also that not every child can be raised in the same way because what works for one personality simply may not work for another. I realise in my time of growing up, that type of thinking may have caused a lot of harm to children because parents believed that they were being fair. We have to play and show love to their individual strengths. Just as adults have love languages, so do children.
What's been your proudest moment as a parent to date?
Gosh, I am proud and amazed of my 11 year old every single day. He is one of the most empathetic and conscientious people I know – the level of self-awareness he has is astounding to me at times. I do like to think that I’ve nurtured that in him, but he genuinely is an amazing human and now an even more amazing big brother.
With Riley, my youngest, my proud moments are those that I enjoy with him. He is a ray of sunshine and makes me laugh and smile all the time. I tend to take life way too seriously at times – even trying to decide to have him took me 10 years because I over analysed it so much. But he truly brings me joy and that is something for me personally to be proud of for sure.
And any funny parenting story to share?
Too many! Kids are hilarious. Let’s think of a Jaden comment… I’ve had to go through the FB archives for these. It’s usually things they say between the age of three and six.
On his dinner this evening:
"Yum Jazzy this is my favourite dinner. I don't need to argue or try to get away. You won't have a difficult time with me today"
Jaden's most sincere bedtime prayer this evening:
"Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for making me a mole. Thank you that I can dig holes and make tunnels under the ground. Amen"
“Spiderman says it's always the girls that are in trouble and needs saving because the men have gone to work”
Jaden commenting on the Men's Health cover next to dad's bed:
Jaden: ‘Mom, why does that man have so many boobies on his tummy?’
Me: ‘It's called a sixpack & you get it when you exercise hard.’
Jaden: ‘But I don't want dad to look like that.’
Me: ‘Don't worry love, he won't.’
And so on and so forth – write that stuff down - they really are very funny.
Riley is just generally hilarious on a daily basis and thinks everything in life is funny – which helps when you’re having a bad day – not so much when you’re extremely tired and all you want to do is sleep, however.
Any tips for us working mums on juggling career and motherhood?
Seriously, no. Not really – I don’t feel as though I have this figured out at all. Lack of sleep in general makes me have massive respect for mums who juggle full-time work and children. I freelance, but that means that I mostly stay at home with Riley and only get onto emails or planning work in the 2 hours per day that he has a nap.
I think that the hardest thing is accepting the space you’re in and even though you may feel mentally ready for new things, you’re not always physically able to implement your ideas. I think we can often feel as though we’re doing nothing all day and that we’re not ‘doing’ enough, but merely having to have your mind and eyes on your toddler at all waking hours means that you are actually busy.
What are you working on now and what’s in the pipelines?
I hope to continue to educate and break down clean beauty concepts for people. I love consulting with women individually and helping them find what works best for them, but also create more awareness on the importance of making changes to our current environments.
I’m also part of an exciting project which will hopefully come to fruition during this year – I am signed on to be makeup designer on the first sustainably filmed Hollywood movie and if we can make that happen, then hopefully we’ve paved the way for an entire new era of eco consciousness in Hollywood, because that definitely needs to start happening.
Wow how exciting, we can't wait to hear more!
You can follow Sjaniël on Instagram here.
]]>Whilst healthy eating and clean skincare are now considered more mainstream choices, if we follow the next logical step and look at our clothing, it can be tricky knowing where to start.
Personally I have found that once you start digging into the ethics of the fashion industry, things get a little over-whelming. From scary statistics like fashion being one of the most polluting industries in the world, to reports of appalling human rights abuses like the Rana Plaza collapse, how many of us know the real reasons why we should choose one fabric or brand over another.
]]>Whilst healthy eating and clean skincare are now considered more mainstream, if we follow the next logical step and look at our clothing, it can be tricky knowing where to start.
Personally I have found that once you begin digging into the ethics of the fashion industry, things get a little over-whelming. From scary statistics like fashion being one of the most polluting industries in the world, to reports of appalling human rights abuses like the Rana Plaza collapse, how many of us know the real reasons why we should choose one fabric or brand over another?
And did you also know that unlike food, there is no requirement for textile products to have any certification to be labelled 'organic'? So even if the fabric is labelled organic, perhaps only a small percentage of it contains organic cotton. Or it could mean that, even though the material itself is organic cotton, toxic chemicals could have been used in the dying process.
Unless a product is carrying a global standard certification like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), there is no way of knowing if it is organically (and ethically) produced from seed to your skin.
That's why for us at Hunter+Boo, these certifications are key. We only use GOTS Certified Organic Cotton in our entire range as we know not only is it softer and more long-lasting than conventional cotton (something many of our customers have verified!), it is also better for the environment and the people who work in the supply chain.
So with all this in mind, we thought it would be really handy to share this helpful infographic from The Organic Cotton Initiative which highlights the main benefits of Organic vs. Conventional cotton.
As we all know, knowledge is power! I believe it's important to share the full story behind the processes involved in how our clothes are made, which in turn can allow our customers (you guys!) to make more informed and conscious decisions when it comes to buying clothes.
Did you learn something from this article? We'd love to know your thoughts about choosing certified organic cotton over conventional cotton. Leave us a comment below.
]]>After much said Insta stalking, we invited Shell to come and preview our new collection at MINI MODE. We were so excited to meet and introduce this stylish Mama to our new collection, talking all things from fashion and philosophy on motherhood, to proud parent moments and morning routines.
]]>After much said Insta stalking, we invited Shell to come and preview our new collection at MINI MODE. We were so excited to meet and introduce this stylish Mumma to our new collection, talking all things from fashion and philosophy on motherhood, to proud parent moments and morning routines.
Read the full interview, below.
How do mornings look in your household?
Well now Rocco’s at school mornings are quite a rush! I try to be organised and make batches of my super fruity protein porridge in advance so they’re ready to go and can be warmed up so they have a good start to the day!
You are one stylish Mumma, what's your fave piece in your wardrobe?
Ohhh that’s a hard one I have so many pieces I love! I love my oversized denim jacket which I’ve customised with pin badges and iron on patches as it’s unique and it goes with everything!
And who's your style icon?
I don’t think I have one particular person. I like to take inspiration from lots of different places, my mother and sister have great style and I like making my own style from inspiration I’ve seen from other ladies on social media and mixing new and old trends. I’ve never been one to comfort or follow I like to be a bit different and unique.
What is your kids' style?
We definitely like to have fun with fashion! We like mixing fun prints and they like bright colours. Anyone who knows me knows my two Littlies are always super stylish! I just love choosing fun clothes for them more than for myself! It’s great now they’re a bit older they like to choose clothes too and Valli is often very opinionated about what she wants to wear!
What is your favourite eco brand?
Children’s fashion has come such a long way and these days there are so many fab eco brands. We love brands such as Tootsa MacGinty, Stella Kids, Bobo Choses and have found this great New Zealand sock brand that sell the cutest merino wool socks called Lamington that we love. We love a lot of brands from the Green Collective Group and of course Hunter + Boo! I love your prints and the Littlies are always super comfortable in your clothes!
Thank you so much! So what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Fashion Designer! There’s still time right? I still have a sketch book with a clothing line I designed from when I was about 12/13yrs old! I even designed a logo and had a brand name! It’s not a very good one but it was obvious from a young age I loved fashion and clothes!
It's never too late! And which female inspires you?
It maybe quite a cliche answer but my parents inspire me more than anyone. My Mom is the rock of our family and always positive even during tough times.
She’s the kindest person I know. My parents cared for my Nan who lived with them for five years suffering severe dementia. What they did for my Nan was truly selfless and incredible. I will always be in awe of what they gave up for her with very little help and support.
They are hard working, honest and always go out of there way for others qualities I try to take with me too.
What is your philosophy on motherhood?
