Chanelle Hesh, Noted Magazine editor and owner of PoppyBlueCo, on all things mum life
6th August 2019
We talk to Brisbane-based mum of two Chanelle Hesh about juggling motherhood with part-time work and running her two small businesses, how routine and organisation are essential for her family, her passion for body positivity and the importance creating rituals for her children.
Can you tell us a little bit about you and your family? Where you're from, where you live and your journey to becoming a mum?
I’m a mama of two, Chloe, 1, and Cooper, 3. Although I reside in Brisbane, I’m originally from Melbourne -- my family and I moved to sunny Queensland when I was young, so I still hold the city close to my heart.
When I fell pregnant with my first, I have to say I was pretty naïve. I thought I knew a lot of what was to come. I read every book known to the baby section at our local bookstore, prepared the room early, ‘instagrammed’ local brands that would soon become favourites, stocked up on the essentials, saved and purchased the furniture and packed my hospital bag. I was prepared and ready to welcome a tiny human into our family (or so both my husband and I thought).
After 28 hours of active labour and a near bathroom birth, we welcomed our first baby into the world. As cliché as it may sound, at that moment our world honestly changed forever. He was perfect but the roads we’ve travelled and the lessons we’ve learnt in the two years and ten months he has been earth side, are incredible.
Without getting too much into the nitty-gritty of every challenge that came toward us and the growth we developed as we hurdled through, I’m here to tell you that I’ve been there. I’ve dealt with baby allergies, lactation consultants, breastfeeding, reflux, sleep regressions, teething, milestones and many of the ‘weird and wonderfuls’ babies and kids throw your way. Motherhood is a whirlwind of tears and overwhelming joy, and there’s absolutely nothing you can do to prepare for it. It’s one incredible journey I have loved.
What is that you love most about being a mum?
There are so many things I love about being a mama – it’s the best role in the world. The best part of being a mama for me is the love I feel for them, getting to experience the world through your child’s eyes and how rewarding being a parent is. Watching them notice something you would ordinarily take for granted. You gain perspective. You learn again. All the things you learn about yourself, about your capacity, your strengths, love and weaknesses. I never realised how big my heart would get, and with each child it grows that much more. I find myself overwhelmed with joy just looking at my two some days. It’s unconditional. No one else’s kisses fix hurt like a mums. All the effort you put into teaching your child something new and all of the sudden it shines through – it’s incredible.
And, just to keep it real, what aspects do you find the hardest?
Not knowing what challenge you’re set to face next. The complete unknown. One day they’re happy, content, learning something new, laughing so much they almost fall over, smiling ear-to-ear and the next day they’re running a fever, you’re administering Panadol every four hours or they’re crying because you said no to them painting your wall and dog’s face, or smearing Sudocrem through the rug of your room while you turned momentarily to put the nappy in the caddy bin. They’re testing at the best of times, but you overcome them as a mama and parent and just when you think you’ve got everything down pat again (and usually when you’re about to depart for date night with hubby), six teeth cut through. That’s mum-life for you.
As an advocate for body positivity, what is one thing that mums can do to help change how they view their body?
I’m incredibly passionate about body positivity. My advice: keep it real and honest, and most importantly, embrace your body. There will always be someone thinner, with no scars, with bigger boobs, perfect skin and no under-eye bags. Care less about other people’s opinions and focus on the body that keeps you alive every day. The body that carried and produced amazing, beautiful babies. I’m very conscious of what I say around my kids too, because as their role model, I try to be the best, most honest, fun self I can be. I’m all for beautiful filters to further enhance the beauty in you and those in your photo, but don’t let your kids see you saying ‘can I check that picture’ or see you shaming yourself because the photo captured your ‘bad side’ or your arm in the wrong position.
A few years ago, I changed how I said things with friends and family. Instead of saying ‘you look lovely’, I say, ‘you are lovely’. Just a different way of acknowledging those around you means you aren’t instilling a notion that the way people look needs to be changed. I remember telling friends of mine that I’ve received hate before on social media. Something as little as my child’s untied shoelace in a story on Instagram led to an incredibly hateful message directed at me and parenting. Yes, an untied shoelace. Always know that if someone does say something about how you look or directly to you as a mama, not to take it personally, ever. They’re in such a negative space for them to feel they have a right to comment. I feel sad for them in a way and hope they’re able to reach out to someone who can help them. Be who you want to be. Wear what you know makes you feel you, and parent the way you want to parent. Be real, be honest and embrace the body that makes you mama.
Can you talk us through a typical day in the life of you and your family?
I’m a pretty routine person, and juggling small business, with work for both my husband and I, plus two kids, without a routine, I think it would be a circus. In fact some days if we’ve slept through our alarm or I haven’t organised things the night before, it is a circus.
So, we start our day the night before it begins. Clothes are laid out and ready for the morning at the beginning of each week, for the entire week. Bags are already packed for most things we have on during the week. We know what meal we’re having each night and where we all have to be, and when. Call it routine, organised, whatever you may, it’s what works for us. Yes, we still have nights that go haywire, and mornings with tantrums, or night’s where we simply don’t feel like chicken and vegies, but our routine on most days works really well.
Most mornings, I’m up first between 4.30am and 5am. I start the day with lemon water, emails and try to fit in a quick workout while listening to a favourite podcast, before a shower and getting ready for the day. I call it my hour of power, and it helps my mood and sets me up for the day. The kids are usually up at 6am and after our brekky routine, they’re dressed and ready to take on the day’s plans. One incredible tool in the kitchen I’ve never looked back on, is my slow-cooker. It’s on at least three times a week and has always been a staple go-to for hearty, wholesome, nutrient packed meals during the week.
What do you hope your children remember about their childhood as they grow up?
I hope they remember the little traditions we’ve continued, the fun and love we’ve shared on every adventure and holiday. Our kids love spontaneity, but they also have a need for predictability. We have Friday family movie night, every week, without fail. We travel somewhere different every holiday we have off together, we share a meal most nights at the dinner table together with no distractions but each other. We celebrate every birthday with a home-made Women’s Weekly cake, by yours truly. And every tradition has been intentional, so they remember them and hopefully pass them onto their own children one day.
How do you juggle Poppy Blue Co. and Noted Magazine with all that comes with being a mum?
It’s incredibly hard. I’m a routine woman, and I’m up early to ensure I have what I call my ‘hour of power’. An hour of me-time every day gets me as prepared as possible mentally, physically and emotionally for what is coming that day. When I exercise, drink plenty of water and eat healthily, I find I get so much more out of my day. Being organised and setting a routine means I can keep a balanced lifestyle between Poppy Blue Co, Noted Magazine, part-time work and being a mother and wife.
What was the biggest misconception you had about parenthood?
That there is a secret formula to everything. Sounds naïve, doesn’t it? But with all the talk from one sleep whisperer to the doctor who has just been awarded best-selling author for their baby led weaning success and secrets, it’s no wonder we can all think this. Every child is completely different in their own way. Some kids flourish in the outdoors, while others don’t take to it all well. Some enjoy baby led weaning, others prefer spoon fed and purees for the first few months. Some happily go about their night time routine of dinner, bath, milk, bed, others, not so much. It’s all a game of trial and error really, especially in the beginning, and each child is no carbon copy. They all do things differently and that’s what makes them so incredibly unique.
And lastly, finish this sentence. Motherhood is...
Continuing to give, even when it fe
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