INTERVIEW | RENEE WHYTE-COSTA OF GOLD FRANKINCENSE + MYRRH

What started as a project to create a crown for her daughter’s birthday has turned into a flourishing business for Renee Whyte. The Melbourne-based designer, who also runs a womens accessories business Wizzer and Whyte, offering beautiful leather bags and sandals as well as handmade jewellery and scarves, launched her childrens label Gold Frankincense and Myrhh in 2014. “The reaction was overwhelming,” Renee says. “The growth has been at such a fast rate - last year was a big learning curve.” It’s been a busy time for Renee, who makes all of the crowns by hand and hand-paints them too, as well as selling a selection of decor and Greek-inspired leather sandals. She has an arts degree from Monash University where she studied sculpture, printmaking and gold and silver smithing. For more than 10 years she was a visual merchandiser for Seed and Bed Bath and Table. This year she plans to expand into three more areas. “Stay tuned,” she says. “Bigger and better designs.”

Gold Frankincense and Myrrh is about to exhibit at the upcoming Kids Instyle for the third time later this week. “I make my stand light and whimsical, you can feel its handmade and from the imagination,” Renee says. “Everything’s new. Lots of glitter on show this season.” Above are images from her latest range, to be showcased at Kids Instyle.

Register now to attend the upcoming event that explores Happiness By Design. The Life Instyle and accompanying Kids Instyle trade event runs 18-21 February at the Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Pavilion.

This post was sponsored by Life Instyle, an event I have attended many times over the years. All editorial content was produced independently. Thank you for supporting businesses that help to make this site possible. - NW 

What was behind the decision to start your brand? My daughter Florence. I just wanted to make her a crown for her birthday. Bam.

What had you been doing previously? Over 10 years as a head merchandiser for childrens stores.

What is important to you when designing children's clothes? I make what I love.

How do you try to differentiate your products from others on the market? I don’t look at what others are doing; I just create what’s in my mind.

What has been completely unexpected since starting your business? Its success - I don’t do it for that reason.

What is something that people often don't realise about your wares? They are all hand-painted, hand-cut and handmade by me.

Where do you look to for design inspiration? Colours and textures.

What do consider when dressing or styling children? Colours. I’ve always had a great understanding of it, and vintage themes.

What role do you want your products to play in a childhood? I want them to create happiness, or a memory.

What was the last great children's book that you read? Coco Chanel - my daughter makes me read it every night.

images courtesy of gold frankincense and myrrh

INTERVIEW | MARCELLA ORELLANA OF AUBRIE

Fashion and textiles have almost always been a part of Marcella Orellana’s life. She learnt to sew at the age of eight, and after school moved from Rockhampton to Sydney to study a Bachelor of Design majoring in fashion at UTS. Marcella graduated with honours and now teaches at the Billy Blue College of Design. However, after leaving the fashion industry to have her two youngest children, about eight years ago, she decided to start creating her own childrenswear label, Aubrie. Word of mouth helped to kickstart interest in the label, however, it wasn’t until Marcella broke her leg in August and could spend some time focussed on the label’s Instagram account that it gained a enthusiastic following. 

With her Autumn-Winter lookbook just shot, Aubrie is now preparing to exhibit at Life Instyle Sydney. Register now to attend the upcoming event that explores Happiness By Design. The trade event runs 18-21 February at the Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Pavilion.

This post was sponsored by Life Instyle, an event I have attended many times over the years. All editorial content was produced independently. Thank you for supporting businesses that help to make this site possible. - NW 

What was behind the decision to start your brand? Having left the gruelling full-time ragtrade eight years ago to have my two youngest babes, I always knew that the next thing I did would be for myself. I actually started working on this six years ago but consultancy work, lecturing, broken foot and my final baby girl got in the way for a bit but once the stars finally aligned my fourth baby was born. 

