In Conversation with Emily Gillis

Photography by Bobby Clark Studio

Today we visit Emily Gillis in her inner-city Melbourne home. Emily is an Interior Designer and product designer. The spaces and forms she designs have a soft and ethereal feeling to them, much like her. There is a timelessness to Emily paired with a warmth and kindness that she exudes. Emily sat down and spoke to us about being a first-time mother, the highs and the lows of going back to the realm of work, and her general flow of life since welcoming her daughter to her life.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, the home you live in, and who you share it with?
I reside in the leafy inner city suburb, Northcote, with my husband, Ed, our lively 10-month-old daughter, Gigi, and our regal 11-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, Henry. Our charming weatherboard Victorian-era home, recently touched up with some light renovations, is nestled near the end of a street that leads to the picturesque Merri Creek.

Do you have any rituals or rhythms that you incorporate into your daily life to boost your wellbeing? - either personally, or ones which involve Gigi or Ed?
I start my day with early morning exercise, setting a positive tone for the day and boosting my energy level. I then have breakfast with Gigi, often boiled eggs, which is a routine that brings joy and boosts serotonin levels. Ed and I share a love for reading, making it a nightly ritual to unwind in bed.

You run your own interior design studio, how did you feel about going back to work after maternity leave? And how have you found juggling your business with being a new mother?
Returning to work after maternity leave was a surprising desire that surfaced around 6 weeks in. To maintain a connection with my business, I started with 1-2 days a week. Juggling both roles has been challenging, but with the support of Ed and my mum Ingrid, who have been instrumental caretakers for Gigi, I've managed to strike a balance.

How has motherhood changed your relationship to yourself and others?
Motherhood has brought about a greater sense of forgiveness, both towards myself and others. It sounds cheesy, but recognizing the simple moments are what matters, like babbling on the floor with Gigi, has shifted my perspective. It has also fostered a deeper appreciation for the challenges parents face and a newfound understanding of my parents.

Can you tell us a little bit about your breastfeeding experience with Gigi so far? How has breastfeeding Gigi impacted your life?
Breastfeeding Gigi until she was 6 months old had its challenges, initially dealing with oversupply. The return to work added complexities, especially with the need to pump at the office. Eventually, I transitioned away from breastfeeding, prioritizing what worked best for both Gigi and my work commitments.

Are there any books/podcasts/journals that have inspired you on your journey into motherhood?
I immersed myself in the Australian Birth Stories podcast and gained insights from the documentary "One Born Every Minute," set in Sydney. My go-to handbooks have been "Wonder Weeks" and "Baby Love" for navigating the intricacies of motherhood.

Can you tell us one piece of advice or lesson in life that you want to pass on to your daughter?
Encourage her to love and have compassion for herself and others. In fostering love and compassion, she will build connections that go beyond the surface. These connections will be your greatest treasures. They will bring joy, meaning, and fulfilment to your life.