Muse of the Month: Hayley Parker
I believe life is ours to create. What you do today will create your tomorrow. For me motherhood has given me the perspective of life as a human. I realise and understand that life is short, that you never know what is around the corner, but to live your best life now because now is all we have. Yes you can have visions and plans for the future but make sure you are living in the present moment with your children/family/loved ones as those are the moments you will never get back. Sip that coffee/hot choc/tea slowly and take in the aroma, cuddle your child a little tighter and a little bit longer, say thank you more often, dance, sing, and emanate gratitude.
Name: Hayley Parker
Occupation/Title: Mother, Model, Blogger
Can you walk us through a day in the life of your fabulous self:
My days vary a lot depending on what is happening in terms of my work and if my partner is on his time off but generally my day starts at 6.00am. I try to get up before my son (toddler) gets up, check my emails and do whatever needs to be done in terms of the blog/social media and writing out my to daily do list. I try to always make time for my morning gratitude, so when having my first cup of tea I am usually writing in my gratitude journal or if some inspiration has popped up in my head overnight I also write it down. Then my son will wake and I prepare us a healthy breakfast before heading out for our morning stroll.
When my son goes down for his nap around 11am I am back to the computer working on my blog, finding inspiration, researching, attending client emails and doing general house duties. I may be working on a shoot or sourcing an outfit for my next blog post while strategising and creating my next project or collaboration.
Around 6pm my son and I have dinner following a story together and a play in his toy room. Then it’s bath time – my favourite as he is so happy in the tub!
Around 8pm my son will head off to sleep and I have some ‘me’ time where I will finish off the days work on the computer and schedule my social media posts then relax with a good movie/book before bed. If my partner is home, we usually cook together – there is always fun in the kitchen when dads home!
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Driven. Loving. Optimistic.
What makes you come alive?
Playing with my son, music, a good rom-com, travelling, photography.
What makes you feel vulnerable?
Starting my blog and putting myself out there without knowing exactly where I was going made me feel vulnerable but it continually makes me push and stretch myself. Also, when I became a mother it suddenly hit me that I couldn’t stop time, that this ‘precious gift’ will also grow up. That makes me feel a sense of vulnerability.
How does your work reflect you?
My work is a reflection of my combined loves: photography, fashion and capturing the moments in time with my family. I wanted a business that I could incorporate my son in so that he is always apart of my work and motivation. I want to inspire other women & mothers that you can have a career and the family life. It just takes organisation, commitment and maybe a little less sleep. 🙂
What is your latest project?
My latest project is collaborating with fashion brands for women and children on my blog and I also have some overseas travel in the works. I would like to see my blog become international. I am very blessed to have access to work the US so I am wanting to expand the opportunities over there.
How did you make the dream a reality?
A friend actually gave me the idea of starting a blog and from there I got really clear on what I wanted my life to look like and what I wanted my blog to represent. I started with the first step, then the second, then the third and it spiralled from there. By giving the dream some momentum in terms of putting it out into the world bit by bit, opportunities came to me in more ways than one. Starting my blog forced me to become the best version of me, the person I wanted to be, because I was now showing the world who I was through images.
Can you share a Stella lesson learned along the way?
I learnt very early that not everyone will be supportive of your dream/success, but to not let that deter you from your end goal. At the end of the day I wholeheartedly believe we all have one life and we create our own reality. So pushing and stretching yourself, getting out of your comfort zone is not for everyone but it surely is the best way to move forward with your dream.
What was a Stella moment of your career?
I have had two Stella moments actually in the past 6 months. I walked the runway for Chanel and I was chosen as one of the top 24 finalists on ‘The Face Australia’ with Naomi Campbell. Meeting Supermodel Naomi Campbell as well as Nicole Trunfio and Cheyenne Tozzi was definitely a career highlight! I loved the entire experience of filming a reality TV show and being in the presence of these women. Learning from them was a dream come true.
Do you have a favourite morning ritual?
I love my mornings with my son, eating breakfast together and our morning strolls. Writing in my gratitude journal every morning to set my mood for the day and enjoying my smoothies, jam-packed with superfoods!
What is your go to ‘inspiration’ piece?
Gosh I have so many, but I listen to this ‘Dream’ YouTube video weekly and when I’m in need of inspiration to keep going!
Who is your greatest Muse and why?
My greatest Muse would have to be Audrey Hepburn. She lived a full life being a mother, a philanthropist, an actress, a wife and even in her last days she continued to give her time to philanthropy by giving back to the world. So much love for her!
Can you share a Stella tip from your journey so far?
Find what makes you come alive and go do that. Every woman has a story and every woman can contribute something special. Be proud to be a woman, love your body – every inch of it, and most of all strive to be the very best version of you.
What encouragement and wisdom would you tell your aspiring younger self with the experience you have now?
DREAM BIG and don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do, be or have, because anything is possible. Even when you can’t see how the dream will happen, even if it seems so far out of reach, just get started, take the first step and a way will be made. Build the momentum and opportunities will come.
What can’t you live without?
My son (of course), chocolate, Jurlique Calendula Cream and a good laugh!
