1. Tell us how you got into baking and how Plain Vanilla started.
I’ve always had a sweet tooth and dabbled a bit in baking when I lived at home, but it was really when I moved out of student accommodation in the second year of university and adopted a spanking new kitchen in my rented flat, that I started to find myself regularly in the kitchen. If I wanted to eat it, chances are I was baking it. I graduated and began my legal career; after four years putting my nose to the legal grindstone, I felt ready to leave and I did. At that point, I didn’t have many skills other than an aptitude for Microsoft Word and the ability to bake a mean cake, so I decided to put my latter abilities to good use – and the rest as they say is history.
2. You have a super adorable 2.5-year- old son, Josh. How do you juggle taking care of him and running Plain Vanilla?
First and foremost with the support and help of my amazing husband. He has, for better or for worst, stood alongside me in all the years of the business and has always opted for making sacrifices over asking me to throw in the towel. We don’t have a helper at the moment, so the help of my parents with the occasional childcare shift has also made a big difference. But a large part of making it work has been a personal paradigm shift – adapting my personal work approach to evolved priorities and obligations without unnecessary compromise to ambition. Or as some like to say – learning to let go!
3. What’s the best part about being a mother?
I don’t think I can say there is any one singular thing about motherhood that I enjoy – there are so many upsand downs that come with experience. But aside from the absolute delight of watching Josh grow up, I am most grateful to motherhood for the incredible things I have learnt about myself and the depth and strength it has added to my relationship with my husband.
...not a day goes by when he doesn't say something that brings a smile to my face!Vanessa
That’s a hard one – Josh is so chatty not a day goes by when he doesn’t say something that brings a smile to my face! We drove by a building site the other and he shouted, “Hey Mummy, a digger! [pause] That’s sooo cool.” He’s also learnt how to preface his intention to do something cheeky with “I better…” like “Mummy, I better go and climb that ladder.” (!!)
5. Other than waiting for the arrival of your second child, what’s ahead for you in 2017?
Well, we have a new store opening in the second quarter of the year – it will be our first foray into the CBD which the team is very excited about!
6. What’s your philosophy when it comes to dressing?
Comfort is key! These days I’m often toddler-chasing or on the move between engagements so I tend to opt for timeless pieces that are practical but stylish.
I'm often toddler-chasing or on the move between engagements so I tend to opt for timeless pieces that are practical but stylish.Vanessa
