Hi, I’m Hannah Hobbs. I’m married to Jarad, and we have three wild and wonderful kids — our son Jax (8), our daughter Jericho (6), and our little tornado boy Joa (18 months). This week, Jarad and I are celebrating 16 years of marriage — which feels like a lifetime and five minutes all at once.
I actually grew up in the Sutherland Shire but have called the eastern suburbs home for the last decade. We moved to Botany in August 2019, just a few months before the world turned upside down — and we’ve absolutely loved being part of this community.
Jarad is the founder of a business called Joy in Movement — or as we affectionately call it, J.I.M. Towards the end of last year, I decided to take a leap of faith and become a franchisee of J.I.M., opening my own studio in Botany. It felt like the right time to step into something new and meaningful, andI feel proud to be the owner of a business that is helping people prioritise their health and wellbeing. . J.I.M is a fully automated infrared fitness studio. We run 30 minute workouts in 40 degree infrared heat.
I’m also a musician — specifically, a songwriter — and have spent the last 20 years writing faith-based congregational music (think songs that churches sing together). My first love is the guitar, and I feel most at home when writing lyrics and melodies that help people connect to something bigger than themselves. Writing songs not something I take for granted — the songs I’ve written are sung in churches by countless people all around the world every weekend, and that’s incredibly special to me.
Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s East?
We’ve lived in Botany for the past six and a half years.
Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?
Parks. Traffic. Sunshine.
How many children?
Three beautiful little humans.
Favourite park?
This is a tie! We love the newly developed Sir Joseph Banks Park in Botany — it’s walking distance from home and the upgrade was well worth the wait. But we also adore Inglis Park in Randwick (very close to Messina — always a bonus!). Our kids are obsessed with it. I, however, went down the big slide once and have never been the same since.
Favourite beach?
Yarra Bay! It’s quieter than most, close to home, and perfect for a family day out. The kids can swim and run wild while we keep an eye on them from the sand.
Favourite kid-friendly café?
We really enjoy heading to Leafco Café in Pagewood — it’s right next to a park, so we can sip coffee while the kids run between the playground and our table. No roads to cross, just good food and free-range children. Bliss.
Favourite coffee spot?
Panivore in Pagewood — 10/10 coffee, friendly staff, parking out front, and excellent food. It’s my go-to on the school run and feels like a little reward for making it out the door with everyone (mostly) dressed.
Favourite date night spot?
We are big fans of Italian food, and Di Mario in Rosebery is one of our absolute faves. The pizza is next-level, the vibe is cozy, and we always leave feeling full and happy.
Where in the east would you love to explore more?
Centennial Park. I know that sounds obvious, but I feel like we haven’t scratched the surface. Every time I’m there, I think — this is magic. It’s like stepping into another world, and I’d love to spend more time wandering its trails with the family.
What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?
Do I even need to say it? Traffic. But honestly, I’d love to see a beautiful independent bookstore in the east — the kind of place you can get lost in for an hour, with a little café tucked inside. Reading is one of my favourite things to do, and I always wish there was a great local bookshop I could disappear into.
Favourite local shop?
Croquembouche Patisserie in Botany — hands down! The most delicious pastries and profiteroles (seriously, life-changing), and the coffee is great too. Yes, it’s technically a café… but I can’t stay away.
Favourite wet weather activity?
A trip to the movies at the Entertainment Quarter. The seats are comfy, the popcorn is essential, and it’s a nice little change from the usual chaos.
Favourite local family weekend activity?
We’re a soccer family! Our local club is Pagewood (Jellicoe Park), and we love the friendly community vibe.
Do you work or are you a stay-at-home mum?
Both! I own and run J.I.M. Botany, write songs for a living, and am also very hands-on with the kids’ day-to-day life — school runs, homework, home learning… the works. It’s a juggle, but it’s ours.
Motherly advice?
Take care of yourself. Honestly — fuel your tank, find things that refresh you, do what fills your cup. When you feel like yourself, you parent from a place of overflow rather than burnout. And let’s be real — motherhood asks a lot. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re doing something for you too.
Follow Along:
Personal Instagram: @hannahhobbs
Business Instagram: (J.I.M. Botany): @j.i.m_botany
For more local mum interviews visit: www.easternsuburbsmums.com.au
