Melanie Sherwell
Member Spotlight
When you're not being called 'Mum', what name/nickname do you prefer to be called?
Most people call me Mel my husband calls me Valerie ( I have no idea how this silly pet name came about)
What is the best thing about being a mum?
Seeing my kids feel happy, confident and excited to be alive.
What is the most challenging thing about being a mum?
Managing my energy between meeting my kid's needs and then also meeting my own is sometimes tricky. I also find it difficult watching my kids buy into the opinions of others and how that might affect their confidence. I try to teach them the only opinion that matters is the one they have of themselves and don't be concerned with what others think of them.
What are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about bringing awareness to how the furniture and homeware industry contributes to the unregulated animal cruelty occurring all over the world. I'm working towards becoming one of the very few certified vegan Interior designers in Australia, and I offer this as an additional service to my Vegan clients or those just wishing to reduce their impact.
What is something that you have done that you are proud of?
Of course, my family is something I'm so proud of. As far as my career, one of my design projects was recently shortlisted in the Australian Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA AWARDS). This was a real moment for me in my career and I had to pinch myself that I was being recognized alongside some of Australia's most prominent Interior Designers.
What is your favourite thing to do to unwind?
Meditation, eating my amazing banana cake, and rearranging my home.
Where is your favourite location to go to relax/have fun?
Locally, I love going to NVG with my headphones on. I love wandering around and getting inspired creatively. As far as places to relax, I really love Bali, as boring as that answer may be, I truly love the people, the energy and along with the Hills, it really feels like my spiritual home. I also love Wategoes Byron Bay and it is my dream to move there in my later years.
