Hi! I’m Dana, Founder of Rugabub Play Mats and Co-Founder of Little Myrtle. I’ve lived and worked across the world, including 4 years connecting with remote indigenous communities and nature. This lifestyle taught me the value of home – that special place where you feel safe, happy, and at ease.
I always wanted to be a mum. My husband wasn’t ready for a while, but when we finally decided to try, we were thrilled to fall pregnant quickly. However, our journey was filled with heartbreak. After my first miscarriage at 19 weeks, I felt isolated, questioning what I’d done wrong. More miscarriages followed, each one deepening my grief. After a traumatic experience in the Torres Strait, I lost hope. Then, up in the Kimberley, I discovered I was pregnant again. This time, I knew I would become a mother. We moved to Sydney for medical support, and I worked up until a week before giving birth to our son, Jon Jon.
When COVID hit, my husband lost his job flying helicopters, and we shifted into survival mode, renting a small flat in Bondi. I didn’t want to leave Jon Jon to go back to work, but I felt that I needed to. Together, we found a way for me to stay home. We also struggled to find a play mat that was stylish, practical, and safe for both kids and adults. After years of research, we designed one! That’s how Rugabub came to be – eco-friendly, durable, and designed for modern homes.
Rugabub has grown into a community and a reflection of our values, supporting other parents and focusing on sustainability. We later launched Little Myrtle, offering organic bedding made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, with timeless designs and affordable luxury for little ones.
Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?
I have lived in Sydney’s East for almost 14 years (excluding the 4 years we were working up in North Australia).
Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?
Scenic, vibrant, and chilled.
How many children?
One, for now. Since Jon Jon, I’ve been pregnant five more times, endured an ectopic pregnancy, and tried IVF without success. Following these disappointments, we sought a second opinion and found Dr Simon Nothman from Genea. His approach has given us a sense of comfort and care that had been missing in our previous experiences. Dr Nothman takes the time to answer our questions and explain every detail of the process. We’re now starting a new cycle, and while I’m nervous, I trust that what’s meant to be will be.
Favourite Park?
I love Mark’s Park in Tamarama.
Favourite Beach?
Tamarama Beach
Favourite kids friendly cafe?
My little one has never liked going to Café’s… He always wants to be out and about. It is always a takeaway coffee to the beach.
Favourite Coffee Spot?
SHUK and Lox in A Box
Favourite date night place?
A sneaky night swim at Bronte Beach Pool (shhhhh) and just chilling under the rocks (like our first date).
Where in the east have you yet to explore and would like to go?
I haven’t explored Little Bay much and would love to explore it a bit more.
What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?
Traffic in the mornings, even though we do ride bicycles now everywhere and it has been a gamechanger. More bike lanes, please.
Favourite Local Shop?
The Health Emporium.
Favourite wet weather location?
Gertude & Alice. Great coffee and you can grab a book to read.
Favourite Local family Weekend Activity?
We absolutely love the vibe at the Bondi Markets and hang out there almost every weekend in the morning.
Work or SAHM?
Own Rugabub Play Mats and Little Myrtle.
Motherly advice?
No matter what hopes, wishes, or intentions you may have, your child doesn’t directly experience those intentions—they experience the parenting itself.
Actions speak louder than thoughts or intentions. Parent with mindfulness, understanding that we are the most significant influence our children will encounter in their lives. Be present no matter how much work you have. Tell them how much you love them every single day.
