With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we sat down with Rain, Trit House’s director and boss mumma find out what Mother’s Day means to her, advice on how to manage a business and family, and her top 10 gifts from Trit this Mother’s Day.
What does Mother’s Day mean to you?
It is a special day, beginning with sleep-in, waking up to kisses and hugs from the family and a beautiful breakfast prepared by my husband and the boys. My husband has been doing this with the kids for 15 years now and I am very grateful for this.
Every Mother’s Day I give my mother a plant showing love and helping my older neighbours. I am lucky to be surrounded by so many of them who have shown me how much they have done for their younger generations.
What have you learned from your Mum that remains with you today?
My mum taught me to always stay positive, take things slow and be adaptable to changes. I have always been a perfectionist since I was little, the constant reminders and coaching from my mum has helped me to keep things in perspective.
What is something you say to comfort your kids in tricky times?
“It is okay. I am here for you. I love you.”
I learnt that being physically there with my kids and spending valuable time are very important. Doing things together and sharing perspective, letting them know that they are not alone, and that love from the family will always keep them going further and stronger as they grow up.
What kind of world do you hope your children will inherit?
A world with better mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
What was your first memory of being a mother?
Looking at my very overdue first born at the theater, “Wow dude, why do you look so wrinkly? Who are you?” hahaha
What do you think are some of the most valuable lessons we can teach our children today?
Honesty, optimism, manners, health and fitness management, compassion and gratitude.
It is very important to share our life experiences and knowledge to impart some noteworthy life lessons to our children, so that they may become fully capable of managing their challenges with confidence, even without the active support of parents later on in life.
How would you spend a perfect mothers day?
Lots of cuddles and kisses with the family and doing something together.
What do you think your parental legacy will be?
Love, attention, and guidance I’ve given to my kids. I spend a lot of time together with them, and we have some of our happiest times travelling together, be it an overseas trip, or just the school drop off. One of my favourite memories is when Tobey was not within our sight for a few minutes and was then found surrounded by some snakes while hiking in New Caledonia. We had to rescue him. The result of my time and attention throughout the years? They’re happy and self-confident. They know the value and importance of “togetherness”, finding beauty in the basics and how to be self-sufficient.
Any advice for any other mothers out there on how to best juggle work life, running a business, managing kids and life in general?
You can do it. Never stop chasing your dreams. Never give up. Take good care of yourself. Set goals for each year. Push yourself some days, but never forget to slow down and pause.
Moving across time, what kind of adults might you like your children to grow into? How would you like them to remember you to their own families?
I would like them to be happy, confident, and giving adults. I would like them to remember that I have always put family as my first priority, and that loving and nurturing relationship comes from the time spent together, with patience and understanding for each other.
How do you think your early years formed who you are and your own approach to parenthood?
Children are like a blank sheet of paper. I choose to paint them a rainbow and will use all my effort to cross out the black lines.
How do you most enjoy spending time with the kids?
BBQ time, movies and dinner.
Your favourites:
Activity? Hiking
Place to travel? Japan
Dinner destination? The Rocks at Mornington, Gimlet, Entrecote
Rain’s Top 10 picks for Mother’s Day gifts:
It’s a bold and illuminating centerpiece of exaggerated proportions for coffee and dining tables alike. As a source of cosy candlelight, it can illuminate a night by the fire or a romantic dinner. The perfect piece to gift a mother, with it being available in brass or black.
2. Sundance
Artist and collector, Dina Broadhurst’s work has been described with a focus of simplicity. With a focus on femininity, escapism, transformation, fantasy, desire and luxury. This print is sure to breathe life and elegance into the home.
Offering both functionality and plenty of room, this versatile piece will be a perfect statement for a living room with its striking black timber veneer and contrasting Marble top. Strong and sturdy, it is made with the finest materials that will bring a whole new dimension and class to any home.
4. Bit stool
Bit is an aesthetically pleasing, versatile stool with countless possibilities for your home. Use Bit as a pedestal for a floral arrangement, as a side table for a lamp, or as impromptu seating for that unexpected dinner guest. Bit stool is available in four captivating color combinations so it can suit as a gift for any household.
5. Mooon!
Mooon! is equally at home indoors or outdoors, on a table or pedestal table, as mood lighting or a bedside lamp. It makes the ideal companion for sociable meals and gentle evenings alike. With its dim’up and dim’down function it could give the perfect start and end to Mother’s Day.
6. Modern terracotta rustic pot
A modern translation of the ancient old terracotta art, this large pot hugs your plants indoors or out in the garden, on your roof terrace or balcony. Versatile also as a centrepiece to a large coffee or dining table.
With its super comfy and sturdy frame, Dina the perfect spot for the special woman in your life to rest her head after a long day at work and will set her up for each day of her life with a great night’s rest.
The stylish and functional table mirror is two-sided and can easily be turned around to the 1:3 magnifying glass on the backside, which is the ideal reflection for putting on your everyday makeup. Perfect for a Mother’s night stand or side board.
This Marble Wine Holder is both stylish and practical. It’s wavy silhouette adds a subtle elegance to the dining room, bar cart or kitchen. A perfect gift for Mothers with a love for wine (or champagne).
10. Elba rug
The Elba rug is sophisticated with an exclusive feel, made in hand-tufted New Zealand wool for the softest of sentiments for adding character to a room while being at once subtle and understated. Elba is available in a selection of colours and sizes, allowing for the design to complement any space from the home over workplaces to hotels and restaurants.