It’s been a while since I last wrote. The past few months have been some of the most full, emotional, and inspiring of my life — both personally and professionally.
Now that I’ve had a moment to catch my breath, I want to share a little of what’s been going on behind the scenes — and what’s coming next at Bubbaroo!
A Special Trip to China with Emily
In March, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to China with my daughter Emily. Before heading off on her Gap Year to the UK, Emily — who studied Mandarin for six years in high school — joined me to meet with potential new manufacturers for Bubbaroo.
Watching Em try to interpret conversations and help build meaningful connections was one of the proudest moments of my life. Together, we travelled to Guangzhou, Qingdao, Taian and Weifang meeting new people and exploring new opportunities to elevate Bubbaroo’s product offering and continue our commitment to quality, safe sleepwear.
Celebrating Jacob’s Rowing Triumph
Not long after returning home from China, I travelled to Tasmania – what an amazing and unique place Tasmania is, I loved every minute being out in nature. The primary reason for my visit was to support my son Jacob at the 2025 Australian Rowing Championships (ARC) held at Lake Barrington in Tasmania. It was nothing short of extraordinary.
After recovering from pneumonia in January, Jacob showed true grit and determination — and went on to win four medals at ARC:
- 🏅 Gold – U23 Lightweight Men’s Double Scull
- 🥈 Silver – Open Lightweight Men’s Four
- 🥈 Silver – Open Lightweight Men’s Eight
- 🥉 Bronze – U23 Lightweight Men’s Single Scull
The setting was breath-taking, and the pride I felt as a mum is something I’ll never forget. His resilience continues to inspire me daily — in life and in business after all Jacob was my first inspiration for creating Bubbaroo.
Bon Voyage - Emily's UK Gap Year
Among the many transitions this season, one of the most emotional was farewelling my daughter Emily as she set off on her Gap Year to the UK.
After years of dreaming, preparing, and planning, she boarded that plane to start working full-time overseas — independent, determined, and ready to explore life beyond home. As a mum, I felt every emotion in the book. I was bursting with pride, but I’ll admit, I shed more than a few tears at the airport.
Emily has always had a quiet confidence and a deep curiosity about the world. Watching her step into this new chapter has been incredible. She’s thriving in the UK — living her best life, learning new things, and making the most of every opportunity.
While I miss her terribly, I know this experience will shape her in extraordinary ways. Letting go is never easy, but it’s also a privilege to watch your child take flight.
Canton Fair: A Solo Mission of Inspiration
In early May, I returned to China — this time solo — to attend the Canton Fair. Covering over 1.18 million square meters it was a whirlwind of discovery, full of innovation, craftsmanship, and ideas for Bubbaroo’s next evolution.
Meeting with suppliers, exploring materials, and visualising future products was both energising and affirming. I came home buzzing with ideas and a renewed drive to bring you more innovative and beautiful Bubbaroo sleepwear.
Honouring My Dad, Bob
Amidst these meaningful milestones, our family also navigated a profound personal transition — helping my beloved Dad, Bob, move into aged care after living with Parkinson’s Disease for 22 years.
Dad isn’t just my father — he’s been a quiet, guiding force behind Bubbaroo from the very beginning. After retiring as CEO of a construction company, he joined me in the early days of Bubbaroo, packing orders and offering his wisdom, strength, and mentorship as I built the business.
Over 15 years ago, Dad even accompanied me on two trips to China, meeting some of our first manufacturing connections and helping with quality control reviews. Returning this year with Emily — now grown and speaking Mandarin — felt incredibly full-circle. A new generation stepping into the journey he once walked beside me.
It’s been incredibly hard to witness Dad’s cognitive decline. The sharp, supportive mentor I leaned on now struggles with memory and speech. But he is surrounded by care and dignity in his new home, and my incredible Mum — his devoted partner — is finally able to put on her own oxygen mask first and begin her own chapter of self-care.
This moment has reminded me, deeply, of what really matters: love, legacy, and letting go with grace.
Bubbaroo’s Fresh Chapter
Through all this change, I’m thrilled to share that two wonderful new people have joined the Bubbaroo team. With their support I’ll be able to step back into my founder’s role with renewed energy and creativity.
We’re already working on exciting projects — WATCH. THIS. SPACE
Life Is a Marathon — Not a Sprint
If there’s one thing this season of life has taught me, it’s that a woman’s career is a long game — and it's okay to move through it in seasons.
Last year, 80% of Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women were over the age of 50. That stat stopped me in my tracks — and reassured me that growth, leadership, and creativity can not only continue, but flourish, later in life.
From personal experience, I feel passionately about normalising the pauses, the pivots, and the transitions. Whether you're raising a family, caring for loved ones, or simply needing space to recharge — it’s all part of the journey. Life doesn’t ask us to sprint — it asks us to show up, stay curious, and keep going.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey
Thank you for being part of the Bubbaroo family. Your support through life’s highs and lows means more than I can say. I’m so grateful for this community and excited for everything we’re creating together.
With love and gratitude,
