Motherhood with Ebony of Mamakind Studio
When we were planning our first photoshoot for Petal there was quite literally no indecision of who would capture the essence of our brand better than Ebony from Mamakind Studio. She has the natural ability to capture those raw, real moments of motherhood with such warmth and beauty.
With two little ones of her own in tow, we sit down with Ebony to chat all things creativity and motherhood.
As the creator of mamakind studio, tell us a bit about how that came to be?
I have always loved watching the way light moves over things. I studied a BA in Design Arts, majoring in Filmmaking and Photography many moons ago; however, I truly fell in love with the medium when I discovered the rawness of film.
I started documenting my friend's pregnancies and family life at home, and as I grew more confident, I reached out to some of my favourite children's clothing brands. From here, things have grown slowly but organically, and I am continuously inspired by the beauty around me. My focus has always been on mothers, and I am proud to work consistently with brands all owned by women and mothers.
Mama Kind is all about being kind to ourselves as mothers, being kind to other mothers and being kind to mother earth.
How would you describe your photography style?
Filled with natural light. Warm feelings. Untouched beauty.
Do you find having a creative outlet influences your role as a mother at all? What advice would you give to mothers in the thick of mothering but seeking the space to create?
I often create from home, which means that my children get to witness my creativity, and they are frequently a big part of it.
As children, we all have the ability to slow down and see the details and beauty in everyday moments. Leaves falling, textures of bark, flowers growing, bees, butterflies, crabs, ants...children are so much more in tune with these details. We adults lose this ability in our fast-paced and busy lives. So, creating around them allows me to remain playful and, most importantly, slow down.
My 5-year-old son has his own point-and-shoot film camera, and my 3-year-old daughter has a wooden toy camera.
If you're in the thick of mothering and want to find space to create, my biggest advice is to create for the sake of creating...find small ways to be creative that bring you joy daily. This could look like baking, crafting with your kids, or writing down ideas to return to later. You could join a mother's craft group or a co-working space; the possibilities really are endless if you start small.
How would you describe your parenting approach?
When I was fresh in my postpartum days with my firstborn Miro, I remember listening to a podcast by local PBB Media. They interviewed neonatal pediatrician Dr Howard Chilton. He talked about the needs of newborn babies and how a 'good enough mother' is what all babies and children need. They learn more from being good enough than 'perfect', which really stuck with me.
Motherhood has allowed me to reparent myself and explore my own inner child work and traumas. Ultimately, I feel the biggest gift I can give to my children is to continue to work on healing myself. I want to think I am mostly the crafty, creative, Steiner, patient, loving, present mother. But I am also frequently the burnt-out, overwhelmed, anxious, impatient mother who sometimes has to make multiple repairs with my children. Becoming a single mother this year meant I had to abandon the idea of one parenting approach. I do my best to show up as the mother I want to be with my children, and I hope that will be good enough.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given as a mother?
Just get outside, fast! And take lots of snacks!
When you are having one of those motherhood days where you feel overwhelmed, overstimulated and have zero patience, what do you reach for / do to cope?
I have had many of these days lately! Here are some things that I reach for (in no particular order)
A warm drink (Social Alchemy, rooibos tea, chamomile tea)
Water. Drink it. Get in it. Take a shower or make a warm foot soak.
Get the kids outside in nature!
Box breathing technique (breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4)
List in my mind three things I can see, hear and feel (touch)...helps to bring me back into my body.
Check in with myself - have I eaten? Am I hot/cold? Do I need to pee? What outside stimulation can I reduce?
Sometimes an affirmation helps - "I am safe"
Screen time for a much needed pause!
Here at Petal, we recommend keeping your remedy on your bedside table so it’s the first thing you reach for in the morning and the last thing you take before going to bed. Give us a rundown on what can be found on your bedside table?
I don't actually have a bedside table, as my kids get into everything they can reach. If I did have one, it would include a half-drunken cup of old tea, fresh flowers, my Living Libations face oil that I put on morning and night, my Petal Remedy Motherhood drops, and something that smells nice, like palo santo.
Describe your ideal parenting day with us… how are you feeling, what are you all doing?
A slow morning at home. An omelette and dancing in the kitchen. Hours by the river with friends, letting nature and water hold and ground us. The feeling of sunshine on our skin. Warm drinks with Loco Loves and lots of laughter.
Where do you seek your inspiration from in motherhood?
My own intuition. The mothers in my friend circle who inspire me. Mother nature.
What’s three words to describe your pregnancy journey/s?
Introspective. Emotional. Expansive.
What’s three words to describe your experience of birth?
Miro (induced hospital birth) - Disconnected. Overwhelming. Traumatic.
Lila (home birth) - Potent. Intuitive. Empowering.
What’s three words to describe your post partum journey/s?
Miro - Isolating. Overwhelming. Fast.
Lila - Held. Soft. Warm.
For more of Ebony and her work -
Website: https://mamakind.mypixieset.com
Instagram: @mamakind_studio
Ebony’s remedy of choice: The Motherhood Remedy