What had you been doing previously? I have been a fashion designer for 25 years but always in the womenswear and youth fashion area. However, from the day my eldest daughter was born 18 years ago, I started collecting ideas as always knew I would one day have my own baby/girls label.

What is important to you when designing children's clothes? That they are pretty and practical, good quality, value for money, and where possible only made of natural fibres - despite the little bit of ironing they may require - and that they are timeless enough to be passed down over the years.

How do you try to differentiate your products from others on the market? I’m a great believer in quality over quantity so am always sourcing the best fabric and spend a lot of time perfecting the fit and details and then only produce limited quantities of each style so that they are that little bit more special. Hopefully my brand is known for its quality, the fact that each piece is designed to work back with pieces from previous collections so mums don’t feel they have to buy an entire new look each season and the gorgeous prints and colours that I spend so much time uhmming and ahhhing over for weeks on end at the beginning of each collection wanting them to be just right.

What has been completely unexpected since starting your business? My little Instagram family of customers - a whole new lot of friends - who are just so lovely and keep coming back for more for their little girls.

What is something that people often don’t realise about your wares? I receive lots of lovely messages from my customers when they receive their packages telling me how impressed they are by the fabric and quality and that they are even lovelier in real life. I guess that can sometimes be the downfall of shopping online, that what arrives doesn’t live up to expectations, so love that Aubrie appears to exceed them.

Where do you look to for design inspiration? I have always been a little bit of a collector and still have some of my own baby clothes as well as those of my eldest daughter as well as quite a few vintage pieces and patterns I have collected over the years. I love little details, muted colours as well as the classic French aesthetic. And having taught myself to sew at eight, I appreciate the old school sewing techniques of French seams, hand embroidery and pretty details all of which you’ll find throughout my collection.

What do consider when dressing or styling children? As a mum of two daughters I am a little old school and loved them to look like little girls when they were growing up - by that I don’t mean all frilly and pink as I love a little girl in blue, but like them to wear the clothes rather than the clothes wear them, so Aubrie pieces may be pretty but always practical - hence some of their names like “tree-climbing” skort and “cartwheel” camisole and definitely age appropriate.

What role do you want your products to play in a childhood? That they become their favourite piece that they wear until they just can’t anymore and with a focus on quality make and fabric they should get better with age and teamed with timeless design, after they have been handed down to younger sisters that just perhaps they will want to hang onto it for their own.

What was the last great children's book that you read?
Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman bought this for my baby girl for Christmas and it's her new favourite - and mine.

images courtesy of aubrie; photography courtney king

INTERVIEW | KELLY-LEE WRIGHT OF FEATHER DRUM

While the number of childrenswear brands seems to have exploded in recent years - there aren’t many that beat to their own drum. Enter Feather Drum, the label created by Kelly-Lee Wright, a former corporate lawyer turned clothing designer. After looking at some bohemian-inspired fashion pieces at the Laneway Festival she told her partner that she wished she could dress her daughter in similar clothes. “I saw a gap in the market as I couldn’t buy it for my own daughter and I knew I wasn’t alone,” Kelly-Lee says. That idea saw her launch her first collection, Dream Seeker in August 2014. Fast forward a year and a half later, and the label is stocked across Australia and in the USA, France, Japan and South Korea. “I’m designing new styles all the time, experimenting with new fabrications - in particular organic and more sustainable fabrics - and looking to expand into other areas I’ve not yet touched,” she says, “which you will just have to wait and see!”

Above is a sneak peek at the upcoming AW16 campaign, shot by The Descendants. Below is the current collection, photographed by Jenna Agius.

As part of Feather Drum’s growth, Kelly-Lee is about to exhibit at Life Instyle in Sydney. Register now to attend the upcoming event that explores Happiness By Design. The trade event runs 18-21 February at the Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Pavilion.

