From the Founder:
Jayde’s Reflection on Redefining Motherhood
Words by Jayde Houndalas, founder of Sontse
Becoming a mother has been the most deeply transformational journey—one that, now I truly believe, no one can ever fully prepare you for. It cracks your heart wide open and fills it with a kind of love that words can never quite capture.
Motherhood is rewarding, exhausting, challenging, joyful, and sometimes even terrifying. I often find myself wondering, am I doing it right? And on top of that, building my business baby—Sontse—while raising my actual baby (who was barely one when I started!) has felt like navigating two completely different, yet equally consuming, worlds.
So how am I ‘redefining motherhood?’
Honestly, I never imagined working—let alone launching a brand—when my son was so little, especially just outside of a pandemic and with no formal business background. But here I am, choosing to walk an unknown path. A path that’s been inspired, in many ways, by being a mum to a beautiful little boy who seems to be growing faster than I can keep up with (can someone please hit pause?!).
I’m learning to unlearn. To let go of perfection. To not be afraid to be vulnerable. To embrace the fact that while I’m teaching him, he’s teaching me too. Building this business has been deeply fulfilling—not just for me, but as a way to show my son that it’s possible to dream big and create the life you want. That despite the chaos of the world, our home will always be grounded in love, connection, honesty, and integrity.
Starting a family put life into perspective. It taught me not to sweat the small stuff. It taught me that sleep (or lack thereof) really does change your world—both for better and worse (IYKYK). And most of all, it showed me that yes, you can have it all—but it takes commitment, flexibility, a whole lot of juggling, and grace.
Some days you’ll feel like you’re nailing it. Other days (or even weeks), you’ll feel upside down. And that’s okay. Be kind to yourself. Stay true to your values. And remember—none of us have it all figured out. There is no one “right” way to do motherhood. Just your way.
We’re all on this wild, beautiful ride together—and that’s something I believe women deeply get. There’s this unspoken, universal bond that connects us—a powerful sense of sisterhood where women instinctively rally around each other to support, uplift, and remind one another that we’re never alone.
This Mother’s Day, we wanted to honour that connection by asking some of the incredible women in our Sontse community: How are you redefining motherhood, your way?
Here’s what they shared…
Golden reflections from the mothers in our midst
Bee Czarnota (@beetoxmethod)
Founder of Beetox Method
By creating my own rules. I don't follow societal norms and do things that create ease for our family, juggling 2 businesses and teenage boys. We don't do lunch boxes—we have a cooked breakfast and load up on protein together, and our boys just grab fruit or carrot and celery for lunch (love not having to do lunchboxes by middle high school!). We have a main meal at 4pm most days—when we can break from work and the boys are finished school before sports, etc.
Find what works for you, no matter how different it may be to others!
Jess Bruton (@the.somi.store)
Founder of Somi Store
I am a mum of 3 beautiful boys—Rio (18), Roc (13) and Diggy (9). My two youngest are neurodivergent, which presents its challenges and has meant I've had to redefine my idea of motherhood. Our life is beautiful chaos and I have learnt to embrace it.
I meet my children where they’re at and nurture their uniqueness. I try to see the world through their eyes, which in all truthfulness is difficult, because I won't ever truly understand how they experience life. We love hard in our household and celebrate small wins. Going to kids' birthday parties might be too much for them, but we party in our own way.
There have been many tears, but many triumphs, and I wouldn't change a thing.”
Since becoming a mum, what’s changed?
Everything. Sleep-ins are non-existent. My 9-year-old told me my legs feel like the cactus in his school's front office—so yeah, self-care isn’t top priority (although I try to carve out weekly ‘me time’).
But the love? That’s next level. My boys are my hype-men. They make me feel beautiful on days I don’t feel it, they tell me I’m an amazing mum, and they fill my cup in ways I never imagined.
Liana Pantalone (@climbing_vine_co)
Founder and Writer of Climbing Vine Co.
I’m currently mum to my beautiful 9-month-old girl, while on the side running a business and living abroad away from dearly loved family (and the natural built-in babysitters we would have otherwise had).
Doing motherhood my way looks like doing things with intentionality. It’s about caring deeply about the environment I cultivate at home and prioritising being present over getting things done.
Practically, this has looked like finding daily rhythms that work for me and my husband in a way that allows us to spend quality time with each other, still find moments for daily exercise, rest, socialising and working on projects that we’re both passionate about. It’s also about leaning into a more flexible approach to my day; it’s not a slower pace, it’s just different all the time, sometimes faster, other times slow. It’s been letting go of the absolutes – the ‘you really should be’ attitudes around I should be doing more or doing less, and just discerning what feels right for that day, for myself, and the two most important humans in my world.
Shivonne Kumar (@onestop.agency)
Co-Founder One Stop Agency
Society talks about mothers sacrificing their lives but I don’t see it like that, I have the best life.
That doesn’t mean it’s not hard and comes with struggles but I think the way you choose to view motherhood can be the difference between surviving or thriving, seeing kids as a burden vs. a blessing and finding the joy in mundane.
Comparison really is the thief of joy and during this season I’m trying my absolute hardest (not always succeeding) to not compare myself as a mum to others and know that I am the best mum for my family.
Since becoming a mum, what’s changed?
I personally don’t think much has changed. I think our lives have been simplified in the best way since becoming a Mum.
I have a lot less time for myself but that makes those moments I do get extra special.
Recognising that everything is a season and we will never get this time back helps me stay content and appreciate the time I do get to spend with my kids.
What goes? Well, everything that doesn’t fit in the above box. We are very intentional with our time and how we choose to spend it so I would say that’s been a big change.
However you do it, you’re doing beautifully.
If there’s one thing these stories and perspectives remind us of, it’s that there is no universal blueprint for motherhood. It’s not something you can perfect—it’s something you live. With grace. With grit. And with a whole lot of heart. Finding moments of self-care and confidence in the midst of all this is not just something nice to have, but an absolute essential. At Sontse, we love knowing that we get to create this for all the mummas and women out there who instantly feel put together, or a little more themselves and ready for their day when stepping out with a sunless tan.
To all the mothers, grandmothers, mother-figures, and women holding space for others—thank you. However you choose to mother, we see you. We honour you. And we’re cheering you on, always.
Happy Mother’s Day, from all of us at Sontse. 💛
Want to join the conversation? Share how you're redefining motherhood your way by tagging us @sontse_aus with #HowYouChooseToGlow
Written by Liana Pantalone – Beauty & Skincare Copywriter at Climbing Vine Co.
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