Rebel mum exposes huge parenting issue

A single mother who “rebels” against stereotypes about how mums should dress has found herself the face of a major retail campaign.

A mum-of-two has revealed how she was left “screaming” after driving to her local shopping centre — only to see herself on a bus stop.

Ashlee, from Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, is a single mum to two little girls and, like many mums, struggled with finding her personal style again after having children.

“Before I had kids, I would say my style was pretty sporty and refined. I naturally gravitate to a capsule wardrobe. I am pretty intentional with my pieces that I choose because I like to mix and match,” she said.

She said she loved denim, neutral colours and a spot of spring colour.

Like many mums, Ashlee was faced with the idea that now she was a mother she had to dress a certain way. But she categorically “rebels” against the idea that mums need to look a certain way, saying her style that is something that is completely unique to her — fashion is an outlet for her.

Big W launched an ad campaign featuring real Big W mums. Picture: Supplied

“The concept that mums have to dress a certain way, I was like, ‘Nope. That does not align with me’ so I rebel against that idea,” she said.

Instead, she chooses pieces that suit her body and make her feel confident, saying society should never make you feel any particular way.

So, it’s no surprise that when Big W began to scout for its Mums In The Wild campaign — an editorial campaign that featured real mums in Big W clothes — the body image and women’s confidence coach stood out.

“It was exciting and I thought that was the perfect opportunity to get out of my comfort zone,” she said.

Ashlee was driving with her daughter when the duo drove past a bus stop, and immediately pulled over because there she was on the billboard. She was strutting in a pink and red resort set while her daughter was behind her.

She was over the moon at being included in the Big W Mums in the Wild campaign. Picture: Instagram

Ashlee is an advocate for women's confidence, including bucking against the idea mums should dress a certain way. Picture: Instagram

She screamed when she saw it, and couldn’t help but laugh in shock.

“What are the chances this would be near where I was going today,” she said.

“I’m shook. I was screaming.”

She was almost brought to tears at the moment as she hugged her daughter. Speaking to news.com.au, she said it was the perfect representation of her every day life.

Ashlee spotted herself at the bus stop. Picture: Supplied

“That first year (after having a baby) learning to let it go — letting go of expectations of what you should look like or what it should be and focusing on taking it day by day,” she said.

“That first year is insane.”

She said you don’t need to be perfect to be doing a good job, adding that confidence comes from pushing past the fear and doing it anyway.

“This campaign was a beautiful reminder of that,” she said.

Big W weighed in on the campaign.

“There was no better way to bring the reality of parenting to life than by featuring real mums, scouted by our team, as the heroes of this campaign,” Ryan Gracie, Big W’s chief customer and revenue officer said.

“These advertisements truly highlight that BIG W is here to help Australians feel effortlessly stylish amid the joy and chaos of family life with on-trend pieces that won’t break the bank.”

Originally published as Rebel mum exposes huge parenting issue