HOMEGROWN MAMA: EMMA HAWKINS ON MOTHERHOOD, BUSINESS AND THAT COUNTRY LIFE
Image: Via Instagram/@emmahawkins_
BY JESSICA BOSCO
Growing up on a farm in the NSW town of Deniliquin, Emma Hawkins spent her childhood running around outdoors, climbing fences and going on adventures. An idyllic way to grow up, it helped her form a strong connection to nature that would stay with her as she raises her own children and would eventually form the foundation of her business too.
In 2019, not long after the birth of her second daughter, Emma launched Homegrown, a range of thoughtfully designed clothes that not only look gorgeous, are made from the best Aussie cotton and merino wool but most importantly are durable. Clothes that are made for long days spent having fun and getting messy - which is what kids do best!
“It was so important to me to create a range of children’s wear where kids could run around and get messy, in practical but cute clothes,” says Emma.
“It was also very important for me to create a label that nodded to my strong country roots.”
These days Emma is a mother to two girls, Arabella, three, and Primrose, one, with husband Tom Hawkins (a fellow country boy and an AFL star) and they call Barrabool, in rural Victoria home. She spends her days outdoors with her girls whilst simultaneously juggling her business as well as being an influencer, media personality and (for want of a better term) WAG.
We chatted to Emma about being a mum, running a business, life in lockdown and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Can you tell us a little bit about your label, Homegrown Australia and why it’s so close to your heart?
I started Homegrown late last year after I had my second child Primrose. However, it had been in the works for two years prior to that. I have such fond memories of my childhood growing up in Deniliquin, being outside spending all day in nature. Now as an adult, when I’m not working, I spend my days at home in Barrabool chasing my two girls Arabella and Primrose around our property. I noticed a gap in the market for not only functional but stylish clothing for young bubs.
All our pieces are made from Australian cotton and merino wool, as supporting Australian farmers and suppliers is core not only to the brand but for myself as well.
And what about the latest collection?
Chapter 3 includes brand new knit jumper styles with a collar feature, two new customer prints in the Growsuits and leggings range, as well as three new colourways in the best-selling knit cardigans. All new products are available in sizes 0000 to 4 year of age. For this Chapter launch we also partnered with Frankly Eco, a natural plant-based skincare company based in north-eastern Victoria. They have created a special gift box for mum and baby, which is available as a gift at check-out option. Not only do they create amazing and eco- friendly products, we also wanted to support another Australian small business who has done it tough over the last few months as a result of COVID-19.
What are some of the highlights from the collection/your favourite pieces?
My favourite piece is definitely the new jumper style featuring William Wagtail. As a child I used to chase these birds in my backyard, so it invokes such special memories that I wanted to incorporate into the new Chapter.
What impact has Covid-19 had on your daily life?
In terms of day to day life, it luckily hasn’t been impacted that much. If anything, it’s had a good impact on me. I have enjoyed slowing down, staying at home and spending less time in the car and up and down the freeway. I am fortunate that I can still run Homegrown from my home office, whilst our staff have continued to handle the customer service and orders from our office in Cremorne and adhering to government guidelines. As Homegrown is purely e- commerce, business has remained relatively as usual. We are very lucky to have such a loyal customer base who continue to support us, especially over the last few months.
As with the rest of Australia I have missed being able to go to friends weddings and celebrations and see my parents and Tom’s great grandparents, or go out to our local restaurants and cafes, however we have been very fortunate to have stayed healthy and busy over the last few months.
What does your work/family juggle look like at the moment?
During isolation Tom was home more so than usual as he obviously wasn’t able to train with the AFL season being suspended. It has been great to be able to tag team, so when I needed to work, Tom took the kids and vice versa. Working from home did make the juggle a little more challenging, as I usually travel into the office in Cremorne on my “work” days. However, we made it work!
What has been your biggest Covid-related challenge?
