Verse Mother Kelly Hume: by Bea

Name: Kelly Anne Hume @kellyhume

DOB: 22 May 1983

Place of birth: Sydney, Australia

Occupation: Fashion Director + Creative Consultant

1.What is the best mothering advice you have received?

My own Mother used to always say to me, “I am your Mother, not your friend'. And whilst I truly hope that as my daughter grows into a woman, we will become very good friends. But while she is still growing, and especially during her teenage years, I am her Mother first and foremost. I try to consciously make decisions, not based on whether or not she will like the response, but with what is best for her.

2. How do you unwind after a busy week of work?

I generally work Monday through to Thursday. But on Friday I spend time with my daughter, Bea. I love our days together, but I also try and prioritise some self-care straight up. We go to a Mums and Bubs class at my fitness studio first thing. It's a very small studio run by friends of ours. I have been going for about 18 months. The classes are a combination of HIIT and strength training - which has become a non-negotiable for me. Prior to that, I practised yoga exclusively. But the serotonin release I get from this type of workout is so addictive. It’s also a really great stress-reliever. 

3. What has surprised you most about being a mom?

I guess I didn't anticipate what a transformation it would be for me on an emotional and spiritual level. It made me deeply evaluate who I am as a woman and a human being. It's a process but one that can be quite confronting during those early years. The immeasurable love you feel for your child is not so much surprising but unfathomable until you do become a parent.

4. What are your favourite indulgences?

I love getting a massage -  it doesn't even need to be fancy. I also really enjoy a glass of red wine when I do have one. Finally, good food. It's something I won’t compromise on.

5. How has your working-life changed since becoming a mom?

My working life is VERY different now that I'm a mother. Bea comes first. I am far more selective about the consultancy roles I take on. I really need to enjoy working with the client, or the job needs to benefit my family financially to be justified. I don't go to fashion shows internationally anymore and try to keep travel to a minimum. I also don't go to events and parties anywhere near as often as I once did. I used to feel a great sense of pressure to attend everything. But these days, that’s not the case. I am sure that comes with age as much as being a Mum. However, I really do enjoy working and I don't believe there is anyone more efficient than a working Mother. Trade secret - most of the time I am ready for bed at 9pm!

6. What is your morning routine?

I like to get up before the rest of the household. During this time I meditate, have a cup of tea and a piece of sourdough with a slather of Pic's Crunchy Peanut Butter (highly recommended if you are a PB fan). I really enjoy having a moment to myself. I calmly sit in our lounge room before the chaos of child wrangling begins. Once I have fed and dressed Bea, she will play or watch ABC Kids while I get ready - which generally takes about 45 minutes. I have a fairly streamlined wardrobe, so getting dressed isn't a stressful affair. I'll eat two boiled eggs on the way to pre-school in the car... much to my husband’s chagrin. 

7. Is there a moment or event that radically changed the way you saw the world?

On the insistence of my best friend, I went on a meditation retreat a couple of years ago after a particularly challenging 12-months. I had been practising Vedic Meditation for about five years. But during the retreat, I started learning a new type of meditation called Kelee -  under the guidance of Matt Griggs. Over the course of three days, I came to realise that all the health issues I had been struggling with were due to unprocessed emotions and the manifestations of stress. This may seem fairly esoteric to some people, but was definitely true for me. I learnt the art of detachment and it changed my life on so many levels. It's now my number one practice in self-care.

8. What is one thing you are loving right now?

Since we are currently in isolation, I am obsessed with Laura Brand's Blog and Instagram The Joy Journal. She has so many art, craft and sensory play ideas to do with your children. She is helping me become the Mama I always hoped to be!

9. How do you ground yourself in stressful times?

Meditation, vigorous exercise, nourishing meals. I try to eat calming foods when I feel stressed or anxious. Eating a salad with no carbs won't be beneficial. Instead, I try to eat in accordance with my Ayurvedic body type. I will take the time to make a daal, curry or congee - it’s like giving myself a hug from the inside. Another way to calm myself when I’m feeling overwhelmed is going for bush walks. Luckily, our home backs on to a fire trail.

10. What is your biggest fear as a Mama?

That's a big question. I try not to parent from a place of fear. I want to keep evolving as a person so that I don't pass my own issues on to my child. 

11. What is your favourite photo of your family?

We were a couple when we got married, but Bea made us a family. There is a selfie we took on our wedding anniversary when we were having a picnic at dusk in our backyard. That was pretty special. 

12. What is in your bag right now?

I honestly have not looked in my handbag for almost a month as we have been isolating - so let me 

tell you what would ordinarily be in it! I have pretty simple tastes when it comes to beauty, and am guided by the amazing Beauty Editor at my work, Sherine Youssef. In my handbag, you'll find a Bert's Bees lip balm, and  Prescriptives concealer, Aesop sunscreen and resurrection hand balm, sunglasses, a packet of roasted fava beans and an apple (always a snack) and a DYLN self-alkalising water bottle which is so excellent. In my bag is also my godforsaken iPhone which I sometimes want to throw out the car window. 

13. What is on your playlist?

Bea dictates the music when we are in the car. She loves Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. Not exactly my taste. I listen to podcasts when I am in the car alone. I love the Goop podcast, Russell Brand on Luminary, anything with Brenè Brown, and The High Low with Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton. 

14. How have your notions of what it means to be a woman changed over your lifetime?

I used to think being a woman meant being in touch with your sexuality and being unapologetic about it. Once I got married, that changed. And once I became a Mother, that changed again. Being a woman is strength in vulnerability. It’s about not abandoning your femininity in order to embrace your success. I love being a woman and I really enjoy being the Mother of a girl. 

Kelly wears Verse One Letter 18-Karat Gold Necklace 

 Film photography: Bea (4)