It was Susie Faux that first coined the term, 'Capsule Wardrobe' back in the 1970's. A boutique owner at the time, she (even back then) found the fashion industry impractical and wasteful - that women were spending far too much money on fashion that wasn't well made, didn't fit right and would be out of season within a year. She created the first capsule wardrobe - essential items and timeless pieces that would be worn for year, made from quality materials and craftsmanship. A wardrobe of pieces that even if you bought one or two seasonal items into your wardrobe, they would pair effortlessly together. Her goal was to streamline wardrobes, and ultimately, it became one of the answers to the very pressing question of 'what are we going to do about the fashion industry?' Fashion is a $2.5 trillion industry. It's also globally one of the largest consumers of water - it takes 2,700 litres of water to make one t-shirt. Globally, synthetic fibres account for 60% of all clothing - 70 million barrels of oil are used each year to make synthetics, that take over 200 years to decompose. Even though this is just the tip of the iceberg of the impact the industry has on the planet (this isn't accounting for the treatment of workers, carbon emissions and more) it's devastating and troublesome, and something needs to be done about it. At a small scale, the easiest way for a consumer to make an impact is to reduce their consumption of fashion and to invest in eco-friendly materials - which is why we love a capsule wardrobe so much. It's loaded with the essentials, easy to match pieces, made from fabrics that are kind to the planet. Every season, it's normal to add a few pieces to your capsule wardrobe - wether you're updating classics that may have come to the end of it's life, or you're including a seasonal item (which is totally fine to do, we recommend choosing natural fibres where possible) - adding a few key pieces is completely fine. We do it to! Here's the natural fibre pieces we're adding this season:   Winnie Cable Knit Jumper in Honey A cable knit jumper is a classic piece. In fact, it's a style that came out of Ireland at the turn of the 20th century when fisherman's wives on the Aran Islands learned how to knit intricate patters into wool. It was soon found across jumpers, hats and more - however, it was Vogue that popularised them in the 1950's. Winnie, with a warm neutral tone, features a classic cable knit. This is one of those jumpers that goes with everything - Jeans, tucked into skirts, even over shorts and mini dresses on those cold summer nights. This is a staple piece for us, with a universally flattering shape.   Stella Cardigan in Caramel Cardigans are one of those pieces that are always in fashion. Sure, some seasons they're more popular than others, sometimes they're longer, sometimes they're shorter. But for us, Stella is the be all and end all. We're lovers of a classic trench coat, and that's what we drew inspiration from with this piece. Think of it as your favourite jacket, just natural.   Celeste Leggings in Black Personally, I wear leggings all year round. When I'm not sure what to wear, a baggy jumper and leggings is my go to. I was so excited when we released our Celeste Leggings this year, after pining for a pair of our Kids Texture Rib Leggings for myself for months now - they's so, so comfy. We recommend sizing down where possible with these!   Dawn Shirt in Alabaster Because we all covet Parisian fashion here in the office, a crisp white shirt is an essential for us. When people talk staple fashion, they usually always say 'a good pair of jeans and a good white shirt'. We designed our Dawn Shirt, with it's long curved hem and oversized fit, to be trans-seasonal and classic. It's the kind of shirt you'll wear all year round, as a dress, tucked into dress pants, under a jumper - the possibilities are endless with this style.   What are you adding to your capsule wardrobe this year? All our love, Miann & Co x

For some small businesses, their supply chain is second to the product. Once they receive the product, the relationship with their suppliers and manufacturers stop there. A simple appreciation of the product, maybe they'll continue to use that manufacturer, maybe they'll choose a new one. But for us, it's so much more.  Behind our small business is a team of creators - artisans who are passionate about the product they create, who put a small part of themselves into every garment. A group of people that touch, handle and create every single garment we produce. They are part of our global family, one that we started cultivating over ten years ago. Because relationships are imperative to all small businesses and we extend that to our international relationships as well - we wouldn't dream of switching to a new manufacturer or supplier, these people have been with us, have been part of the Miann & Co family, for so many years. Pre-COVID, we would see our manufacturers in China & India at least once a year (though it was often more). We would visit our factories and meet with our agents to ensure working conditions and salaries of our workers, negotiate fabric and manufacturing prices. Along with visiting, we're almost always in constant contact with our international contacts - not just talking about work, but our families, interests and home lives as well - these are true life long relationships. As mentioned above, that's not the norm. A lot of businesses will hop from manufacturer to manufacturer, choosing a different factory for each launch, never travelling to meet with their makers. But for us, there was no other option - you can never know a supplier is ethical until you've seen it with your own two eyes, which is why we place such a massive importance on this. When I was younger and working overseas, I did my first factory trip to Syria. I was visiting an accredited factory - and being young and naive, thought that meant it was up to code, with safe and fair working practises and standards. When I saw children working in that factory, my jaw hit the ground - it opened my eyes to a very different side of the clothing production .  