Labour Of Love

Georgia Lejeune and Sonya Gellert

Conversations on motherhood and creativity with hosts Georgia Lejeune and Sonya Gellert – two close friends living in Melbourne (Naarm) and Brisbane (Meanjin). Each episode we chat with a guest about how they connect with their creativity while balancing the chaos that comes with motherhood. We’ll be speaking with all kinds of creative mums – artists, chefs, screenwriters and so many more, who’ll share their wisdom with us. So, really, we’re doing this for selfish reasons. But we hope it might help some other parents stoke their creative flames.

Episodes

  1. Aug 16

    Abbey Sands – PR, creative

    This week we interviewed creative all rounder, Abbey Sands. Here's a little more about Abbey in her own words. I'm a gal who loves to know what makes people tick (including me, OMG, WHO AM I ANYMORE??). I grew up in Brisbane (the Redlands, baby!), Virginia and Brighton and moved to Sydney in 2013 to study (read: to try it out with a guy LOL. TLDR; it worked out).  I may not be a traditional creative - painter, writer, musician, etc - but really, who hasn't been all these things in their own way and who says you aren't creative in your own way?  I have always loved music (your girl used to listen to hard rap while doing her grade 5 math homework, yew), words (what psychopath is reading Vogue at age 10?) and 'pretty things' (we all love a nice fit and a nice room with nice furniture).  Ultimately, I've always looked for the different, the odd, the new, and I'm constantly online finding this. Some call it doom scrolling; I call it absorbing creativity within my confines (huddled in a dark living room while we try and get the kids to sleep).  I've got two jobs (in order of the hours they start in the day): 1) Mum to Hugo (5.5) and Nora (2.5) - my little chicken nuggets who like to push every button and be so damn sweet at the same time FML. Side note: Hugo just started school, and WTF are school hours... anyone else relate?! 2) PR extraordinaire - I specialise in travel and tourism, and damn if it's not the best. There's no happier story, really. I've looked after everything from entire countries, to states to hotels to airlines and tour operators. I'm lucky (says the gal who just got back from Vegas on a work trip weeeee!) Other things I love: a good conversation starter, a good glass of wine and His Lord and Saviour Bad Bunny. Anyone else?! Things we mention in the episode: Rachel Burke: https://shoprachelburke.com/  Patience Hodgson: https://www.instagram.com/paehoddy/?hl=en  Littlewren magazine: https://littlewren.com.au/  Henry 8th Bachelor Party skit: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DG7mBHsI0Cv/  Fringed thing: https://www.tiktok.com/@handsomeloveco/video/7659801098068282638?_r=1&_t=ZS-98BCzcTiXZc  Chelsea Getting Dressed: @chelseagettingdressed

    Abbey Sands – PR, creative
  2. Jun 14

    Sam Parish – chef, author and food creative

    Our first episode is with the lovely Sam Parish. Sam is a freelance chef, food writer, and author of the cookbook COOK ME and her most recent book Chefs Eat Brisbane. With over a decade of experience in food publishing and hospitality, she’s worked with Women’s Weekly, Donna Hay, delicious. Australia, and led recipe development for brands and TV productions. Her career has taken her from professional kitchens – including time as a chef at Google – to roles as a food editor in both Australia and New Zealand.Now based in Brisbane, Sam splits her time between developing recipes, styling food, and creating content that connects with real cooks – while also being mum to two tiny humans under four. Having recently returned to Australia after five years in New Zealand, she’s navigating work and parenthood without the typical village close by, with extended family in Sydney and Melbourne. Like all things parenting, it’s a juggle – but one she approaches with the same energy and creativity she brings to her kitchen.Known for her warm, energetic style and smart, unfussy approach to food, Sam’s work celebrates flavour, practicality, and joy – whether it’s in print, on screen, or behind the scenes. She’s passionate about food education, community storytelling, and helping chefs and home cooks bring their ideas and passions to life. Pre-order Sam's book Chefs Eat Brisbane here: https://www.chefseatbrisbane.com/ Or find her on Instagram @sam.parish.food

    Sam Parish – chef, author and food creative

About

Conversations on motherhood and creativity with hosts Georgia Lejeune and Sonya Gellert – two close friends living in Melbourne (Naarm) and Brisbane (Meanjin). Each episode we chat with a guest about how they connect with their creativity while balancing the chaos that comes with motherhood. We’ll be speaking with all kinds of creative mums – artists, chefs, screenwriters and so many more, who’ll share their wisdom with us. So, really, we’re doing this for selfish reasons. But we hope it might help some other parents stoke their creative flames.