business, life and motherhood with nature baby co- founder georgia faull

We are big fans of the Australian blog The Grace Tales and were honoured when they profiled our very own Nature Baby co-founder Georgia Faull. They discussed motherhood, starting and running a successful company, and what keeps her inspired. For a peek into the interview see below or pop on over to the The Grace Tales for the full interview.

Interview by Georgie Abay at The Grace Tales

“I love the saying ‘The days are long but the years are short’. Time with children does seem to go on forever and then suddenly it has flown by. I always try to remember this and appreciate the present more, rather than always thinking of what’s around the corner,” says Auckland-based Georgia Faull on the best advice she’s ever been given on motherhood...

The dynamic mother of three – Eliza, 17, Nat, 13, and Thea, 8 – launched childrenswear brand Nature Baby with her husband Jacob back in 1998 after discovering they were pregnant with their first child.

Take us back to those early days of juggling a new business with a newborn baby…

Lots of sleepless nights, both because of the baby and also spent thinking about the business. We lived in a classic tiny working-man’s cottage in Ponsonby, in inner city Auckland. Our entire front room was filled with stock. There wasn’t a lot of room for us and the baby (which was both exciting and daunting).

Is there anything you would have done differently?

It’s hard to say, we have learnt a lot from our approach (warts and all), which we would never trade. The beauty of working at a more organic pace means we retain a greater connection with the brand and customers, although some days you wish it would all run with the push of a magic button!

What keeps you driven and inspired?

The kick you get out of offering something to the world that has come from some dreamy area of your brain and been turned into a reality.

How would you describe your own parenting style?

I think I would describe my parenting style as quite intuitive. I try not to be too rigid and I tend to follow what is happening at the particular time/stage etc. I have read a lot of books about childhood, but wouldn’t say I subscribe to any one philosophy and with three children, your parenting style can change a lot from one child to the next.

Is motherhood getting easier? What has been the most challenging part of motherhood for you?

I don’t really know if motherhood really ever gets ‘easier’. Things definitely change and you find you might have more time available (like to brush your teeth!), or that you are not rushing quite as much, however the worry about whether they are going to be ok (happy, healthy etc) is still there – and you realise that worry is never going to go away even when your child reaches 50!

What has been one of your favourite ages/stages with your children and why?

I love ages three and four before they start school. They are so free and imaginative and uninhibited, and they have mastered control over their bodies and language and their personality is emerging in full force.

Take us through some key parts of the Nature Baby range – what are you most proud of?

I am proud of the fact that we have been pioneers in the field of organic cotton, and we have really worked hard to maintain the fair-trade ethics in the production process, which is really not easy or the norm in the clothing business.

Top three essentials for a new mama?

Our lovely, comfy Henley T-shirt is great for pregnancy and nursing; Mum’s Butter is so multi-purpose it can literally be used for everything from cracked lips to nappy rash; and allowing yourself time to rest following birth.

How do you handle the inevitable stress that comes with juggling motherhood with work?

By exercise and mindfulness – I try to slow my mental activity at certain times, and find having quiet time to myself is necessary to have clarity and feel balanced.

What’s the secret to a happy marriage after children?

Firstly, respecting that you need to try to be ‘team mates’ and best friends, and realise that sometimes we need to adjust our expectations and respect difference. Secondly, I know personally and hear often that a lot of marriage tension arises out of domestic chores and childcare issues, who does what etc, so I think a good distribution of labour around these, especially if both parents are working, is essential.

Thank you The Grace Tales for this feature, pop over to their blog here for the extended interview and more photos of the lovely Georgia. nb xx