Mothers in the Hood - An Interview with Olivia Hewetson

Mothers in the Hood - An Intro

A big part of the ‘why’ behind Claxton+Co. is our desire to encourage mums to remember who they are. To help them rediscover themselves, while embracing all that motherhood brings. To remind them that being a mum isn’t the end of their identity, it’s a part of it. 

In this series, Mothers in the Hood (MITH), I will be interviewing women from all walks of life and getting their take on motherhood, making time for themselves and finding the elusive mum/life balance. I hope this look at another mummas life will inspire and uplift you in some way, big or small.

Olivia Hewetson

IG: olivia_hewetson 

A fellow boy mumma to Beau (3) and Leo (16 months), and stepmum to Christian (13), Olivia is a stay at home mum with a huge heart and big dreams. As well a raising her babies, Olivia advocates for, and raises awareness about Achondroplasia, and shares her every day life with her loyal followers.

What does an average day look like for you?

Every day is different. I do an early morning gym class 2-3 times a week. Beau is at kindy Monday, Tuesday and Thursday so I use those days to get any admin and housework done. I’ll often catch up with a girlfriend on one or two of those days or go for a walk around the lake near our house. On Wednesday’s I have both boys so I try to do something fun with them. We will often go to the beach or a park, anything that tires them out is good! Leo will be starting daycare soon so that will give me two whole days to myself. I don’t know what I’ll do with that time yet but I’m looking forward to a bit of time for myself! 

If you were working before becoming a mum, how did you find the transition from working life to mum life?

I was working in the corporate world in Auckland before Beau came along. I sold advertising on billboards around the country. It was busy and social and involved a bit of travel but I loved my job and everything that it offered. Once Beau arrived, I realised pretty quickly that as much as I loved the industry I was in, I didn’t miss my working life. I was so happy being a new mum, I felt like I was made for the job.

Are there any opportunities that have come your way since becoming a mum, that may not have otherwise? 

When Beau was born life was busy, we had a new born, we were planning our wedding and we also decided to start working on a little side project. My husband publishes a fishing magazine so we decided to create a local lifestyle magazine to be distributed to households and businesses throughout the Bay of Plenty. It was an opportunity for me to get creative and push myself out of my comfort zone. I enjoyed the project but unfortunately the timing wasn’t right so it didn’t last as long as we would have liked. Maybe something we can pick up again later on. Also, this amazing community of mums on social media is something that I feel pretty privileged to be a part of. I’ve met some amazing people and worked with some incredible businesses. None of which I would have met had I not become a mum. 

Do you take time out for yourself/to pursue your own dreams?  

I wish I could say that I did, but it’s something that I need to work on. First of all, I’d really like to find the time to figure out exactly what my dreams are. I know there is so much more that I want to be other than just “mum”. Once I’ve figured it out and have some goals set, then I will work on achieving them and chasing that dream. 

What are your top tips for rediscovering/sustaining ‘you’ in amongst motherhood?

Don’t forget the person you were before you became “mum”. If you used to love going to gym classes, make sure you find time to do that. If you were quite partial to getting your nails done, then schedule an appointment every now and then. Me time is important, and it really helps to fill up your cup.