This post was sponsored by Life Instyle, an event I have attended many times over the years. All editorial content was produced independently. Thank you for supporting businesses that help to make this site possible. - NW 

What was behind the decision to start your brand? When my daughter was born it was difficult to buy anything for her that wasn’t powder blue or pink, twee, kitsch or splashed in cartoon characters. Clothing with a distinct bohemian flair in rich earthy tones, colours and textures just weren’t available, so I sat down and designed them myself. 

What had you been doing previously? I worked as a corporate lawyer in Sydney. I’d previously been a lawyer for 10 years back in London before I moved to Australia in 2010.

What is important to you when designing children's clothes? Ensuring I’m offering something innovative, good quality - I like to use natural fabrics that are wearable, washable and gentle on our kids’ skin - and, of course, functional. 

How do you try to differentiate your products from others on the market? A great deal of thought and care is put into presenting a collection that stands out from the crowd and presents a cohesive story. All Feather Drum prints are original custom designed from scratch. Each style undergoes several fitting sessions so the pattern is exact. I design from the heart and apply colour palettes that I love, rather than follow current trends.   

What has been completely unexpected since starting your business? The honest answer is the volume of work and just how incredibly difficult manufacturing is. If anyone considers this an easy way to make a living, it’s not - and that comes from a former corporate lawyer used to working 60 hours per week!

What is something that people often don't realise about your wares? Many people don’t realise we do boys clothing too. Clearly that’s an area I have to work on. And also that we cover the “tween” market.

Where do you look to for design inspiration? I get inspired by a lot of things, particularly nature, different cultures and fashions from a different age. I love vintage clothing and how well made it is compared to the throwaway fashion that we have today. The 70s have been a huge influence on my collections to date and I’ve tried to channel the floaty bohemia vibes reminiscent of Woodstock into my designs. The values transcending from our “hippie free people” back then are definitely ones that I believe should be instilled in our children - peace, love, happiness and respect for the planet.  

What do consider when dressing or styling children? Obviously that they look stylish, but it’s also fundamental that they feel comfortable, that they’re not going to be too warm or too cold, and can move freely. I want children to feel genuinely happy in the outfit they are wearing.

What role do you want your products to play in a childhood? As an adult I can look back to my childhood and remember my favourite pieces of clothing as a child, with the fondest of memories and attachment. It would be amazing to think that there are some children out there that will grow up having those same feelings and memories about a garment I designed. I have a lot of customers who order pieces in especially for family portraits which are being taken. It’s nice to know my clothing is being captured in so many family photographs that will transcend the generations.

What was the last great children's book that you read? I’ve just introduced my three-year-old daughter to the wonderful Roald Dahl. At the moment we're reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and she loves it just as much as I did, and still do. 

images courtesy of feather drum

INTERVIEW | CHLOE BROOKMAN OF OLLI ELLA

Chloe Brookman’s life experience has been a guiding light in her homewares business Olli Ella. She co-founded it with her sister Olivia after she wasn’t able to find a nursery chair when pregnant with her first child, son Tennyson, in 2009. At the time Chloe was based in London and the sisters, who were running an art gallery, decided to create a range of nursery furniture that wouldn’t be out of place in any modern family home. The business got off to a great start when within three months the chair was stocked by Harrods. Not one to stand still, Chloe moved to Australia with her young family and has continued to grow the business. At first, Olli Ella expanded to create bedding and more recently it has added storage baskets and a range of rugs, as well as other decor items, to its offering. The sisters design many of their wares themselves, and the pieces they source are from fair trade suppliers.

Olli Ella is about to exhibit at Life Instyle for the first time in Sydney. They showed at Melbourne last year. “We are rolling out a handful of new products in entirely new categories,” Chloe says. “I can't say too much but you can expect to see some new materials in use from macrame and jute to rattan and wool.”

Register now to attend the upcoming Life Instyle Sydney event that explores Happiness By Design. The trade event runs 18-21 February at the Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Pavilion.

