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The Women of Mocka
style="text-align: center;"> To celebrate International Women's Day, we've interviewed some of the amazing women that have shaped Mocka into the business it is today. What does International Women's Day mean to them? #choosetochallenge Emma (left) - Co-Founder & Director & Kate (right) - Visual Content Manager Emma It's been a journey with Mocka and I feel extremely privileged to have experienced this amazing ride surrounded by some fabulous woman. And now, 14 years on, I am incredibly proud and love the fact we have such a diverse group of women leading the way in nearly all aspects of our business - from supply chain, product design and development, warehouse management, customer service, finance and marketing. It's a fabulous environment for women to share, learn and colabssorate their ideas, experience and knowledge. _____ Kate What does International Women's Day mean to you? This day represents the opportunity to celebrate the powerful female role models who have shaped my world, women I know and cherish, women who have guided me professionally, women who have encouraged and supported me, women who have inspired me and those I have only read about in history books, but all of which have influenced my self worth, career achievements and personal growth. On this day, I say thank you. Thank you, to the brave women who have paved the path to equality, to the strong women who have led by example, to the courageous women who have inspired me, and to the supportive women who have encouraged me. Who are some of the women who have inspired you in your life? I am grateful to be raised by a hard working, driven, fiercely supportive and successful mother who has led by example raising three daughters and working full time, she has taught me the importance of loving the work you do and the satisfaction of working hard to achieve your goals. As a creative, I seek constant inspiration and support from the female role models in the creative industry, those I have only read about in art history books, and those who have offered continuous mentoring and guidance throughout my career. Women who have inspired me creatively and professionally include photography greats such as; Margaret Bourke-White, Diane Arbus, and Annie Leibovitz, all of whom have demonstrated talent and success through creating deeply inspired and driven bodies of work throughout their careers, and are responsible for carving a path inside the creative industry for female creatives and photographers. How does International Women's Day impact you in your role at Mocka? Working alongside female founders and board directors, with women running distribution, women building furniture and driving forklifts, women in customer service, women developing product and managing teams of staff, women creating aesthetics and women working across brand and marketing. I am proud to know and stand alongside the strong women of Mocka. Intelligent and educated women with a wealth of knowledge, talent, inspiration and experience. Marianthi (left) - Buyers Assistant & Christine (right) - Product AssistantMarianthi #choosetochallenge - choose to challenge inequality, call out bias, question stereotypes, and help forge an inclusive world. As one of four girls of an immigrant Greek family, my mum always brought us up to believe that we could be whatever we wanted to and to her the way to achieve that was through education. From a patriarchal culture that did stereotype women's roles both within the family and work, she chose to challenge the status quo and we all went to University and gained degrees. Like many immigrant families in the 1960's she had to work and work hard, overcoming both language and cultural indifferences to succeed and eventually set up her own business in clothing manufacturing. So this is the only example I ever knew and I'm so grateful for this. Her motto/ my motto is to always choose to challenge. After a rich work history in fashion, furniture and homewares it has been a goal of mine to be part of a buying team and thanks to my determination and the foresight of two amazing women (Emma Smith and Peta Lacy) who could see that my skill sets would be suited to the position, I'm now working in that role. I am so proud to be working for and with an amazing group of women who blow me away with their capabilities every day. _____ Christine What does International Women's Day mean to you? International Women's Day is a day for all women to collectively share and celebrate their successes, achievements, stories, and accomplishments. This day is important to me because it provides a platform to inspire the next generation of females whilst challenging myself and other women to voice our opinions, share our stories and become more visible in our communities, homes, and workplaces. By working together, we can make an impactful change for females everywhere. Who are some of the women who have inspired you in your life? I find inspiration in women that are progressive thinkers and use their voice to enact change and to challenge gender stereotypes. Creative women such as furniture designer Ray Eames, architect Zaha Hadid and interior designer Kelly Wearstler are all women I look up to creatively and professionally. Jessie (left) - Product Assistant & Katherine (right) - Buyers Assistant Jessie What does International Women's Day mean to you? IWD is the perfect day to acknowledge and appreciate the generations before us who stood up for equality. A day to celebrate the women who smashed glass ceilings so that we could walk through. It is a day to celebrate how far we have come, while also continuing conversations about the challenges faced today and how we can make the path moving forward a little clearer and a little easier for the next generation. Who are some of the women who have inspired you in your life? At the core of IWD for me is the next generation. It is for my daughter. Every time I speak up for what's right it is for her, so that hopefully she can work and live in a world where her gender will not be a barrier to her success. She inspires me to do better, to ask more questions and challenge the status quo, especially if it doesn't make room for everyone at the table. How does International Women's Day impact you