At Laidback Design Chat, we love connecting with inspiring creatives who bring passion and authenticity to their work and lives. Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Anna, the visionary behind Phile, to explore her journey through design, motherhood, and business.

From Vision to Reality: The Birth of Phile

Anna’s story is one of thoughtful evolution. Starting with a deep love for design, her path organically led her into property development, blending creativity with practical experience. The early days of Phile were a mix of excitement and hustle, driven by a clear sense of purpose and a desire to create meaningful spaces. For Anna, there was a defining moment when design became not just a passion, but a calling.

Motherhood Meets Creativity

Motherhood has undeniably reshaped Anna’s approach to both work and creativity. She shared how becoming a mum brought new challenges and fresh perspectives, forcing her to find a delicate balance between nurturing her family and nurturing her creative energy. While her days are anything but predictable, rituals and boundaries around work-life harmony have become essential tools in maintaining focus and wellbeing.

Inspiration in Everyday Life

Inspiration for Anna now comes from a richer, more grounded place — drawn from the rhythms of family life and the small moments in between the chaos. Staying creatively energised requires intentionality, and she leans on a design principle that consistently guides her: simplicity and authenticity in every space she touches, whether professional or personal.

Building Phile: Challenges and Triumphs

Building Phile has been a rewarding journey, full of learning and growth. Anna is excited about the future directions for Phile, always seeking ways to evolve while staying true to her creative vision. Managing the business alongside the art of design calls for adaptability and focus, skills Anna has honed through experience.

Reflecting on Growth

Balancing the demands of business and family has been a profound learning curve. Anna’s reflections remind us that embracing imperfection and trusting the process are key to success. If she could offer advice to her younger self, it would be to stay patient and believe in the journey — both personally and professionally.

A Quickfire Wrap-Up

In our lighthearted finale, Anna shared her preference for coffee over wine, dream travel destinations, favorite creative times, and the one item in her home she can’t live without — a beautiful testament to her love for intentional, soulful spaces.We’re grateful for Anna’s openness and insights — a true inspiration to anyone juggling creativity, motherhood, and entrepreneurship. If you want to dive deeper into her story and hear more about her approach to design and life, be sure to check out the full Laidback Design Chat episode featuring Anna.