This post was sponsored by Life Instyle, an event I have attended many times over the years. All editorial content was produced independently. Thank you for supporting businesses that help to make this site possible. - NW 

What was behind the decision to start your brand? Olli Ella was started as a passion project by Olivia, my sister, and I. We were running an art gallery in London at the time and had long talked about started a creative project. We never could have imagined that five years later we would have offices in three countries and have an ever expanding range of homewares in the range!

How do you try to differentiate your products from others on the market? We try not to focus too much on what other companies are doing, which has been both a help and a hinderance in some respects but what's worked for us so far has just been to focus on what we love; designing effortless homewares, and not worrying to much about competition.

What has been completely unexpected since starting your business? How passionate our customers and partners have been about our products. We've loved the concept from the beginning, but the overwhelming response we have received from our friends, customers, and retail partners has been such a thrill.

What is something that people often don't realise about your wares? That they are all fair trade.

Where do you look to for design inspiration? Travel and the way we live and exist in our own homes.

What role do you want your products to play in a childhood? I love that so many of our baskets and storage have been embraced by parents and children for toy storage. I love the idea that these handmade, tactile woven baskets are the keepers of treasures and it's so wonderful to see how they have been used in children's spaces.

What was the last great children's book that you read?
The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt.

images courtesy of olli ella

10 QUESTIONS... WITH KAROLINA CARR OF BETWEEN BLUE AND PURPLE

“This is my favourite space in my house because this is where my family live. We talk, we laugh, we cry, we dance, we jump, we rest, we get dizzy, we play, we learn and we love. This is the absolute heart of my home; this is where all the magic happens.”

Karolina Carr’s story can be divided into three distinct chapters - with a detour to the UK. She lived most of her childhood in Adelaide, South Australia, after her parents arrived in Australia from Poland 32 years ago as refugees. Karolina’s mother was seven months pregnant when she landed on foreign soil. At five-months-old Karolina’s parents separated and her mother raised her alone while working full time. “We are very close, and I love her dearly,” Karolina says. When she was 15, her mother decided to take the two of them to the UK for a two-year adventure. “The move was one of my most treasured experiences,” Karolina says. “I travelled, experienced a different life and made beautiful and strong friendships. I was intentionally taken out of my comfort zone and given the chance to live something new and I made the most of it.” When she returned to Australia, she completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication, Media and Culture at the University of South Australia.

Afterwards she travelled around Europe on her own and then moved to Perth with her boyfriend Josh, who was her highschool sweetheart and is now her husband. During her time in Western Australia, Karolina enrolled in a music industry course at TAFE and worked at a wallpaper and home styling shop. “I loved that job,” she says. “I was in my element - styling and being creative.” After their time in Perth, Karolina and Josh explored as much of the world as time would allow. They stayed in a range of places from Marrakech to Tuscany and Champagne, where he proposed. “My time in Perth was where I found complete freedom, I explored many of my interests such as writing, drawing, music and sewing. I took a lot of classes - I still do - most recently I worked on my pottery skills,” she says. “I did so much on my own; I learnt a lot about myself this way.”

Four years after arriving in Perth, the couple moved back to Karolina’s hometown of Adelaide. She is now the mother of daughter Violet, aged two, and Jude, eight weeks old, and documents their lives together on Between Blue and Purple. “They are my heart, my life and my treasures,” she says. “I adore them both beyond measure.” Recently they moved into a beautiful old house with their very own “secret garden” in the Adelaide Hills and are slowly renovating it, being as hands-on as possible. 

Karolina is on maternity leave from working as a case manager for a not-for-profit organisation, helping to create opportunities for children through positive role models and enriching experiences. “I work with children who experience social isolation, economic and other complex forms of disadvantage, and match them with volunteer respite carers who willingly give their time, care and support,” she says. “My role is extremely fulfilling, yet also emotionally draining. Before I had children I was able to better cope with my work, but since returning I have been challenged, because now, my heart beats differently and my eyes see differently.”

