Interviews by: Olivia Williams
Kat Warr, Ivoryrose Physio
Mum to Teddie (4), Orlando (2) and Quinn (10 months)
Has motherhood influenced how you run your business?
At Ivoryrose, we’ve always been dedicated to offering women an exceptional level of care. But motherhood has deepened that commitment in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Experiencing three uniquely different pregnancies and postnatal journeys first hand has transformed how we shape our customer journey. It’s given me a new perspective on what truly supportive care looks like at every stage of motherhood. It’s not just about meeting needs—it’s about anticipating them, holding space, and empowering women to navigate this wild, exhausting and transformative time.
What’s the weirdest or most unexpected place you’ve ever taken a business call?
It’s not the strangest place, but looking back now, it’s pretty hilarious. When I first opened Ivoryrose, I wore all the hats—answering phones, cleaning, and everything in between. I carried the reception phone with me everywhere. So, when my now-husband showed up at my door for our first date (our first-ever meeting!), I was mid-call with a potential client. I had no choice but to wave him in and motion for him to sit on the couch while I finished the booking. I was on the phone for a solid 10 minutes, leaving him sitting there awkwardly, probably wondering what he’d gotten himself into! It was definitely a glimpse into his future with me. Honestly, I’m amazed he stuck around—but here we are!
If you had an extra 10 hours in the week, would you spend it on your business, your family, or yourself?
Oof—do I give the honest answer or the one society expects me to say? Truth is, I’m in the thick of it right now. With three little ones aged 4, 2, and 10 months, home life is non-stop chaos. Balancing their needs with running a business and leading a busy team often makes me feel like I’m on a hamster wheel, constantly moving but never quite catching up.
So honestly, if I had an extra 10 hours, I’d spend it working on the business, not in it. I’d use that uninterrupted time to clear some mental tabs and get ahead, which would ultimately help me be a more present mum. Sometimes, investing that time strategically means I can show up better at home—less frazzled, more present, and actually able to enjoy the chaos a little more.
Ivoryrose Physio, 67 Kensington Rd, Norwood
ivoryrosephysio.com.au
@ivoryrose_physiotherapy
Jenna Boffa-Maiolo, Star Academy
Mum to Carter (5) and Sahara (2)
Has motherhood influenced how you run your business?
Now that I’m a mother, I have had to ensure that the time I spend at work is very productive and that I am achieving maximum output. Due to children’s schooling commitments and co-curricular activities, my work time is limited – so every minute counts! I have also had to learn to be more adaptable to unexpected changes in my day (e.g. when children are sick or school functions that I need to attend).
What’s the most unexpected skill from parenting that has helped you in business?
Since my business is mainly concerned with children, becoming a mum has helped me
understand better how to deal with children and their reactions. Separation from parents can be tricky, so as a mum – I believe I am better equipped to deal with children’s issues in my business.
How do you engage with other mums—either as customers or as fellow business owners?
Given the nature of my business, I am always sharing and engaging with mums and it’s great! We share our motherhood experiences and the craziness of life! I have many mothers at the Academy that are also business owners, and it’s great to catch up and chat business and the difficulties we’re faced with (usually the guilt from not spending time with the children) that comes with it. We usually laugh at how crazy life is and tell each other how amazing we all are! It’s a beautiful culture!
What’s one thing your kids think you do all day at work that isn’t even close to reality?
My kids think I dance all day in front of the mirror and drink coffee!!!!! (Although, drinking coffee is a must in our office).
Best thing about being a South Aussie mum in business?
I love living in Adelaide as the community is so tight and making connections with others is so easy! My clientele reach far and wide, so I love making connections with families outside of my area. South Australia is a great state – rich in culture and nothing is too far away. Whether it’s taking the family up to the Adelaide hills for the day or driving down to the south coast beaches – it’s always a good time!
Star Academy, 199 Franklin Street, Adelaide
staracademy.com.au
@staracademy_adelaide
Danielle Elia, Bowlsome
Mum to Zane (14) and Aston (11)
How do you juggle the demands of running a business while raising a family?
‘Juggle’ is the word we as mums (and mums-in-business) would like to use, but more often than not it doesn’t feel so much like juggling as it does just ducking as balls fly through the air. I really do have to be disciplined with my time or else I find myself working through the nights, not sleeping and eating foods that I wouldn’t usually go for. My days work best in ‘blocks’ where I am up before my boys, sneak in some physical activity and then do mum duties before school drop off. Those school hours are packed to the brim with work so that I can be fully present once the boys are back home.
What’s the most unexpected skill from parenting that has helped you in business?
There have been a few unexpected skills that parenting has taught me that have worked in my favour when it comes to business; one is a drive and determination that stems from being a mum. My boys are the reason I do what I do and I want them to see what hard work and focus looks like. I have also learnt to have my non-negotiables when it comes to the things that matter to me. My mantra for 2025 is to not compromise when it comes to my standards.
Best thing about being a South Aussie mum in business?
The support from fellow SA businesses is just unlike anything I think other states experience. Adelaide may be smaller but that means word of mouth reaches far here.
We just have so many incredible opportunities with local partnerships and I am so grateful for the relationships that come from them.
Bowlsome
bowlsome.com.au
@bowlsome_au
Emma Sadie Thomson, Plant Stylist and Landscape Design
Mum to Frances (6) and Sadie (2)
What’s the most unexpected skill from parenting that has helped you in business?
