Meet Kristian Shanks and read how she balances her role as a mother of two with being a dedicated naturopath, herbalist, and nutritionist all while running her popular venture, Orchard St.

In the heart of Sydney's eastern suburbs, Kirsten, a dedicated naturopath, herbalist, and nutritionist, balances her role as a loving wife and mother to two precious children, 7-year-old Sonny and 1-year-old Rafi, with the demands of her thriving venture, Orchard St. With over two decades immersed in the world of plant-based wellness, Kirsten's journey from her birthplace in Aotearoa to her current Australian abode has been influenced by a childhood spent in a close-knit community in Borneo. In this candid interview, she shares the profound impact of her upbringing, the challenges of harmonizing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and her enduring connection to nature, which she cherishes as a source of inspiration for her family's weekends. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family… 

Hiya! I’m Kirsten. Mumma to two wee slices of heaven; 1-year-old Rafi and 7-year-old Sonny, and wife to the most epic human, James. As a naturopath, herbalist, and nutritionist, I’ve been working in the plant realm for over 20 years now, and I founded Orchard St. just over a decade ago here in the eastern suburbs of Sydney.

While I’m lucky enough to call Aotearoa my place of birth, and it’s where all my beloved whanau are, I’ve spent most of my adult life on this side of the Tasman. Our community here is super strong, a treasure. We’re up in Avalon at the moment, banked by beach and bush; it’s a pretty magical place to raise kids. 

What aspects of growing up have had the biggest impact on you, and how do they influence your parenting? 

Most of our childhood was spent in a little expat village in Borneo, Malaysia. There was a very close-knit community, allowing a huge sense of freedom for kids to roam between the beach and jungle. It’s definitely led me to search for that sanctuary of a ‘village’ to raise our family.

Mum was always home while we were young, blessed to have her around. I have such a tangible memory of her being down on the floor with us, playing, crafting, and singing. In all honesty, that influence has been both a treasure and a challenge; how can I live up to the full-time, hands-on mother she was while also rising to the demands of Orchard St. 

Are there any rituals or traditions you’ve carried through to the way you parent your children? 

We will always be delighted to see you, to welcome you. Our arms will always be a place of sanctuary. 

What helped you feel calm, supported, and connected during those first few weeks and months? 

Rafi came into this world in a smooth, supportive, and expansive home birth during our recent stint in NZ. I barely left the house for the 40 days after, my husband looking after Sonny’s school drops, and my parents popping over laden with pastries every few days. I took a complete hiatus from emails and social media. The days were spent between feeds, naps, and washing. It was profoundly, exquisitely simple. In all honesty, I still fantasize about that month away from the world with my beloveds. 

 How do you find balance between running Orchard St and being a mother? 

Rafi has just turned one and is only now giving us a few solid windows of sleep through the night. After a year of chronic, intense sleep deprivation, I’m exhausted. As powerful as plant medicines and good nourishment are, there’s only so long you can lean on the support of herbs for energy when your innate sleep reserves are completely empty.

My role in Orchard St. is creatively directing the business’s evolution; steering all strategy, product development, and the customer experience of our brand. Showing up every day, tapping into that creative energy, and trying to lead a team when you’re feeling so deeply fatigued was a continual challenge.

I also can never quite release the guilt of the juggle. Not being a full-time mumma to my precious babes. Most daycare drops involve tears (on my end!). 

What was the best piece of wisdom you’ve received or can give when it comes to parenting? 

Paying attention is the most basic, and most profound, expression of love. Tara Brach. 

What are your favourite ways to spend time in nature as a family? 

Beaching, bushwalking, sailing, gardening... our weekends are always navigated by nature. 

A day with me: 

I live… Avalon Beach, Sydney
I’m reading… My dear friend Nina Karnikowski’s brilliant new book ‘The Mindful Traveler’
I cook… with chilli. Several types. An addiction. Poor babes.
I’m listening to… Richard Houghten ‘Waking up in a Dream’, or any of his work. Really savouring acoustic tunes lately.
My weekends start with... cuddles in bed, dog included. She knows when it’s Saturday!
One thing I can’t live without… cacao.