in your role at Mocka? My career is important to me, just as being a mother is and I am incredibly grateful to work with a business that embraces the messiness that can be a working mothers world. I have always felt support and acceptance from everyone at Mocka. If I say I love work, I feel a twinge of guilt that by saying that it could be taken that I don't love being with my children as much, and it's not that way at all. I love being a working Mum. When I am at work I am driven and focused and I feel proud to show my children that Mum can do it all. I truly do have the best of both worlds. _____ Katherine What does International Women's Day mean to you? International Women's day to me is about celebrating women in all aspects of what they do. Whether it's a stay at home mum or a CEO. I feel all women should be celebrated and appreciated. A day that allows women to thrive. Who are some of the women who have inspired you in your life? I've been lucky enough to be surrounded by inspiring women in my life, in my family and close friends. My late Mum was an inspiration of strength, love and determination. Raising four children these days is no easy task and to still push to get herself back out in the workforce so many years later. Another woman that inspires me and many others is Jacinda Ardern. She's such a strong and intelligent woman who is not afraid to challenge. As a young women and mother who has worked her way up to such an important role for New Zealand and respected worldwide. I feel she is paving the way and inspiring so many young people today. Distribution Centre Manager Gina What does International Women's Day mean to you? To appreciate the courage, tenacity and endurance influential women must have had and contributing members of society in an age where women were considered as a possession. Most importantly this day is to celebrate women today that are hard working and living their lives so many missed out on throughout history. Who are some of the women who have inspired you in your life? I've found inspiration from many women, however it is because of the women in my life, like my mother who has been through adversity and has come out a strong, capable woman, showing me how to provide and support love ones and guiding me to be the best parent I can be. What advice would you give to your 13-year old self? Work hard for the things you want and need, that way you're not relying on anyone and are fully independent. _____ Ashlin What does International Women's Day mean to you? International Women's Day is a day to celebrate the contribution women make to the world, to raise awareness for gender equality, to celebrate how far we have come and acknowledge how far we have to go. A day to celebrate women and to inspire and encourage the younger generation, reminding them they can achieve anything they put their mind to. Who are some of the women who have inspired you in your life? I was very blessed growing up to be surrounded by strong women that set amazing examples and standards for me. My mum and mother figures both had adversity in life but faced every challenge with dignity, strength and grace. They, along with some amazing teachers, taught me inner strength, self belief, and the ability to trust myself and follow my passion. They taught me that I will fall, but the most important lesson is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again. What advice would you give to your 13-year old self? Don't let anyone else's negative opinion of you shape your opinion of yourself. You can do more than you think you can. Life will throw many curve balls at you, but how you choose to handle them and face them says more about you than the issue itself. If you want something - go get it. How does International Women's Day impact you in your role at Mocka? I love that Mocka is a diverse and inclusive company offering many opportunities for women. I am lucky to have the support of the company in my role to allow me to lift women up, provide them with training and working opportunities without gender bias, inside an industry traditionally dominated by men.
How to Style a Side Table
Whether they're in a bedroom or a living area, side tables usually end up cluttered with junk and odd bits and pieces. It can be hard to style side tables and get the right look for the room due to their small surface area and practical nature however; with a few simple styling tricks you can transform any side table into a beautiful space that will completely refresh the room. When styling a side table think about height, colour, shape and detail. The overall look of your side table styling will depend on the design and shape of the table. Round side tables look great styled with simple objects that enhance the circular lines, whereas small and square side tables suit objects that have curves to balance out the straight lines and angles. If you have a large wooden side table you will want to offset the heavy elements with softer accessories and colours. Balancing the style of your side table with different shaped décor will help to create a cohesively styled space with components that complement each other. Height is an important element to consider when adding accessories and décor to your side tables. Choose objects that are tall, medium and small in stature as well as wide and thin. Unless you have a large piece of artwork leaning against the wall, a lamp is usually the most prominent piece on a side table. To achieve various heights, use a few coffee table books stacked on top of each other and place a vase of flowers or a statement object on top. Use small or flat objects like trinket trays to add subtle detail to the surface of the table. When adding colour to your side table, choose a colour scheme that blends well with the table and the room. Style an attractive mix of coloured and textured objects that complement each other but ensure that you don't over clutter the space. Regardless of the size or shape of your side table, you can create a look that is suitable for both your lifestyle and interior décor theme. Have fun mixing and matching objects and colours to create a look that you will love. Images by Katy Thomas - They Eye Spy Milk bar, The Style Compass, The Jaded Monkey, Tarina Lyell - oh.eight.oh.nine, Clair Barnes and The Urban Quarters.
