In conversation—
With mothers & co-founders of Kate & Kole, Sara & Madalynne
We sat down with Kate & Kole co-founders, Sara & Madalynne, to talk about what Motherhood means to them in 2024.
Keep reading for our conversation.
How has motherhood changed you as a person?
"I worry a lot more now, things that didn’t use to bother me (like flying) now scare me more. I think the idea of not being there for your family changes you because it’s such a big shift in responsibility. On the flip side, things also bother me less, having to get two extra people out of the house means that details are forgotten or not as much time can be allowed or taken when getting organised. Often, good enough is good enough."
—Sara
"I have had to learn to completely let go of all expectations. The shift in control you have over your life and time is certainly the hardest thing I was confronted with. In saying that, I have a real appreciation for the way my daughter has taught me to take in the smaller moments in life and forced me to take a slower approach to the day to day. My most challenging days are the ones where I am still trying to maintain a certain level of control over things, and most beautiful are the ones where I have chosen to let go and be present. It is a hard one to try to come back to but something that can have such an impact."
—Madalynne
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a mother?
"For me it’s the communication, I love talking to Harry, he asks the best questions —When was the first backpack made? Do our necks get longer when we get older?— the way his brain works is so much fun to watch develop and change. Zoe has just started talking and saying a few words and I can’t wait until she can have little conversations too."
—Sara
"The unconditional love you get to experience. To see their face light up when you walk into a room or look to you when they are seeking comfort is a feeling that is truly unmatched. It is also a huge honour to know you play such a pivotal role in shaping who they are as a person. I am constantly thinking about what I want to be those lasting memories to be and it makes me so excited to think about all the little moments we will have together throughout her life."
—Madalynne
What advice would you give to new mothers or mothers-to-be?
"Be so kind with yourself. If you can try and give the same kindness that you would to one of your friends who is a new mum—to yourself, the first few weeks and months will be so much more manageable. Try to communicate as best as you can to let others know what your boundaries are and what you need help with and find a few things that are really important to you and try to create space for those things.
As soon as you turn on the shower, you will hear your baby crying. Sometimes it’s real and sometimes it's not so asking someone to take the baby for a walk in the pram so you can shower in confidence might be something that works well for you. And if anyone is out there with a newborn with no one to help them, and you have capacity to take that baby for a wander while they shower, offer that. They will love you forever."
—Sara
"Give yourself as much grace and kindness as you would a friend in the same position. All you need is one mum friend that you can talk to, sometimes it really does feel like you are experiencing things in isolation and it is such a reassurance to be reminded everyone has their own struggles.
Try to remember everything is a season and changes so quickly. And just know that everything feels a bit better with some coffee and sunshine so if that is something you can factor into each day when you are in the thick of it, that is enough."
—Madalynne
How do you balance being a mother & a business owner?
"I’m not really sure it is ever in balance to be totally honest. It is absolutely a juggle and at times both get less than what they need. We are trying to get better at finding that balance between working and being at home with our families and as our team grows around us this feels like something that is becoming more obtainable which is really exciting."
—Sara
"I think it is important to acknowledge it is truly impossible to strike a balance. If one area is thriving you definitely feel like you are lacking in another. I think it is all about leaning into any help you can and trying to let go of as much of the mum guilt that creeps in. Try to remember that making space for what fulfills you personally allows you to show up as your best self as a mother."
—Madalynne
In what ways do you hope to inspire or influence your children?
"I hope my kids see me as someone who is motivated when I can’t be disciplined. I am an emotional person so I am better at using emotion to motivate me rather than structure and systems to stay disciplined. And being kind will win everyday."
—Sara
"I hope I can always be someone that my daughter looks to as a role model but also as a friend. I have beautiful memories of going to my mum's work when I was little (she owned a little clothing store) and being so excited about her world.
I hope what we have created at Kate & Kole is a world that my daughter feels excited to be a part of and takes influence from in her own way."
