Our gabfantastic with Rosie Jansen of Tribe Bags
As mums, we sometimes feel like we’re lugging the weight of the world is on our shoulders, literally. Running between school, play dates, and soccer practice, that load keeps feeling heavier. That’s when we were lucky enough to catch up with Rosie Jansen, owner and founder of Tribe Bags. Besides juggling an emerging business of über cute (and functional) mom bags and role of full-time mom, Rosie’s down-to-earth approach to parenting and business savvy inspires us to tote our tots more effectively, encouraging us to love everyday in every way.
What bag are you carrying? And what’s in your bag, Honey?
I’m carrying one of my own designs, Tribe’s Singapore Sling, which supermodel Gisele Bündchen has been photographed carrying in the streets of Manhattan. I’m immensely proud of this bag and have it in various colours. Inside are my keys, wallet, iPhone, sunglasses, lip gloss, toy cars, crayons and notepad, wet wipes, snacks, and a change of clothes for my son Toby.
What inspires you, Rosie?
A combination of motivation and inspiration propels me into action. My key motivation is my son Toby and the responsibility I have as a parent to show him that life needs to be navigated with strength and conscious living. My inspiration has always been my parents. They’ve had a tough life but are incredibly strong, resilient, and support each other with great love and understanding.
What’s the one thing you’re doing differently than your mother did?
I don’t spend as much time in the kitchen as my mum did. I’m fortunate enough to have help in that area, so mealtimes don’t feel like a chore because I’m rarely doing the cooking! Having said that, one of my fondest childhood memories was of my mum cooking for the family with much love and enthusiasm, so I’m now trying to bake for my son on a regular basis. I’ve always loved baking but fell out of the habit of doing so as I’ve been time-poor for a long time. Now I’m making the time. Seeing my son’s excitement when I bake brings me great joy, so I’m glad to be back in the kitchen channelling memories of my own childhood and what mum used to do for me.
What is the one thing you are doing as a mum that you said you’d never do?
There are so many things I do which I thought I never would. This makes me realise how judgmental and naive I was before becoming a mother. One of the things I’ll admit to doing is sometimes being a little too dependent on using the iPad with Toby. Yes, I’m one of those parents who has pulled it out of my bag in cafes and restaurants to ensure that Toby sits still and doesn’t disturb others. The good news is that I’m doing it less and less now and Toby is better at behaving himself, or maybe I’m just better with discipline now.
When your children get older, what do you want to be their best memories of you?
I really just want Toby to know and feel that he was always loved and adored, and that I was there for him when he needed me. My adult life hasn’t been easy but I’ve been blessed to have had a very happy childhood which gives me comfort and strength in times of adversity. I want to give Toby the happiest childhood possible so he has a strong foundation in life.
In five words or less, what describes you best?
Strong but sensitive, resilient, under-estimated.
Thanks for chatting with us, Rosie!
All photographs beautifully shot by Andrea Galkova Photography.