Decorate the Walls in your Child's Bedroom
Decorating your child's bedroom can be a fun task for both you and your child. When designing your child's bedroom, you want to create a room that inspires their imagination and sparks their creativity. It's important to look at ways that you can style the entire space of the room, including the walls. Enhancing the room with unique wall decor will add depth, interest and storage space to the room. Adding a splash of colour to walls of your child's bedroom will enliven the room and add visual impact to the space. From a single colour feature wall to a decorative mural, you can paint the walls in colours that will enhance the theme of your child's room. If you don't want to paint the walls or you can't because you are renting, felt ball garlands and buntings are a great alternative. String them across the window or along a plain wall. These decorative pieces are guaranteed to make a statement. Artwork is another fantastic way to add colour to the walls in your child's bedroom. When choosing artwork look for a piece that includes hints of the rooms colour theme as this will help to create a more cohesively styled room. If you need additional storage space for all of your child's toys, instead of hiding them away in a cupboard consider turning them into a statement piece. Install some shadow boxes or floating shelves onto a wall to display your child's favourite books, toys and ornaments. Your child will love being able to see their toys on display and easily access them during playtime. During the process of decorating you kids bedroom always remember to keep them in mind. It's important to enhance the room with wall décor that will excite them and make them want to spend time relaxing and playing in their own little haven. (Floating shelves image by Bright Kids Interiors)
Mocka's Complete Nursery Checklist
Are you about to bring home your first child? The excitement of bringing a new born home is wonderful for first time parents. However, with all of the equipment and products that you need for a child it can leave you bamboozled, confused and stressed out. Mocka has made it easier for you by combining a checklist of baby nursery needs. This checklist will help you to relax, knowing that you have everything you need for when you bring your newborn home for the first time! Download and print Mocka's Nursery Checklist Furniture Cot - check out Mocka's cots and accessories Mattress - Mocka Inner-sprung Cot Mattress Change table - Mocka Brooklyn Change Table and Drawer set Change mat - Mocka Change Mat Nursing chair - Mocka Adult Asta Chair Car capsule/seat - Kidspot provides great carseat information Rocker/Bouncer - Mocka Rocker Play gym Pram/stroller Teething rails - Mocka Teething Rails Baby bath High Chair - Mocka Original High Chair Linen Cot Linen Mattress protector Bath towels Face washers Muslin wraps Floor blankets/mats Clothing Nappies - disposable and/or cloth Nappy cover Bodysuits Jumpsuits Socks Singlets Tops Bottoms Sleeping suit Sunhat Beanie Booties Mittens Grow suits Jumpers/cardigans Electronics Baby monitor Nightlight Steriliser Mobile, or try non electronic e.g. Mocka Buntings Smoke and carbon monoxide detector Feeding Bottles and formula, if that's your choice Burping cloths Bibs Breast pads Feeding pillow Baby spoons and bowls Sippy cup Extras Dummies if you wish to use them Hair brush Nail clippers Cotton buds Cotton wool Nappy rash cream Baby wipes Barrier cream Moisturiser Shampoo Nappy Bag Sun shades for the car Baby sling Electric outlet covers Room thermometer Nappy bin Breast pump
Pros + Cons Of Drop-Side Cots - Learn More At Mocka
When it comes to cots, there is often much debate about whether a drop-side cot or a fixed side cot is best. Many modern designs are forgoing the drop-side for fixed, leaving parents-to-be wondering which is the best option. So to help out, Mocka have put together a quick, no-fuss pros and cons list for the traditional drop-side cots to help any new parent make an informed decision. Drop-side cots have three fixed sides, and one side which can slide up or down to make it easier for parents to pick up and place the baby back into their cot. Despite their initial popularity, drop-side cots have now been banned in the USA and Canada, and in Europe drop-side cots are required to lock in the dropped position for additional safety. Here are the main benefits of a drop-side cot: PROS OF A DROP-SIDE COT Drop-side means parents don't have to reach over as far to pick up or place down a baby Easier to lay a child down without waking them Beneficial for parents with back problems Easier to change bedding on the cot mattress with the side lowered Drop sides are a more traditional design so can be easier to find second-hand However, there are many negatives to drop-side cots which should be considering when selecting a new cot for your nursery. CONS OF A DROP-SIDE COT Wear and tear on latches can become a serious safety concern with drop-sides mechanisms failing Can be difficult to unclasp a latch and drop the side while holding a sleeping baby Some drop-sides can be noisier to operate around a sleeping child Due to moving parts, not always as sturdy as fixed cots Often more expensive than the fixed-side equivalent Often cannot easily be converted to a toddler bed Starting to be phased out with manufacturers and retailers due to declining popularity Overall it is really up to you and what will suit you and your baby best. At Mocka we stock a full range of fixed-side cots and cot mattresses, all of which are manufactured and tested in accordance with AS/NZS 2172 safety standards for peace of mind. For any more information about fixed cots or drop-side cots, please feel free to contact us for assistance.