Karolina says, “I care wholeheartedly and always want to help everyone. I am creative and love beautiful things. I am also an extremely organised person, who likes things a certain way, everything has a place, and I love a list. I am a free, but grounded. I am social, but am also comfortable in my own company. But most importantly I am happy.”

1 As a child I used to wear… dresses, overalls, knee-high socks and anything the 80s had to offer. My mum handmade a lot of beautiful clothes for me; they were always my favourites. She does the same for my daughter; they are always my favourites.

2 My bedroom was… my special space, a space which I always shared with friends, which I decorated with enthusiasm. I put a serious amount of energy into it to make it mine, and reflect who I was at that particular time. I was always decorating, styling and... cleaning it - yes, I was that teenager. It was always a work in progress and would change as I did. I cherished my bedroom, I feel the same about my home now, as I did my bedroom then.

3 When I was a teenager I used to… spend every single waking hour with my friends. I was a mischief maker of the lightest degree.

4 After high school I wanted to be… well, I wasn’t exactly sure. All I knew was that I was excited to start my journey wherever that was going. I knew I wanted to go to university - so picked something - and knew I wanted to travel, so… well, that’s what I did; anything beyond that was unknown.

5 A seminal moment was…  a six-month period a few years ago where I learnt, first-hand, about life and death. I watched my mother-in-law, a devoted mum and Nanna pass away and then six months later I had my first child, my daughter, sweet Violet. Both experiences changed me, they opened my eyes and my heart and altered my perspective. New life helped heal the heartbreaking loss, while loss gave me appreciation for the sweet new miraculous life. 

6 I never thought I would… run a marathon. Yes, in 2011 I ran - and finished - the New York City Marathon. I am not an incredibly sporty girl - yoga and walks are more my thing, but suddenly I got the idea into my head, so my husband and I just did it. I still find it hard to believe what I’m saying. Often when I tell people, I go into a state of disbelief and then I realise I’m actually being serious. So let me just shout it from the roof top - because, again, I’m finding it hard to believe - I ran the New York City Marathon! Wait! What?

7 I’ve learnt to… I’m learning to let things go and trust that doing my best is actually enough. I’ve learnt that my children are here to teach me - that, and about 784 other lessons I have yet to learn. They are my life, my adorable beloved teachers. I trust them and I want to be sure to follow their lead.

8 I know… I am exactly where I need to be right now. I’m doing absolutely what I should be.

9 I share because… that’s what I do, I always have and always will, it’s my nature. I share because I want to be generous always and with everything - except my food, unless I’ve made enough. That is something I’m working on, it’s an only child thing. I share to connect. I share because there is no point, for me not to, and it makes me happy.

10 If I had an unexpected morning to myself I would… if I was feeling particularly energetic - like I could get out of my PJs, I would start the day with a yoga class, otherwise I would start the day by getting something tasty from the local patisserie, maybe while still in my PJs - I have been known to do this, when necessary. I would then probably relax with a cup of tea, and said yummy pastry, in my garden weather-permitting or by the fire - if I ever learn to light it - but I’d at least light a candle in lieu of fire. And finally I would catch up on all the magazine subscriptions I never find time to read, but continue to buy in the hope that one day I will have a “morning to myself” - hallelujah!

image courtesy of karolina carr

10 QUESTIONS WITH NICOLE YOUNG

Buddhism has featured quite prominently in the life of Nicole Young, an Australian expat living in London. After studying marketing at Swinburne University in Melbourne and working in management at fashion retailer Witchery, she changed careers and worked for a florist, managing big clients for large-scale events. The owner and her family were practising Buddhists and Nicole became so involved with the religion that she almost become a Buddhist nun. About a year later the florist asked Nicole if she wanted to buy her out, but her daughters asked for time to consider their options first. “I thought this would be a good time to fulfil my dream of travelling independently around Europe whilst plans fell into place,” she says.

