Phoebe Ghorayeb on Style, Strength & Motherhood

Phoebe Ghorayeb is a writer, model, and mother of three, known for her compelling voice and grounded grace. In this month’s Verse Mothers feature, she shares how she navigates personal style, identity, motherhood — and everything in between — with heart and humour.

Name: Phoebe Ghorayeb 
Date of Birth: 14th September 1988
Place of birth: Milton Keynes, England
Occupation: Model, Writer, Content Creator

What is your personal style signifier?
I’m a sucker for an oversized shirt or jumper, boyfriend jeans or trackie pants two sizes too big — always paired with something more tailored or fitted. I love mixing masculine and feminine silhouettes and playing with proportions. Comfort is key, and if I can look halfway stylish while prioritising that, I consider it a win.

What is your most cherished piece of jewellery and why?
This one’s hard. I had a gold pendant necklace with the fingerprint imprints of both my girls — and, to my total heartbreak, it vanished about a month ago while we were in a rental ahead of moving into our new home. I’m devastated. But as they say, when one door closes, another opens — and I’m so looking forward to cherishing my new Verse Two Letters Gold Necklace.

What is the last thing you purchased and loved?
If I’m being honest — a weak soy latte. And I loved every sip. But aside from that, my recent purchases have been very unsexy but strangely satisfying: cupboard organisers, a dustpan and brush, and coat hangers. All small wins in their own way.

What’s currently on your wish-list?
Honestly, nothing. I feel incredibly grateful for what I have. All I want is time with my husband and our beautiful children in the home we’ve worked so hard to build — a home that’s taken months, cost us family time, and seen my husband break his back to make it perfect for us. Being in it, together, is all I could wish for.

Your earliest fashion memory?
I have many, but the one that stands out was when I was about seven. My dad was the town planner in Milton Keynes, where I grew up, and the shopping centre hosted a wedding fair. He somehow got me involved in the catwalk show — I absolutely loved it. I still remember the shiny, frilly floral flower girl dresses I wore. At that age, any chance to prance around in a “princess” dress was a dream come true.

The beauty staple you’re never without?
With summer approaching, I’ve become religious about sunscreen. I’ve started using the SPF Face Mist from Outside Beauty and Skincare. Coming from the UK, sun protection wasn’t ingrained in us, so I’m making the effort — for myself and my kids.

What will we always find in your fridge (or pantry)?
Peanut butter. It’s my non-negotiable, my kitchen cornerstone. I buy a backup before the current jar is even half-empty. My go-to evening snack? Apple slices dipped in peanut butter — though sometimes I skip the apple and go straight in with a spoon.

How do you stay healthy — physically and mentally? Any tips?
Physically, I haven’t been great to myself lately. Besides chasing kids, pacing our new house, and being on my feet all day, I haven’t done much intentional exercise. I miss it, and I plan to return to it, but right now it’s just not feasible — and I’ve made peace with that.

Mentally, life has been a roller coaster: giving birth to Zaki last June, undergoing life-threatening open-heart surgery, spontaneously moving to the Gold Coast for seven months, then juggling a renovation and rental. There hasn’t been much space for calm. But accepting that this is our right now helps. Mental health isn’t about being in a constant state of peace — it’s about finding clarity in the chaos and riding the wave knowing that the page will turn.

Any recent discoveries you love?
Absolutely — all food related! Since moving to the Northern Beaches, I’ve uncovered some local gems:

• Bilgola Social (Bilgola Plateau) — the best coffee and most personal service

• Bookocino (Avalon) — unbeatable homemade cakes

• Curry on the Curve (Avalon) — authentic, flavour-packed Indian

• Graze n Cakes (Avalon) — mouth-watering Vietnamese

• Fernando’s Peruvian Rotisserie (Avalon) — seriously succulent roast chicken (think Chargrill Charlies, but better)

What object would you never part with?
Honestly? My phone. I wish it were something more poetic, but staying connected is everything. My family and childhood friends are in the UK, and my husband’s family is up on the Gold Coast — the phone is my lifeline to all of them.

What are some of the challenges of being a working mother, and how do you juggle it all?
The biggest challenge is constantly shifting gears — from work, to mum, to partner, to self. I’ve learned that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Even a moment of solitude can make all the difference. And I’ve stopped striving for “balance” — now I aim for presence.

Phoebe wears Three Letters Necklace here

Film Photography: Valentina (5) Siddy (3.5) Zaki, (1)