Blog
Your go-to destination for design inspiration and practical tips to transform your home. Discover the latest interior trends, style hacks, and budget-friendly ideas to create a space you'll love.
The Women of Mocka
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 collaborate 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 Assistant Marianthi #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.
Mother's Day Gift Ideas
It's that time of year again. Breakfast in bed, hand-made cards and clumsily-wrapped presents. Mother's Day is rapidly approaching this Sunday and if you are like some of us, you may be a little behind on your gift shopping. If you are still looking for a perfect gift for your mum, check out our top gift ideas for some inspiration! Feet Up Encourage your mum to put her feet up and relax with Mocka's ottomans, pouffes and footstools. With a selection of styles, colours and patterns to choose from, there is sure to be something to suit every taste. Think cosy, winter nights with our Crochet Pouffe or modern chic with the Mod Ottoman. If patterns and colours are more her style, try our Gloria Footstool, Gloria Ottoman or Cow Pouffe. Best paired with fluffy slippers and a cup of tea! Colour is love Give the gift of colour this Mother's Day with our Mamma Necklaces, Felt Range and Hang it All. The Mamma Necklaces are available in a range of colours and styles - one to suit every colourful Mamma! Or add a splash of colour to your favourite lady's décor with our Felt Coasters or Hang It All. Perfectly pairing art with function, these pieces are sure to be a hit! Styling Mum For the Mum who loves design and styling, you cannot go wrong with a Jimmy Stand, Maya Corner Shelf or Jesse Living Table. Elegant, stylish and modern, these storage units are sure to have your Mum styling her Sunday away. When in doubt Gift it! In the form of a Gift Voucher, that is. Low on time and can't wait for postage? Know you Mum has had her eye on something special? Either way, Mocka Gift Vouchers are a simple and easy way to ensure your Mum gets exactly what she wants...when she wants it.
Women of Mocka 2022
Mocka has proudly supported women for over 15 years. A talented and diverse group of women lead the way in all aspects of our business - from supply chain, product design and development, warehouse management, customer service, finance, and marketing. Vanessa Brennan, CEO of Mocka, shares her vision for women in business and the value they add to the workplace. -So much has changed for women in the workplace in the past decade and I am incredibly proud to be a part of that change. Supporting each other is key. We are so tough on ourselves and each other as many of us face the challenge of navigating our roles as mum and business executive. Extending our fellow women respect and most importantly kindness and support is what will set us apart. It seems so simple and yet it can make all the difference. My vision for 2022 and onwards is to overcome the stigma that to be successful, you must show a hard exterior and be unwavering in your approach and interactions. Rather authenticity and remaining true to who we are, will allow us to see our co-workers for who they are and extend them the support and kindness we all deserve. I am very proud to be part of the Mocka team and humbled to be working with such an exceptional group of women. These women are incredibly talented and their support for one another is what makes it possible for us to continue to challenge and grow as people and a business. We have big plans for 2022 and I can't wait to work together in achieving our goals.' What does International Women's Day mean to you? -Supporting each and every woman in your life and making them realise their full potential. Women can achieve anything when supported and motivated. It's a day to recognise our achievements. #BreakTheBias' Fiona McLachlan, Office Manager & EA to CEO. -It's a day to celebrate the women who inspire & motivate us today but it's also a time to reflect on historic issues we've faced, and things we are yet to overcome.' Emma Watt, Senior Digital Designer. -International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate all women's contributions to the world, to the workplace to the community and to their families. It is also an opportunity to promote gender equality across all of these areas.' Meg Blenkiron, Head of Merchandise. -This day gives us the chance to reflect on the many different life choices women have to make and the different paths we can go down. Our paths may deviate and converge, but ultimately we are all on our own journey and comparing ourselves to others is futile.' Heidi Scott, Buyer's Assistant. -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 personally, the women who have inspired me and those I have only read about in art history books, but all of which have influenced my self-worth, career achievements and personal growth.' Kate Lewis, Visual Content Manager. -International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate women in the workplace and empower women to achieve their goals in all aspects of their lives.' Katherine Devlin, Buyer. Who has inspired you in your career? -I'm inspired by the women across all industries pioneering their careers and then holding the door open for the next generation. We can't move forward until we all move forward.' Jessie Krebs, Planning Assistant -I'm inspired by the amazing group of women I work with everyday right through from our female workers in our DC to our creatives and our head office staff. Their intelligence, resilience, strength and support inspire me every day.' Marianthi Kyprianides, Senior Buyer. What value do you believe Women add to the workplace? -Women are endowed with strong communication and networking skills, encouraging colabssoration and generating a feeling of togetherness in a team.' Katie Smith, Merchandising Planning Manager. -Women are able to bring a unique mix of empowerment and empathy to a workplace environment. Our ability to see challenges from a new perspective means we're able to find innovative solutions.' Rachel Khoo, Head of eCommerce. -Women have an extraordinary super-power. We can produce incredible results while fostering an environment of support and genuine care for one another.' Nicole Newman, Head of Brand and Marketing.