I’ve definitely learnt so much from both of my children. When you have your first you think with the second you know what you’re doing but I was wrong! Valli was completely different to Rocco in every way and I have become a different mother because of her. I’m definitely a lot more laid back and trust my instincts more. As a first time Mum I found comfort in reading all the books and trying to learn what to do when in fact if you just listen to your baby and their needs that’s all you need to do!
Where is your fave place in the world?
Our happy place is our beach in Cornwall. We’ve made so many memories before and with the littlies. We are our happiest there whether it be summer beach days or winter beach walks all stresses disappear when we are there!
What's been your proudest moment as a parent to date?
Oh wow I don’t think I have just one! Being a Mommy makes me proud everyday! Proud I gave birth naturally with barely any and no pain relief at all with Valli. Breastfeeding both of them until they self weaned well I’m still waiting for Valli to give up feeding! I’m proud of coming this far on so little sleep. Valli is 2.5yrs and still wakes every hour or two and we co-sleep with her feeding most of the night. Proud of seeing them grow and develop...Rocco astounds me everyday with his knowledge and Valli is such a character! One thing that makes me most proud is watching them together having fun, playing and listening in when they don’t know on the conversations they have...so cute!
What have your kids taught you?
My kids have taught me so much. One thing I love is how they always wake up everyday happy and excited for what the day is about to bring! They’ve taught me to let go, take each day and I love having kids to relive a little bit of childhood myself again!
And any funny parenting story to share?
I think everyday there’s something! There’s never a day they don’t make me laugh! Obviously parenting is tough too and some days are hard work but even when I’m struggling they always have a way of making me smile!
Shop the story here
Zoe talks us through the days of giving glitter makeovers to festival-goers out of her backpack, to now being an ambassador for helping to turn the tides on plastic. We chat everything from the damaging use of traditional plastic glitters, tips to live more green and plastic free, Mermaid Mobiles and of course, biodegradable glitter!
What inspired you to start The Mermaid Cave?
The Mermaid Cave is the lovechild of mine and my good friend Luca’s, after a few summers of spreading sparkles together in the fields of UK festivals. We are both very creative and crafty, always making ourselves costumes and accessories for our festival outfits, as well as painting faces independently for many years. In the Summer of 2015, a girl, whose face we had painted out of our backpacks, contacted us to do her company’s Summer party. That was the day that we decided to launch our own little glitter haven, and so The Mermaid Cave was born. Luca has since moved on to other holistic ventures of her own, and I now run the brand solo, with the support of my incredible team of mermaid artists, without whom I would never have achieved the success I have to date.
We love The Mermaid Cave glitter! How is it different to other glitters on the market?
I decided to make the switch to biodegradable glitter last March, around the stage that the brand’s whole sustainable ethos really took flight, and it’s the best decision I could have made. Since then, I have launched our 12 shade collection of glitters, each named after the most endangered species in our oceans, in hopes of shining a light on their struggle. I like to think that our glitter is some of the best on the market, as I put a lot of love into mixing our own blends by hand, combining various colours and grain sizes to ensure they are entirely unique and as chunky and irresistible as possible! Our distinguishing features vs other bio glitter brands would have to be our packaging and ocean conservation focus; our glitter is sold in plastic-free packaging of glass vials with cork stoppers, and we send 10% of all our profits to Oceans.Care, a charity working in Indonesia to educate local communities and help to clean up our oceans from plastic waste. For us, sustainability is at the core of our practice, and ultimately what I feel makes us special as a brand.
Has the beauty and glitter industry changed since you started out?
Massively! When I started my guerrilla glittering over 10 years ago, it was a relatively novel experience to be offering and definitely not something every second person had in their bum bag, as is the case today. Glitter has taken on a life of its own in recent years, and although this is wonderful to see people embracing their inner sparkle and shine, my heart can’t help but ache every time I see someone pull out a plastic pot of (micro)plastic glitter. There has been a surge towards eco-friendly glitter products of late, which is an amazing start, but there is still such a lack of understanding or education amongst the majority of festival-goers and general glitter users. For the most part it’s not about a lack of compassion, its often just not having the knowledge or information about the repercussions on the environment, so a big part of our makeovers is about providing this insight, whilst still spreading goddess mermaid vibes. It’s all about the ripple effect and passing on that valuable knowledge so that hopefully, in turn, our customers can spread the message too.
What's your career highlight so far?
We have had the pleasure of glittering at some incredible festivals and events over the last few years, both in the UK and internationally, for clients such as Google, Lululemon, Spotify and O2, to name a few. However I think the highlight so far has to be working with Pure Life Experiences in Morocco. Pure organise luxury travel trade shows across the world, and last year we travelled to Marrakesh to promote our eco products and glitter, which sits perfectly alongside their sustainable roots. Their events are plastic-free, providing every guest with metal water bottles and tote bags etc on arrival, and its a joy to work with companies who prove that consciousness is achievable on a larger scale, it just requires a little care and forward planning. They also send proceeds to a local charity supporting women, which is another lovely element to their business that connects us. We will be returning this September and love working with their amazing team.
What's in the pipeline for The Mermaid Cave?
The focus for this next season and year ahead is to bring our environmental efforts to the forefront of the brand’s identity. I will be launching the blog very soon, which will hopefully be an inspiring and informative platform; a place for me to document my discoveries and advice for anyone who is interested and wanting to start their journey towards plastic-free existence. I am also about to start a long awaited project of converting a 1970s caravan into our shimmying boutique - watch this space for the renovations of our Mermaid Mobile!
You spend your time between Bali and London, what draws you to each place?
I first visited Bali last March and it has since held a very special place in my heart. The conscious way of life in places like Ubud helps to keep me connected with like-minded soul family, and being embedded in such awe-inspiring natural beauty keeps me grounded and focused on my cause. I spend a lot of time in and around the ocean in places such as the Gili islands and Flores, where again, the community of ocean warriors protecting and fighting for the fragile future of our oceans is hugely inspiring. These trips help to fill me up with love and fuel the fire, ready for a busy festival season ahead.
London has been home for the last 5 or 6 years and beyond, and I will always return for the unbeatable festivals and other work events, but I now feel a calling to return, more importantly, to be an ambassador of what I’ve learnt, and step into this role of helping to turn the tides on plastic; it’s time to move into a new chapter of learning to live in better harmony with our beautiful planet.
What are your top tips for living more green and plastic free?
I call it the Mermaid 7 - seven tips to save our seven oceans! Not wanting to product push too much, but many of these alternatives are available on our store so head over and have a look for yourselves, for what we hope can be some beautiful plastic antidotes.
More of this to follow on the Mermaid Cave blog when it launches! In the meantime you can read more about our biodegradable glitter and ocean conservation on our site.
Who are your fave green brands?
@goosethelabel - a hot-off-the-press slow fashion brand about to drop some gorgeous silk tencel pieces, ethically manufactured in Bali. Goddess attire in waiting!
@saltsandandsmoothies - your go to guide for all things sustainability and travel envy. This gorgeous girl cares deeply for the planet and we hope to one day have the audience impact that she so deservedly does.
@wolventhreads - sustainable sisterhood; sharing our love for kaleidoscopic prints, these lycra angels have found a way of manufacturing their active wear from recycled PET fabric, produced using discarded plastic water bottles. All hail!
@pureplanetclub - a bathroom brand to make you smile. These guys have made it their mission to tackle the plastic wrapped loo roll fiasco, and they’ve done so beautifully. If only they operated in the UK!
@bluemoloko - one of our first suppliers we found in Bali, who share our unwavering love for the environment, particularly the ocean. Handmade macramé bottle holders to keep your bottle buddy close by on the move, also available on our site.
@stidstonswimear - making sustainability sexy is one of our favourite things, and this beautiful brand has it nailed. A medley of luscious velvet pieces and recycled fabrics, custom made by hand in the UK. The decision to shop independent is a no brainer with talented ladies like Claire at play.
And Hunter + Boo of course! We know where we’ll be sending all our friends with lil ones to dress from now on :)
Shop the story here.