When creating Miann & Co, those relationships - the people that worked in these factories - were of the upmost importance to me. I wasn't going to turn a blind eye to injustices like the first factory I visited. Because we work with the same manufacturers, season in and season out, we can ensure the safety and livelihoods of our artisans. One of our main factories is now GOTS certified, and the other is working on obtaining this certification - which is widely known as the hardest and also very costly certification to obtain in the manufacturing industry - it ensures that from the production of fibres, to the manufacturing and so much more, that people and planet are treated with the highest respect and regard. Not a day goes by where I don't talk to my manufacturers in some capacity, and it saddens me that we haven't been able to travel and see them in over a year. Normally, I would deliver our entire range plans to them myself and oversee the manufacturing of the first samples and really get them right. Now, we communicate mostly through email, videos and photos, but establishing and fostering those connections has proven so worth while and has been invaluable to our long term success and surviving the pandemic. As one of my suppliers said we will support each other through this crisis you are not just a customer you are our family and that pretty much sums up our relationship with our suppliers .  We hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about our manufacturers! All our love, Miann & Co x

As Miann & Co celebrates it's 10 year birthday, we're taking the time to reflect on years in the industry and further celebrate those that have supported us the very most. We've had so many stockists over the years, but one immediately stands out - someone who supported us when we were so small we only made a handful of toys - Cocoon Petite Living and it's owner, the lovely Anna! Hi Anna! Thank you so much for chatting with us today. Miann & Co and Cocoon Petite Living have ten years of history, when we first started we were only wholesaling and doing markets! You worked in advertising prior to opening the shop, what inspired you to make the big change into owning your own small business? I have always wanted to own and run a business, right back to when I was a little girl.  I was getting to my late 30’s, my youngest was two years off starting school and I felt like I needed a big change in my life.  I had loved working in retail through my early 20’s and having little whipper snappers of my own meant that the ‘kids lifestyle space’ was a natural retail direction.  I started writing a business plan and coincidentally a friend told me just days later that a children’s boutique up the road from my home (in Paddington) was up for sale.  The rest was history. When owning a small business, your family and friends are so entrenched in the business itself - who is your core group at Cocoon? Oh I could not agree more.  I would not be where I am without my husband’s support.  He is a designer by trade and all things visual are created by him. I have a trusty side kick in the business (Lindy) who is literally my right hand and I love her to bits.  I have been blessed over the years with incredibly passionate and loyal staff.   I make a point of employing customers….it make sense as they are connected within our local community and they already know and love my business. When the pandemic hit last year, it hit hard - how did that impact Cocoon and your every day life? Do you still feel the effects a year on? For a few weeks there, anxiety levels were incredibly high.  We had just received all our Winter fashion when the lockdown hit in late March and our store was literally chockers with stock.  My biggest concern was to be doing enough trade online through the lockdown to be able to pay my beautiful suppliers, because like me they were struggling too.  Thankfully with incredible support from our local community, an understanding landlord and the government grants we were able to get through that six-week period.  Coming out of lockdown, confidence was at an all-time high and locals were determined to show their love and support to small business.  For that, I am forever grateful. A year on we are still feeling the effects of Covid, but more so in the fashion space.  Many of my labels for Winter arrived six or more weeks late and Summer is looking to be the same.  With the dreadful issues facing India now, sadly I can’t see it correcting itself till 2022 or even 2023. You've been in the retail game for years now, what makes you passionate about small business, and supporting other small businesses around Australia? Oh I love nothing more than hearing the courageous stories of those who gave up their careers to start their own business. I work with so many family-run businesses (just like the beautiful Bec and Terry of Miann & Co). Family businesses have heart, soul and absolute authenticity and supporting them and their wonderful ideas gives me so much pleasure.   Outside of work (though having your own small business can sometimes be very all-consuming) what are your passions? What do you do to wind down after a long week and fill your cup back up? Ha ha, yes owning a business is an all-consuming proposition.  You constantly think and dream about it and it really is so hard to switch off.  I love to relax by taking my nutty but totally gorgeous dog Maggie out for a long walk each morning, I find it really sets up my day.  There is always a podcast in my ears which helps me escape and takes mind off the day to day.