The Art of Home
What comes to mind when you think of home? Is it a childhood household? Maybe it's your favourite travel destination? It could even be your favourite scent? All of these aspects may contribute to transforming a house into a home; one you have always dreamed of.Our environment heavily impacts our emotional and mental state of mind whether we realise it or not. Cluttered areas, lack of personal space and unfinished home projects can leave us feeling anxious and stressed as we are surrounded by small clusters of chaos, which prevents us from truly relaxing and enjoying being in our homes.There are many contributing factors when it comes to turning an empty space into an environment that makes you feel completely at ease, it is also important to note that it is not a case of "one size fits all" when it comes to designing your space.Some will prefer bright colours and flamboyant decor to provoke a sense of sophisticated fun. On the opposite side of the spectrum, others will prefer a home that reflects elements of minimalism combined with dim lighting and a moodier colour palette. To create a home that reflects your wants and needs, you may need to dive a little deeper into what it is specifically that brings you that "sense of home." Taking the time to discover what you require before starting your home transformation will ensure that the end product will provide you with a space that perfectly compliments your lifestyle and personality.There's no place like homeWhat makes us happy in the spaces we inhabit? - Knowing that our space compliments our personality, style, and daily routine. Much like our clothing, we reflect the essence of who we are through our design choices. The idea of home will differ between each individual as we all have slightly different variations and visions of what the true value of "home" is. The first time you visit somebody's home you instantly get a sense who they are through their choice of design and décor. Places that provide a sense of warmth and are welcoming are usually the spaces that reflect the unique tastes of their inhabitants.If you find a sense of calm and comfort from the seaside, you may discover that a coastal colour palette of warm neutrals combined with soft hues of blue paired with rattan and jute textiles create an atmosphere of a seaside sanctuary bringing the ocean to you.Similarly, if you prefer a city living lifestyle you may find that your sense of home is brought to you through a darker palette with deep browns, black and moody wooden textures that capture the essence of a big city.The beauty of design allows us to play with styles to make it our own, so don't feel limited to staying loyal to one particular style because there could be a myriad that you gravitate towards! Remember to take advantage of any sentimental or nostalgic mementos such as, family photos, travel souvenirs or meaningful artwork; this will inject character into your space whilst also acting as a timeless piece of décor. Décor with sentiment can also be an amazing conversation starter with your guests.Creating the visionThe key to creating your dream environment is knowing what you want your final product to look like; this means getting to know your style, the flow of your lifestyle and what you don't find appealing. Having that knowledge will allow you to create a space that is stylish and unique yet, practical for your everyday life.A simple way to begin your project is to build a vision board from inspiration you find online, in magazines or in real life. Through these sources you will be able to define your style and pinpoint certain qualities of a space you enjoy being surrounded by whether it's the lighting, colour palette, or furniture. The outcome will be a list of design characteristics and ideas that you can incorporate into your new home. Curating your ideal environment will take some time and patience but the transformation process should be exciting and enjoyable so don't rush to get to your final reveal. During your research phase there should be a few statement pieces that catch your eye, take note of these as it is important to invest in key pieces for a room. Every space has one or two furniture items that are worth investing in such as: the dining room - dining table and chairs, the living room - the sofa, the bedroom - the bed frame and mattress etc. All of these pieces will be heavily used therefore it's important that you aren't constantly having to replace them; with quality comes longevity. Statement pieces also require a sense of timelessness as they need to withstand the test of time in every aspect. By keeping those key pieces somewhat neutral you will have the freedom to evolve your home as your life stage changes change rather than revolve around fluctuating trends. Introduce touches of trends through easily interchangeable décor (pillows, rugs, artwork etc) or paint colour. The art of home is what makes a space completely your own. It should be an extension of who you are; your favourite colours, materials,and everyday necessities that you find happiness within. Ease into this transformation by starting with decluttering and organisation. This will allow the more fundamental part of the makeover to flow seamlessly as you won't be surrounded by unwanted items. Embark on this transformation with confidence in your style and vision and you will soon be living in a real place to call home.
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
Add Style and Space to your Home with Mocka
Decorating your home with stylish furniture and organising the items in your rooms is the easiest way to maximise the space and add value to your home. This doesn’t mean that you have to throw away the bits and pieces lying around your home that make it look untidy. The best way to decorate your [...]