Nicole travelled around Europe for about a year on $50 a day, ending up in Morocco, where she decided to fly to London and get a working holiday visa. After a short stint as a PA, she was asked to run corporate events. “For six years I ended up, amongst other things, organising events for a 1000 guests at the National Portrait Gallery and spending an almost obscene amount of time at Claridges, running client events there on behalf of my company,” Nicole says. “I had a fantastic time, really living the London life - parties, events, chef’s tables, premieres…”

Two weeks before she was due to return to Australia - via Dharamsala, to meet the Dalai Lama - she met her husband. After getting married and becoming pregnant with their son, Joseph, Nicole stopped working. “It was not part of my plan at all,” she says. “But I just wanted to be with him, and in the end it was absolutely the right decision for us as a family for me to stay at home. Joseph had serious hearing and speech issues - all since resolved - which I just couldn’t have given my full attention to had I been working the hours required in event management.”

Nicole has now been living in London for 16 years, and is based in North London with her family of four, including daughter Amalia, four. Joseph is now seven. “I still haven’t climbed Everest,” Nicole says. “Or met the Dalai Lama!”

1 As a child I used to wear… a lot of corduroy! I’m not sure I ever had a choice about what I wore. I had two older brothers and four cousins, all boys, so there were a lot of hand-me-downs. I grew up on a small farm of sorts, and I was a bit of a tomboy so I’m not sure I really cared very much about what I was wearing until I got older. However, both my grandmother and my mother were quite handy with a sewing machine and I remember having some beautiful dresses made for me. Even now, I’m always drawn to anything smocked.

2 My bedroom was… all white. I suppose what was special about it to me was that it was my own, whereas my brothers had to share. I remember using my wardrobe doors as classroom chalkboards to play teacher when I was little, and just a few weeks ago I found my daughter doing the same, all her teddies lined up as if in class, which made me smile.

3 When I was a teenager I used to… be the good girl. I was always up for having a good time and, yes, rules were broken but I was never particularly rebellious. I suppose I was just always somewhere in the middle.

4 After high school I wanted to be… in my head, I thought I’d be some high-flying PR exec, but in my heart I wanted to be either a marine biologist or an interpreter, which probably shows either just how naïve I was, or how desperate I was to go see the world. Now that I’m a mother I’m determined to encourage my children to seek each and every opportunity to follow their hearts, to choose a path that truly interests them, one that fills them with a sense of wonder about the world and where they might fit into it, rather than doing the thing that everyone else is doing, or a job that is merely seen as being “sensible”.

5 A seminal moment was… I suppose I should say having my children or meeting my husband and in a round-about way, these were key moments. However, I remember flying into Rome, my first ever overseas experience, not speaking a word of Italian - and suddenly realising that not everyone spoke English - sitting in a tiny hotel room with my backpack and a Lonely Planet, wondering what on earth I had done. I was overcome with fear, I was completely on my own and a very long way from home. I told myself that I at least had to go see the Colosseum and having done that I would head straight back to the airport and fly home. So as I walked the streets of Rome,  eating gelato I knew then and there that there was no way I was going home until I’d seen every single thing that I had come so far to see. And I’ve always felt that that moment, sat in the shadows of the Colosseum, was the moment that led me on to the rest of my life.

6 I never thought I would… be asked to be a part of something like this. I never thought I would be a mother, and a stay-at-home mum at that, or marry an English guy or live in a cold climate. Shows how little I know.

7 I’ve learnt to… make really good risotto. I’ve learnt that I, nor anything I do, need be perfect and - to quote - “that the sun will go down without any help from me”. 

8 I know… how important it is to have great and true friends in life but that it’s even more important to be a loyal friend myself. I know that we’re all much stronger than we think we are. And I know exactly who I am and that perhaps she’s not so bad after all.