We're so lucky to have such a beautiful and supportive community here at Miann & Co. And every time we think of those that send us the most beautiful messages, there's no one else that comes to mind more than the gorgeous Flick of @eviejosbows. A supporter, turned friend, turned Miann & Co family member, we sat down with Flick to chat about her own journey with natural fibres and low tox living and why she's such a supporter of our little brand! Hi Flick! Thank you so much for sitting down to talk with us. We've known each other for a few years now, and honestly, we hang out for your messages of love and support. How long have you been following Miann & Co? When did you first find out about us? Thank you so much for inviting me to chat to you guys. I absolutely love everything your gorgeous brand stands for. I am forever grateful to have connected with you all. What a dream team you have over at Miann and Co. Oh gosh, we’re going back a while now…. But I first found out about your beautiful brand at the end of 2011. You were La De Dah Kids back then. My first son was a few months old and was gifted a gorgeous little crocheted toy rattle by a friend. I was straight away drawn to the natural fibres & your pledge to make things for children that were natural, sustainable and low tox & had to find out more about this gorgeous new brand. From there I bought my son a Clarence pig toy to give to him when his little brother, our second child, was born and to this day we still have that gorgeous pig. To be able to give your children natural & sustainable pieces that will stand the test of time is so important to me. Bec and I both have two boys and a girl, all similar ages, so we began chatting and from there the rest is history. I began following in your page in 2013 from memory. Gosh time flies. We first met you at our photoshoot in Apollo Bay in 2019 - in fact, you drove all the way from Gippsland! (We're still so grateful! It was an over three hour trip!) What do you love most about our brand? What an absolutely magical day that was too. I would honestly drive double that to see you all in person any day. The thing I love most about Miann and Co is that your promise to deliver natural and sustainable fibres, whilst supporting other family run business’ in your manufacturing, is at the forefront of your minds. The small batch, make only what you need approach, means that we are not buying things that are mass produced, but rather pieces that are sustainable and consciously created. The natural fibres are so important to me, both my boys suffer from eczema, and the organic cotton doesn’t irritate their skin at all. We literally have a house full of consciously selected pieces from your brand - from bedding, to toys & the most comfortable sustainable clothing that lasts a lifetime and gets passed down between cousins and friends. I love that every order comes with a handwritten note and is packed by such a small team of gorgeous & personable people. You have your own small business, Evie Jo's Bows - all beautiful, handmade hair accessories. Are you super passionate about supporting small business because you have one of your own? Absolutely I am. For those of us in small business we know it’s no easy feat. I will always champion any small business that aligns with my values, not only as a mother but as a business owner too. Not only that, I will always support good quality products above all else. Give me conscious consumerism over fast fashion any day. You started Evie Jo's Bows in 2017, and hand make all the pieces yourself. Have you always been passionate about creativity and making things? I actually have a science background so am usually very analytical. I first began creating these precious bows on my darling late Mum’s vintage singer sewing machine & still to this day finish all my pieces on it too. She was such a creative soul and could turn her hand to anything. Part namesake of this business, she is forever my inspiration. She is definitely a huge part of this little space. You're also as passionate about natural fibres as we are and seek to walk lighter on our Earth as well. Why is that so important to you? My motherhood transition, as it often does, invited me into a new way of engaging with the world. My three gorgeous babes awakened in me a consciousness around the nature of the products I chose for us. However, sustainable and organic hair products seemed a little elusive in the everyday marketplace, so I endeavoured to sit down and sew some new possibilities. The fact that I can offer low tox, natural fibre options for other discerning parents is something I will forever be proud of. And finally, since you've been following us for so long, what has been your favourite piece of ours?  Oh do I really have to choose? The answer is everything!! If I have to choose, my favourite would be the Natalie Jumper in white. I wear it every other day, all year round. It just goes so well over a dress after the beach or layered under my favourite jacket in the cooler months. Evie’s favourite is the little boho floral dress from a few summers ago. I am so sad, we bought it in every size and this coming summer will be her last wear before she grows too tall.