]]>Mini Mode highlights kids’ fashion during London Fashion Week, presenting the collections of new and emerging international brands to industry and consumer visitors.
With the stunning backdrop of LSO St Luke’s in the cool Shoreditch area of the City, the show presented a wide diversity of models styled to perfection by Becky Seager with hair and make up by Wow Beaute. We had the best time showcasing our new collection!
Check out our fun highlights video below - spot some of our fave models and influencers. Thanks to everyone involved who made it such an amazing day!
]]>Mini Mode highlights kids’ fashion during London Fashion Week, presenting the collections of new and emerging international brands to industry and consumer visitors.
With the stunning backdrop of LSO St Luke’s in the cool Shoreditch area of the City, the show presented a wide diversity of models styled to perfection by Becky Seager with hair and make up by Wow Beaute. We had the best time showcasing our new collection!
Check out our fun highlights video below - spot some of our fave models and influencers. Thanks to everyone involved who made it such an amazing day!
]]>
For Glitter Sisters with a Conscience
The Mermaid Cave Eco Glitter ($12)
The Mermaid Cave produce glitter that is made from a biodegradable film, which is derived from sustainable and renewable raw materials such as rayon & glycerin (plant derived). It is certified marine & waste water compostable, and vegan friendly, meaning it is 100% safe for the environment, animals and our oceans.
We hope this article helps to de-mystify some of the jargon around ethical clothing production plus make you can feel great about gifting Hunter+Boo!
Plus don't miss the gorgeous #behindthescenes pictures we took with our lovely suppliers in Sri Lanka we had to share of our latest collection being made! Photo credits to the awesome team at Eyeconic in Colombo.
]]>Welcome to our Conscious Celebrations feature!
This holiday season we would love to share why and how we produce our products with respect for our people and the environment. As an ethical and transparent business we believe it's important to give you all the facts about how we produce our garments and why we feel it is important to have the certifications that we do. It's something we feel passionately about so if you have any questions we'd love to hear - please drop us a comment below!
We hope this article helps to de-mystify some of the jargon around ethical clothing production plus make you feel great about gifting Hunter+Boo!
Plus we had to share the gorgeous #behindthescenes pictures we took with our lovely suppliers in Sri Lanka of our latest collection being made - photo credits to the awesome team Eyeconic in Colombo.
Here are the three reasons why you can feel great about gifting Hunter+Boo this Holiday Season...
1.Let's start with our 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.
Organic cotton has many benefits over non-organic cotton:-
We believe that using GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton is the best way that we can ensure that all of these criteria are met, and GOTS goes so much further! In addition to certifying that the cotton is grown organically, it also ensures that the raw material from farm to end product is treated and handled in a way that respects the environment as well as all of the workers involved along the way - to learn more, visit their website https://www.global-standard.org/
2.Our Certified Ethical Factory.
Our factory for garment production in Sri Lanka is certified by Garments Without Guilt.
This is Sri Lanka's highest certification for ethical and fair practices in the work place and has four key founding principles:
In addition, Sri Lanka has strong labour legislation that demands safe and healthy working conditions, governed hours of work, social security fund contributions, environmental protection standards and many other laws that ensure and encourage compliance. Learn more at http://archive.gwg.garmentswithoutguilt.com/about-gwg
Our factory is audited annually, and we visit on a regular basis to ensure these principles are upheld, but they also go above and beyond for their workers too, offering benefits to the workers such as:
We'd love to share these quotes with you from some of our factory workers:
"I enjoy the family atmosphere at the company and the support given by the management" - C.B.G. Hirunika Thejani
"The training and experience I gain from the company helps my future career" - M. Madushani Munasinghe
"My hard work is appreciated by the management and it gives me the feeling that I am part of the team" - J.K. Chandima
We believe that having happy workers is fundamental not only for our own peace of mind, but that this ultimately reflects in the quality of our products!
3.Our OekoTex 100 Certified Dyes
We believe it is important not to allow nasty chemicals to pollute either the environment, the lives of those manufacturing them, or the skin of our customers.
All our textiles are dyed to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
Textile products bearing the Oeko-Tex 100 certification mark:
The certification process includes thorough testing for a lengthy list of chemicals, including lead, antimony, arsenic, phthalates, pesticides, and chlorinated phenols.
Specifically banned are: AZO dyes, Carcinogenic and allergy-inducing dyes, Pesticides, Chlorinated phenols, Chloro-organic benzenes and toluenes, Extractable heavy metals, Phthalates in baby articles Organotin compounds (TBT and DBT) and Emissions of volatile components.
Read more on this at www.oekotex.com
We hope that you have found this series to an enlightening journey into the reasons why we have chosen to be an ethical brand! We'd love to hear your thoughts on ethical clothing production and Conscious Celebrations this year. Will you be gifting Consciously? Happy Holidays!
-Team HB
Shop the Hunter+Boo collection here
]]>With a schedule that most of us would find gruelling, Arielle sees her six day working week as a luxury. DJ, TV Presenter, Festival Presenter, Podcast Host. 2am finishes and 5am starts - does this Scot ever stop?!
The answer is, no. We get the down low from how to be a greener festival goer to all the 'pinch me' moments throughout Arielle's career...Starred in Harry Potter. Check! Introduced Elton John on stage. Check! Missy Elliot favourites your tweets. Check!
And there's even more... get the inside scoop below.
]]>With a schedule that most of us would find gruelling, Arielle sees her six day working week as a luxury. DJ, TV Presenter, Festival Presenter, Podcast Host. 2am finishes and 5am starts - does this Scot ever stop?!
The answer is, no. We get the down low from how to be a greener festival goer to all the 'pinch me' moments throughout Arielle's career...Starred in Harry Potter. Check! Introduced Elton John on stage. Check! Missy Elliot favourites your tweets. Check!
And there's even more... get the inside scoop below.
When you're not waking up the nation each weekend on CITV’s Scrambled - where can we find you?
This year has been a mixed bag of places you can find me popping up! This winter I’ll be returning to the Gfinity Elite series championships, which is like the champions league of video gaming. I host the Rocket League series meaning each Saturday morning I’m live for over five hours helping to anchor and steer the broadcast.
This summer I was given the opportunity to jump behind the desk at Radio 1 and I’ll be back to cover again in November and December.
I have a new podcast project which I’m currently working on and that will be launching in early 2019.
Across December you’ll mostly find me djing the best of the Christmas and New Years Eve parties.
They say “never work with children or animals” – working in children's tv, do you have a funny story to share?
Series two of Scrambled someone thought it would be a good idea to have two pointer dogs appear on the show. They belonged to the location owners. The dogs were beautiful and amazing, but they became terrified when their paws hit the plastic flooring, they couldn't understand why their feet were causing such noisy tapping! They ended up freezing on the spot and shaking. Safe to say we decided to give them a cuddle and let them go back to their happy home.
We've heard you're a trained ballerina, after having started off in dance, how did that develop into being a presenter and DJ?
Dancing, presenting and DJing all stems from my love and obsession with music. I started dancing at around eight years old, just at a Saturday class and it turned out I wasn’t too bad.
I got into a full time Dance school in Scotland and came down to London to further my training. By the time I’d graduated from Uni I’d done everything I wanted to do with dancing. I started to focus on presenting as it gave me the perfect outlet to geek out about my favourite new bands.
I always worshiped the likes Zoe Ball, Zane Lowe, Sara Cox and Annie Mac growing up and I had been doing radio production and presenting courses alongside my dancing. I started DJing properly when I became the drive time presenter of Ministry of Sound Radio. I was already Djing but not to the standard of a club DJ so I got my head down and practised, practised, practised.
I think my sets benefit from my dance background as it all comes down to rhythm and getting people dancing, so I’m grateful for the path my life has taken to get to where I am now. They all support each other. If I could sing or play an instrument I would've been in a band. Unfortunately I wasn’t graced with any singing skills, ha ha!
