The nation’s favourite MAFS mama, Jules Robinson, is busy reshaping the world, one woman at a time, with her new shapewear brand Figur! She talks to MamaMag about motherhood, the work/life juggle, and embracing the body we’re given!
Jules, you have to be one of the busiest Mama’s we know. You’ve had an amazing jam packed few years, did you ever expect your life to take this direction?
Jam packed definitely describes the last few years. I’ve always lived life to the full and had an exciting life full of ups and downs and adventure. I thrive on being busy and living with passion and purpose so I guess it’s no surprise my life has taken this turn.
Congratulations on becoming a Mama to gorgeous Oliver. What’s been the biggest parenting surprise so far do you think?
Parenting is just one huge surprise! I feel like I nail one thing and then the next challenge appears! A big surprise for me has been how much you can be in love with one tiny person. The joy, happiness and laughter Oliver brings into our lives is like nothing I could have imagined.
When Ollie first arrived, Cam and I were the blind leading the blind, but it’s incredible how that motherly instinct kicks in and you just know what to do. A mother’s intuition is an incredible thing; to instinctively know how to care for your little one and understand what your baby wants from the little sounds they make is magical!
If you had one bit of advice for a new or expectant Mama what would it be?
Don’t waste energy on mum guilt! It pops its ugly head up from time to time but there’s no need to feel guilty about anything you’re doing for your child’s future. It’s normal to ask yourself if you’re ‘enough’; but I look at it as if we’re juggling; some balls are glass, some plastic, and at times you have to choose what’s plastic and can be dropped. Find a balance that works for you and your baby.
Many women struggle with their body image postpartum. How have your feelings changed toward your body since Oliver arrived?
My main priority postpartum was learning to be a mother. It wasn’t until Ollie was eight months oId that I felt ready for change. I remember thinking “ok this is my new body, this is me now!” Of course my body looks and feels different, I made a baby! I felt good but trying to find something to wear other than activewear frustrated me. Like many women, my body didn’t “bounce back” but with dedication and the help of Jenny Craig I lost 20kg! I’m grateful for my body, the baby it’s made and the life it’s given me, but it’s ok to say “I want my body to be how it was before.” A healthy mindset and patience are key when it comes to your body.
You’ve had a huge positive impact on the way women view their bodies! Let’s talk Figur! Where did the idea for this incredible shapewear range come from?
Shapewear has always been my little superpower and I wore shapewear the whole time on MAFS but was so uncomfortable filming for three months in all these different brands. I had to find better. I also received so many messages from women who were lacking confidence. They’d say “I wish I dressed like you” or “my body is like yours but I don’t have your confidence” and would ask me for advice. I also got awful messages about being fat and was body shamed. This is how FIGUR was born. Our motto is “Work with what you’ve got” which is what I’ve always done! Shapewear has forever been my superpower. I put it on and feel amazing in whatever I’m wearing. It accentuates my curves and makes a good dress great!
We’re all equal and FIGUR is a wonderful space of appreciation. It’s really inspiring to see women connect with us and our ambassadors, who share their stories so others can see themselves in a reflection and be a part of the FIGUR movement. This year our Ambassador search is on the lookout for mums and daughters, and my all-inclusive fashion label for women, Moira Muse, is launching!
You’re a firm believer in self care and recognise how important it is for mamas. What do you do regularly to look after yourself and your mental health?
Busy working mama’s have to rethink self care. I find it in many ways, from pulling in the driveway and staying in the car an extra 20 minutes or staying up late binging a series. To really make sure I’m in fine form I never look at my phone before bed! I try to be in bed by 9.30pm and up early because I’m better able to ‘respond’ rather than ‘react’ when I’m feeling great. Patience is what us mama’s need right?
We love your makeup tutorials Jules! What’s going to be the ‘go to’ in your makeup bag this Autumn?
Thank you!! #askjules came from all the questions I get and I’m amazed how women connect with the tutorials. My approach shows makeup application is simple and should enhance what you have, not cover you up. Autumn can be muggy so my ‘go to’ is Revlon colorstay powder applied in a dabbing motion with a sponge to keep my skin matte. I love Autumnal colours like burnt oranges and warm undertones on my eyes with apricot toned cream blushes.
You’re mama to a beautiful baby, wife to Cam, co host on an awesome podcast, savvy businesswoman? Come on Jules, tell us your secret… How do you do it all?
For me it’s about only doing things I’m truly passionate about, enjoy and believe in. I fall in a heap from time to time, like all mamas, but energy finds its way through passion. Cam and I made a pact to always give each other space to be individuals so we do what we can to help each other in all aspects of life. Having that support is priceless.
