Please welcome Monique Hession, owner of Snuggle Hunny Kids. Snuggle Hunny Kids offers beautiful swaddles that serve as a deliciously cozy reminder to slooooow down. That those earliest days with our babies are about us and them. Not running errands, not engaging in our typical daily chaos, but quieting down and creating the time and space to just BE together. Being able to accept and acknowledge that having this slow time together is a gift and a time that is vital and that we can never get back. As if this wasn’t amazing enough, Snuggle Hunny Kids donates care packages of their swaddles monthly to underfunded NICUs all across Australia to breathe a little bit of light and love to families and babies that really need it. Read on to hear more from this special Mama.

Interview by Kacy Byxbee, editor, Your Zen Mama

Where are you from?

Sydney, Australia

Who is in your family, and how old are your kiddos?

My husband Thomas and 2 beautiful boys: Mason (5) Noah (3)

Occupation?

Mum. Boss. Wife. (usually goes in that order haha)

Can you tell us more about your background?

I completed a bachelor of commerce degree and worked for a chartered accounting firm for 13 years. Originally wanting to do journalism, I eventually found my way to my passion and creative side but quitting my corporate career and focusing on the idea of SHK.

I love the coziness of Snuggle Hunny Kids and it is fully in sync with one of my highest priorities: hygge. How did you come up with this idea?

When I had my first born son, I realised there was nothing in the market to fall in love with in way of swaddling and keeping my baby cosy in his wrap. My mum made me some gorgeous swaddles for Mason that I loved and adored and brought some beauty into this functional but huge part of my babies life. He slept a lot, and he and I found so much comfort in him being wrapped. I wanted others to feel the way it made me feel. Snuggle Hunny Kids grew into a brand all on its own because it offers happiness and comfort, beauty and charm for mum and bub. Our community was built around motherhood and experiencing this journey together. Enjoying the simple things motherhood brings us and slowing down and capturing these precious moments.

I am really moved by your amazing philanthropic mission, can you tell us more about it?

I’ve always wanted to give back but never knew how to do this with my brand until some time ago I would start getting mums in our community message us about their time in NICU and how their jersey/muslin wraps brought them so much joy and happiness in such a time of need. We didn’t realise how much of a big part we played in their journey. As our customers pack their hospital bags with their very first outfits they often have a very definite idea of what the whole experience will look like. When you suddenly end up in NICU, the carefully chosen outfits go unworn as they battle it out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). They can, however, use their swaddle wraps as baby nests and to keep under or over baby. I never realised how our products could have such an effect like this, but in a sterile and underfunded environment, we heard how much joy it brought to these little patients and families. Once I realised how much of an impact it made, I put a call out to all nurses from Neo Natal Intensive Care Units and asked how their units worked. They ALL said there is no funding and they use old and worn out wraps and blankets for their baby nests and how they desperately needed new linen. So that was it. From that day forward we started sending our monthly care package to NICUs around the country to bring some light and extra love into these hard working units and continue to do so.

How have things changed with your partner after beaming parents?

It’s like night and day. The role of being a mother is a 24/7 job, add the running of the house and running of a business and it’s safe to say we get little time to connect on a level that doesn’t involve kids or work. However, we do work as a team and try to make time for each other where we can, we pencil in date nights, whether it be dinner at our favorite restaurant or a movie in at home once the kids are down. When we can’t, we are very present for each other and offer comfort and loving actions like making a hot cup of tea after a long day.

What are you reading?

Just started reading The Lavender Keeper by Fiona McIntosh

Where do you feel most inspired?

When I’m travelling with my family, away from the business, is where most of my ideas stem. Strangely enough, also in the shower away from the world.

How do you manage stress?

I train at the gym 4 times a week for physical and mental stress relief. I also practice gratitude daily.

How do you maintain balance with work, a partner, kids, and yourself? Any tricks?

I think what I have learnt lately is that striving for balance actually creates more pressure. So I have realised that it’s ok not to have balance sometimes and when its good enjoy it and when it’s chaotic, ride it until you feel on track again. Gratitude helps me be present and when I am in a downward spiral I remind myself that this is only temporarily.

What are you watching right now?

I am a reality TV junkie. It allows me to numb my brain for a while.

What does self-care mean and look like for you? What do you do for yourself?

Self care is so important, and as a mother who always puts myself last I have taught myself to really allow myself to have some me time where I can. I go get a massage for an hour to zen out, go to the gym to look after myself. I catch up with my girlfriends to have some girly and adult time.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

BE PRESENT. Be in the moment. It’s the key to everything.

What advice do you have for new mothers?

As a first time mother, try not to sweat the small stuff as it can consume you. Know that each phase is only temporary and the hard times do pass. Right now, all they want is you and one day, all we will want is them. Cherish those younger years.

What are 4 things you can't live without?

1. My family (husband, 2 boys & my mum)

2. A hot cup of tea

3. Warm weather

4. My phone

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Folks We Love with Monique Hession | owner, Snuggle Hunny Kids