Is it true you starred in Harry Potter when you were younger? What was that like?
I crashed the auditions for the Beauxbatons which appear in the fourth film Goblet of Fire. I was a HUGE Harry Potter fan. I got the job and spent eight months filming on it. It was one of the best jobs I've ever done and the one that everyone always wants to ask me about.
The level of British acting you have on that film is unprecedented. It was incredible just to watch the likes of Dame Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman and Gary Oldman acting right in front of your eyes.
When you were a kid, What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to present the breakfast show on Radio 1 like Zoe Ball and Sara Cox. I idolised them when I was younger. I also wanted to be like Shirley Manson and front my own rock bank like Garbage or Blondie.
Who were your childhood heroes?
Gosh there are loads. I used to be obsessed with Fearne Cotton and Lorraine Kelly. But also loved Bowie, The Spice Girls, Prince and all the old faves like the Rolling Stones. It was a mixed bag of broadcasting heroes and bands/artists.
Which females inspire you?
My mum. She was a single parent brought up my brother and I whilst having to juggle a part time job and work her way up through a company where she started as the admin lady. She's just about to retire early having made herself a board member, a kick ass vice president and now plans on travelling to as many places around the world as she can. Talk about inspiring.
What is your fave piece in your wardrobe?
A gold ombre palazzo trousers jumpsuit from Asos. I wore it for my 30th birthday and looked like Clara Bow had has an accident with a disco ball. It is perfection! Any of my sequin pieces I'm extremely proud of.
Sounds amazing! You're a self confessed glitter and sequin queen! Who are some of your fave eco glitter brands or eco cosmetics brands?
I love DustnDance. They’ve got a great range. Mermaid Cave are great for eco friendly gems not just glitter, The Gypsy Shrine has started to do eco-friendly glitter and also Glitterbox UAE, have incredible glitter mixes trust me they are AMAZING! They have a whole eco-friendly range that sparkles like no other.
VO5, Asos and Urban Outfitters have all released eco friendly glitters too, so I’m glad big companies like that are changing their processes and acknowledging we need to cut back on plastic as much as possible.
You have hosted stages at Glastonbury and Bestival to name a couple – what was your most rocknroll moment?
I’ll never forget Missy Elliot telling me she thought my sequin hoody was dope. She then started following me on twitter and sometimes favourites my tweets. Craig David shouting me out in his set was pretty badass too. I’ve too many to mention and also no one likes a name dropper, ha ha!
Who is your favourite act that you’ve introduced on stage?
Introducing Jamie T at Bestival was a personal fave as I have loved him since day one. Introducing Outkast, Solange at Glastonbury, Elton John and Missy Elliot are just some of my ultimate faves.
I’ve been lucky enough to watch these huge artists from the side of stage and also meet and chat to them backstage.
We’ve seen a big movement towards festivals becoming more eco-friendly – do you have any tips for being a green festival goer?
1) Take your own water bottle - most festivals have taps now for you to keep refilling and security let you take them into the arena.
2) Pay for a decent quality tent and keep reusing it rather than pitching and dumping it after each festival. If you plan on leaving it behind after the weekend, roll it up and hand into the volunteers or tent drop off so they can be given to charity etc.
3) Avoid using face wipes, baby wipes etc - they're just a huge no no for the environment.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
Ooooh good question. Favourite place I've visited would be Havana, Cuba.
My favourite place is being home with my whole family with a game board and glass of wine.
My favourite festival place Glastonbury.
What do you love most about your work?
The variety! I tried working in an office and hated every second. I love that I can be Djing until 2am one day, getting up at 5am for a shoot the next and then travelling onto a new location for the next adventure.
So many people asked if I was knackered doing the Love Island podcast as it was six days a week? It was the opposite. I was buzzing that I was getting to work six days a week solidly for two months and was still being able to do my festival gigs on my day off.
It’s such a luxury to be able to work that much in my industry. Also how many people do you now who get paid to be gunged on TV? It’s the best job in the world.
What's been your career highlight so far? (Other than getting to work with Kem Cetinay)
Covering Dance Anthems on Radio 1 in the summer. It was the scariest and most incredible moment for me as that has always been the dream. I’ve loved Radio 1 since before I can remember and to actually make it on air and broadcast live was unforgettable. A proper pinch me moment.
There are so many moments though.
Every single moment in my career I’ve loved and I'm so grateful for.
You can follow Arielle on Twitter here.
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Faz has been writing for travel, beauty and lifestyle publications all over the world for 11 years, including sites like Refinery29.com, A Practical Wedding, Bustle, Buzzfeed and now, the Hunter+Boo Super Mum Blog.
We talk chaotic mornings, clean beauty, career highlights and going viral. From wanting to be a strawberry (yes, you read that right) to perusing as a digital content creator. Read the full interview, below!
How do mornings look in your household?
Absolute chaos — and it starts early. I get up at 5am to squeeze in a workout and hope that I close my exercise ring on my Apple Watch before baby wakes up.
What's your daily uniform/mum uniform?
Athleisure all day, every day — although I am making an effort to put on more than just Outdoor Voices leggings everyday.
We’ve noticed that you are into your clean beauty, what brought about your interest in this?
My baby actually — if I’m feeding him organic and slathering clean products on his body, why am I not doing the same for mine? I suffered from eczema for years and cleaning up my diet has helped it lots, so it was natural that my inclination to cleaning up aspects of my life gravitated towards clean beauty. I’m nowhere close to being an expert, but I’m enjoying the learning process!
So where are your go-to places to source green products?
I loved The Detox Market when we lived in LA, and I’m constantly stalking their Instagram for new brands, ideas and inspiration.
Ohh we will check them out! And who is your favourite green brands?
I can’t choose one! For beauty – Soveral, Aurelia Probiotic Skincare and Vintner’s Daughter, for fashion – Reformation, Outdoor Voices and Hunter+Boo, obvy!
Yay thank you! What did you want to be when you grew up?
According to my earliest essay at five, which my mum kept, I wanted to be a strawberry. But growing up, I had so many things I wanted to be — a literature teacher, a wardrobe stylist. I didn’t actually know I wanted to be a writer until I interned for a magazine when I was 17 and fell in love.
Which female inspires you?
More than ever now, my Mother! How she ran a tight ship and kept to her obsessive compulsive cleaning ways and giving us the very best is beyond me. My child is lucky if I’m half the woman my Mom is!
Where is your fave place in the world?
In an American strip mall with Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joes and DSW all in one row. Hahaha… But in all honestly, these days, it’s in bed with a book! Funny how little things become such luxuries when you become a mom, huh?
What is your career highlight so far?
I wrote about being a dark-skinned person in Singapore a while ago for a US publication and the piece went viral. It was important for me because while there were many people who claimed it was all bullshit, there were so many more who could relate to my experience. People who once felt alone, no longer did.
And what do you love most about your work?
It’s more than a little hedonistic but I like to think the words I put out there somehow immortalizes me. What are creatives if not self-indulgent people, right?
What was your life like pre-baby and how has it changed since?
My time and schedule weren’t determined by a pint-sized dictator who puts me on an emotional rollercoaster everyday. I spent a lot more time working out, reading, and juggling more projects — and that has changed so much since. I haven’t gotten a pedicure in over a year and I’m still waiting on that…
What is your philosophy on motherhood?
I’m a free spirit who enjoys some structure, so my take on motherhood is just that — a bit of routine, a bit free play and whole lotta room to grow. I’m sure it will change and develop as my baby grows older.
What's been your proudest moment as a parent to date?
I am the annoying parent who would applaud my child every time he blinks if I could! But seriously, just as I go to bed one day thinking about how proud I am of him, he blows me away the following day with something even bigger the next.
And any funny parenting story to share?
My whole life is funny in my opinion. Gotta do what we can and laugh when we can to keep it going, right?
