Monday's local mum Archives

Monday’s local mum, Carli Skurnik

November 3, 2025

This week we’re chatting with Carli Skurnik, a long-time Eastern Suburbs local and mum of two boys, aged 11 and 13. Carli has called the East home since 1998 and now lives in beautiful Bellevue Hill, where she juggles family life with running her own business, One Buyers Agency. From coffee at Shuk in North Bondi to beach days at Bondi and lazy movie afternoons when it’s raining, Carli shares what she loves most about life in the East, her favourite local spots, and some honest reflections on the realities of being a working mum. Read more about our chat…

by jay

Monday's Mum Profiles

Monday’s local Mum, Priscillia Kowalski

October 13, 2025

Hello! I’m Priscillia, originally from France. I grew up in a small village near Lyon, where sometimes school was cancelled because there was too much snow! It didn’t happen often, but it did happen. You know how in Australia we have ice cream trucks driving around and stopping to sell ice creams? Well, where I grew up, ice cream trucks weren’t a thing – we had a cheese truck that came around our town and parked right in front of our house. We’d all go out to buy fresh cheese, cream, and butter. That probably tells you how small and…

by jay

Monday's Mum Profiles

Monday’s Local Mum, Devyn Marano

September 15, 2025

Hi mamas! I was born in Texas, worked in LA, and now I’m living with my husband and raising our 3 bubs here in Coogee. I enjoy spending time with my family on the beach or at a park, I’m passionate about fitness and reading fiction, I love to try new foods and restaurants, and I’ve recently launched a mum walk group for new mums to meet and connect, especially if they’re an ex-pat like me. Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east? I moved to Coogee in 2020, at the height of the pandemic and in…

by jay

Monday's Mum Profiles

Monday’s Local Mum, Eftihia Vlachos

August 25, 2025

Born and raised in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, 36yo proud single mum to a 3-month-old baby boy born 11 March 2025. I fell pregnant naturally and while the baby’s father chose not to be involved, I chose to proceed with the pregnancy as I always knew I wanted kids so there wasn’t any doubt in my mind that I wanted my baby boy. I’m lucky to be supported by my loving single mum who has always been a positive influence in my life and she is now a proud grandmother to my son. Some days do have its challenges as a…

by jay

Monday's Mum Profiles

Monday’s Local Mum, Yasmin Davis

August 18, 2025

Hi Mamas! My name is Yasmin and I’m a mum of two living in Maroubra. After finishing school, I studied a Bachelor of Primary Education and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a focus on Germany. This part of my degree sent to Germany for an exchange year where I met my husband in the lovely little town of Tübingen. After returning to Australia and finishing my degree, we moved back to Tübingen for five years. During this time, I learnt to speak German fairly fluently, taught at a bilingual school and our oldest child was born. We moved…

by jay

Monday's Mum Profiles

Monday’s Local Mum, Karolina Vilar

April 14, 2025

Hi, I’m Karolina! I was born in Poland, but Sydney has been my home for over 20 years now. Moving to Australia was the most challenging yet rewarding decision I’ve ever made, giving me the chance to build a life here and offer my daughter the opportunity to grow up in a country full of possibilities. For the last three years, I’ve dedicated my life to our family, cherishing those precious early moments with my little daughter Milla while supporting my husband in running his business. It’s been a journey full of challenges, but I wouldn’t change it for anything….

by jay

Monday's Mum Profiles

Monday’s Local Mum, Hannah Hobbs

April 7, 2025

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…

by jay

Monday's Mum Profiles

Monday’s Local Mum, Lauren Deacon

March 3, 2025

Hi, my name is Lauren. I am a passionate advocate for health and wellness, a journey I’ve been on since I was 18. As the owner of Bronte Wellness, I’ve balanced running my own business with the joys of raising three active and curious children alongside my husband and our German Shepherd, Maya. My experience has taught me resilience, adaptability and the importance of meaningful connections – qualities I bring into everything I do. I love community spirit and always love getting involved wherever I can. Most importantly, I love empowering others, especially women, in creating a holistic, balanced and full…

by jay

Monday's Mum Profiles

Monday’s Local Mum, Viyanna Leo

January 27, 2025

My name is Viyanna, and I am a proud mum to an energetic 2-year-old boy named Leo. My husband Michael is a veterinarian, and our story began when I brought my giant dog, Quincy, to his clinic. Professionally, I am a zoologist with extensive experience working across Africa, South America, and Australia. For nine years, I contributed to wildlife reintroductions into National Parks through my role at an NGO, a career that has been both fulfilling and inspiring. Becoming a mother brought a profound shift in my lifestyle and priorities. While I cherished my new role, I also found it…

by jay

Monday's Mum Profiles

Monday’s Local Mum, Carolina Gallo

December 8, 2024

Life is a busy mix of nappies, household duties, business, and family right now, and I wouldn’t change a thing! I’m Carolina, originally from Colombia, I’ve built a wonderful life here with my husband, who hails from England and has a rich mix of Filipino and Cypriot heritage. Together, we’re raising two amazing children who keep us on our toes but also fill our lives with laughter and joy. When I’m not juggling the demands of family life, I’m immersed in my passion for flowers @bycocoon. I ran a floral business for several years, but in recent times, I’ve been…

by jay