9 I share because… I love the connections it has brought me. And I’d feel mean to not share when so many share with me. I’m just very curious about other people and their lives, and I love seeing other people’s feeds. I’ve literally watched children grow up before my eyes in these little squares and, quite simply, it makes me happy. If my photos and little stories can make someone smile, then that’s a good thing, right? It also turns out that I just really enjoy taking photos and having a little gallery of my own to curate.

10 If I had an unexpected morning to myself I would… take a very long walk through Regent's Park with my dog but the truth is that I’d probably spend the whole morning procrastinating over my options and then my time would be up before I’d done anything at all.

image courtesy of nicole young

10 QUESTIONS WITH ASHLEY JENNETT OF THE STORK AND THE BEANSTALK

“The kitchen table is the quintessential area where it all goes down. Because my husband works from home, we spend many mornings together as a family eating breakfast, and later dinner. The record player and our record collection is directly behind the table and we all enjoy listening to music during this time as well - that is when the TV doesn’t win that battle because we all know the value a few moments of peace. We have a view of the ocean from our kitchen table as well and it’s nice to look out the window and see the sun setting... though you have to ignore the rush of cars travelling on the freeway, which is practically in our backyard, but the record player does a good - enough - job of that.”

Ashley Jennett of The Stork and the Beanstalk admits that she often stumbles when filling out forms requiring her to list her occupation. She works part-time as a hospital nurse to meet the practical needs of her life, but she also dedicates a lot of time to photographing families and weddings. The images she creates are moody and timeless, and imbued with beautiful light. “My heart resides with my photography,” Ashley says.

Last year she also opened a clothing shop The Bee & The Fox with her husband selling what has quickly turned into an iconic t-shirt. While the business has grown quickly, so too has the work for it, Ashley says. “Each job gives me a little something different and while I struggled for a long time about not being able to give 100 per cent to any one thing, I now appreciate each position for what it provides and view them collectively as having a symbiotic relationship, where each one is made better because the other exists,” she says. 

Ashley was born in Van Nuys, California, which is part of “The Valley” and the where the term “Valley Girl” was coined - thanks in part to Marilyn Monroe, who hung out in the Valley often. While Ashely has spent most of my life in Southern California, she spent five years “living independently and making a lot of mistakes” in San Francisco in her 20s. She’s now based in a small beach town called San Clemente, south of Los Angeles and north of San Diego. Ashley lives there with her husband, their two boys, a boxer dog, and a growing baby in her belly. 

“Like most, the path I’ve traveled is not without its bumps and detours,” she says. “A huge part to any success I’ve encountered is the support I’ve received from my husband as well as a philosophy I’ve adopted in life to simply go with it and learn along the way. Some of my biggest mistakes and biggest heartaches have turned out to be the source of strength behind my biggest leaps forward.” 

1 As a child I used to wear... white cowboy boots. With everything. Including my girl scout uniform. 

2 My bedroom was... covered with posters my mom gave me from the 60s and beaded curtains. I’d also cut things out from magazines and tape them all over my walls. 

3 When I was a teenager I used to... think I knew it all. I was a bitch to my mom. Sorry, mom. I developed late and was all around pretty immature.

4 After high school I wanted to... know what it is what I wanted to do because the reality is I didn’t have a clue. 

5 A seminal moment was... having my heart broken by a guy who didn’t deserve me. I travelled the world shortly after that relationship ended and it was during that time I built the foundation of who I am today.

6 I never thought I would... be a mother to a girl. And so far, I’m not. We don’t know the gender of the baby in my belly and are hoping to hold off on finding out.

7 I’ve learnt to... eat leftover pizza. And the truth is, I now love it even better the next day.

8 I know... what I do and I don’t know what I don’t know.

9 I share because... it makes the world feel like a smaller place and I like the conversation and community aspect of it. 

10 If I had an unexpected morning to myself I would... sleep in. Then I’d like to think I’d have the energy to get up and clean... because a clean house is where it’s at. 

image courtesy of ashely jennett