This year, Miann & Co turns 10 years old. One year was a milestone for us. Starting the business as a side hustle, raising kids around it all. Then five years came, and with it a rebranding, moving warehouses and all that comes with it - and that felt like a life changing event. But ten, a whole decade, that feels monumental. Running a small business is like having another baby, you nurture it, watch it grow, watch it flourish into everything you've ever dreamed about.  The wildest thing about it all, is that looking back it feels like it all started just yesterday. Terry and I cramped around our kitchen table, nursing a newborn with a toddler running around our feet trying our hardest to make everything work (our biggest piece of advice would be to not start a business with 2 kids under three, unless you really don't value sleep that much).   And sometimes, sitting in our office today, it's even harder to believe. That this small business we were running from our own home has outgrown not one, but three warehouses, that we now have ten employees (both in-house and remote), that through it all - starting off the back of a global recession, the global pandemic, welcoming a third child and so much more - we survived, and thrived. But most importantly, we couldn't have done it without all of you. Because without your love and support, without your kind words, your excitement for our ranges and so much more, we wouldn't be here. We've grown so much because of you, because you told you family and friends about us, because you shared a post of your or your little one wearing our clothing, because you commented on our photos and visited our shop. So from the very, very bottom of our hearts - thank you.   And to extend our gratitude, today, and for the next 10 days - celebrate with us with 20% off storewide, and every sale made from today until the 19th of May will go into the running to win a 10 piece wardrobe.   We're so excited for you all to reminisce about these past 10 years with us, and we're even more excited for the future.   All our love,   Team Miann & Co x

To celebrate our 10th Birthday, I sat down with the creators of Miann & Co themselves - Bec & Terry Meyer to chat all things small business and their biggest lessons after being in the industry so long!   Hi guys! 10 years in business is a massive milestone - I think by now you've done almost everything except start a YouTube channel (even though I think it's in the works) what has kept you guys going all this time? What keeps you passionate about running your own business? B: Reliance is something that has kept us going. Having a business that is 10 years old has shown us that the journey is one of many ups and down and it’s something you need to be prepared to ride. Also, the passion and love for our craft is honestly what gets us up every day and doing what we do. We are fiercely passionate about our positions; we love our respective places in the business. The passion for the people we work with both locally and overseas and the passion to educate people about natural fibres, while learning more about how we can change and impact the planet and environment. But honestly, what really gets us up in the morning is the passion to learn something new and be challenged daily. T: What keeps us going is the fact that we are continuously building something. Business can be up and down, but in the end when you look at the bigger picture, like the brand as a whole you are building something that encompasses your values and that customers come to love and appreciate and adds value to their lives. It is also the satisfaction of nurturing something through all the steps, the ups and downs that come with building a business and coming out the other end, then being able to build even further. Passion for what we believe in and stand for as a brand and having great staff that share the same values is another factor that drives us forward every single day.   I can imagine that running a business with your spouse is no walk in the park but having worked with both of you there's a real ebb and flow there. How do you get the balance right between being married and also co-owning a brand? B: Honestly, I think there is a lot of negativity around partners working together but we really wanted the business to be part of our family life. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not always roses; but we also come from very different skill sets and they are both needed to run the business, so we both respect each other’s roles in the company. It’s also helpful in respect to our family, when one is busier, the other isn’t so it works well with the family juggle. Switching off is something we still have to work on, but after 10 years in business we have also learnt when it’s your passion you don’t ever switch off one hundred percent. T: Like Bec said it isn’t always easy, but majority of the time it comes naturally. I think we view it more as being part of something together rather than working together. When it comes to balance, I don’t think there is much ha ha ha. Our business has very much been a part of our life and it’s not something we view as our jobs. The business is always there, whether we are at home or in the office or on holiday. Often the kids join in on the conversations or they ask questions regarding the business at home, same as they do with everything else, so for us it is a lifestyle I guess and not something we view as something to balance.   Terry, before you guys started the business, you'd previously had no experience working in fashion or retail, while Bec had been in the game for years. What did she teach you in those initial years, and how has it helped you in turn grow the company? T: I learnt a lot from Bec regarding the fashion industry and it was an eye opener in terms of the amount of hours that gets sunk into the planning and design of a single product as well as the thought that goes into every range in terms of colour palette and seasonality etc. Over the years Bec has tough me a lot about fibres, and the differences and benefits of different fibres and in particular natural fibres such as cotton. The manufacturing side of the business is another area where I have learnt a lot from Bec. However, Bec and I have always had our seperate roles within the business and, I was able to leverage off my past experience within Sales and Marketing and revenue management and my strong interest in technology and IT.     Bec, you're the creative mind behind every design in the business and initially it just you for the first year or so doing everything - how did it change for you once Terry came in full time? B: When Terry came into the business, I was doing everything by hand except the designing - he systemised the whole business, and he’s self-taught! From the inventory management system to accounting, he reduced the workload immediately.   Working in the business, one of my favourite things is when the kids come into visit! And as a child of small business owners, I know there's a real balance between family time and work time, how do you guys find that balance? B: Interestingly, after having kids I was always searching and looking for this balance that everyone was talking about. Working for someone else and not having family around, we missed Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and more. There wasn’t a lot of flexibility in either of our jobs and we had no extended family around to attend events in our place when our work wouldn’t allow us to be there broke my heart.  