Mary Lou Ryan on Growth, Grounding, and Supporting Women in Business

This month on Verse Mothers, we meet Mary Lou Ryan, co-founder of bassike, mother of three, and lifelong advocate for considered living. Raised in Melbourne and driven by a love of clothing and connection, Mary Lou shares her reflections on motherhood, building a global brand, and why the conversation around women in business—especially working mothers—still needs to evolve.

Name: Mary Lou Ryan
Date of Birth: 13 December 1974
Place of Birth: Sydney, Australia
Occupation: Co-founder and Creative Director of Bassike

1. Did you always know you wanted to become a mother?
No, I didn’t always know. It wasn’t until my early 30s that I really considered it. Now, it’s the most meaningful part of my life.

2. What brings you joy when you are having a bad day?
My kids’ laughter, time in nature, and a moment of stillness with a cup of tea always reset my mood.

3. What are your favourite mid-week dinner treats?
We love a veggie curry or miso-glazed salmon. Something warming, simple, and nourishing that brings us together around the table.

4. What are some items in your life you cannot live without?
My notebook, my morning coffee, my running shoes, and our dog Ziggy. They each play a role in keeping me centred.

5. How do you grow your creativity?
I try to keep my senses open — through travel, art, music, design. Nature is also a big source of inspiration for me.

6. What are some grocery items that are in your basket every single week?
Seasonal vegetables, eggs, sourdough, olive oil, tahini, and a good wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

7. What has surprised you most about being a mother?
How deep the connection is — it's instinctive and infinite. And how much I’ve learned about myself through raising them.

8. What are your favourite indulgences?
A massage, a glass of natural wine, and diving into a beautiful magazine or book.

9. How has your working life changed since becoming a mother?
I’ve become more efficient and focused. My priorities are clearer — family always comes first, and I’ve built better boundaries around work.

10. Is there a moment or event that radically changed the way you saw the world?
Becoming a mother changed everything. It shifted my lens completely and taught me to live more presently.

11. What is one thing you are loving right now?
Ocean swims — they clear my head and energise me for the day.

12. What are your most important values?
Integrity, kindness, creativity, and community.

13. How do you ground yourself in stressful times?
I go for a walk in nature, breathe deeply, and remind myself that this too shall pass.

Mary Lou wears Three Letters Necklace here