It's so refreshing when you come across someone who is genuine on social media. Roisin Tarrant of @geebungalow is one of those people we've followed for a long time for just that reason. We love engaging with her authentic mothering journey and DIY projects as she tackles motherhood and doing it her own way. In extending that generosity of authenticity, she shared some insights with us at Beeji on lessons she's learnt along the way and why showing the 'real stuff' is important.
We love your renovation style — you’re not afraid to try new things, work within a budget, and be honest when something doesn’t land. What have been some of your favourite renovation wins, and what lessons have come from the not-so-great calls along the way?
I think our first really big renovation win was our outdoor space at our first home. We really had no idea what we were doing, just that we didn’t have the budget to pay someone else to do it. We spent hours watching youtube tutorials to teach ourselves how to render, tile and waterproof block walls etc. It was so much work that I honestly cannot even fathom doing now that we have kids! We have always had a pretty good idea of where our limits are when it comes to DIY, so it always feels like a renovation win when you find a trade that sees your vision and is excited to bring it to life.
What’s next on your renovation list? Any exciting projects or ideas you’re itching to tackle?
Our current home is a classic Queenslander and is over 100 years old but it was lifted and built in underneath and the downstairs needs some serious love! We are working on replacing all the flooring and planning a new laundry and granny flat renovation but our pace has certainly slowed in the last three years now we have 3 little ones! Time and budget are in short supply haha!
Congratulations on starting your own consultancy! What inspired you to take that leap, and what has been the most exciting part of building your business?
Thank you! To be honest what was pushing me to take the leap was the fear of returning to an office job with 3 young kids. I went back to my job that I really loved after I had my son and I found the juggle of two parents working in offices so tough. We could never nail getting dinner on the table, I felt like my whole life was rushing around and it just felt like I wasn’t nailing work life or mum life. After I had my twins I just couldn’t see how we were going to manage. I wanted more time at home with my kids and I had been doing some freelance consulting on the side during my mat leave so I just decided to take the leap. It has been the best thing ever and I love working with so many beautiful female founded brands to help them grow their dream businesses
Your content resonates with so many because it’s honest and authentic. There’s something so refreshing in how you share both the mess and the magic. Why is showing the real stuff so important to you?
I think as mums and parents we put so much pressure on ourselves to get everything right and so often on social media we are bombarded with so many ‘shoulds’ about how we are raising our kids. I wholeheartedly feel that there is no one right way to do things and that we should all be striving for a life that feels fulfilling and fun for both mums and kids. The great parts are just as important to share for me as the messy parts because in my experience when I focus on the good it helps give me perspective.
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Follow along the journey with Roisin @geebungalow