As another year draws to a close, I’ve vowed to consciously seek ‘Mama time’.
Allowing myself the space (mentally & physically) to unwind and rejuvenate. Remove myself from the chaos, reclaim a little femininity. Trial some new health & beauty regimes, embrace the flicker of a candle, some at home treatments. I’m calling it ‘a little more Bec, a little less Mum’.
I’m starting in the bedroom (but not what you’re thinking…).
In recent years my PJ’s haven’t been as ‘fabulous’ as my pre-kid collection. Definitely an area of my wardrobe I let slip (massively). My breastfeeding days are well & truly over and I’m now convinced wearing a little something special to end and start my day has put a spring in my step. Bed-head aside, I’ve been waking up feeling quite pleased with myself. Hubby is happy to have his oversized Tshirt collection back too! It’s a win win.
Add my growing collection of natural candles, body scrubs and ‘happy’ teas, I feel like I’m making excellent progress. My new sleepwear amazingness is courtesy of the beautiful ‘Papinelle’. Think dreamy silks & soft florals, sweetly feminine yet practical. Classic styling with a little french influence. Just divine.
I caught up with the lovely Renae, founder of the brand to learn more about her growing collection of products. I’m always intrigued by the awesome creative Mama’s out there – the jugglers. Those inspiring women channeling their passion into a sustainable business idea.
So Renae, how did Papinelle come about?
I’ve always loved print design and in particular feminine florals, they just leant themselves to sleepwear so well. I also felt at the time when I started that sleepwear designs on the market where either too masculine (like plaid flannel PJ’s) or too sexy so I just wanted something feminine, comfortable and timeless for women to wear.
What do you most enjoy; the creative or business side of the brand?
I honestly love both, I think if I had to be creative 100% of the time it would become a struggle so I love that I get to do both. My two favourite parts of what I do are seeing our designs come to life and our customers reactions to them and also seeing the business grow.
Have you always known that you’re a creative type?
It’s probably more that I’ve always known I would be an entrepreneur and my creative side led me down this path. Even as a little girl I was trying to start businesses and think up ways to make money! My dad used to own a service station and my brother and I had to wash windscreens for customers until we made enough money to go tenpin bowling.
Papinelle is a cherished and treasured sleepwear brand- did you always feel that the business was going to be this popular?
I’ve always hoped that people would love Papinelle the way I do and I’ve been so blessed to have such loyal and devoted customers who have supported us along the way. However, my goal is always bigger than where I am at that moment so I never sit back and think ‘it’s doing so well, it’s so popular’ because there are still so many people who have never come across our brand and I feel we have so much more we can accomplish. I am however so pleased with the journey so far and can’t wait to see where the next few years takes us!
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I always love starting a new collection with a trip overseas, travel gives me the time to put the pencil down and take a look at what is happening in the world in regards to colour, styles, direction, print etc. I always feel so inspired when I travel and always come home with my mind brimming with ideas.
What is your personal style in home and fashion?
I love timeless, classic pieces in both my home and my wardrobe. I’d much rather save up for an amazing statement lamp and have the lounge room bare up until I get it! The same with handbags and watches, they can make an outfit so I’ll wait until I get the one I love. Right now I coveting the Hermes Apple Watch, a little bit of jewellery and a little bit of technology. I also love fresh flowers, they add a feminine fresh touch to any home.
If you were to go on holiday and pack three pieces from the Papinelle collection what would they be?
Oh that’s easy, a great pair of PJ’s from Papinelle- my personal favourite is the Liberty Blue Papinelle eye mask for the flight and the Cosmetic Back in Chevron Pink for travel.
How do you juggle being a Mother and business woman?
Oh not at all! The word juggle is correct, you just try and keep all the balls in the air and hope nothing drops! Sometimes I feel like I’m being pulled from pillar to post but the up side is that I wouldn’t change either for the world.
Three things you do after work to unwind?
Have a bath, have a wine and cook! I create a pretty little setting with the Papinelle Rose Soap, Peach and Champagne Soy Candle and the Yoshi Striped towel. OMG I’m ready to run the tub!
I’m with you Renae, how good is a warm bath!! Another one of life’s simple pleasures. Love the story behind the brand, the Mama’s deserve some R&R. Be sure to check out Papinelles’ growing collection, available online here or stop by one of their gorgeous stores in Paddington, Leura & Chatswood Chase – a total experience for the senses. See a sneak peak below.