Since working for ourselves, we can go to events or school presentations and honestly never miss our kids’ birthdays, and that really brings a sense of balance to me personally. I think we put so much pressure on parents and more so on women - but balance to me is doing what you can, loving your kids unconditionally and showing up for them when they need you. It was a large driver in our pursuit to have our own business. I know our kids are proud of us, our eldest has written letters to tell us he sees the hard work we put in and also what we are building (they also see the challenges in running your own business). I think everything is a lesson and we honestly want our kids to follow their passions whatever that may be and know that there will be challenges along the way - and I hope by walking that walk, they will follow their passions - that is balance.    After ten years in the business, I'm sure there was a ton of lessons and learnings along the way - what has been the most important learning for you? B: I read something the other day that really resonated with me, and in some way validated the way I feel about business in 2021 - Our initial goal in starting a business was to create a life that makes us feel happy, that aligns with our personal, family and business goals - which are very intertwined.  It was very much creating something to be proud of and fill a gap in the market - to make people aware of the fibres they buy and the impact that can have on people and planet.  Along the line, we got into the habit of constantly seeking growth, which once you enter the business space it’s an easy habit to get caught up in - and in all honestly, we lost some of our true purpose by seeking that when you grow year on year at an exponential rate.   Over 10 years, we have seen so many businesses start hard and fast only to go just as fast as they have started - we have watched the business statics play out. Most importantly, love what you are doing. Not just in the moment, or the stage of life you’re in - really love what you do because that passion is what will drive you forward on your journey and it will also give you the resilience to see the journey through. Passion really is purpose and every business needs a purpose. T: I think the most important lesson I have learned is that you need to run your own race. It is so easy to look at competitors and other businesses that you think are doing really well and losing focus of your initial goals or reasons for starting the business in the first place. There is so much noise out there in regards to what you have to do to be successful and it is easy to get lost in all this and start building a business based off what other businesses have done and their achievements. By running your own race and having goals aligned with the main focus for your Brand you achieve the goals that sets you apart from everyone else, making you unique.    And finally, what's next for Miann & Co? B: We want to extend our brand to new markets here in Australia and focus on creating amazing products. We are also constantly looking at ways to improve our footprint, be better leaders and run a sustainable business model that will last for years to come.  T: I would like to emphasise what Bec said: Whilst working towards growing the brand in Australia we will continue to make products that are natural, well made and bring joy to the lives of our customers whilst being sustainable and with a continued focus on reducing our footprint on this amazing planet we call home. This is a journey that is a constant focus for us and one that we will continue to work on throughout the life of our journey as we can always improve.  

Hi Em! So glad to sit down and chat with you today. We started wholesaling to HERE (in fact, you were our first womenswear wholesaler) when Lily was at the helm - what made you take the plunge and take over the shop yourself?   Owning something myself has always been a goal of mine however the timing had never been quite right. When Lil took a step back to have her own family, it gave me such insight for what I knew I always wanted. Also It was also very important for me to show my children that doing what you love can come at any age.    Since the reopening of HERE in Feb, we've loved watching you develop and transform the store! You were working there with Lil for a time, so I'm sure your style was felt even then, but how have you made the shop your own? Working alongside Lil, I learned so much. Her approach to visual merchandising was very different to what I had experienced previously. Her commitment to Slow fashion and her paired back sense of style was something I admired and wanted to continue but with my stamp on it.  My focus is to stock Australian, independent labels that can be worn for women at any age & price point.   HERE trades five days a week (Tuesday - Saturday) which is so vastly different to the retail culture in Australia - as we've also cut down to five days to spend more time with family, what inspired HERE to take a 'less traditional' route to trading? Family has always been very important to me. Working the 5 days means I can still be involved in weekend sport and school functions. Growing up in a small town, I have always recognised the importance of the community around you    Your passion for supporting Australian designers can be felt from your shop, to your website, to your Instagram - where did this passion stem from? Have you always love Australian brands? I have been fortunate to travel and live in many places within Australia and abroad and I have always been inspired by and drawn to the creative side of fashion. I love finding beautiful pieces to become my wardrobe staples or special pieces in my home. Knowing the story behind how they came to be makes them even more special. Plus I think there is a higher level of craftsmanship for these pieces.  Increasingly people want to know the story and look for brands that practice sustainability. I love supporting smaller independent & local brands.   Friday Styling was one of our favourite ideas of yours, we loved watching them! HERE as a store has such an eclectic style, and you're always matching pieces together that create outfits we could only dream of - where does your love for fashion come from? I have loved clothes from a very early age, something my family will attest to!. I especially love how a well put together outfit makes you feel and how noustagic clothes can be. I am always so surprised at how many rules people have for clothes and feel way too much importance is placed on what size you should be. Clothes are an expression of who you are and you should have fun with it. My mother was always impeccably dressed and was very clever when it came to sewing and knitting. She often made clothes for us and still knit's for her grandchildren. She has always inspired me to think outside of 'labels' and wear what makes me feel good    Owning a small business while raising a family isn't easy, but it's so rewarding! How do you take time for yourself to fill your cup? It's not always smooth sailing that's for sure but I think it is so important to take the time for yourself. I have recently taken up painting and host a weekly art class in exchange for dinner & a glass of wine. It's been great for laughs. My daughter has also found a love of cooking which I have embraced. She has become proficient in meal planning and 'click & collect'. Plus it's okay to have lazy dinners and take the dog for a long walk instead.