Check out Faz's blog The Brown Girls' Guide here.
]]>Between juggling motherhood, hand blending Clary balms and running the business, this Super Mum has also worked around the world with the U.K. children’s charity, Small Steps Project.
We cover how she and her husband, The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach, manage time outs, the not so naughty naughty step, hiding in the bathroom to send emails (right there with you Jen!), new products launches and Social Media Mums.
Read all about it and more below... and keep your eyes peeled on our social channels for an exclusive Mother’s Day giveaway with Clary Collection this week!
]]>Between juggling motherhood, hand blending Clary balms and running the business, this Super Mum has also worked around the world with the U.K. children’s charity, Small Steps Project.
We cover how she and her husband, The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach, manage time outs, the not so naughty naughty step, hiding in the bathroom to send emails (right there with you Jen!), new products launches and Social Media Mums.
Read all about it and more below... and keep your eyes peeled on our social channels for an exclusive Mother’s Day giveaway with Clary Collection this week!
How do mornings look in your household?
In one word ‘crazy’.
My son likes to wake early, maybe I cursed myself given his name. I often wonder if I named him ‘Late’, he might let me sleep past 5am!
What's your daily mum uniform?
Depending on how much sleep I have had I could be in my sweatpants and Clary t-shirt. Or, I live in jeans and like to wear a bright silk shirt to get me in the mood for the day.
What is your favourite eco brand?
One of my favorite eco brands is Organic By John Patrick - I love their dresses.
What is your fave piece in your wardrobe?
My favorite piece is a vintage black and gold 60’s dress I wore five months pregnant to the Grammys. No name in it, cost me $60.00
We saw it! Such a beautiful dress! So what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a newsreader, and relentlessly at every dinner time I would make my Mum and Dad sit there and read them the daily news before eating. Man, that must have been so annoying, but they never stopped me.
Which females inspires you?
I am inspired by many women, and the older I am getting the more I find myself meeting some really incredible self-made women.
What is your philosophy on motherhood and parenting style?
My 101 year old Grandma once told me “Children should be seen, but not heard.” Haha. Oh, if only that were possible. I think every child is so different, as is every parent. I do my best to always be present, phone away, TV off and interact in the garden or often I find myself racing toy trucks around the dining table with my 2.5 year old son, Early.
When I was pregnant I was convinced I would be the ‘non-routine’ mum. “Oh, my baby is just going to fit in to my lifestyle and he can nap when it works” NO, I WAS SO WRONG. I learnt fast that a routine was not only kind to my child but, was structurally beneficial for my entire family. Each to their own, but giving him that structure really paid off.
As for time out? Well that’s become a bit of a laughing point in our house. The first time we put Early on the naughty step he sat there and waved at us saying, “Hi guys”.
Sounds Familiar! And where is your fave place in the world?
Cambodia is one of my favourite places. It was the first country I did a Charity trip (with UK children's charity Small Steps Project) delivering aid to children living on burning rubbish tips. It will forever hold my heart. The history of this country is so saddening, but the warmth these people radiate is breathtaking.
Who were your childhood heroes?
The Beach Boys, I was obsessed! And my sister! She is 19 years older than I am. My dad had a vasectomy and 12 years later he grew a new tube and I was born. I used to tell people my sister was my mum. Ha!
Jane Goodall was another hero and I would often tell people we must be related (we aren’t) [-Jen's maiden name is Goodall!].
What do you love most about your work?
I love waking up to our incredible customer reviews. We have created a product that genuinely helps people with their skin conditions.
We’ve had many reviews from Mothers that have a child going through chemotherapy and our oil and balm have helped cleared up the radiation rashes they suffer. Creating an honest, clean, safe product has huge rewards.
Any tips for us working mums on juggling career and motherhood?
Scheduling is key for me to be able to run my home and business successfully. Taking weekends off and doing emails during my Son's nap time, and not attempting them as he’s hanging off my leg demanding to watch Backyardigans. I am a list freak, I used to have lists for lists. I read this book which logically stated when you wake up to write your top three jobs (instead of my usual 300) and once they are done write another three. So, simple, so effective.
My 10 year old often reminds me of the time I went for a walk in the snow in my yard wearing only Uggs and a robe to be left alone, haha. So now when I feel stressed or overwhelmed I tell my kids and Husband that Mummy is giving herself a timeout, and maybe just go to my room for a power break! If you glare at them all correctly as you walk up the stairs they will leave you alone.
What do you wish you’d known as a start-up mumpreneur?
I wish I had created this product before I had kids!!! But my child was what inspired the beginning of Clary so that wasn’t possible. Looking back I have no regrets, and everything we know we learnt along the way with many bumps in the road.
What are you working on now and what’s in the pipelines?
We are currently formulating a multipurpose face serum. It’s very exciting and hoping to launch by Summer!
We can't wait to hear more! When you get some 'me' time, how do you unwind from the daily grind of work and motherhood?
I feel like the only me time I get is hiding in my bathroom on my phone answering emails. I really try to do Pilates as often as I can, and after putting the kids down - a long bath with a book is such a treat.
Biggest lessons learned being a mum
Biggest lesson is realizing there is no ‘perfect’ and that ‘Social Media Mums’ are not your life compass. I have taught myself to accept I cannot perform miracles and its ok to mess up.
What's been your proudest moment as a parent to date?
Proudest moment to date is seeing my son grow in to the sweetest human. When your 2.5 year old randomly hugs you and tells you they love you (even if they poke you in the eye afterwards), you know you’re doing a good job!
And any funny parenting story to share?
I remember my friend Mandy and I gave birth at the same time, and she had come over to visit with new born baby, Ozzie. When my cleaner turned up I had put Early in his room to nap and Mandy was breast feeding Ozzie, the look of horror on her face confused us until we realized it looked like Mandy was wet nursing my Son! Hahah.
Jen and fellow Co-Founder, singer Adriel Denae, offer a time-honoured craft, and safe alternatives to chemical laden brands found in most stores today - shop the collection, here.
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Today, Fashion Revolution kick off their annual #whomademyclothes campaign - a week that encourages millions of people to ask brands ‘Who Made my Clothes’ and demand for greater transparency in the fashion supply chain.
We caught up with Laura Francois, Country Coordinator for Fashion Revolution Week in Singapore, to discuss why we need a fashion revolution and how you can get involved to support this global movement.
And if you're looking to build a more ethical wardrobe, wanting to know how to extend the life of your current clothes or looking for the best app to help you shop more consciously - Laura gives us her top tips!
]]>On 24th April 2013 the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh collapsed and shook the fashion world. 1138 people were killed, and many more were injured.
Today, Fashion Revolution kick off their annual #whomademyclothes campaign - a week that encourages millions of people to ask brands ‘Who Made my Clothes’ and demand for greater transparency in the fashion supply chain.
We caught up with Laura Francois, Country Coordinator for Fashion Revolution Week in Singapore, to discuss why we need a fashion revolution and how you can get involved to support this global movement.
And if you're looking to build a more ethical wardrobe, wanting to know how to extend the life of your current clothes or looking for the best app to help you shop more consciously - Laura gives us her top tips!
Hi Laura! We've been told the that the fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world, and when it comes to shopping and wearing clothes, our actions can change everything! But what are the other reasons for needing a Fashion Revolution?
Turns out it’s not not actually the second largest (though the media really bought that stat!), but one of the most polluting! The textile industry was ranked as second, and fashion takes up a big chunk of textile but not all.
There is no one reason for needing a revolution. Fashion belongs to a system that is related to so many diverse and complex issues. Not only is fashion one of the largest polluters of our precious environment, it abuses some of the most basic human rights to many people worldwide. We need to rethink the way we engage with those working along the entire supply chain and revolutionize the way we think about the rate at which we produce, and the methods we are using.
What is the #WhoMadeMyClothes campaign all about, and how can we get involved?
