Verse Mother Holly Garber: by Violet & August

Short Profile
Name: Holly Garber 
DOB: August 1980
Place of birth: Sydney, Australia 
Occupation: Career coach

What are some of the challenges of being a working mother and how do you juggle it all?

I find the biggest challenge is trying to stop my work brain from bleeding into family time. 

When I had Golightly (my PR agency that operated from 2005 to 2020) and was managing a large number of clients and a small team this was much trickier. I worked hard to have a fairly clear delineation between work time and home time and that helped. 

Now that I am consulting and working from home I find it is manageable and enjoyable to have it all run together a bit more. Generally, though I am someone who likes to focus in quiet so I tend to schedule my work for when no one is home.

Has the global pandemic changed the way you view or live your life now?

Our family has had lots of changes from 2020 to now, although not all of it is directly related to the pandemic. There have been some rough patches but overall I've found the past few years to be really clarifying about what's important to us as a family and me as an individual in a really wonderful way. 

I closed Golightly in 2020 which after 15 years of running the one business made a big change in my day to day. We've moved house, bought a farm with some friends and both my husband and I turned 40 among a myriad of other things. 

With primary school-aged children, our focus is on having a fun and relaxing time as a family, and building our businesses while enjoying our work. It's a good age and stage to be at. 

Do you own any pieces of personalised or sentimental Jewellery? If so can you tell me about the pieces? If not, what does Jewellery mean to you and what do you like?

I have always loved jewellery and traditionally wear fine, gold jewellery, a mix of new and vintage. My wedding ring, which was one of my maternal grandmother's rings, was given to me by my mother when Huw and I got engaged. It fits my ring finger perfectly without alteration and I absolutely love it. I also have a simple gold bangle that Huw had made for me. I find both of these really easy to wear so have them on nearly every day. 

What fashion brands do you like?

I like simple, functional, well-made clothing. I also love fancy clothing, but only on other people as I generally don't feel like myself in it! 

On a day-to-day basis, I wear a lot of Arket and Uniqlo for basics, topped up with more special pieces a lot of which are from old clients such as Rag & Bone, Ganni, Jac+ Jack and Dion Lee. I also plan to be one of those really chic old ladies who wear lots of understated Dries Van Noten and Marni. I love the way those slightly arty older women dress. 

How do you stay healthy, Any tips or advice you can share with us?

I have nothing new to share but can say that regular exercise helps keep my mind and body feeling better. I have also just started seeing a naturopath and taking iron supplements and Ashgawanda has done wonders for my mood and energy. I tend to take fairly good care of myself without being extreme about anything. I consider it a long-term investment in the quality of life.

The beauty staple you’re never without?

Moisturiser. Hydration is my skin's best friend. Plus facial massage and infrared saunas tend to do good things for my skin. 

What is the last thing you purchased and loved?

We just bought some land in Mudgee with friends. We've called it Budgee Budgee Farm. It has some pre-existing dwellings on it that we are using for short-term rentals. We just spent our first week there over the winter holidays and the whole place gave me so much joy. We are now planning what improvements we'll make which is the fun, anticipatory part before all the really hard work begins.

What are your favourite mid-week dinner treats?

We eat together as a family every night so our meals are a mix of regular staples and then a new recipe every week or so to keep it fresh. From the regular meals I love chicken schnitzel with mashed potatoes and from the new recipes I love Julia Ostro's Japanese short ribs from her 'A Year of Family Food.'

Where are your favourite travel destinations here or overseas and why?

I love to go to London to see family, both of my parents have family there. I love Italy and Japan for the food and the joy of walking around and exploring. In Australia, we love to go down the South Coast and now Mudgee. I hadn't ever been to Mudgee before we bought up there so exploring the area is a lot of fun.

What brings you joy when you are having a bad day?

It depends on what kind of bad day I am having. If I am fed up and overwhelmed then I love a day at home by myself. I find having the house to myself restful and will just spend time getting organised and reading. If I am having the type of bad day where something upsetting has happened then time with Huw or close friends is the best remedy. I like to talk things out, I always feel better once I've said what is bothering me. Also sunshine, good food and a walk always bring me joy. 

 Holly wears Verse Pearl Letter Necklace 

 

Film photography: Violet (8) August (6)