Fashion
A DAY IN THE LIFE: SHANNON & ELAINE
In the lead up to this year’s Mother’s Day, we spend the day out with model and mum Shannon Lawson and her mother Elaine. They share
with us their special bond, their favourite things to do together and what motherhood means to them.
SHANNON, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
I’m a model, mum, mentor and model scout. I wear many hats but the job I enjoy most is being a mum to my two-year-old daughter, Leona. Life is about to get even busier with my second daughter on the way, and like most mums, I think we thrive in chaos.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR MUM AND THE RELATIONSHIP YOU SHARE.
My mum Elaine has a strong Fijian and Indian heritage, of which she has instilled a lot of morals and traditions into my siblings and me. She has been a single mum for most of my life and has shaped the woman I am today. She is a mixture of strength and vulnerability with a wacky sense of humour. We have grown closer as I’ve ventured into motherhood myself, and she has guided me through most life decisions.
We have grown closer as I’ve ventured into motherhood myself, and she has guided me through most life decisions.”
Shannon Lawson
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE WAYS TO SPEND TIME WITH YOUR MUM?
Being a busy mum, I love coffee dates as they’re one of the best ways to juggle kids and conversation. My mum and I usually meet at a park so Leona can run around while we enjoy a hot drink together. We both love nature and bringing it into our home, so the local flower shop is our go-to for a fresh bunch. The smell reminds us of Fiji and the islands. If we can steal some one-on-one time together, we usually go for a long lunch and laugh for hours over a nice wine.
HOW HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MUM EVOLVED AFTER BECOMING A MUM YOURSELF?
In many ways, I have grown to be more patient with my own mum and more understanding of the parenting decisions she’s made since I was a young girl. Motherhood is such a tough job to navigate and it’s so humbling when it’s your turn.
We both love nature and bringing it into our home, so the local flower shop is our go-to for a fresh bunch. The smell reminds us of Fiji and the islands.”
[As a mother] It’s fun living life through innocent eyes and being reminded to slow down to appreciate the small things.”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?
I absolutely love watching all of Leona’s firsts. She is filled with wonder and curiosity and picks up the smallest details of the day. It’s fun living life through innocent eyes and being reminded to slow down to appreciate the small things.
DO YOU HAVE ANY MOTHER’S DAY TRADITIONS?
A sleep-in is a must. I could sleep all day - but alas, the tiny voices become louder and louder and before you know it, we’re up and at ‘em for a lovely family lunch or walk.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU’D LOVE TO SAY TO YOUR MUM THIS MOTHER’S DAY?
Mum, I don’t think you can say thank you enough, but here’s another reminder of how grateful I am for you. I love you.
