Alice McMullin, Founder of McMullin & Co on why mental health comes first.

Her non-existent maternity leave and knowing 'there is no one way' when it comes to parenting.

An interview series featuring mothers within the DD community. Here, we examine the juggle of paid working mothers – we talk motherhood, career, routine, self-care and daycare. I ask the things you actually want to know, like what they outsource, why they work, how they work, keep it together and get out the door each morning. If you’d like to be featured please fill in your answers here.

Can you start by sharing a bit about your family dynamic?

I live with my partner of 10+ years, Matt, and our two children, Theo, 5, and Lucia, 1. Matt works in an advertising agency. Which like my role, is all encompassing. He works full time, long hours and tight deadlines. I am lucky though, as a business owner, I have a lot more flexibility when it comes to kids pick ups - and it's an even bigger bonus that Theo's school & Lucia's daycare is literally next-door to our showroom in Marrickville! I definitely still do a lot of the domestic duties - mainly around cooking, but we're lucky that we're able to get extra home help as we can to ensure we get to spend quality time together. Matt does a lot of the activities with Theo, taking him to swimming each weekend and Karate.

How would you describe what season or stage you’re in in motherhood at the moment?
They're definitely not wrong when they say two is so much more work than one! But I wouldn't change it for the world. I think we're also lucky that Theo's at an age where he's not as much of a handful and can help out a bit. The second is also such a different experience, you're not constantly questioning yourself about if you're doing this parenting thing right and generally you just care less about the stuff that really doesn't matter! You also realise that putting your mental health first makes you a better Mum.

Can you give us a basic rundown of what your paid job entails? 
I am the founder and creative director of McMullin & Co - each day is different. One day I'm creating new vision boards for a collection due to drop in a year's time, to packing boxes for our new Children's wear brand Alfredco to chasing Theo around the warehouse after school.

How old were your little ones when you returned to work ?
Like many business owners, unfortunately, I wasn't able to have the luxury of paid maternity leave. That said, I also know how lucky I am to have created a place where I can bring my children into work and be surrounded by other women who have become the de-facto extended family of my two little ones! And they're all so understanding of my commitments as a mum. First and foremost.

Did you always envision you would be a working mother? Or pre-kids did you think you would stop work and take on a stay-at-home role?
I have the utmost respect for stay-at-home parents, but for me - I always wanted to start a business that gave me the flexibility to work my own hours, be creatively inspired, while giving me the flexibility to be there for my kids.

What does your career mean to you – why do you work? 
It's always been my dream to own my own interior design and furniture business - which I often don't stop to reflect on until I'm asked similar questions! I love the variety of my work, that fuels my creative needs and I get to work alongside other super talented people in my team.

Any advice for those who are juggling career and motherhood?
There's no right or wrong way. Just love.

How do you work – Take us through your schedule.
We usually get up around 7am with the Wiggles turned on to give me time to get myself ready before prepping breakfast and chasing Theo around the house to put his school uniform out. We're usually out the door by 8:30am and I'll drop them both off at school and daycare. Matt will work from our studio twice a week - which is great as he can then do pick up and I'll stay back to finish off some jobs. I’m home by 6pm to cook dinner and we try and get the kids in bed by 8 (key word is try!). Then we'll zone out by scrolling on our phones for an hour before bed.

How do you get into work mode?
Coffee.

What method of childcare have you opted for?
My eldest, Theo is at school and we have a nanny once a week, which is great as it allowed our one year old to spend time at home. I also take one day off to look after her. She's in daycare 3 days a week at the moment. Next year, she will go to 4 days. When Matt works from my office, we'll do the drop off and pick up together - on the other days, I'll do it.

What do you outsource? What helps make life a bit easier. 
We get a weekly home helper who does cleaning and folds and puts away the mountain of washing. We've also tried meal boxes, but I love cooking and it never tastes the same as a home cooked meal.

Self-care and motherhood often don’t come hand-in-hand but it is so important. How do you ensure you take time out for yourself and how do you make this happen and how often? 

My ideal unwind is pouring myself a nice glass of red and sitting in our garden, with kids in bed, to call my girlfriends back in New Zealand. Or simply taking a bath - it's always the little things!

Want to know how others do it? Read more here.

Connect with Alice – @alice_mcmullin

To shop_

All things homewares and furniture www.mcmullinandco.com
@mcmullinandco

For beautifully made, fun, and gender neutral children’s wear www.alfredco.com.au
@alfr.edco