Thoughts and Reflections

I’ve been wanting to put these thoughts into words for a while now, and with Mother’s Day around the corner, it feels like the right time. Becoming a first-time mum while continuing to run a business has been more interconnected than I ever anticipated. Motherhood has shifted everything—how I lead, how I show up for my loved ones, how I care for myself, and most meaningfully, how I show up for my son.

Through all the change, one quiet constant has been caring for my skin—a small daily ritual that has helped me stay connected to myself.

Before having Archie, my mornings were a blur—emails before my feet hit the floor, rushing to a Pilates class, then straight into work mode. Now, everything begins slowly. A cuddle in bed with my son, a walk to our favourite Bondi coffee spot, and a shared croissant—how his eyes light up at the sight of that brown paper bag, (knowing exactly what he's about to get), has become one of my favourite moments of the day. It’s these small rituals that ground me before the inevitable demands of running a business and managing life as a mum.
What’s kept me anchored through this season has been community. The FENN family—our team, our customers, and the many women I speak to every day—have played such a pivotal role in my journey. I’ve been surrounded by mums at every stage: in the newborn trenches, the toddler whirlwind, the teenage storm, and the quiet strength of grandmothers. Their openness, honesty, and wisdom have helped me feel less alone, more equipped, and more confident as both a mother and a leader.

Continuing to grow FENN while navigating motherhood has been full on to say the least. Some days feel seamless; others leave me questioning if I’m doing any of it “right.” But both roles have taught me the same lesson: be present, be adaptable, and lead with intention—even when things don’t go to plan.

And somewhere in the middle of all that movement, there’s skincare. My own skin has ridden the waves of motherhood right alongside me—dry from breastfeeding, hormonal breakouts, dullness from lack of sleep, flare-ups like peri-oral dermatitis. Even my hair, once lush during pregnancy, has started to feel depleted as I wean off breastfeeding. But my skincare ritual—no matter how simple—has become a daily moment of calm. Cleansing my skin, pressing in a serum, applying a moisturiser—it’s not just about results. It’s about reclaiming a sense of self.

Skincare may be what brought us together, but connection is what keeps us going. It’s about carving out moments of care, amidst all the giving. Because when we feel good in our skin—even on the tired days—we move through life a little softer, a little stronger.

To all the mothers and mother figures, in our community, whatever season you're in—I see you, I’m with you, and I’m endlessly inspired by you.

Clare x