From the outset it's easy to see Skye is an empathetic mother who encourages her daughter Albie to discover the world around her with kindness and independence. Skye's background in journalism means she is equipped to articulate the profound personal growth she's experienced since joining the mum club.

Now working for herself, Skye created a platform @soterianzfor mums, by mums (we can't recommend Soteria enough). We loved catching up with Skye and Albie, and learning what values she hopes to instil in Albie and pēpi who's due in the coming weeks.

Tell us about yourself, your journey and what led you to become the woman you are today?

Ko Te Whakapunake o Te Matau a Maui-tikitiki-a-Taranga tōku maunga.

Ko Te Wairoa Hōpūpū Hōnengenenge Mātangi Rau tōku awa.

Ko Tākitimu tōku waka.

Ko Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa tōku iwi.

Ko Te Uri o Te O tōku hapu.

Ko Skye Ross tōku ingoa.

Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.

Kia ora, I’m Skye, partner to Mark and māmā to our daughter Albie, 3, with another baby due in the coming weeks. I grew up and still live in Tāmaki Makaurau.

I’m a stay at home working mum who works as a freelance writer, editor, and brand strategist, predominantly for Soteria but occasionally other brands too. My background in women’s magazines led me to start working for myself almost five years ago and not long after I went out on my own I became pregnant with Albs.

The flexibility my work offers has afforded me the privilege of being able to work from home while also prioritising our young family.

What does being a mother mean to you?

Gosh, being a mother is my whole world right now. My children are my sun, my moon and all my stars!

I’ve never been so confident and sure of myself as I have been since becoming a māmā, yet so vulnerable at the same time. The dichotomy of motherhood, right?!

The personal growth that I’ve experienced in these past three years has undoubtedly been accelerated by having Albie. Motherhood is very much the centre of my universe and the way it has shaped my identity has been nothing short of profound.

I’ve learnt (and am still learning) to find my power and potential as a mother, while also discovering that outside of this role, I am just as whole.

What traits do you have that you see in Albie?

Empathy, kindness, creativity, a strong sense of agency, and independence.

What has Albie taught you?

In learning to validate Albie’s emotions, she teaches me to validate my own. In parenting Albie, she shows me how to reparent myself. In loving Albie, she allows me to love myself more.

The values you hope to instil in your daughter and your little one on the way?

I hope to teach them respect, both for our world and its people but also for themselves. To me, that looks like gratitude, good communication, setting healthy boundaries, taking responsibility, and being vulnerable enough to learn and grow to be the best versions of themselves.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

It’s unrealistic to be a perfect mother; that shouldn’t be the goal. All you have to do is to be good enough. Give yourself some grace.

What advice do you have to share with someone about to embark on their own journey into motherhood?

There’s no such thing as ‘bad habits’, only what works for you, your baby and your family. Let that and your intuition be your guides.

Tell us why you picked the Milan as your baby bag for your next pēpi?

My style is quite minimalist and neutral so this classic on-the-go option has slotted perfectly into my wardrobe. With plenty of storage, flexible carry options (those leather pram clips are going to be oh-so-handy), and a wipe-clean interior, it truly is the ultimate of all baby bags. She’s practical without feeling mumsy– I’m obsessed.

Skye wears the Odile in Tan, and her daughter Albie wears Lily in Glacier.

Spoil them with Saben this Mother's Day  -  Shop the Mother's Day edit