We recently caught up with Jen Auerbach, Co Founder of Clary Collection  - the 100% organic, hand blended range of beautiful skincare products that we are proud to stock on our website.

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.