Laura Hawley, on Motherhood & Business
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In this edition of our journal, we chat with Laura Hawley, the founder of The Vault Online. The Vault Online is a place for curated content, empowering women to embrace both style and live a well-rounded life. With two energetic boys keeping her on her toes, Laura opens up about her experiences and insights on all things motherhood.
What do you love the most about being a mum?
What I love most about being a mum is shaping my boys into being the best version of themselves through my own experiences, the love my husband and I show them and the endless experiences of growth and development they teach us. Of course, as every mother will attest, despite every missed nap, public meltdown, 5.30am wake up call, there is nothing quite like it in this world as pure as the love you have for your children. And contained in every embarrassing, survival-testing moment is knowledge that there is nothing more joyful than watching your children grow and discover the world. There’s more love, less sleep and incredibly beautiful and unique memories, already shared and it’s only the beginning! It also seems like every moment contains multitudes. It’s the same push-pull chaotic thought pattern that sees you counting down the minutes until their nap time, then spending those hours trawling through photos of them on our phones missing them. What is with that?!
What has been the hardest period of motherhood for you and how did you deal with it?
I think the hardest period of motherhood which I believe is still going on for me, is worrying about the judgement or pressure from external sources to be a ‘certain kind of mum.’ I feel like looking back on the early days particularly with my first-born Henry, I constantly felt the need to be doing ‘the right thing’ from other people’s eyes rather than focusing on my own path. As time goes gone on, particularly having had my second child William, I realise that I need to stay in my own lane and only worry about what is best for myself and my family, not expectations surrounding, because all that comes down to is a person’s own insecurities. That thought never leaves my mind now.
In terms of self identity working hand in hand with motherhood, I particularly found the 6- month mark with Henry the hardest as I was experiencing a lot more emotional struggles - having lost my Dad after finding out I was pregnant, to which I lost myself finding the balance of having love for my son and grief for my father. I then had finally found myself again 3 months after William where I needed to make a change and put myself first, mentally and physically. By this point, I started working out and eating well and have lost to this date 17kgs. This has helped me find my identity again, with expressing my personality through my styles and day-to-day outfits. Albeit, they are much more child-friendly but nonetheless a reflection of my personality again.
How do you, as both a mother and a business owner, manage to maintain a healthy balance between your personal and professional life? Any advice you can share?
Balance…hmm? I’m still working on finding a ‘balance’ if I’m honest, and I’m starting to wonder if it’s a complete parenting myth. Perchance, balance is an unrealistic expectation we put on ourselves as mother’s to constantly try to achieve. If I was to give any sort of advice on finding a ‘balance,’ I feel I try to work out what is priority and go from there. Surround yourself with those that understand you, that know where your heart is and are like-minded. That’s when the juggle of ‘balance’ becomes easier. I always say, it takes a village to raise a child too. Those words couldn’t be truer and without my village, I wouldn’t have any kind of ‘balance.’
Has your approach to business changed since having kids?
My approach to business has completely changed. I’ve chosen to be flexible with freelancing my graphic design work and The Vault, having found the love for it again after the last few years. The Vault has purely become a creative outlet after having my boys. I found with the monotony of motherhood; I needed a platform to express my creativity through fashion in a space that was relatable to those in the same position. I love the Instagram family I have created – a community of women who constantly use The Vault as an opportunity and guide to learn to style themselves particularly after children.
How will you be celebrating Mother’s Day this year?
Mother’s Day this year will be spent with my boys at our place in Berrima. It’s our happy place to escape the craziness of Sydney and somewhere that feels like our second home. We spend hours in the garden with an open fire and Mother’s Day will be no different. My husband will probably make a delicious pasta for lunch – (he’s a far better cook than me and even more-so, with my Italian heritage finally rubbing off on him!) Lunch will turn into dinner and we will probably end with a bottle of red wine by the fire, roasting marshmallows with the kids.
Who are the women in your life that inspire you?
Where do I start? The remarkable and influential women in my life are a testament to strength and resilience, each embodying a unique essence that enriches my journey of both motherhood and as a person. My mum’s strength is far greater than she will ever realise. The last five years in particular, she has taught me the meaning of finding purpose, strength and perseverance. Her personal growth has inspired me to always stay true to my character yet evolve when life throws certain curve balls. My Nonna has always inspired my love of fashion and style, truly the most elegant woman I know. She bought me my first Vogue Magazine when I was 10 years old and I still have it to this day. My sister, for her cheeky and bubbly personality, my complete opposite who teaches me how to not take myself so seriously and always trust your gut.
