How She Does It: Anna Vidovic, writer, stylist and Founder of Philé.
On enjoying her daughter, the important role that grandparents play and the challenge of mototomy in motherhood.
HSDI is 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?
My husband Tomi and I are both pretty busy with various work projects, but I have the more flexible work situation out of us both so I am the one coordinating Ren's (our 2 and a half year old) schedule and usually doing drop-offs and pick-ups. If he has a morning or afternoon off, he'll take that opportunity to spend quality time with her either at the beach or park and give me some time to myself. We outsource the cleaning but I do the grocery shopping and cooking, and Tomi cleans up after dinner each night. We are both pretty time poor but I think this makes us appreciate any time off we get.
How would you describe what season or stage you’re in in motherhood at the moment?
I'm a freelance writer, stylist, small business owner (Philé) and part-time student (studying Interior Design). I'm busy but I dictate my own hours and I'll try to squeeze in as much quality time with Renata as I can. We are past the foggy, sleep-deprived days (although I'm about to go through it all again as I'm due to have my second in May) so its less about surviving as it is about being present and enjoying her company. She is at such an energetic, dynamic age - up for anything and everything, and while it can be tiring, it's also so rewarding. While I try to expose her to new things (museums, art exhibitions, performances), I'm also not about killing myself to fit everything in. I'm very much for free play and if I need a day at home to catch up, I'll set up her small world or play-dough or paints on the back deck and leave her to play.
Can you give us a basic rundown of what your paid work entails?
I'm a trained journalist so writing was always my thing, but working at BAZAAR equipped me with the skills to conceptualise, style and produce a still-life shoot to accompany my feature stories. I was trained in beauty, but I've since applied my experience to all still life objects and sets, be it lifestyle or fashion. It was a hustle in the early days trying to find regular work, but since having Ren I found myself a brilliant agent who puts me forward for the bigger commercial campaigns and handles all of the admin for me. I keep my toes in the editorial pool with a regular gig contributing to Vogue Living online, and I also take on the occasional copywriting job when time permits. I'm not shooting every day, so on my off days I work on my own brand, Philé, a baby and children's lifestyle label that is rapidly growing to encompass everything from blankets, swaddles, handmade toys, play mats and baby bags. This is really a beast and I run it solo (hoping to change that very soon) so on any given day I'll be packing orders, replying to customer emails, shooting and posting content, coordinating paid posts, PR, eDMs, accounting... so on.
How old was Renata when you returned to work ?
I had my first shoot when Ren was a couple of months old, but then Covid hit and I was at home with her and Tomi for months. It was probably for the best as I don't know how to rest so this really forced my hand.
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 always knew I'd be a working mum, probably because I didn't know any better. My parents worked my entire life, and I grew up between my grandparents. I loved it and hope Ren can have the same close relationship with her grandparents.
What does your career mean to you – why do you work?
I find fulfilment in it. I like creating things and enjoy meeting and collaborating with different talented people.
How do you work – Take us through your schedule.
I wake up at 6:30am and head to Soho Inspired, a pilates studio run by the incredible Dee in North Bondi. I'll then come back and get Ren ready for the day with breakfast, clothes, bag etc. Once I drop her off at either school or my parents, I'll go to my shoot (If I have one) or I'll head to my office. I then try to get home by 4:30pm to put dinner on because there's no hope of doing this when Ren is home. Then I'll pick her up from school and we'll head to the park for a little play before dinner. Tomi comes home around 6pm and does bath and bedtime so I can chill and jump back on my laptop.
How do you get into work mode?
I put on shoes (step one) and get out of the house. I'll either go to the office or a cafe. Working from home doesn't do it for me, especially as there's a constant pile of washing to get to and toddler toys all over the house. Out of sight, out of mind.
What method of childcare have you opted for?
Renata is at school Monday and Tuesday, then with my parents Wednesday and Thursday, and with me on Fridays . She even does a sleepover every Wednesday night so we take that opportunity to go for dinner or to the movies...or just watch Netflix and collapse into bed at 8pm. I do the drop-offs and pick-ups.
What do you outsource? What helps make life a bit easier.
We have a cleaner who comes every week - that helps a lot. My mum always sends home food with Renata on a Thursday, and if I don't have the energy to cook, we order in. Bondi has so many good healthy food options, it’s a no brainer.
In motherhood, what do you find most challenging?
I think the lack of spontaneity really bothered me in the beginning, especially being the first of my friends to have a baby, but the lockdowns really helped with this. Also how bloody long it takes to get out of the house! And lately the fussy eating thing triggers me. Parenting is a lesson in patience and humility.
What is your go-to morning routine to get you out the door?
I always pack her backpack the night before, and try to make a big batch of green or pumpkin pancakes on a Sunday night so that the school mornings are easier. My beauty routine has been reduced to a tinted sunscreen (I love Ultra Violette's new formula), a clear brow gel and some Chantecaille concealer. I've taken to sharing a bath with Ren at night to save me the drama (and time) and I find that monthly maintenance facials with Natasha Double Bay keep my skin predictable and easy to maintain.
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?
If I'm moving my body, I need to do it before Ren wakes up or after I drop her at school. I used to love going to evening classes but that's impossible for me now. Two mornings a week, I'll go to pilates, and I try to do a couple of long walks. Now that I'm pregnant, I'll probably swap out the walks for swims once I start getting bigger and maybe a Barre class if I have time. It's hard to find the time but it makes such a difference for my mental health and energy levels.
Anna has generously given DD subscribers $20 off at Philé. Simply enter the code: DEARDILATE2022
www.phile.com.au | @phile_home
Want to know how others do it? Read more here.