Phoebe wears Fifi in Lilac Haze throughout.
Phoebe Ghorayeb, a remarkable mother of three and a part-time model, shares her inspiring journey with us. Originally from the UK, she embarked on a whirlwind adventure to Australia 14 years ago, where she found love and built her beautiful family.
Phoebe's resilience and optimism shine through, especially in the face of life-threatening open-heart surgery, an experience that deepened her appreciation for life and family. She eloquently describes motherhood as akin to an onion, with layers of challenges and joys that ultimately create a uniquely enriching experience. Balancing her career and family life, Phoebe prioritizes her children while still pursuing her passions.
Tell us about yourself, your journey and what led you to become the woman you are today?
First and foremost I am a mum of three. Secondary to all that I am a wife to fashion photographer Georges Antoni, I model part time, write my feelings in the form of poetry (so much so I recently wrote a book which is linked in my Instagram bio), create beautiful imagery for beautiful brands and am originally from the UK. I moved to Australia 14 years ago and life has been a whirlwind ever since.
I am lucky enough to have not faced too much adversity in my life and as a result I have a very optimistic outlook. I choose to see the good in everyone and everything and believe all things happen for a reason. Which brings me to my most life changing event, open heart surgery, which I had two years ago. I believe it was my positivity (and family) that pulled me through such a dark and scary time. Once you experience such a life threatening moment you do gain some clarity on what is important and what is not. My family is everything.
What does motherhood mean to you?
Motherhood is like an onion. Not always the most beautiful thing to witness but is the basis and foundation of all things delicious.
It’s a strange comparison but I guess what I’m trying to say is that motherhood is not always easy and fun and glamorous but when you peel back the layers it is those small, sometimes unseen moments, that make for the most incredible and unique experience.
How do you celebrate or cope with Mothers Day?
For me Mothers Day is spent with Georges and the kids. The four people that made me a mother. Unfortunately both mine and Georges mums live quite far away so we rarely get to celebrate with them. Mothers Day doesn’t usually look that different from any other day, nor should it I suppose. Nothing says Mothers Day like being a mum right? Georges will usually serve pancakes for breakfast then cook one of my favourite dishes for dinner, everything in between is just another wonderfully, amazing, chaotic, crazy day.
Phoebe and her son with Callie Carry-All Tote.
Something you love and admire about your own Mother?
She is one of the most thoughtful people I have ever met. She will never miss someone's birthday, wedding anniversary, first day of school, any big or small event. She will always send a card or a gift or at the very least a message wishing a Merry Christmas or Happy Easter. She will always follow up to see how people are after an operation or Dr appointment. She will always turn up to someone's house with a bunch of flowers, box of chocolates or bottle of wine. She never misses a beat.
Your journey through life-threatening open-heart surgery was undoubtedly a profound experience. How has this health challenge impacted your perspective on life, motherhood, and career?
I always knew life was too short and since having open heart surgery it has merely confirmed this. I am by no means jumping out of planes or speeding 150km down the highway, quite the opposite in fact. Protecting my life is my main priority and not because of me but for my kids.
My operation has not changed my day to day but what it has given me is perspective. I look at people and situations differently, with more empathy, more forgiveness and more consideration.
I try to have more patience with my children, to embrace the good and bad. It has reminded me that I was put on this earth for a reason and it’s not yet my time to go.
Balancing a career in modelling with full-time motherhood can be challenging, especially with three young children. How do you manage your schedule to prioritise both your professional and family commitments?
To be honest I don’t prioritise my profession. I absolutely love my job and always give it 110% when I’m creating content or on set but my children are my priority. Jobs will come and go but my children are growing up quickly and I don’t want to miss it.
Your recent feature in Vogue Magazine showcased your dream family home. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the design and any special features that make it uniquely suited to your family's lifestyle?
We bought our home back in 2019 so it has ben a true labour or love. We did a pretty extensive renovation but we wanted to keep as much of the existing house as possible and just elaborate and enhance what the house already had. We took a lot of inspiration from the homes in Lebanon, which is where Georges is from. We also wanted to use as many natural materials as possible for example, wood, travertine, stone, linen etc which gives the home an incredible feeling of warmth.
The way we designed the layout of house, along with our amazing architects, was to create a home we could grow into. The house has some minor flaws with regards to us being a young family but the house has longevity and will continue to get better as our kids get older. You can follow our home on @plateau_project
Tell us more about your children; What are they like, the things you cherish about them, the things that test you, and what they’ve taught you…
I am of course incredibly bias when I say our kids are just awesome. They are by no means perfect and push our buttons as much as any other child but they each bring so much to our family unit. Valentina is a strong, intelligent girl who loves ferociously.
Siddy is an inquisitive, quiet girl with a totally kooky and dorky side. Then there’s Zaki, the most loveable creature, so caring and thoughtful for someone so young. I think Zaki will be the glue that holds our family together.
In terms of what they’ve taught me, I would say they encourage me to do a lot of self reflection. Kids have an amazing way of bringing out the best and worst in us and because I love them so much all I want is to do better and be better, for them.
It's been a privilege to have you as part of our first mother's day portrait series shot in Australia, tell us what you love most about Saben?
Saben have a bag for absolutely every occasion and need. One thing I have tried to do throughout motherhood is not completely loose myself in the rat race. Yes I am a mum but I’m also a wife, a friend, a daughter, a model, a writer and so much is required of a woman who wears so many “hats”. I love that no matter who I am on any particular day, Saben will always have a bag that fits the brief.
Saben Style – What Saben bag is always by your side? And what’s next on your wishlist?
At the moment it’s the Milan Carry All. It is the ultimate in sophisticated nappy bags without skimping on all the necessary features. I take it with me absolutely everywhere. I love the Alexis shoulder bag, it’s a cute and fun take on an everyday handbag and I love the pleated design. The interchangeable strap it also the perfect way to take the bag from day to night.
Phoebe wears Fifi in Lilac Haze throughout.
Spoil them with Saben, shop the Mother's Day Gift Edit.