Being curious about the provenance of the things you wear can truly create change in the world! The campaign is about harnessing that curiosity, asking ‘Who Made My Clothes’ to your favourite brand, finding out and then ultimately doing something about it. It’s easy! Simply snap a selfie showing the tag of the brand you’re wearing, tag them on social media and #WhoMadeMyClothes.
Over the last 5 years, many big brands have come forward and responded. Ultimately, we’re holding brands accountable for those who work from the cotton fields to the cutting rooms, demanding for greater transparency throughout the supply chain. It’s an easy way to take a stand for all those who make our clothes, showing brands that we, as consumers, care. Last year two million people across the world got involved. Over 100,000 people used social media to ask the brands they wear #whomademyclothes
What's new this year for Fashion Revolution?
It’s our fifth year anniversary, we have a lot to celebrate and a lot of work to look forward to! Brands are starting to reduce the use of toxic chemicals and clear up their supply chain. Over 70 brands and suppliers have committed to Detox by 2020 and remove harmful chemicals from their supply chains. Combined, these brands account for 15 percent of global textile production.
Over 100 brands have committed to working towards a circular fashion system. But our landfills still overflow with clothes, the industry continues to get bigger and move faster. We still buy more clothes than ever before and wear them for half as long as we used to.
How can we find out more about Fashion Revolution Day 2018 and the events happening in Singapore?
Check out Facebook page of course! Fashion Revolution SG
What are your thoughts about the industry’s view on sustainability, do you think the way it thinks is ?
There is lots of room for innovation in the fashion space. I don’t think ‘sustainability’ should be the end goal anymore. Why try sustaining our current badly damaged systems? New models like regeneration and shared economies are the way forward in many ways. These new ways of thinking can feel risky and daunting, it truly turns the whole idea of fashion on it’s head!
But I think the industry has started to slowly foster the sense of urgency in needing solutions to this big problem. It’s not easy to ‘do it right’. What’s important is to genuinely keep trying (emphasis on genuinely, especially with so much ‘greenwashing’ in the mix!).
And who's doing it right? What or who are your fave designers, brands or recent campaigns that are shattering the status quo?
I know I should have favourite designers or brands, but the truth is, my favourite is to turn to the secondhand market. If I could, I would only buy secondhand clothing, vintage and all things perfectly old and beautiful! We have so much clothing on the planet already, and trends come back and back again!
That being said, I love small, homegrown projects that are trying something different. Becoming more ‘sustainable’ is a process, and no one has it ‘right’ yet. But so many brands are putting in the work to create pieces that challenge the status quo. Zero Waste Daniel in NYC, using offcuts to create masterpieces is one of my fav!
So how did you get involved in Fashion Revolution?
I used to run tie dye workshops in my home town of Montreal to give life to people's used socks and underwear! I knew I wanted to be a part of the global movement after finishing an education program in Delhi and seeing some of the clothing production sites. The cause was the perfect intersection of environmental sustainability, women’s rights and disruptive design! I quickly moved to Malaysia to start digging into the problem firsthand. That’s when I joined Fashion Revolution!
What are your top tips to start building a more responsible and ethical wardrobe?
Do you need it? If so, can you borrow it? If not, can you find it secondhand? If not, can you buy it from a brand you can trust? Ask yourself the questions each and every time you’re contemplating a purchase. You’ll notice that most of the time, we don’t even really need it!
It’s not about only wearing mono colours and minimal design, fashion should still be about having fun and expressing yourself! Sharing your clothes, buying secondhand or hunting for bespoke treasures are easy ways to achieve that without harming the planet. What you have in your wardrobe currently is the best place to start.
Do you have any tips for extending the life of your clothes?
Material is everything. Invest in the life of your clothing by making sure you are buying material that won’t fail you. Also, try reducing how much you do laundry. It can dramatically extend the life of your wardrobe and avoid micro plastics from entering our oceans as well!
What are your favourite apps and website for finding out if a brands products are made ethically and safely?
The HIGG Index (Sustainable Apparel Coalition) provides a pretty nifty Excel file (but don’t anticipate anything beautiful to look at…you still need to dig around the spreadsheet).
Check out Fashion Revolution’s Transparency Index! It ranks brands and lets you decide for yourself where you want to spend your money.
The Good On You app works well too!
And lastly - what's your favourite piece of clothing in your wardrobe?
My vintage 1975 orange linen dress! But I never wear it. I need to go out more often.
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Hunter + Boo’s clothing is produced in a small factory which employs men and women who work in a safe, respectful environment and who are paid a fair and proper wage for everything they do. No children are employed in the manufacturing process, either directly or indirectly. To find out more about Hunter+Boo's social responsibility, click here.
Like many mumpreneurs, it wasn't until Kristen had her first baby that she found her passion! Making truly organic skincare products that worked, and were also totally safe for little ones to use as well...
BasiK Organics is one of the amazing brands that we are proud to stock on our website, if you haven't checked them out yet, what are you waiting for?!
Like many mumpreneurs, it wasn't until Kristen had her first baby that she found her passion! Making truly organic skincare products that worked, + were also totally safe for little ones to use as well.
Keep an eye out on our social channels this week... we've got an amazing giveaway where you could get your hands on some BasiK Organics + Hunter+Boo!
In the meantime, check out the full article below where we talk everything from how being diagnosed with arthritis has been a blessing in disguise; you can do anything, but not everything; inspiring advice for mumpreneurs; what's next in the pipeline for BasiK Organics and more...
How do mornings look in your household?
Mornings are usually much like other households with kids. Hectic!
This year brings the start of school for my eldest son, the start of three-year-old kinder for my youngest, and the birth of our newest addition in July, so our routine will be changing, but mornings usually involve me attempting to get up before the kids to get myself sorted so that once they’re up I can focus on getting them ready for the day.
My kids are good eaters (they eat allll day long!) so they’re ready for breakfast as soon as they get up. This usually consists of an oat + fruit smoothie. We’re usually then dressed and out of the house and at the park to run some energy off first thing. I usually get the bulk of my work done in the afternoon and at night.
What's your daily uniform?
One of the best parts of working from home is the uniform - or lack of it! Most days you’ll usually find me throwing on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and some runners or sandals. This takes me from kinder drop-off, to the park, to running errands and getting stuck into emails or other work at home.
What is your favourite green brand
For babies and little ones I love brands like Purebaby, Nature Baby and Hunter+Boo, of course!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I’ve taken many different roads in my career, from nursing to advertising, marketing to jewellery design, naturopathy to event management. It was only when I became a mother at 31 that I found my true passion. I love running my own business and I feel truly blessed to be doing what I’m doing. I can’t imagine doing anything else!
Which females inspire you?
There are so many inspiring women that I look up to. First and foremost is my mother, who raised five kids and who taught me to follow my dreams and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
In the business world I look up to people like Zoe Foster Blake (Author, creator of Go-To Skin Care and all around hilarious woman!) and Aimee Marks (creator of TOM organic and Tooshies by TOM).
What is your philosophy on motherhood?
I’m definitely not a helicopter parent. Having two energetic, adventurous boys has meant I have to let go of the reins a little and let them explore and learn independently.
I am however big on routine and I think that has led to me not only being able to run a successful business from home, but have kids that are great sleepers.
My husband and I make sure we’re always on the same page when it comes to parenting and this has been a godsend as we always have each others backs.
Where is your fave place in the world?
My bed!
Or the beach. I adore the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. It always makes me feel at peace and grounded.
What inspired you to launch BasiK Organics?
Becoming a mother! I had been making my own skin care products for some time, but after the birth of my eldest son, almost six years ago, I realised there was a serious lack of ‘truly organic’ products on the market. And so I decided to make my own.
Months and months of research and failed attempts led to a range of amazing products that were not only totally safe to use on my baby, but super effective too!
Once I realised just how amazing they were I decided to take the next step in making this into a business. And the rest, as they say, is history!
