౨ৎ What led you to found the Authentik?

My career has not been linear that’s for sure. I was originally a professional dancer, which sadly ended prematurely when I dislocated my knee (for the second time) on stage on opening night of a show I was performing in over in France. I came back to Australia for recovery and had to then have a full knee reconstruction so my dance career that I had always dreamed of was very short lived. From there I was pretty lost. I figured I had always enjoyed writing and taking photos / making weird videos so I decided to study Communications and Media. When I finished that, I had what I thought was an epiphany and decided that I
actually wanted to be an interior Designer. I had always loved interiors and decorating my room (yes I may have painted it lime green and hot pink at one stage), so I then went on to enrol in an Interior Design Course. I ended up dropping out of halfway through as it wasn’t inspiring (and I realised that I enjoyed creating spaces simply for my own pleasure) I was then back to the drawing board. 

I worked up the courage to ask for a job when browsing one day at my favourite furniture and homewares store down the road, one that happened to be a renowned Australian furniture brand. I started off working in the showroom and went on to become the Marketing Manager for the next 5 years before falling pregnant unexpectedly with my first daughter (I may have gone to hospital thinking I had appendicitis. Mortifying.) When my daughter was born, so was The Authentik. Maybe I felt like I had something to prove? That I could do it all? I am not sure, however it was essentially an outlet for me to write and share inspiration while on maternity leave, and looking back it was probably a bit of a coping mechanism while I was adjusting to motherhood (which definitely didn’t come naturally for me, and still doesn’t at times.) The picture-perfect aesthetic was rife online at the time and I craved a more relatable and down to earth space and community, one that celebrated
real people, spaces, style and things, and that is what I set out to create. 

౨ৎ In addition to the Authentik, you also work as a creative consultant. Can you talk a little about this?
Yes it was really a natural progression after launching the platform as I had brands wanting to create together, so I developed the studio side, with the mission being to help build innovative yet down to earth brands and content that stands out from the crowd.

I love how dynamic my job is. Every project is unique so it keeps me interested and the dopamine flowing. I like to think of myself as a modern-day hunter and gatherer, searching only for the things that speak directly to my soul and bringing them to life in whatever shape or form that may be. I am so lucky as I really love what I do. Nothing gives me more joy than seeing ideas come to life, plus I get to connect and work alongside some amazing people/ brands while doing it!

౨ৎ You have three beautiful little girls. Can you talk a little about how they have changed you?

I feel like I am a whole new person since becoming a mum, even after each child, so It’s hard to put it into words. One thing for sure is that they have forced me to slow down, unwillingly at first, however after having my third daughter just over a year ago, I felt a massive shift and have since completely embraced motherhood.

Something I feel I was pushing against for almost 9 years. I never wanted to be “just a mum” and I just couldn’t understand people who were completely content with that idea, maybe for me it was an age thing, however I am now at a point in my life where being a mum is everything. I am no longer trying to prove myself or keep up, proud to say I am a mum, knowing what a privilege that is and the value and respect that should hold.

My daughters have shown me that, along with the importance of living in the present moment. Time goes so fast and this is so evident watching your children grow. They have also made me appreciate the little things (yes sleep being top of the list!) and they really humble me daily. They have made me realise how much I am truly capable of, because the number of things I can get done in a day is truly remarkable - I would love my pre-kids self to see me now! (Flash back to me complaining about how busy / tired I am when I had only myself to look after.) For me family is my priority, everything else is second. 

౨ৎ You have the most incredible style. Do your girls appreciate how cool their wardrobes are?

Thank you so much! I am glad you appreciate it as they definitely don’t lol. Most of the things I like, they hate and would rather run around in branded Disney crap.

My girls are really into fashion and definitely know what they like (well the older two at least for now). I try to let them be creative with their outfits as much as I can as I know it’s important self-expression for them, but it’s hard not to intervene too much. In saying that, they seem to also have their fair share of opinions on my outfits. Dot my 5-year-old tells me all the time that I should wear more dresses and when I have my hair up she says “I like your hair when it’s out”.  Olive my 9-year- old wants me in skin-tight clothing that usually involves a mini skirt, and my entire stomach exposed. Safe to say we all have our unique style!

I try and shop small and sustainable where I can, but not going to lie, there are usually some cheaper pieces here and there because, well, Sydney with 3 kids is no joke. I also have a thrifting addiction, so I get bits and pieces from local op shops/ Marketplace, then they usually get handed down (the poor third child. My favourite brands are Nature Baby, Bassike, Bobo Chooses and True Artist. I also like Muji, Uniqlo, and Best and Less for the occasional wardrobe basics – don’t come for me!

౨ৎ Do they have a playroom?

We have a bit of a rumpus room downstairs, but it is a working progress as we haven’t been in our place for very long, but we do have a couple of fun pieces in there that I sourced off Marketplace like a big curved striped chair and a big comfy brown suede couch that I got for free. I am pretty meticulous with the items I select for our home, if I don’t love it, it’s a no
(unless it’s a rug or chair, they are my weaknesses.) Honestly all the furniture in our home is off Marketplace or the side of the road. Sometimes a few Ikea bits thrown into the mix. I love all things mid-century modern and mixing the old with the new so I would say it’s quite colourful and eclectic, but still minimal. The two older girls share a room and it’s pretty tiny so I have kept it very simple in there - bunks, chest of drawers, he softest organic jersey bedding from NZ brand Dehei, a fun vintage rug with some art on the wall – that’s about it.   

౨ৎ Working in a creative role demands a certain level of freedom to find inspiration - how do you find solace?
For me inspiration is everywhere, in the little moments or everyday things. When I have a creative burst of energy, I try and take advantage of it, however it doesn’t always line up with our schedule which can be frustrating for me, because once I have an idea in my head, that’s it, I need to dive in immediately. Having kids makes this approach a little more challenging, so I really try and force myself to be a bit more structured and disciplined where possible, keeping my routine flexible to a degree. The words freedom and kids don’t usually go hand in hand haha.
To get into the zone I might browse at an op shop, have a shower, listen to a podcast, that type of thing. Ensuring my space is nice and tidy before I sit down to work is a must. Visiting the art gallery is always a sure thing to get my creativity flowing again too.

౨ৎ What do you do for yourself?

Decorating / rearranging the house, op shopping, taking photos, listening to hip-hop music full blast in the car solo, scrolling realestate.com or marketplace!