We chat to Tash Stokes, our friend, mother of two and talented photographer who you may remember from our Mother's Day in store mini portrait sessions last year. Catching unforgettable moments through the lens is a passion paralleled by her husband Arie and together they make up the duo behind Black Robin Photography. Arie captured these delightful moments of Tash and their delightful children Ruby and George, part of our special edition portrait project. We talk to Tash about all things parenting including the highs and lows that came throughout lock-down.
Tell us about the place you call home?
We are lucky enough to rent our home and have a unique agreement where we can renovate/change/decorate it to our hearts' content. Over the past two years living here we have had so much fun making it our ‘own’.
What did lock-down mean for you and your bubble?
Luckily lock-down didn't change much of our day to day lives! We work from home, so there was no need to set up a quick home office or move things around. We also already had a system down for the work from home/parenting juggle which I think has been the biggest thing working parents have struggled with during this. We totally missed a cheeky cheeseburger every now and then too!
What was your saving Grace this past month? (aside from banana bread haha)
Finding 5 minutes to take a breath and be alone. Which is really hard with two young kids! I would ‘kindly’ offer to do the groceries each week and sit in my car with a podcast going for a bit of me time!
How has COVID-19 and the lock-down evolved your outlook in life and motherhood?
It has definitely put into perspective how much we rely on the support of our village. Not having contact with our family was tough at times especially as George had a birthday during those 4 weeks. You don't realise how much a hug from your mum can solve until you aren't allowed to give her a hug!
It is such a privilege to have watched your family grow this past year, thank you for sharing your journey with us. What has the past year been like? Sending Ru to kindy and Georgie babe Turning two.
I feel like this is the first year in a while where we haven't had a big milestone happen. I am loving watching my kiddos grow. Ruby is 3 going on 16 and at the same time the kindest person I've ever known. George is really coming out of his shell now and my tiny best friend. Being out of that baby stage now there is a little more time for me, that has felt really strange!
What does Motherhood mean to you?
I’ve always felt like motherhood is the greatest honour. And I treat it as one. I'm lucky to do it and play a part in who these two people become. It's hard and wild and trying but a million times more beautiful than anyone can explain. My children have broken & rebuilt me into someone I never knew I could be. It's the one task in life where you are teaching someone while you are learning yourself, we all need to give ourselves a little more grace.
Photography: Tash and Arie Stokes of Black Robin Photography
Saben Style: Tash wears Saben staple Odile. A chic and compact cross-body that it intuitively functional. Perfect to keep the essentials close and your hands free for the important things.
Stay connected with Tash:
Follow @tash.things
