Hi Jess. Welcome back! You’ve been away from the business for a year or so… tell us what you’ve been up to.

Thank you, it’s nice to be back! I recently rejoined the team following a year’s maternity leave. I had my little girl, Cecelia, in December 2021.

I must admit, though, I feel I’ve been a ‘stealth’ member of the team for almost three years now. Lurking in the background! First, I was at home – as we all were – for the pandemic. Then I spent almost a year isolating while pregnant, and then a year learning how to be a mum!

What’s the best thing about being a mum – and what have you found most challenging?
Becoming a mum is hard to truly put into words. It’s the biggest challenge I have ever taken on – demanding and tiring, but so rewarding.

No one can ever truly prepare you for the shift in your life that comes with having a child – particularly those first few sleep-deprived delirious weeks of having a newborn!

How you think about time changes, and there’s something bittersweet about the passage of time when you have a child. You look forward to the next stage of their development, you’re excited to see that next step, but with that you lose some of the first moments. It’s all incredible to witness really.

Have you been able to stay creative while looking after your little one?
I’ve tried to keep my creative juices flowing while I’ve been off – mainly, accommodating all the new stuff you get when you have a child and not letting it take over our home. I’d say my interior and fashion design (Cece’s outfits of course) skills have blossomed most!

And how are you finding being back at work?
It’s nice to be back. When you first have your baby, you can’t think of anything other than taking care of this precious little human. Then, as time passes, you see the need for the baby to interact with more people than just you – particularly kids their own age – as well as interactions for yourself. It’s nice to be able to have a hot cup of tea and a normal, adult, conversation!

How are you able to juggle childcare and your design duties?
I’m back at my screen three days a week, and we’re fortunate to have family close to home who are on hand to help take care of Cece. When I’m at work, she spends a day with each of her nans and one day at nursery.

Any thoughts on how 2023 might pan out? Anything you’re particularly looking forward to workwise and personally?
I think 2023 will be continuing to enjoy our gorgeous little girl − watching her learn, grow and explore the world.