For Mimi Manguy and her mother Kelly, modelling is a family affair. At 23, Kelly was scouted at a train station in Paris and went on to walk for prestigious fashion houses, including Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix and Hermès. “In 1998, she was chosen alongside 200 top models to walk for Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic show during the FIFA World Cup!” Mimi shares.

A decade later, after becoming pregnant with Mimi, Kelly moved to Sydney and chose to dedicate her life to raising her children in the peaceful coastal suburb of Little Bay. Here, Mimi has quickly followed in her footsteps, carving a name for herself in the city’s fashion scene while pursuing a degree in media and psychology at the University of New South Wales. "I've always had a knack for connecting with people and helping them feel better about themselves or life in general," she explains. "I find it easy to relate to others and empathise with them no matter what their situation is.” 

In a candid interview shot by Phoebe Wolfe, fleeting moments between Mimi and Kelly speak volumes of their bond. Ahead of Mother's Day, they share the instinctual gestures and rituals that have become their unspoken love language.

Mimi, how has your relationship with your mum shaped who you are today, and how has spending time in nature with her influenced your bond?

She’s my foundation, teaching me resilience, kindness, and the importance of staying true to myself. Her influence is woven into how I navigate life. She also taught me to “never depend on a man." She’s always encouraged me to be independent and to support myself financially.

Being outside together, whether walking or gardening, has always been a space for real conversations—no distractions, just us and the world around us. She taught me to slow down and notice the beauty in the small things—not to only focus on the negatives.

Kelly wears the Daisy Soldered Bracelet, the Pear Diamond Soldered Bracelet, the Petite Staple Soldered Chain, the Round Diamond Soldered Bracelet and the Round Suspense Bangle.

“She’s my foundation—teaching me resilience, kindness, and the importance of staying true to myself.”

How do you each naturally express love?

MIMI: She shows love through care and quiet gestures—ensuring I’m fed, checking in on me, and remembering the little details that matter. I do too, but I also try to verbalise it more and show more affection—something I’ve learned from my dad. 

KELLY: I show my love through everyday gestures, thoughtful actions, listening sincerely, and offering my constant presence and patience. It's important to express love and say "I love you," but sometimes, a look filled with love speaks louder than words.

My own mother also didn’t express love through words, but rather through daily actions, her gentleness, and being there whenever I needed her. She also showed her love through food, always preparing amazing homemade meals for us.

I may not cook as well as my mother, but I naturally adopted her way of showing love to my children—more through actions and gestures. When they were little, it was easy: endless kisses and cuddles at every moment. As they grew up, they needed more space, and these displays of affection became more subtle. So, I adapted: a knowing glance, a hand on the shoulder, a hug, a tender gesture at just the right moment. Because, in the end, love isn’t always spoken—it’s felt in the little details of everyday life.

Kelly wears the Daisy Necklace and the Charm Necklace with four Letter charms.

“A knowing glance, a hand on the shoulder, a hug...love isn’t always spoken—it’s felt in the little details of everyday life.”

Mimi, what’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your mum as you’ve gotten older? And Kelly, what has been the most surprising thing about motherhood?

MIMI: That she had dreams and struggles I never saw as a child. Realising she’s a whole person beyond just "mum" has deepened my respect for her. I’ve also come to appreciate and admire her quiet strength. As a kid, I didn’t realise how much she carried without ever making it feel heavy for me.

KELLY: The strength of a mother's love has always surprised me. I never thought it was possible to love someone so much. I never imagined that a heart could hold so much love. Motherhood has taught me to put things into perspective and focus on what truly matters. It has also given me a new responsibility: to pass on values and guide my child in the best possible way.

Kelly, what’s the most rewarding part of being a mum, and the most challenging? How do you balance your sense of self?

Watching your child grow, thrive, and find their own path. I love hearing them call me "Mum." On the flip side, there is the constant doubt. Wondering if you're doing the right thing, making the right decisions, and preparing them enough for life without overprotecting them.

I always make sure to set aside time for myself, whether for sports, my friends, or my personal projects. To be a fulfilled mother, you first need to be a fulfilled woman. Finding this balance allows me to give the best of myself to my children while staying true to who I am.

“Her quiet strength. As a kid, I didn’t realise how much she carried without ever making it feel heavy for me.”

If you could describe your relationship with your mum (or Kelly with your children) as a piece of jewellery, what would it be and why?

MIMI: A ring worn on the ring finger. Even though it may be just a myth, I believe that the ring finger is connected to the heart. My mom will always have a special place in my heart that no one could ever replace.

KELLY: My mother had damaged gold jewellery that held great sentimental value for her. She didn’t want to part with it, so she had it melted down to create a gold nugget pendant, which she gave to me.  I don’t have any jewellery that reminds me of my children—at least not yet. However, I’ve kept each of their hospital birth bracelets—their very first bracelets. It’s funny when I think about it… in a way, it’s their first piece of jewellery! What’s a tradition, ritual or moment that you share that feels meaningful to you?

MIMI: Once, my mum and I got into a heated argument. The day after, she asked me if we could go on a walk with just the two of us. We had a deep conversation, and I told her that even if I didn’t tell her that I loved her, if I ever held her hand, it meant that I loved her without saying it. And this is now our one little ritual that’s like a secret language.

KELLY: A really meaningful moment that has stayed with me was when she thanked me for things I always silently doubted. I was very surprised, and it lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. As a parent, you constantly wonder if you're making the right decisions and if the education you're giving is fair. You can sometimes feel too strict when setting boundaries, afraid of being too demanding. And then, years later, without warning, your child spontaneously thanks you for something you did, something you yourself had doubts about. It’s an incredible moment, a beautiful reward that reassures you and strengthens your confidence in your role as a parent.

For all kinds of mothers and mother figures, discover our Mother's Day gift guide here. 

Mimi wears the Letter Bracelet and Diamond Birthstone Bracelet.

Featured

Daisy Necklace

The Charm Necklace

The Diamond Birthstone Bracelet