I definitely missed being able to see my friends and family in person. My relationships are so important to me, so I can’t wait to give them all a big hug in person. It has been also challenging explaining to the girls why they weren’t able to see their grandparents or friends. With everything being shut, it was a daily challenge to keep the kids entertained with play dates not being possible and the parks being closed. However, we have space and each other so I’m certainly not complaining.
Do you have a silver lining moment from the last few months?
I have certainly enjoyed spending more time at home with my girls, as well as having Tom at home with the AFL season being temporarily on hold. Our home has definitely been a little crazier than usual over the last few months, however the time we have spent together as a family is time I will cherish forever.
How would you describe your iso experience in 3 words?
Busy, exhausting, rewarding.
Can you tell us a little bit about your motherhood journey?
I am so fortunate that I was able to conceive without difficulties. However, I did have two difficult pregnancies, suffering Hyperemesis and Ostitus pubis during both of them. I was housebound, as well as bed bound at some points, for a number of months, and I really struggled at times physically and mentality. I was lucky however to have great experiences post-partum, so I was able to enjoy those first few months with both Arabella and Primrose without the constant sickness I felt during my pregnancies. I have enjoyed (mostly) every minute of being a mum to two beautiful, healthy and playful young girls.
How did you find the transition into that role of mum?
I luckily had a great support system around me with constant advice from my family and friends. Obviously after having Arabella it was slightly more challenging, with every experience being a new one. But after having Primrose I felt more comfortable and surer of myself. I always wanted to be a mum, so I am grateful every day I get to spend with my girls.
At what point in your motherhood journey did you start your business?
I launched my business after I had had my second daughter Primrose, however the idea to start Homegrown started after I had my first daughter Arabella.
What do you find the most challenging thing about motherhood?
I think the pressure that other people put on you can be quiet challenging at times. With my job and being in the public eye, my life is easily (and frequently) scrutinised by people online, in particular on social media. People love to pass judgement and tell you how to parent, even down to the smallest details. At the end of the day I know I am doing the best job I can, as I have two happy and healthy babies, and to me that’s all that matters.
Where/how do you seek support?
I am lucky to have an amazing husband who is such a hands-on dad and incredibly supportive. Although they don’t live nearby, I also regularly call my mum and sister for advice around motherhood, life and everything in between. I am also incredibly lucky to have such a strong network of mums that I have met through the Geelong Football Club, as well as through my own personal networks, who I can always go to for mum advice...or a glass of wine!
What do you love most about being a mum?
I love that every day is a new adventure. Especially with my girls being so young, as they continue to grow, they are turning into young girls before my eyes, developing their own unique personalities and mannerisms.
What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
It has taught me how strong and resilient I am. Especially going through such difficult pregnancies, I know I am much stronger than I think.
What do you do when you need a little “me” time?
If you follow me on Instagram you will know I am obsessed with anything Bravo, especially the Real Housewives franchise. When I need a little me time, I love to grab a glass of wine, pop on an episode and just switch off when I can.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you are ever in a position to create positive change and have an opinion or skill that is able to create positive change, that is a privilege and you should take it. You should also be mindful on how you can better that position or that experience for the future women stepping into them (I recently interviewed Julie Bishop and whilst I am paraphrasing, this really hit home for me).
Also, simple yet effective; my Dad would always tell me, “Well Emma, things could be worse.” And you know what, they always can. Or he would tell me, “Have a sleep, and I promise you will feel better in the morning.”
What is your ultimate mum hack that you swear by?
Have a sleep and everything will be better in the morning! Maybe not a hack but is certainly true for me. However, if you can, as well find yourself a really, really good life partner. That seems to be a winner for me.
What is next for Homegrown Australia?
We are already deep in planning mode for our Chapter 4 launch, which is set to launch very soon. As for the next twelve months and beyond, we can’t wait to continue delivering brand new styles, new colours and prints and our loyal customers. We can’t wait to continue growing the brand and taking it from strength to strength.
Visit homegrownkids.com.au to shop the new collection now and follow Emma on Instagram at @emmahawkins_ and @homegrownkidsau.