Kayla at her core; Wife and Mother. Which is always at the forefront of everything she endeavours.
I first met Kayla in early 2019 and quickly discovered what a soft, kind and generous being she is. She’s actually rather infectious (with a wicked sense of humour), and one of those girls you like being in the company of - she is natural and just makes you feel good.
It’s evident Kayla is passionate about empowering women. From her transparency on Instagram to her Find Your Fierce events throughout Australia and New Zealand. Kayla is an advocate for the wellbeing of women, so it seems only natural she would go on to raise two girls, right?
Kayla is proof anything is possible by following two of her many passions with the recent launch of ROW Interiors and expanding her skills with a diploma in Life Coaching (seriously, Kayla is one busy lady). COMB was fortunate to pinch some time from Kayla as she shares with us an insight into motherhood, working from home during this unstable time whilst homeschooling and her goals as a mother.
What was your journey to motherhood like?
To be completely honest, I genuinely couldn't imagine myself with children in my 20's, I believed I wouldn't become a mother till I was in my late 30's if that. I'm uncertain as to why I manifested this belief, I look back and almost feel as though I was subconsciously depriving myself of reaching life's ultimate peak. I had my firstborn Willow, a week before my 28th birthday. When she came earthside everything made complete sense. She gave me purpose, she put everything that seemed confusing into perspective, she taught me the biggest lessons about myself and about others that I needed awakening to. I will forever and always be grateful for her teaching me that. I endured an 18-month struggle to conceive Romi, it was a period of immense growth to say the very least, from the moment she arrived I have never been more content in my life. I wanted her for what seemed like a lifetime in the making since she's been here with us I count my blessings every day. I couldn't imagine my life without my children, our two beautiful girls', Willow (4) and Romi (7 months). I was born to be a mother, and I'm proud to wear many hats, though this one is my greatest of all.
Having been through the newborn phase twice, and almost out the other side with both, do you have any advice for mothers currently in the thick of it?
Know that all babies have completely different temperaments and that there is no "right" way or "wrong" way, there is only "your" way. Trust your own gut instincts, and please mama, try not to feel defeated. Make sure you fill your cup and ensure you continue to bestow love upon your partner during these times as they will feel a little disregarded. Make sure you let them know how they can best support you and help be part of the transition together. No matter how hard it may seem, it gets easier. Celebrate the little wins along the way, and know you are always giving your best. It's challenging, yet it's the most wonderful journey to be on, it's all worth it.
What is your favourite way to spend time with your children?
I love taking the girls amongst nature, our family walks and beach time is when it's just us and nothing else can reach us apart from the sun on our skin and the sound of the ocean or the birds. I find the four of us are more centred once we've connected with nature.
What scared you the most about becoming a mum/motherhood?
I had lost count of the amount of times someone would tell me "your life is over once you have kids". I was determined to not lose myself or my identity, in turn, I chose to create my own new normal of what I envisioned motherhood to represent for me. Your first time at anything is daunting because it's fresh, it's foreign yet the biggest thing for me was that I was fearful of whether I would be a good enough mother. We all have that inner-critic which can take over at the best of times, I have since learnt that this is normal and part of the process in becoming a first-time mother. I just wanted to do the best I could with what I had and what I knew and I continue to want to be the best version of myself so that I can be the best example to my daughters. I'm learning to go with the flow and to do more of what I love and only be around those who bring me joy.
What's been the most rewarding thing about motherhood?
Being able to experience the happiness that doesn't fit the mould of any other. The little wins are generally the big wins for me, it's the simple pleasures, the smiles, the giggles and seeing their pure little personalities unfold takes the cake for me.
What are the most important values you hope to instil in your children growing up?
I want my girls' to have strong voices, and I also want to teach them to be humble and kind on their journey, because you feel better when you treat people better. Compassion, empathy, integrity and gratitude are the core values in our household, I want them to know that they can be whoever they want to be, that they can do whatever it is they set out to do. When life knocks you down, you get back up and you try again. What breaks us, is actually what makes us, and when you have the right mindset in life and live with gratitude and self-love, they are the antidote in getting you through life's toughest times.
How are you handling parenting, homeschooling and working from home during this time? Any tips?
The beauty of working from home is that not too much has changed for me, I am still working, I just now have two little munchkins plus daddy at home with me. Willow started pre-prep 5 days a week this year, so it's been challenging internalising the guilt of trying 'my best version' of homeschooling in the mix, I am trying my best not to put pressure on myself, as it's impossible to do it all. I think I have realised not every second needs to be educational, and that if I can give her my love, affection and my time then that's enough.
What is your favourite self-care ritual when you have a bit of time to yourself?
I love putting on some acoustic chill music, a good stretch followed with a nice relaxing bath.
Last but not least, what is your favourite way to use COMB?
I love using COMB as my in-shower treatment, it smells divine and I also use it as a leave-in treatment overnight. I naturally have curly hair and it leaves my hair feeling soft and my curls are glossed without looking oily. I also use it in my daughter Willow's hair, she has very curly hair and it's the perfect tamer.
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Arabella xo