Has the natural beauty industry changed since you started out?
Absolutely! Six years ago there was a massive gap in the Australian-made organic baby skin care market. There were ‘natural’ products out there, but very limited organic products. It’s wonderful to see just how far we have come and just how much more educated we as consumers are becoming.
What is your career highlight so far?
I’ve had a number, but one of the biggest highlights for me so far was being selected amongst hundreds of entrants to become a finalist in a small business logistics grant. I was flown to Sydney for the awards and met some amazing, inspiring women in business (yes, all of us were women - go girls!).
Congratulations, what an achievement! So what was your life like pre-baby and how has it changed since?
So very different! I was working full-time in a corporate job that was totally unfulfilling. I ate poorly and didn’t value my health. After my kids came along I realised just how important not only their health was, but mine also.
Unfortunately this reality check came in the form of a chronic disease (Rheumatoid Arthritis) that I was diagnosed with just over three years ago, after the birth of my second son. I learned to heal myself, that putting myself first sometimes wasn’t such a bad thing, and that I had the drive and determination to do anything I set my mind to.
In a strange way it has been a blessing in disguise. I am now so much healthier and happier than I was before. I am busier than ever, but more satisfied and fulfilled than I’ve ever been. I have realised just how much becoming a mother can change you, and how I would move heaven and earth for my children!
Any tips for us working mums on juggling career and motherhood?
My favourite quote when it comes to this topic would have to be:
‘You can do anything, but not everything’.
This took me some time to realise and accept. Being a typical Type A personality, I wanted to do it all. But I re alised it simply isn’t possible.
Be kind to yourself. Take the time to do what you love.
Book in a massage, go for a long walk, learn to meditate, go for a coffee with your girlfriend. Whatever you need to recharge and regroup. If we try to do everything more often than not something gives, and in my case (and many other mother’s cases) it was my health.
Wise words! So what is the best piece of advice you were given as a start-up mumpreneur?
Never give up. Seriously. It sounds cliché and like it’s straight off the front of a ‘small business 101’ book, but starting your own business isn’t easy. It’s damn hard. Very few businesses succeed from day one. The important thing is to keep going. You will get breaks along the way, and you will have set backs, but the important thing is to never lose sight of why you’re doing what you’re doing.
What’s next or in the pipeline for BasiK?
We have a couple of new products in development that we’re hoping to release this year and we hope to expand our stockists to make it even easier for families to get their hands on our products.
We can't wait to see what's coming! So what's been your proudest moment as a parent to date?
That’s a hard one! Both my boys amaze me each and every day. While they can be a handful, they’re two of the most caring, loving kids I know.
My eldest is already reading fluently and hasn’t even started school yet. I’m not sure how I feel about the fact that he’s going to outsmart me by the time he hits double figures!
My youngest is the most affectionate, loving boy I know. He constantly kisses my pregnant belly and tells the baby how much he loves it. The best!
And any funny parenting story to share?
In the midst of toilet training my youngest, he decided that he needed to go to the toilet in the middle of a packed playground so he promptly pulled his pants down around his ankles. Thankfully I was next to him to whisk him away before he went any further, and was met with many understanding laughs from other parents.
Learn more about BasiK Organics story here and shop their products here.
]]>When Naomi isn't managing Coopita's sourcing operations, this Super Mum can be found practicing the art of sleeping with her eyes open - but only if she loses a game of rock, paper, scissors with her husband...
Find out more about Naomi's 'Octopus Style Parenting', learning not to have control and what inspires her, below.
While her little one Liam, may be our biggest fan, we are most definitely Naomi's!
When Naomi isn't managing Coopita's sourcing operations, this Super Mum can be found practicing the art of sleeping with her eyes open - but only if she loses a game of rock, paper, scissors with her husband...
Find out more about Naomi's 'Octopus Style Parenting', learning not to have control and what inspires her, below.
While her little one Liam, may be our biggest fan, we are most definitely Naomi's!
How do mornings look in your household?
Who needs an alarm clock when you have a little one who wakes up at the crack of dawn and starts trilling away, wanting to be out and about! My husband Johannes and I play stone paper scissors and the winner settles in for a peaceful bonus hour of sleep. The loser stumbles out of bed bleary eyed and practices the art of sleeping with their eyes open, while also doubling as a step stool/ bumper for the eager little beaver.
Then it’s a mad scramble of breakfast, getting ready for work and getting the little one down for his first nap – during which time I try to plan my day ahead. When he wakes up at about 10, we zoom off to Trehaus Cowork where Liam plays with his friends and I get to start my work day.
What's your daily mum uniform?
Under the fruit purée splodges and inevitable trail of sticky wafer crumbs I’m usually in comfy cotton pants and a simple T-shirt, with one statement accessory and an emergency overlay in my bag in case I have a last minute meeting. It’s a uniform that I can put on in 5 minutes, fuss free and stain proof! The upside to this “mom uniform” is that on rare nights out or date nights, dressing up feels really special and enjoyable!
I am slowly (baby steps!) weeding out fast fashion from my wardrobe to downsize it to a capsule with clothes that represent craft skills, unique design viewpoints and sustainable production practices.
Who is your favourite eco/green brand?
One of the privileges of my job at Coopita is meeting amazing entrepreneurs and communities creating fantastic products sustainably.
From Aarohana EcoSocial Developments, a company that makes bags out of fabric handwoven by tribal women in western India from plastic grocery bags to Agatha Lee, a one-woman powerhouse in Singapore who teaches people to upcycle their existing wardrobes and does some beautiful work with natural dyes; there are too many to pick a favourite!
Gun to my head, my favourite is CintaBumi Artisans, who makes gorgeous products from sustainably sourced treebark, natural dyes and now even eco prints.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Too many things actually - a primary school teacher, airline pilot, ceramicist, marine biologist, social entrepreneur (checking that one now!) and a lawyer. I still want to be a lawyer!
Which female inspires you?
Gosh where to start - I grew up with very powerful and positive female role models - my mom is an architect and a #girlboss even before that was a thing, my school principal was a pioneer who fought for women’s rights in India and who created an amazing environment for kids (girls and boys!) to grow up believing they could achieve whatever they set out to, fellow mom and entrepreneurs who juggle a million balls and keep everything together –there’s inspiration all around me!
There is always going to be a special place in my heart for the Trehaus team - their vision and hard work allow me to function as a mom and a woman in business. I’m inspired by how they took what a lot of working moms would consider to be an either or choice - and just created a third option where you could have both, thereby solving a real problem and creating real value and impact.
We 100% agree! So what is your philosophy on motherhood/parenting style?
I think your philosophy doesn’t really matter – children have such strong and unique personalities and are quite capable of telling you what they need, if we are patient enough to listen. I just focus on that and giving him a whole lot of love - my husband says I squish him like an Octopus that gets squished till it’s ink comes out - so maybe that’s what I should call it - the Octopus style.
Haha that's very cute. Where is your fave place in the world?
Wherever my two boys are, it’s always super fun- but throw us on a beach anywhere and we’re usually the best versions of ourselves. Sun, sand, sea and family. Nothing can beat that combination.
What do you love most about your work?
The people I get to meet! And the stories they share.
Any tips for us working mums on juggling career and motherhood?
It gets easier and more fun!
Also, for me, after Liam, what became really important was having very strong reasons for why I was spending time away from him, so I got better at saying no to stuff that wasn’t that important and really prioritising and being more efficient.
Anything that you know now you wish you’d known as a start-up mumpreneur?
I really thought I would have more time for work (haha!). But also it’s that your personal choices affect the people on your team so you have to be really clear, honest and open in your communications with them and make sure everyone is one the same page.
I chose not to have help at home - this choice impacted how much time I had available for work. Luckily my co-founders and team made it work, but it’s not easy when your personal life changes but your professional goals don’t. I would think twice about having a startup with big goals and having an infant, especially if you aim to be the primary caregiver. Something’s gotta give.
