Magdalena wears: Revolver Off The Shoulder Dress, Prairie Lace Maxi (Prairie Skirt coming soon!) and Muse Jacket (Tan sold out, Coral available here!). Images Mel Carrero.
Magdalena Roze graced your TV as a weather presenter and meteorologist, and made the move up to Byron in recent years… she’s been such a gorgeous soul and supportive of Spell, showing all of her friends our store when they come to visit. We love Magdalena for her quick wit and kind heart, so we did a little shoot with her and her gorgeous little man Archie, and chatted to her about her career and new role of motherhood.
Tell us about your life before you moved to Byron… hectic! I was working for Network Ten doing breakfast television so 3am starts were the norm and I’d often back them up with co-hosting The Project in the evening out of Melbourne or work functions. It was busy but also incredibly fulfilling.
What was your first job? Selling my home-made cakes and scones to the neighbours when I was eight years old!
How do you think your busy career in Sydney has changed since moving? Living between Sydney and Byron was a challenge on the work front at first, but also an amazing opportunity for me to diversify and explore my other passions for food, cooking and travel in a way that I probably couldn’t have before. It’s opened me up to new and exciting work adventures and in retrospect this was a blessing as the more the flexible work life I’ve created works better with being a mum!
Did you move up this way to start having a family? We actually moved up here for Darren to open his restaurant Three Blue Ducks on The Farm Byron Bay. We’d always wanted to start a family but it happened a little sooner than what we planned! Byron is such an amazing place to raise kids- the produce, beaches, nature, focus on good health, community and relaxed lifestyle- we love it.
How do you manage your life as a personality being in a more regional area? Would it be easier if you lived in the city? Flying back and forth can be a little tiring, especially with a baby, but I’m grateful to get a taste of both worlds and it’s a pretty short flight to Sydney. There are definitely more work opportunities for me in the city but at this stage in my life I’m happy to compromise and choose quality over quantity. It’s actually really nice coming home to the laid back vibe and being make-up free! There’s no pressure here, everyone’s just doing their own thing.
Tell us about what a day looks like for you these days.. Archie usually wakes up between 5-6am (ouch!), we cuddle, get ready for the day and go out for coffee as a family and do the crossword (yep, rock ‘n’ roll!). When I’m in Byron, the day works around Archie’s routine so when he naps I either take him for a walk, do work calls/emails, work on my blog or write my book. I cook a lot and especially love coming up with yummy recipes for him! Some days I have shoots and meetings but I just take Archie with me. We try to end each day with a sunset walk on the beach as a family.
How has Archie changed your world? There’s so much I could say here! Hmmm…there used to be way more sleep, a few more cocktails, high heels… I took washing my hair and peeing alone for granted! On a deeper level though, my world is a more beautiful place. I’m enjoying rediscovering things through his eyes, simple things like looking at the leaves or trying a new food for the first time, it’s magic. The spectrum of my emotions is so much greater, I trust my instincts and intuition more than ever and while I might be more exhausted, I actually feel stronger. He’s taught me true patience, selflessness and unconditional love.
Your favourite places in Byron to eat – shop – drink ? So many! I love Spell! It’s my go-to Byron wardrobe and the girls are some of the nicest and most generous I’ve met and that good will shines through (note from us, we didn’t pay her to say this we swear.. shucks! ). For homewares, Ahoy Trader has beautiful boho pieces and Newrybar Merchants is a stunning curation of work from some of the countries best designers. The produce here in Byron is amazing so it’s hard to narrow down my favourite food spots but Jeremy and Sarah do cracking coffee and food at 100 Mile Table, as do Adam and Lara at Punch and Daisy in Mullum. Doma Cafe in Federal is my favourite Japanese, especially on Sundays when there’s live music. Fleet in Brunswick Heads is special and the lovely village of Clunes has a great little cafe, general store, butcher and wine cellar with an excellent selection of natural, small batch, interesting wines. Ask Jarryd to recommend something! My favourite farmer’s market is New Brighton (where you’ll also find my favourite natural soaps from Church Farm General Store!). We have such an amazing food scene here…my full list is on my blog!
Words of advice for anyone wanting to get into television work? It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice. Be prepared to do the yard hards, respect the veterans in the biz and be humble. It’s not all glamour and there’s a bit of “smoke and mirrors” but you might be rewarded with travelling the world and learning from some of the smartest, coolest and most creative people on the planet. I do love television and can’t wait to get my hands dirty again. :)