Emotional regulation. As a parent, you learn how to stay calm and composed in stressful or unpredictable situations, which is incredibly useful when handling challenges at work. Whether it’s dealing with tight deadlines, managing client expectations, or navigating unexpected setbacks, the ability to stay level-headed and think through solutions is a huge asset.
How do you engage with other mums—either as customers or as fellow business owners?
I feel so lucky to have so many friends who are also mums and business owners. They truly understand the balance of navigating both roles. It creates a space where we can share both the challenges and the wins without needing to explain everything.
Best thing about being a South Aussie mum in business?
South Australia has such a great community and I feel like everyone here is so supportive, especially towards women in business. I have such lovely clients who have also been so supportive and understanding when I have had to take Sadie or Frances with me to a site visit or two!
Emma Sadie Thomson, 94 Gilles St, Adelaide (showroom, retail and warehouse space)
emmasadiethomson.com.au
@emmasadiethomson
Olivia Jenkins, Saint Studio
Mum to Henry (7), Archer (6) and Charlotte (4)
Has motherhood influenced how you run your business?
Absolutely—it’s changed everything. There’s no comparison between who I was before and after having kids. Motherhood gave my life deeper meaning and inspired me to support other mums in business, helping them balance entrepreneurship with parenting. I’ve always believed you can have it all, and I’m passionate about breaking the misconception that motherhood means putting your dreams on hold.
How do you juggle the demands of running a business while raising a family? Any mum-hacks to share?
Support, support, support. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the support of our wonderful nanny, cleaner, my team and everyone else in-between. There’s a saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”—and I live by that. A simple but effective hack is mapping out my week every Sunday, covering both business and personal commitments. It keeps me organised and in control rather than letting the week run me.
What’s the most unexpected skill from parenting that has helped you in business?
Parenting has softened me, strengthened my patience, and sharpened my leadership skills. There’s a huge overlap between leading a family and leading a business—both require emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to adapt quickly.
Saint Studio, Unit 2, 7B Peachey Road, Edinburgh North
saintstudio.com.au
@saintstudioau
May Pike, Cloud Theory Marshmallows
Mum to Hunter (8) and Mila (10)
Has motherhood influenced how you run your business?
Motherhood has profoundly influenced how I run my business. It taught me to be intentional with my time and work efficiently. I make it a priority to finish my work during office hours so I can be fully present with my family. While I start my day at 4am, and miss morning moments with my kids. I try my best to wrap up by 3:30pm, leaving quality afternoons for them. I also chose to go into manufacturing over a brick-and-mortar model to safeguard weekends and public holidays for family time rather than getting caught up in endless operating hours.
What’s the most unexpected skill from parenting that has helped you in business?
One unexpected skill I’ve picked up from parenting is the art of adaptability. Kids throw surprises at you every day, and learning to pivot quickly and solve problems on the fly has been a game-changer in my business. Whether it’s troubleshooting a last-minute production hiccup or pivoting strategy when things don’t go as planned, that ability to stay flexible has been invaluable.
How do you define success for yourself—both as a business owner and as a mum?
Success for me is about balance (although most say it’s impossible in business, but I still strive for it). Finding a way to thrive as a business owner and a mum. As a business owner, success means knowing that I’ve created a brand that brings joy and quality to my customers. It’s about seeing my hard work translate into growth. As a mum, success means being present and fully engaged with my family, making time for little moments that matter most. Whether it’s growing my family or nurturing my kids, success is about feeling fulfilled in both areas and staying true to my values.
Cloud Theory
cloudtheory.com.au
@cloudtheorymarshmallows
Miriam Weir, Mumamoo
Mum to Seb (8) and Joe (6)
Has motherhood influenced how you run your business?
Motherhood has not just influenced our business, it defines it. We started mumamoo because there was nothing that spoke to us as new mothers or made us feel supported in our choices. We began to ask questions – why did stigma & shame continue to cast its shadow on formula feeding? Why can’t we support all feeding journeys? We all know feeding journeys are not always linear and turning it into ‘failure’ or ’success’ based on what method you use or choose is reductive at best and can be incredibly harmful. We wanted to do better for mothers and parents and as our business has grown, so have our kids – but we are still in the weeds of parenthood right alongside our customer.
How do you juggle the demands of running a business while raising a family? Any mum-hacks to share?
Juggle being the operative word! There is absolutely an element of chaos, and we all have learned not to fight it too much. We have become better at saying ’no’, delegating, asking for support and outsourcing where needed. We cannot ‘do it all’ – no one can, and it’s not a standard we want to set for both our daughters or sons.
How do you engage with other mums—either as customers or as fellow business owners?
With empathy! We speak to vulnerable new mums every day. The absence of a ‘village’ of support means so many new mothers feel isolated and alone. There is so much information out there and it can be incredibly overwhelming…especially if you are sleep-deprived. Navigating the complexities of motherhood when you’ve recently given birth are compounded by feelings of hopelessness if your feeding journey has not gone to plan. It can leave some mothers devastated, which is why we choose to support PANDA (by donating a portion of all online sales) to their free national helpline for new parents.
Best thing about being a South Aussie mum in business?
Definitely the support! We wouldn’t be here today if we hadn’t launched in this amazing state. From the independent retailers to consumers who have proactively supported us from the beginning, we have been able to get a foothold into an industry dominated by multinationals because we were privileged enough to launch a business here.
mumamoo.com.au | @mumamoo.au
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