Every mother’s love is different.
United by love, connection, and care, our campaign profiles three women and the
relationships that shape their lives.
THE Ghorayeb FAMILY
Phoebe, Valentina, Siddy + Zaki
Model Phoebe Ghorayeb shares three children with her photographer husband, Georges
Antoni,
who shot our Mother’s Day campaign. Their household is full of life, imagination, and big ideas.
Q: How do you encourage your kids’ creativity?
The biggest thing is just to roll with it. Valentina will come up with these
really out-there ideas: yesterday she said she wanted to build a car. It’s just about allowing their
imaginations to go where they need to go and not worrying about the mess. I love a tidy house, but
if you
want creative kids you have to let that go. They need the freedom to express themselves.
Q: Tell us WHAT’S SHAPED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON BEING A PARENT.
I had open heart surgery in September 2022, which was only three months after our
youngest was born. I was born with multiple heart defects, and holes in the heart, and both my
valves weren’t working. I feel like I have a lot more patience as a result. That day of the surgery
could have been the last time I saw them – I know life is so short and precious. I really try to
understand them and where they’re coming from. When you become a parent you’re scared to die, not
for
yourself but for the impact it will have on them. My outlook on life hasn’t changed that much, but
how I respond to my children has. I think, if I were to go tomorrow, how would they remember me?
What impression have I left? I want them to remember me as a mum that cared.
Q: What’s your parenting style?
Every day is so different, each child is so different, so you have to cater your
parenting to fit them. Valentina is very passionate and has very strong opinions – you need to give
her time to talk things out. Whereas Siddy is very blasé; you ask her to do something and she does
it. With Valentina it’s a big discussion every time. You have these ideas of how you want to be as a
parent, but once those kids are home with you, it goes out the window. Your foundation as a parent
is just based on being a good, kind person.
“Every day is so different, each child is so different, so you have to cater your
parenting to fit them.”
THE Harris FAMILY
Sam + Myrna
Indigenous model and charity ambassador Sam Harris shares a beautiful bond with
her mum,
Myrna Davison. It’s about easy time together, reflecting on their shared culture and connection to
Country.
Q: What are some of your favourite memories of your mum from when you were
growing up?
When I was much younger I’d go with Mum, my grandma, and my brothers down to this
really secluded beach and we’d get pipis, those little saltwater clams, you dig them up along the
water line. When we had enough, we’d head home and Mum would make a pipi curry. It was just nice
having that time together.
Q: How would you describe your relationship now? What do you like to do
together?
It’s a friendship – she’ll always be my mum, but now we have this different
dynamic and we’re so silly together. She’ll come down to Sydney every now and again, we just tend to
go out for lunches, hang out at the house with a wine, and enjoy each other’s company. I’ll still
ring her and ask for advice.
Q: You’ve always been so proud of your Indigenous heritage - is that a point of
connection with your mum?
It is, yeah. Being here in the Southern Highlands, it’s so beautiful and Mum
loves looking at the country, all the different trees and seeing the kangaroos in the morning. It’s
amazing to think about how thousands of years ago, our people were here on the same land. It’s our
culture, it makes it so much more special. A few years ago, we went to the Kimberly with World
Vision, who I’m an ambassador for, to see their work in remote communities. Mum was the star of the
show – she made friends there she still speaks to now.
Q: What have you learned from your mum that you bring with you to your work?
I’ve been in the modelling industry for 20 years now and I’m so grateful – I
really love my work. But my mum would always say, “Don’t forget where you come from.” When I’m home
I’m just me. I live the best of both worlds which is really nice.
THE WATERHOUSE FAMILY
Kate, Sophia + Grace
Kate Waterhouse is a fashion journalist and children’s book author. She has two
daughters, Sophia and Grace, and lives in Sydney, where they enjoy a vibrant, active family life.
Q:Tell us about your CHILDREN’S books - what do you want young readers to take
from them?
My children’s books, Sophia the Show Pony and Gracie the Princess
Pony, are all
about instilling confidence and self-belief in young readers. The stories are fun and playful, and I
hope children learn the importance of believing in themselves and embracing their unique
qualities.
Q: How would you describe your extended family? How do you all keep in
touch?
My extended family is quite close-knit. My brother and his wife, Hoda, live
really close by with their three lovely children, Rose, Will, and Layla. We spend a lot of time
together at the beach and at each other’s houses, and our children, who are all close in age, get
along really well. We’re very lucky to have my parents' farm where we gather, especially during
holidays, for quality family time.
Q: What will Mother’s Day look like at your house?
Mother’s Day at our house usually begins with breakfast in bed, lovingly prepared
by my daughters. I cherish the handmade cards, hugs, and kisses the most. Later, we'll have lunch
with my mum and make sure she feels loved and appreciated. It’s a really special day.
Q: What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about parenting from your own mum?
It would have to be her kindness and nurturing nature. She also taught us
responsibility and independence from a young age, qualities I strive to instill in my children as
well. One of my favourite childhood memories of my mum revolves around her comforting presence.
Whether it was cuddles and kisses when I was upset or feeling unwell, knowing I could always turn to
her for comfort and support made a lasting impact on me. I want my own girls to have that same
feeling of safety and love.
“I hope children learn the importance of believing in themselves and embracing their unique
qualities.”
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OCTOBER 2022