When you get some 'me' time, what are your favourite things to do to unwind from the daily grind of work and motherhood
I wish I could say I do a lot of yoga or I exercise or meditate or something profound like that –but I usually disappear into a good book or catch a murder mystery on Netflix. I used to do a few ceramics classes when I was pregnant, which I loved, so at some point I’d love to get back to that.
Biggest lessons learned being a mum
How hard my mum worked probably to manage two under two and work. Also I have so much respect for my husband who gives up Liam time to go to work but still manages to create a secure and strong bond with Liam.
The biggest lesson to me is that there is no such thing as control especially when you have an infant under 6 months with a very strong idea of what he wants. You can organise your day perfectly and he or life could just have other plans and you have to be ok with that. Like it used to drive me nuts when I would finally get him down for a nap and twenty minutes in there would be a massive renovation project starting in our neighbours’ flat - and sometimes he would wake up, but other times he wouldn’t even stir. So you just have to be prepared to be flexible and if he wakes up - enjoy the extra play time. If he doesn’t, get some more work done or take a nap!
What's been your proudest moment as a parent to date?
Seeing the smile that lights up his face when he sees me come into the room - it makes me feel like I’m not doing everything all wrong and that there is a chance that he will come out of this happy and healthy!
And any funny parenting story to share?
Liam is usually a fearless explorer and he at 6 months figured out that my dad, his Grandfather, would quickly take him for a walk if he so much as looked in his direction and whined.
So one day we were at the beach in Kerala, India, and Liam was resisting sleeping- he played his usual tricks and got my dad to take him for a walk. They saw a little calf who was grazing nearby - and Liam pointed to go towards the calf.
He had just started playing with different octave of his vocal chords as well and his favourite sound at that moment was a Low growl/grunt/bellow - a truly horrible sound, much like a possessed little gremlin. As soon as they got to the calf, he started making that sound to get its’ attention. The calf looked up, and one baby to another, replied back with the exact same sound - and Liam promptly burst into tears!
Haven’t really heard that low sounds after that incident! Now he does a series of high-pitched bird calls...especially at 6 in the morning...
The other Liam classic was when he decided to make his baptismal font his bathtub for the morning and splashed about in it while the priest solemnly indicted him into the church.
What's your favourite baby gadget which you could not live without?
The bouncer – thank you Baby Bjorn for saving my tired arms. #notsponsored #butwouldntmindsponsorship
SHOP LIAM'S FAVOURITE HUNTER PRINT HERE.
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After much scrolling on Jean's creative Instagram feed, where her babies are styled, posed and then snapped (all while fast asleep!), we reached out to Jean to invite her to our launch party. We instantly clicked - working mamas who want to shop small and smart whilst leaving as light a footprint on the environment as possible. And since then, we've been lucky enough to have our collection brought to life on her Instagram.
We caught up with Jean and chatted about the inspiration behind her photos, using A.I. to help keep an eye on the mischievous ones and how to hide your husbands farts - yes, really!!
Read the full interview below, and don't forget to follow Jean here.
It’s quite a mess, Legos and Trains under my blanket. Milk bottles left in the sink. Diaper butt under our nose, arms are numbed with the baby’s head resting but still we love our co-sleeping moments. I’ll rather stay in the bed for another 15 minutes then spending time to clean the mess first.
Cotton tee, shorts & nursing pads!
That will be minimal! Simple and easy to match, because whenever we need to head out, we probably just grab anything in the wardrobe in order to be punctual!
Mine’s gotta be TOMS, doing good for the environment & humanity at the same time. And I can see that this is the vision for Hunter + Boo too! Our little planet need more of you guys!
Kids are real, they are my inspiration, to capture their moments as their real self. They grow up too fast, and I don't want to live in regret by not documenting their milestones and snippets of their life. I enjoy taking pictures of them and working with black and white; I usually use what's around me as props or sometimes, I use handmade props to add in the fun! I seek minimalism and simplicity - both in my work and life. When I choose minimalism, my heart can focus on the most important things - my well-being and that of my family. That explains my Instagram feed, they have taken over my account!
I always wanted to be a Barista, I’m gonna make a Mama’s coffee that is stronger than my toddler!
My mum, she brought us (4 of us) up single-handed and is always supportive in all the things we want to do.
Carpe Diem every moment. Enjoy yourself while you have the chance.
I only learned this after my second born, I don’t have to get upset over spilled milk, there are still many bottles in the fridge. When my elder splash water all over me while I bathe him, we have a war on water guns. I don’t need Google’s advice to avoid caffeine while breastfeeding, I’ll just drink a little cup of coffee when I need to and I want to. Every day, every moment, we can choose to be happier moms.
Singapore, this is where I grew up. I have so much wonderful memories here and I hope my kids like it here too!
I’ve hidden my cape, my job is being a SuperMom and I love every bit of it. From saving a bowl of cereals from falling to the floor to having broken nails from cushioning the toddler from a fall and to make milk! I just love multi-tasking and learnt how strong a mom can be, everyday.
I bought this crispy fried silverfish in a tin, whenever he fuss over his meals, I'll add a little as topping for flavour.
Waking up every day to see 2 amazing humans we’ve made!
You can put the blame on your baby if your husband farts in front of your friends. Cover it well by smelling the baby’s bottom.
I have a Robot baby monitor where I can control using my phone. When the kids nap, I can do my stuffs and turn on the app to monitor them. When the elder is up to something mischievous like throwing things, while I’m not in the room with them, I’ll talk through the robot to tell him what not to do.
SHOP THE STORY HERE
]]>We couldn't have done it without the dedicated parents and of course the gorgeous models - you guys were awesome.
Videographer: Vicinity Studio
]]>We had the best day a few weeks ago at the official launch party, held in Singapore on October 19th, 2017.
Showcasing our debut collection of 100% organic cotton baby and kidswear, the event was attended by media, bloggers, influencers, parents, friends, family and an awesome bunch of kids.
Special thanks to our runway superstars!
We celebrated in style with beautiful smoothies from Farmz, healthy muffins from Bakening, pink organic coconut water from Maprao, glamping courtesy of The Glamping Society and kids crafts via Tickle Your Senses.
Thank you so much to everyone who attended - What a wonderful way to welcome our brand to Singapore, bring on the 1st Birthday party...
Dear friends,
We are thrilled to welcome you to Hunter + Boo, our modern, ethical and stylish baby and children’s wear label launching in Singapore.
My sister Sarah and I are so happy and humbled to have the opportunity to integrate our love of nature, art and style in a brand that helps to improve the lives of those who produce our collection.
The launch of Hunter + Boo is the product of our far-flung dream to create truly beautiful products that have a positive impact on all aspects of our supply chain, yet are a far cry from more traditional ‘eco product’ styling.
From Dream to Opportunity
Sarah’s journey as a Buyer for leading high-street brands in London allowed her to develop her love of gorgeous products with the world of fashion. As her experience deepened, she became increasingly interested in the mechanics of the fashion supply chain - the complex sequence involved in bringing clothing from concept to customer.
Meanwhile in Singapore, I stepped into motherhood with the birth of twin babies – my son Hunter and my daughter Isabella (who we call Bella Boo). Their arrival was a huge personal trigger for me to make fundamental choices about the kind of world I wanted for my children; safe, clean, respectful and sustainable. I started with buying ethically produced, organic products for the babies, but was disappointed with the limited choices available in Singapore. Clothing and care products were uninspiring, and did nothing to mirror the joyful personalities of the twins.
After much research, development and hard work, the opportunity finally presented the perfect creative channel through which Sarah and I could finally realise our dream! The result is the launch of Hunter + Boo, our brand of playful, cool, ethically made 100% organic cotton clothing for kids.
Love to share more about our journey in our next blog. Please follow us on Instagram and/or Facebook for updates.
With love and gratitude,
Beth & Sarah