We recently held our second GRACE TALKS event in Sydney. What an incredible morning – we laughed, we cried and we connected. For us, connecting with other women is so important and motherhood has a wonderful way of doing exactly that: linking us...
Before I had kids, I rarely struck up a conversation with a stranger. I certainly never gave strangers knowing looks that signaled “hey, I get it, I’ve been there, it’s not easy”. But mums get each other. You might be having a bad day and then strike up a conversation with a mother you’ve never met and walk away feeling like you’re not alone. Because none of us are alone even though sometimes it feels that way. How many times have you wondered “am I the only one going through this?”. The answer is no. And really, that’s what GRACE TALKS is all about – bringing women together to connect and inspire one other.
The Grace Tales team: Emily Armstrong, Marisa Remond, Georgie Abay, Eliza Hynd and Jenny Guo
bassike’s Mary-Lou Ryan and Deborah Sams being interview by The Grace Tales fashion director Marisa Remond
“ One thing I try and do is I get home from work, I take my work clothes off, I put my phone down and I engage with my son and my husband. I find that that is a great way to decompress and such a joyful part of the day - Deborah Sams ”
“ Ultimately we started the business so that we could actually make our own decisions; live the life that we want to live and work the hours that we need to work to support a young family - Mary Lou-Ryan ”
This was our second event (another sell-out – thank you to everyone who came!) and I felt moved after listening to the speakers. The founders of bassike kicked off the event and left aspiring entrepreneurs in the room with a mountain of inspiration. Next, we heard from psychologist Belinda Williams from The Bumpy Road and financial planner Canna Campbell from Sass Financial and SugarMamma TV. From Belinda’s guidance on how to navigate the pressures of modern motherhood to Canna’s honest account of postnatal depression and how minimalism has changed her life, both women moved me. We finished with best selling author, biochemist and international speaker Dr Libby Weaver. Wow. All I’ll say is, I haven’t touched a coffee since I heard her talk. My husband can’t believe it. Her talk gave me goosebumps and I’m signed up for her Beautiful You weekend in February (2018 is the year of self-love). Dr Libby reminded us how precious we all are. How precious life is.
The Bumpy Road‘s Belinda Williams and Canna Campbell from Sass Financial and SugarMamma TV being interviewed by The Grace Tales founder Georgie Abay
“ You’ve got to constantly tell yourself ‘you are strong enough, you’ve got this and you’re doing a great job’. You’ve got to constantly give yourself a pat on the back. There is nothing wrong with asking for help and when you do, that is such a sign of strength - Canna Campbell ”
“ In terms of the clients that I see, the most common line is ‘I just can’t cope' - Belinda Williams ”
Dr Libby Weaver had the room in tears
“ Live every single day in touch with how ridiculously precious all of this is and how precious you are and then treat yourselves accordingly - Dr Libby Weaver ”
A huge thank you to our sponsors. GRACE TALKS was proudly sponsored by Guardian Early Learning Group. We all know how daunting it is sending our children to childcare – I’ll never forget the day I dropped my first daughter Arabella at daycare. I’m not sure who cried more. When you find the right centre and trust the carers, it’s really life-changing. I know both my girls have thrived at daycare and Guardian Early Learning Group’s offering really is fantastic. Thank you also to our supporting sponsor Bellamy’s Organic. My girls loved Bellamy’s Organic formula – perhaps it was because they were premature and they were trying to make up for lost time but my girls didn’t seem to stop drinking or eating. Also to Joolz Prams (we gave away a Joolz Geo2 pram!) – talk about a chic pram to push. And to The sponsors who contributed to our bumper gift bags – Clarins, Elizabeth Arden, Sodashi, Villeroy & Boch, Pixies Bows, Philosophy and Nature Baby. Also to Cali Press for the delicious fresh juices that were on offer – and Icelandic Glacial water for keeping us hydrated. Click on the video above to watch the full wrap-up and stay tuned for news on our events in 2018 – it’s going to be HUGE! Photography: Emmy Etie | Videographer: Alison Williams
Guardian Early Learning Group set up a fun, interactive play area for the children
A selection of Bellamy’s Organic products
Georgie Abay, Loren McDonald and Catriona Burns
