There are iconic women who transform our world all around us. This Mother’s Day we wanted to celebrate those we sit amongst. We spoke to some of the inspirational women in our Sydney office to understand how they nourish, how they balance work and home life and how their own mothers have inspired them.
Anna, Marketing Director - ANZ
Mother to Dayne & Mila
How do you nourish your skin?
I think masks are such a wonderful way to give my skin a boost, or treat a particular issue. My favourites are Purity Specialist Treatment Mask, to deeply cleanse and smooth, and Intense Recovery Mask to revitalise.
Has the concept of 'beauty' changed for you since becoming a mother?
Absolutely. Having a child, you instantly become the whole world for this tiny person and dedicate yourself fully and unconditionally to them. Well, at least the first few years. The notion of beauty evolved for me to become more holistic, to focus on inner beauty rather than my looks. Motherhood does that to you, it puts your whole life in perspective.
What’s your morning ritual?
I always start with a cleanser to wash off all the dirt and impurities. My favourite is our Nourishing Cleansing Oil, it has an amazing texture and fragrance. My skin is left feeling soft and smooth. Another must have is Jurlique’s Activating Water Essence, which is a delight to use and it makes my moisturiser work harder and last longer, it makes such a big difference to my skin.
How do you balance family life with work life?
The short answer is I don’t. I just go with the flow while my kids are young and enjoy the ride. It gets super busy and exhausting at times, but it’s worth it! I had to become much more organised and make sure I plan for all weekly meals ahead, coordinate my work travel with my partner and book the babysitter months in advance.
What is something your mother always said to you?
Mum used to say: “Anna, in this life you can only be successful if you believe in yourself”. A notion that helped me at different stages of my life when my self-esteem was low.
What do you wish for your children?
I wish for them to be happy, loved and try to make this life better for all beings around them too. It’s probably a bit ambitious but I’m sure they can give it a go.
Aimee, Design Lead – Global
Mother to Willow and now, at the time of publishing, 4-week-old Charli
Who’s your everyday icon?
I have the hugest admiration for Saskia Havekes, founder of Grandiflora. We have been so fortunate to collaborate with her on some of our campaigns over the past few years. I am truly astounded and inspired by the way she has created an internationally recognized business empire, whilst remaining one of the most hard-working, gracious, kind and gentle women I have ever met – all whilst raising two daughters.
How do you nourish your skin?
At the time of answering this, I am a few weeks away from meeting our second child – and I feel like I literally can’t get enough moisture into my skin – GIVE ME ALL THE OILS AND MASKS! I use Jurlique’s Skin Balancing Face Oil every day, layering it under moisturiser and also mixing it with foundation – my skin literally drinks it up! I also love our Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cream Mask. I love that when used overnight, your skin looks refreshed and hydrated in the morning. I am going to keep this one especially close over the upcoming months!
How has your own mother inspired you?
My mum has always been my biggest supporter and cheerleader. She has brought me up to believe that I have something unique to offer the world, BUT that if I want to make a difference, it’s up to me to go out and do it. 15 years ago, she set up a business in Cape Town, South Africa, creating art out of recycled tea-bags. The business now supports more than 20 individuals from an informal settlement. It is testament to her unwavering desire to create a positive impact in the world through the talent she has been blessed with.
Has the concept of 'beauty' changed for you since becoming a mother?
I feel like since having a little one, ‘beauty’ has become a way for me to reconnect to myself as ‘Aimee’ and not ‘mummy’. I feel energized and able to take on the world when I have washed hair, skin care and make up on and I am out of my tracksuit pants!
What’s you must have beauty product?
Jurlique’s Skin Balancing Face Oil
How do you balance family life with work life?
My husband and I regularly challenge ourselves and each other to focus on work when we’re at work but then remain present when we’re at home, but we don’t always get it right.
What do you wish for your children?
That they find a sense of purpose and through that, happiness. Above all, I hope they are kind and gracious, to themselves and others. Also, I hope they always come over for weekly dinners even when their Dad and I are old and uncool!
Bertha, Visual Merchandising Manager – ANZ.
Mother to Audrey and Eliza.
How do you nourish your skin?
By drinking lots of water and making sure I always do a mask every week no matter how busy life gets!
How has your own mother inspired you?
My mother passed away last year. She was always thinking of others, even up until the end of her life. So, I try to always put myself in other’s shoes and do what’s best by others.
Has the concept of 'beauty' changed for you since becoming a mother?
I try to be a role model for my girls. I want them to know that all women are beautiful no matter what we look like on the outside. As a mother, beauty for me is not physical but how we take a moment to appreciate everything around us – nature, people and how we are all connected.
What’s your morning ritual?
Apart from ushering the kids around and making ham and cheese sandwiches, I make sure that I take 10 minutes for myself. I cleanse my skin, followed by Activating Water Essence and Calendula Redness Rescue Restorative Treatment Serum. Then I use the Herbal Recovery Signature Eye Cream followed by the Skin Balancing Face Oil as a moisturiser. I make sure I do all the steps, as it’s the only time in the day I get to focus on my skin.
What’s your must have beauty product?
My Jurlique Rose Silk Finishing Powder, it’s changed my life!
How do you balance family life with work life?
I am very lucky to work at a company that respects and encourages work and family balance, which makes it much easier to be a full-time working mum. I make sure that I am there for most of my girl’s school performances and that I actually switch off the emails as soon as I am home…or at least not look them till the next morning on the train!
What is something your mother always said to you?
“Don’t take on everything yourself – ask for help when you need it.”
What do you wish for your children?
I want my girls to be happy, healthy and have a positive outlook on life. There is so much beauty all around us and I don’t think we take enough time to appreciate it.
Nicole, Brand Manager - ANZ
Mother to Zoe
How do you nourish your skin?
Days have been a little more hectic since becoming a mother 5 months ago, but I make sure, at the very least, that I hydrate with Activating Water Essence and Herbal Recovery Signature Moisturising Cream every morning and night. If I have an extra few minutes, I use the Herbal Recovery Signature Serum and Herbal Recovery Signature Eye Cream. I also squeeze in a Purity Specialist Treatment Mask or Intense Recovery Mask every week.
How has your own mother inspired you?
Her work ethic and strength are so inspiring. She is amazing.
Has the concept of 'beauty' changed for you since becoming a mother?
I think I feel more beautiful now as a mother, than I ever have. Beauty seems more tied with happiness than my physical appearance.
What’s you must have beauty product?
Activating Water Essence is my holy grail!
How do you balance family life with work life?
At the moment I get to enjoy all the time with my beautiful girl, Zoe, as I am on maternity leave. I will worry about the balance when I need to.
What is something your mother always said to you?
“Don’t waste time worrying about things that are out of your control.”
How do you relax and reconnect with yourself at the end of a busy week?
A walk around the block, a hot bath and a face mask.
What do you wish for your children?
I wish Zoe a lifetime of infinite love, happiness and friendship! Strength when she needs it and to keep her beautiful little smile.