As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the support we have received. We are now a full year into business, and the community that has formed around Daphne’s has far exceeded anything I imagined. Many happy tears have been shed this year, as my heart fills with gratitude for you all, and pride in what we have built in such a short time.

Before launching Daphne’s, we had left Sydney amid Covid, whilst on maternity leave with a six-month-old baby. Our move was meant to be temporary, and we fully planned to return. I loved both my career and the life we had built. But low and behold, four and a half years later we are still here. Letting go of a career I loved so deeply, and had worked incredibly hard for, was one of the most challenging periods of my life. Being a stay-at-home mum in the suburbs was never on my vision board, and in the depths of post-partum, the long-held dream of “having a shop” quietly resurfaced. Without sounding dramatic, it saved me.

I love being a mother, but I crave something outside of motherhood too, a creative outlet, a space to build and connect with like-minded women, a challenge, and an opportunity to continue learning and growing.

Building a business while raising a young family hasn’t come without its challenges. The past three months have involved many late nights, packing orders long after little ones have gone to sleep, and post office runs squeezed in between preschool pick-ups. Things have slipped at home. The washing piles up, bills fall overdue, friendships are unintentionally neglected, and there have been more cereal-and-toast dinners than I care to admit.

And yet, I feel incredibly proud of what we have achieved despite it all. I feel proud to model for my children what hard work and passion can lead to, and to show them firsthand that chasing your dreams can truly become a reality.

Looking ahead, my mind is racing with plans for the year to come. To be able to build this business, a lifelong dream, is something I will never take for granted. I cannot wait to step into 2026 alongside you.

Finally, I wish you all a beautiful holiday season. However, and with whomever you choose to celebrate, I hope this time of year brings you love, peace, and contentment.

Hayley xx