Debbie Tan on Skater Boys, Barefoot Style & Finding Calm at the Coast

Debbie Tan is the Commercial Director of Aquabumps, the iconic Bondi-based photographic gallery capturing beach life in all its beauty. A mum to two energetic boys, Debbie shares her reflections on raising kind-hearted kids, carving out space for movement and stillness, and finding joy in slow mornings, surf trips, and barefoot living.

Name: Debbie Tan
Date of Birth: 27 January 1976
Place of Birth: Rotorua, New Zealand
Occupation: Commercial Director

What do you love about being a mother?
The pureness of the love that children give you. I’m a heart girl and live for love. I only wish I had more of them to love! My favourite thing about being a mum is the opportunity to create good humans. I want to raise kind, respectful boys with good manners, an open heart, a passion for travel and adventure, and the desire to look after our world.

What do you find the hardest thing about being a mother?
All of it. The mum guilt when I forget to put their news in for homework (that was just this week)! Balancing work and being there for them. Being present and at the same pace they operate at—slow and never in a rush. Being consistently patient is the hardest thing for me. I have to constantly check myself and say, “Deb, they are only little and they got up at 5am. They are tired, like you are.” So when they’re screaming and not listening—take a breath and communicate calmly.

What are your go-to beauty products and favourite brands?
Rationale for my skin! We live on surfboards and at the beach, so it’s my non-negotiable splurge for ageing gracefully. Good skin means you just need sunscreen and go live life. I use Invisible Zinc SPF 30, Benefit cheek and lip tint for a fresh dewy look, and Bare Minerals hydrating gel-cream. For makeup, I keep it simple with Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara—it rolls off in the shower!

How do you manage to stay in shape?
I’m the weirdo who loves to exercise—it’s my moving meditation. I try to move my body every day for my mind and to keep up with my energetic boys. I go to The Well & Bondi for classes, train once a week with my hubby through Trent Knox Training, and practice yoga at Power Living—my happy place.

How do you find time to rest and relax?
I’m very bad at that! But we have a little shack up the coast and are often the only people on the beach. I relax there—lunchtime naps and slow mornings. It’s the opposite of life in Bondi, and we need that. I also get facials at Rationale every eight weeks. Yoga and early morning swims with the boys help me slow down too. I sleep like a log—my husband calls me the white Tongan.

Where are your favourite places to go in Sydney (restaurants, cafes, kids' activities etc.)?
We don’t go out that much at night, but occasionally have brekkie at our local, The Shop, or Lox Stock & Barrel in Bondi. Our boys are mad skateboarders, so weekends are spent at skateparks all over Sydney. I’m a surf-skate mum—will travel outside Bondi for both!

What are your favourite things to do together?
Travel and surf—or watch them land skate tricks. They’re really good at it and I’m so proud. I love seeing the world through their eyes. They don’t care if it’s a $2 a night joint or a fancy hotel—they’re just in awe. That makes me so happy.

Any travel tips with small children or a new baby?
We were on a travel ban after a terrible flight back from Hawaii when Spike was 18 months. I’d never say don’t travel—it’s in my blood—but maybe save the long-hauls for when they’re older. Stay local when they’re little. Now my boys are six and eight and are the best travel buddies. We're a “yes” family—yes to whale sharks, yes to flying foxes!

Where is your favourite place to vacation with your family?
Hawaii, the Mid North Coast, Byron, Cook Islands. We recently road-tripped through Western Australia—amazing. And just got back from New Caledonia. Plus, we love New Zealand!

What is your signature style and favourite fashion brands?
A little luxe boho. Comfort is everything—I prefer to be barefoot when I can. I love Bassike, Zimmermann, Matteau, Matin and Isabel Marant. I also have a soft spot for bikinis—Fella Swim is my go-to for cut and quality.

Debbie wears Three Letters Necklace here