Turning 10 is a big milestone, and we wouldn't be here without our wonderful community. To celebrate, every order placed between the 10th of May at 10AM to the 19th of May at 10AM will go into the running to win a 10 Piece Wardrobe - all you have to do is choose either a womens, or kids wardrobe! This new wardrobe will see you all the way through winter and into spring, with classic pieces that you'll love and wear for years to come. The 10 Piece Wardrobe (Either womens, kids and babies) will include your choice of: 1 x Cardigan 1 x Beanie 2 x Dresses/ or 2 x All-in-Ones (Baby) 2 x Jumper or Hoodies 2 x Pants or Leggings 2 x Tops The winner will be contacted via email, and announced on Instagram on the 20th of May - we're so excited for this giveaway and can't wait to see these pieces on the lucky winner! From the 10th of May at 10AM to the 19th of May at 10AM, get 20% off all Miann & Co products - no code needed, prices as marked - just add to cart! Thank you once again for all the love this past decade. All our love, Miann & Co x

This time last year, the whole of the world was in a very different place - learning how to cope with and navigate a global pandemic. It was also around this time last year that we sat down with our Creative Director to talk all things business and motherhood in the time of COVID - a year later, we sit down with Bec to see how things have changed.  Hi Bec - thank you for sitting down with me again! Since our last interview, so much has changed, both for Miann & Co and for Australia (and the world) as a whole. Reflecting on the past 12 months, how has life changed for you?  It really has changed in so many ways the biggest change for me personally has been my health – then being forced to and really learning how to slow down more. Taking more time to rest and self-care - which over the past 12 months was a tough challenge. Working in a small business was hectic – we probably worked more in 2020 than any other year. The pivot fatigue of 2020 was very real for all us.  You're an extremely hands on mum, seeing you with your children has taught me so much about what it is to be a mother and a caretaker - parenting during the pandemic, what were your biggest takeaways and how did it change your approach to motherhood? I know that there were many negatives to lockdown but slowing down with no sport or extracurricular activities gave us so much more family time - despite us also running the business. The breathing space in that regards was honestly so good for us. We went for bike rides almost every night and really prioritised that as a family. It would balance out the chaos of the day. Also, we have a larger age gap between our first two children and our third which was challenging with home-schooling but also so beneficial as it gave our daughter so much more time with her siblings and watching their bonds strengthened was honestly super special. Despite running a business and home-schooling through the pandemic, we had more family time and that is something I will always be grateful for.  Motherhood is a seriously broad term. With so many people having and experiencing so many different types of parenting, what does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood is everything to me I love and feel honoured to be a mother to three incredible individuals. For me, motherhood is supporting, guiding and loving unconditionally my three children on their life paths. In the past year we were incredibly lucky to experience a growth in the business that at the start of the pandemic we couldn't have foreseen. How was this growth for you, how did it impact your life? Growth is a Yin & Yang experience - its uncomfortable but also so, so reassuring that people are resonating with your business purpose. I also probably underestimated the community we have built over 10 years, so many incredible people wrapped us in love and support during the pandemic.  Everyone that took the time out to send kind messages and support, you will never understand the impact and resilience that gave us to keep going so thank you! With such a hectic year of freight delays, shipping madness and much more - has the pandemic changed your approach to designing and creating? Yes & no, we are having to work even further ahead than we ever have. Our design has always been very considered, from the impact that product has and also how it can be practical (tested) and also aesthetically beautiful.  I’ve also had to learn to be comfortable when you step out of the so called normal. In business you have to expect criticism. Learning that you cannot be everything to everyone was a very big lesson. The kids are now a year older, a year wiser and one of the youngest generations to live through a pandemic - how have they changed and grown, and what ways have they evolved over the past year? Our eldest has grown so much. We have seen incredible growth. He has matured beyond his years and seeing him work so independently through home-schooling – it really makes you so proud. Our middle child was diagnosed with some significant learning difficulties just before lockdown and letting him know that he had these challenges was life changing for him and us. Seeing him go through home-schooling also gave us a very deep insight into his everyday battle with learning and the system overall. We also saw how incredibly resourceful and resilient he can be, while learning in a system that doesn’t always allow for his differences and that makes us so, so proud.  Our youngest has grown to be more independent, but the greatest gift was the extra time she got to have with her two big brothers and developing and strengthening that sibling bond. The gift of that time, I am sure, will be looked back on fondly.  All three have grown so much and as a mother, could not be prouder. 

