From mums with love: The Native State
You know when you meet someone and you just click? I had this feeling when I met Frankie from The Native State, well we have never really met, only through the usual social media channels; nonetheless I knew she was pretty cool. Frankie introduced me to her brand The Native State and I instantly fell in love with the quality of her designs. I hope you guys feel the same!
Hi, I’m Frankie, owner and designer at The Native State.
Motherhood has made me more driven and focused. Despite the lack of sleep and time, working between naps and feeds, I feel more empowered and confident in my ability to succeed.
I don’t know if I do but taking deep breaths and keeping calm helps when it gets a little overwhelming. I love a good to-do list too!
I share studio space with my husband who is a graphic designer. I honestly don’t believe The Native State would exist without his support in the early days when the tough, to me, seemed too tough. He’s my tech support, my design consultant, my councillor and everything in between. Granny day-care is also invaluable.
Don’t be afraid to fail. The Native State is what it is today because of failing. I would much rather have tired something and it didn’t work then never to have tried at all. All the successes and all the failures are part of the story.
The flexibility, not just in the day to day but also in the design process. I can have a print idea in the morning, design it and have it up in the shop by the afternoon. There is something magical about that!
An avocado – as first you don’t quite know what to do with it (her) but you soon work out it’s (she’s) the best thing ever!
#bethechange – I even have it tattooed on my shoulder (minus the hashtag of course ;-)
Charlie Howard (@charlihoward) – for generally being a badass and promoting a positive body image. The world needs more Charli Howards. I wish my teenage self had her as a role model.
Treasure and Travels (@treasureandtravels) – a lifestyle blog based in Vancouver. I lived in Vancouver a few years back and the city has a very special part of my heart. Treasure and Travel are based in my local stomping ground so it’s nice to see familiar places and keep that connection.
Cherry Healey (@cherryhealey) – I have a bit of a girl crush on Cherry. I kinda want to get drunk with her and talk about boys, boobs and babies!
My happy place is the beach with my daughter, my husband and dog Shabba! There is something calming about being near the water – the rhythmic movement of the water – in, out, in, out.
When our daughter was born, we were gifted the book ‘The Fox and the Star’ by Coralie Bickford-Smith. It is one of the most beautifully illustrated books I have ever seen with a wonderful story, made all the more special that our daughter is named after a star.
A good walk and/or a good glass of prosecco please!
IIMO Tricycle – I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to get one!
Toy Storage Bag – I’m all about easy solutions for making the nursery tidy.
My First Horse Show Tape – What a great idea
Shop our brand new mama-brand right here and share the love!
Love Frankie x
- Who are you?
Hi, I’m Frankie, owner and designer at The Native State.
- How does motherhood inspire your work?
Motherhood has made me more driven and focused. Despite the lack of sleep and time, working between naps and feeds, I feel more empowered and confident in my ability to succeed.
- How do you achieve your work life balance?
I don’t know if I do but taking deep breaths and keeping calm helps when it gets a little overwhelming. I love a good to-do list too!
- Where does your support come from?
I share studio space with my husband who is a graphic designer. I honestly don’t believe The Native State would exist without his support in the early days when the tough, to me, seemed too tough. He’s my tech support, my design consultant, my councillor and everything in between. Granny day-care is also invaluable.
- What is the best business advice that you’ve been given?
Don’t be afraid to fail. The Native State is what it is today because of failing. I would much rather have tired something and it didn’t work then never to have tried at all. All the successes and all the failures are part of the story.
- What’s the best part of running your own business?
The flexibility, not just in the day to day but also in the design process. I can have a print idea in the morning, design it and have it up in the shop by the afternoon. There is something magical about that!
- If your child were a fruit, what would they be?
An avocado – as first you don’t quite know what to do with it (her) but you soon work out it’s (she’s) the best thing ever!
- If you could create a hashtag that summed up your life, what would it be?
#bethechange – I even have it tattooed on my shoulder (minus the hashtag of course ;-)
- We all love a bit of social media indulgence (stalking), who are your top 3 accounts to follow?
Charlie Howard (@charlihoward) – for generally being a badass and promoting a positive body image. The world needs more Charli Howards. I wish my teenage self had her as a role model.
Treasure and Travels (@treasureandtravels) – a lifestyle blog based in Vancouver. I lived in Vancouver a few years back and the city has a very special part of my heart. Treasure and Travel are based in my local stomping ground so it’s nice to see familiar places and keep that connection.
Cherry Healey (@cherryhealey) – I have a bit of a girl crush on Cherry. I kinda want to get drunk with her and talk about boys, boobs and babies!
- What are your favourite things to do with the kids in your local area?
My happy place is the beach with my daughter, my husband and dog Shabba! There is something calming about being near the water – the rhythmic movement of the water – in, out, in, out.
- What are your favourite bedtime stories?
When our daughter was born, we were gifted the book ‘The Fox and the Star’ by Coralie Bickford-Smith. It is one of the most beautifully illustrated books I have ever seen with a wonderful story, made all the more special that our daughter is named after a star.
- How do you relax?
A good walk and/or a good glass of prosecco please!
- What are your top 3 picks from Acorn & Pip?
IIMO Tricycle – I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to get one!
Toy Storage Bag – I’m all about easy solutions for making the nursery tidy.
My First Horse Show Tape – What a great idea
Shop our brand new mama-brand right here and share the love!
Love Frankie x
