Verse Mother Jessica Soondarum: by Hugo

1. What do you love about being a mother?

Everything! Seeing Arli grow and learn as she becomes a little lady. That’s my biggest achievement and I am so proud to be her mum.

2. What do you find the hardest thing about being a mother?

Trying to find the perfect balance and being the best for everyone.

3. What are your go-to beauty products and favourite brands?

Currently, I am having a set of peels and skin needling (which has been amazing for skin). I’m loving Dr Hauschka range for my skincare. I also use mineral powder foundation and lip balm daily.

4. How do you manage to stay in shape?

A Mother’s job is never done. I am always moving and on the go chasing after a toddler! I love walking outdoors and playing with Arli at the park or beach. I am really looking forward to the warmer weather.

5. How do you find time to rest and relax?

What's that? Haha no - I love being with my family, so weekly dinners and my Mum’s home-cooked meals are my favourite. 

6. Where are your favourite places to go in Sydney (restaurants, cafes, kids activities etc.)?

We LOVE Cronulla beach. Our Saturday morning ritual is to get up, grab a coffee and head to the beach.

7. What are your favourite things to do together?

Beach, dinners with family, playgroup, playdates and Mothers’ group days out. We also have a cheeky date night planned, while the grandparents have Arli. That’s always very special and appreciated.

8. Any travel tips with small children or a new baby?

We have travelled a lot since Arli was little. We lived in Fiji for three months while Arli was only four-months-old. That was a challenging but amazing experience. I took everything!!!! Hahaha - I was also breastfeeding, which made it a lot easier for us all. 

But it gets easier as Bub gets older. We love our weekend trips in Daddy’s Jeep Wrangler now. If I could share one piece of advice, it would be to use white noise. Arlis sleeps with it every night.

9. Where is your favourite place to vacation with your family?

We love anywhere warm. We have a really special spot in Cairns we take Arli. That’s our yearly trip.

10. What is your signature style and favourite fashion brands?

I am a pretty casual gal for daywear. I enjoy Zara, Cotton On, even a bit of Kmart. Then I have my ‘mum uniform’ as my partner, Dave, calls it. This consists of my gym gear and a top knot. While I love my 'mum uniform', I do love to get dolled up for a night out with the girls in a nice dress or a skirt and top. I have just bought myself a beautiful dress from Tigerlilly - don't tell Dave.

Jessica wears Verse One Letter & Diamond Heart Necklace 

Film photography: Hugo (14)