If you've followed us for a long time, you'll know that we're utterly obsessed with travel - it's our life blood, our bread and butter. It's what unites us as a family and our absolutely favourite thing to do together. When you find likeminded souls, like Kirianna Poole and her little family who run the stunning Instagram account: @rileys_travels it feels like everything is right in the world. Inspiring us with their travelling lifestyle while we're unable to at the moment, we sat down with Kiranna for a chat about what makes her family tick and their love for travel.   Hi Kirianna, thank you so much for sitting down with us today. As a family that loves to travel ourselves, we're so inspired by your content. On your blog, you site your Aunt as your biggest inspiration (not just in travel, but in life) and further went onto become a flight attendant - what was this experience like for you, what are your favourite memories from that time? Thank you so much for having me here! Oh, you are taking me back in time. I remember my Aunty Pauline clear as day. She was warm, kind and always smelt beautiful - Of course she would explain that with perfume from duty free. It captivated me entirely. My first trip overseas was in 1997, to Disney Land. My imagination went wild, I was expecting a village like the movie Aladdin. I saved and saved for months for our trip and boy was I excited. We flew to LA on a “jumbo jet” known then as a “747”. Back then they invited children up to the flight deck to say hi to the pilots and look around – that is when the seed was planted. I was fascinated and dedicated. By 18 I was a flight attendant and seeing the world, I was having the time of my life and soaked in every opportunity. It was a great way to see the world and grow.   You met your husband, Lockie, through travel as well (flight attendant and pilot love story - what a dream!) Before you started your family, how much travel did the two of you do together and where did you go? You obviously share the same passion for travel! Haha let the romance in! I met Lockie in 2012 and we were instantly obsessed with each other, even purchased a house in the first 2 months together, followed by many, many spontaneous adventures both far and near. We were living in New Zealand at the time popping to Australia to see his home and hotspots, then 5 weeks in Vietnam. We had so much fun. Lockie proposed in 2013 - the most romantic experience of my life. He sent me off on a photography refresh course around Queenstown while he sat perched on a jetty with Lake Tekapo as a backdrop and waited for me to arrive. I spotted a huge bunch of bright red roses, as I moved closer, he was on his knee ring in hand. We then moved to Tokyo mid 2013. Lachlan was moving onto a larger aircraft and a new airline. Tokyo was incredible and after an impressive training course, we started ticking off our bucket list seeing the world. Europe, Asia, and America. It was such a buzz we would often run to the airport and jump on any flight. It was a great thrill.   You fell pregnant with gorgeous Riley in 2015, how did that change your lives? How did you manage to keep travelling while pregnant, and with a newborn in tow? We were married in Sydney surrounded by our loved ones in November 2015 and Riley our ‘Mexican honeymoon baby’ was due in the August. We shared the news instantly. I had a wonderful pregnancy, still based in Japan and still travelling all the way to 37 weeks. We baby mooned in Portugal and Croatia soaking in the sun and our last weeks together before flying to Sydney for his arrival. It was the most euphoric and amazing labour – he stole our hearts instantly. At 4 weeks old we flew to New Zealand for my family to meet our joyful boy before heading to Port Douglas then onto Tokyo. Riley was a born traveller he was great in-flight, and we never had a reason to stop so we kept going visiting 34 countries by the time he was 1.   Since then, you've also added lovely Alba to your family. People tend to assume, at least with us, that travelling with kids makes you absolutely mad - but we wouldn't have it any other way. How have you found travelling with two kids? Alba joined us in 2019 while we were on our kombi lap of Australia. We finished when I was 36 weeks pregnant and I was labelled ‘mad’ while trekking the Emma Gorge at 35 weeks, followed by the shock of living in an old kombi. So, I guess she had a travelling soul too. When she arrived, Lachlan picked us up from the hospital a day old and drove us to the beach to sit and listen to the waves – it was perfect, our hearts full. By 3 months old Alba was on a plane for her world trip. Of course, Japan first. Then Turkey and onto Greece. She was amazing and rolled with it too. We felt very lucky that they both travelled so well. To be honest it’s all we know and all they know.   COVID hit our family hard, we usually love to be able to travel overseas at least once a year and I imagine it did much the same your family. How did you guys manage to pivot your love of travel to something more home-based? The world went into shock and I’m so sorry to hear your family had struggles – COVID clipped so many wings - sucked big time didn’t it. We struggled too, it was so hard to stay still. Lock returned home from Japan with the uncertainty of COVID, so we packed up our kombi when were out of lockdown and ventured through Queensland. I won’t lie, there are hard times, and the kids can push every single button but overall it bonded us, and those challenges makes us strong.   When you're in such close quarters with little ones and your husband it can sometimes be overwhelming, how do you manage to get a little time to yourself, and what are your favourite things to do to decompress on the road? I’ve definitely had my moments; we just need to communicate and arrange time to breathe alone, but to be fair it’s not often and it can feel weird to be apart. We have our surf and SUP boards with us and take time out on them when we feel overwhelmed. Even a solo walk to get a coffee can help with a bit of Zen. But my favourite way to release is to hit the play button on the tunes and cook. It’s my mediation and how I can completely unwind.   And finally, what are your top travelling tips with little ones? • Enjoy it, let go of the routine, schedules and say yes to messy hair and late dinners. • Toddlers love to help, give them a map and get them involved with places to see and explore. Let them help with packing, finding firewood or finding their seat on a plane. • Snacks, snacks and more snacks • Bath time to slow down. We don’t have set bedtimes, so we use a warm bath to relax and ignite relax time. • A children’s first aid kit is so handy, add kiddie band aids.