Four Amazing Cots under $380 in Australia
In Australia, as nursery furniture goes, the cot is super important as it will most likely be your baby's bed for two to three years, where they'll sleep safe and sound (and hopefully through the night!). In addition, your cot is the centrepiece of the nursery and will not only set the tone and style of the space but will also be the spot where a lot of the activity in your nursery will surround. From daytime naps, bedtime routines and nightly feeds, you'll spend a lot of time putting your baby in and out of your cot. In order to have a beautiful nursery and a cot that is practical and functional, we often assume it's going to cost us. However, it is possible to find a good quality, stylish cot at an affordable price. At Mocka, we believe that every child should have the best start in life. That's why we ensure our cots come without the price-tag and are super practical with everything a baby will need to rest safe and sound. In fact, if the headline didn't give it away already, we are here to show you 4 of our amazing cots all under the bargain price of $380. In this list there is guaranteed to be cot and price to suit anyone's style and budget. Let's take a closer look at each of the 4 cots. 1. Aspiring Cot - $249.95 Perfect for anyone who loves simple, contemporary style that'll match a variety of nursery décor, the Aspiring cot has low-end cost with high-end quality. All about straight lines and clean style, this cot is our most affordable option at only $189.95. Well-constructed from sturdy New Zealand Pine, our Aspiring Cot does not include a drop side which means you and your baby can enjoy a stronger, safer cot. This affordable price doesn't mean you compromise on options though! Instead, this cot is available in three different colours, white, white/natural and natural, so you can find the perfect one that will suit your nursery. Here's what some of our customers have to say about their Aspiring Cot: "I love my furniture so much.... The quality is amazing and can't believe the price when compared to similar products.... can't recommend highly enough!” - Lucy "I was on the fence about purchasing the crib given the price was so low and wasn't sure if the reviews could justify why the product was so cheap so there must be something not right here but anyone who is wondering whether or not this is legit, Don't think twice, add it to your cart and purchase it straight away!” - Anon 2. Sonata Cot - $229.95 A recent addition to our growing range of nursery cots, the Sonata Cot is all about good looks and retro-chic style. With a bright white palate and strong, metal frame - there is so much to love about this stunning piece of nursery furniture. The metal frame with arched side panels and metal beading, adds a nostalgic charm to this retro-inspired cot, and ensures a sweet style in any nursery. At only $229.95, it is one of our most affordable options for parents-to- be. But don't just listen to us, check out what other parents have to say about the Sonata Cot: "Beautiful cot at a great price. Amazing product for $1k less than an identical one seen in a & boutique & store.” - Jo "Great cot, good value for money, looks lovely in our baby's room and really good quality product. Easy to put together, very sturdy.” - Anon 3. Amalfi Cot - $329.95 The Amalfi Cot is one of our most popular cribs and with its trendy and contemporary style, there is no wondering why. But what our customers love the most about this stunning piece of nursery furniture, is the price-tag! At only $299.95, it is hard to find a cot of the same quality and finish anywhere else on the market. The frame is solid and sturdy and the clean, simple style is ultra- modern. This is a cot that brightens and revitalises any nursery space. Read what the Mocka tribe has to say: "We have bought all our baby furniture and decor from Mocka, we couldn't be anymore happy with our picks. Low prices, good style, and good quality products, the whole she-bang.” - Christobelle "Great price, great value, great product! So nice to have a baby cot a little different to the rest on the market.” - Anon 4. Aspen Cot - $379.95 Distinctly Scandinavian and effortlessly stylish, the Aspen Cot is the latest cot to be added to our growing range of Australian nursery furniture. This gorgeously on-trend, two-toned baby cot is exceptional style made affordable. At only $379.95, it is hard to find a similar cot on the market at such a low price. Choose from either black/natural, grey/natural or white/natural and add this stunning cot to your nursery. As the brand new cot on the block, we can't wait to hear what our Aussie customers have to say about this chic baby cot. So, there you have it, 4 amazing cots all under the bargain price of $380. When it comes to nursery furniture in Australia, it's hard to find good quality cots that don't break the bank. This is why we go out of our way to provide affordable options for any budget and style! We'd love to hear which is your favourite cot? Is there a style you'd love to see from us? Be sure to let us know over on our Facebook page or Instagram account.