The brilliant and often exhausting reality of motherhood is that you’re constantly learning. As much as I thought I’d prepared for giving birth and caring for a baby – motherhood can often feel like you’ve been thrown into the trenches, battling a larger than life crying, pooping, peeing human. Don’t get me wrong, when you’re pregnant read as much as you can, watch as many videos as you can. Talk to people that you know will give you a true insight into motherhood – not your Grandmother who thinks that babies should only be breastfed for three months. It can never hurt to feel too over prepared. 1. Nothing truly good is ever easy Like all things that are worth it in life, it’s as hard as it is rewarding. Motherhood is messy and raw, and they’ll be days where you’ll wonder why you did this in the first place. Reality is there will be nights when the soothing technique you used earlier that day won’t work again, or days when you’ll be out with your baby and their poo explosion will go all over you too. But there’ll also be moments when your baby looks up at you with such pure happiness you’ll want to burst. When they’ll reach out for you because you’re the best thing in their tiny world. You’ve got this mama. 2. Take it slow This time goes so fast – I mean so fast. One second you have a newborn, then they’re crawling, eating solids, babbling and trying to pull themselves up on all the furniture in the house. It’s weird and strange, you’re in a newborn bubble and then you find yourself with a toddler. Live in the moment, take lots of photos and take it super slow. Even if you have multiple children, you only get this stage with that baby once. Don’t try to accomplish too much in that first year, just spend time together and soak it all in. Make time for yourself You can’t pour from an empty cup, no matter how desperately you try to just get something to drip from there. You’ll hear it from almost any woman, your care is as important as your baby’s. Let yourself come up for air, you'll thank yourself later.  4. You'll feel all the emotions, and that's okay They say in Melbourne you get four seasons in a day - motherhood is kind of like that with your emotions. Your body is going through a lot of changes - both hormonal and physical. You're adjusting to your new life, you've got a baby strapped to you most of the time and sometimes when they're crying... you just cry too. You may be happy in the morning, sad by lunch, angry at dinner and happy again when it's time for bed and that's normal, trust me. You'll probably feel so frustrated with all these emotions you're having, and that's normal too. If you experience persistent low moods, feelings of emptiness or emotionless this is a good indication you may have postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is more common than you would think, with it occurring in 1 in 9 mothers. We recommend visiting your doctor if symptoms persist for longer than 2 weeks. 5. Intuition is a real thing Everyone talks about Mother's Intuition, like it's some magical super power that you develop once you give birth. And it really is. You grew, carried and gave birth to another human - you know more about them than anyone else. If something feels wrong, have it checked out just incase - in most cases your intuition won't be wrong. Trust yourself, and let your intuition guide you where it needs to. 6. No one really know what they're doing The beauty of becoming an adult is discovering that no one actually has their stuff together, and no one actually knows what they're doing. Parenting is exactly the same. Because all humans are different, every single tiny human is different as well - no two babies are the same and there isn't a rule book for all this parenting stuff.  When you're in the thick of it - you haven't showered in a few days, there's cups of cold coffee on the table that you forgot to drink and the baby won't stop crying, try and find some comfort in knowing that no one else really knows what they're doing when it comes to being a parent either. And really, isn't that half of the fun? We'd love to know what lessons you learnt during the first year of motherhood! Leave them in the comments below. All our love, Miann & Co x

There's no time like Mother's Day to treat yourself to a beautiful outfit, and to match with your little one. Here are some of our favourite looks (and looks that aren't a one hundred percent match) to keep you looking oh so cute for the big day! Outfit 1 - The incredible @breedieckmann and her little ones matching in our Bobble Knit Cardigans Outfit 2 - (Eliza & Matilda - Beige Jumpsuit & Moss Dahlia) If complete matching outfits aren't your thing, you can always go similar tones with our Teddy Jumpsuit & our Dahlia Dress in Moss Gingham. Outfit 3 - You don't have to have anything match either! @ellabarba & her daughter look so cute and cosy in our knits. Outfit 4 - For an exact match, our Truffle Chloe Knit Pants and Rory Jumper are perfect for mum's wanting to match our new Knit Tracksets for babies and kids! Do you love matching outfits?