In celebration of Mother’s Day, Sigma Healthcare is pleased to share reflections from mothers across our network on what it means to be a working Mum, how they find work/life balance, and what their career means to them.
We hope mothers of all kinds are celebrated and appreciated on Mother’s Day for all they do for others. And for those who find this time of year difficult, please be kind to yourself, take some time to prioritise self-care, and seek support from others.
Nelson Bay Discount Drug Store Pharmacist and Owner, Theodora Antonas
Theodora (Dora) Antonas, a 39-year-old mother and pharmacist, works four days a week at her Nelson Bay Discount Drug Store, balancing a busy working life with 3 children under the age of 7: 6-year-old twin girls – Solienne and Vivienne, and a 3-year-old boy, Jesse.
Ever since Dora was a child, she has loved caring for people and making them feel better. Absolutely nothing has changed over time, except for her cheekiness, which puts a smile on the faces of those who walk through the pharmacy door each day! Dora also loves problem solving, which her profession allows her to do every day.
Balancing Career and Family
Dora’s most rewarding moment as a pharmacist has been buying a pharmacy, making all her goals and dreams come true. She works when her children are at daycare or school and sets boundaries with her team so that they respect her home time, only reaching out for emergencies. Dora said that she believes this is because she gives them the confidence to make important decisions, allows them to make mistakes, and learn from those experiences. Her ethos and store motto is “The staff are my family. We spend more time with them than with our own families, so it’s lots of give and take, respect, love, and care towards each other. I understand that we all have families and issues outside of work. If we are mindful when others are struggling, the rest of the team will pull together to help.”
Dora loves being a Mum. She commented, “I love the unconditional love and excitement the kids bring every day. They remind me to bring out the child within me, to be grateful for what we have, and not fret the small stuff. They also remind me to live in every moment and see things through their eyes.”
Making time for yourself
Self-care is important. Dora enjoys a routine and takes time to meditate, exercise and pamper herself. She loves the outdoors, whether it’s hiking somewhere new, going for a trail run, finding a new swimming hole or simply lying on her hammock at home with a good book. She also enjoys creative outlets such as pottery, painting and making things with her hands.
Dora encourages other working Mums to surround themselves with supportive people whom they can rely on both physically and mentally. “It’s ok to not give 100% all of the time because those incredible, supportive people who believe in you will be there to make sure you never fail. But most importantly, family comes first and when your staff and customers see that, only then will they see that they are part of that amazing family too,” Dora said.
Chemist Warehouse Managing Partner and Pharmacist, Rebecca Nguyen
As a proud mother of two young girls, aged 8 and 10, Rebecca (Bec) Nguyen, managing partner of multiple Chemist Warehouse stores, said finding balance is always a work in progress. She started her journey with Chemist Warehouse as a pharmacy student and has been a pharmacist for 22 years.
Balancing Career and Family
Typically working five days a week, Bec finds that flexibility is key. However, she has learned that the right balance is whatever suits her family’s dynamics at the time. She also believes having a career you love can be a powerful example for your children, showing them firsthand that hard work and passion can coexist with being a loving, present parent.
As a managing partner, Bec feels a responsibility not only to her team and partners but also to the community. Throughout her working career, she has developed deep friendships and a supportive network that has had an enormous impact on how she balances being a working mother while providing flexibility and understanding to others. Bec said, “Chemist Warehouse has been a place where I’ve found compassion for the unique challenges working mothers face, whether it’s adjusting schedules or simply having a support system that truly understands the juggle of work and family.”
One of her most rewarding moments has been witnessing the growth of young pharmacists she’s mentored, especially those who have become successful owners or confident working mothers. Other standout moments include making a difference in a patient’s life, whether it’s helping them manage a complex health condition, offering a comforting word during a tough time, or receiving heartfelt gratitude from someone who feels truly cared for. “It’s in those genuine connections and the trust we build with our community that I find the greatest sense of purpose,” Bec reflected.
For Bec, being a pharmacist means being part of something bigger, knowing that what she does each day has a real impact on the lives of others. Caring for the community, providing guidance, and empowering patients to take control of their health are all part of the role. As a health care professional, Bec also stays up to date with evolving treatments and approaches through continuous learning so she can always provide the best care possible.
Reflecting on being a Mum, Bec said that her children have taught her patience, compassion and the importance of understanding that every family has its own challenges and dynamics. She loves how her children have helped her to grow into a better version of herself, making her more empathetic and resilient, in every part of her life.
Making time for yourself
Setting boundaries is about being intentional, knowing when to say yes to work and when to say yes to herself and her family. Bec has learned that taking care of herself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether it’s taking time out for family, taking a quiet moment to recharge, or even delegating when needed, she tries to stay mindful of what she needs to stay balanced.
Food has always been a big part of her culture, and sharing a great meal with people she cares about brings Bec joy. She loves good food and catching up with friends.
Bec urges other Mums not to judge themselves based on what others do. Be proud of the example you set for your children. As a mother of two daughters, she hopes to inspire them to know they can pursue their dreams without losing sight of their values or family.
Embracing flexibility without guilt and making time for yourself is essential, not selfish. Whether it’s a quiet coffee in the morning before work, a walk, or an evening with friends, prioritise what recharges you. And remembering to ask for help when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
“Keep reminding yourself that being a working mother is not about perfection; it’s about doing your best with love and purpose. Your children are watching, and they are learning that resilience, passion, and kindness are the true measures of success,” Bec said.
Amcal+ Pharmacy Horsham Pharmacist and Owner, Carlie Streeter
A pharmacist for 20 years, Carlie Streeter – owner of Amcal+ Pharmacy Horsham, is also a working Mum of three beautiful daughters aged 17, 15 and 13. She says that every day in the pharmacy is different and provides a new set of challenges, but Carlie loves being both a Mum and a pharmacist.
Balancing Career and Family
As a career, pharmacy has always been family friendly. Amcal+ Pharmacy Horsham is comprised of a predominantly female workforce, so Carlie and business partner Bianca, who are both working Mums, understand the importance of flexibility to help balance career and family commitments.
Carlie said it can be quite difficult, especially as a pharmacy owner, to switch off after a day at the pharmacy – there is always something else to do once the doors are closed! But she believes it is important to make time for your family outside work to spend time together, attend sporting events, and celebrate special achievements with her family. She said it was much harder to balance life as a working mother when her girls were younger, and a lot of sacrifices were made. But she has been extremely well supported by her business partner and her family, especially her mother-in-law, who has always been happy to help with after-school commitments.
When asked what being a pharmacist means to her, Carlie said, “Quite simply, it’s the job I love. I enjoy being able to solve people’s problems and help them with their health. I genuinely love the relationships I’ve developed with my patients and the community we serve.” Some of Carlie’s most rewarding moments in pharmacy have been celebrating the achievements of team members, whether it’s completion of certificates or studies, winning awards, or mentoring young interns into brilliant pharmacists of the future.
Making time for yourself
While Carlie is still working on setting boundaries and prioritising self-care, she feels it is important to take a holiday or a break to reset and reconnect with family when needed. If given the opportunity for a break, she enjoys time-out in her trackies on the couch watching TV or reading.
While she has always experienced some internal conflict trying to balance being present enough as a mother and working as a successful pharmacist and business owner, Carlie strives to set a good example for her children. “It is pretty special to be called a Mum. I love that I get to share in their exciting news at the end of the day, and I have loved watching them grow into amazing young ladies who I am extremely proud of,” Carlie commented.
At the end of the day, you just have to do what works best for you and your family. Carlie encourages working mothers to accept help (especially when you have babies or little children). Carlie shared, “You will never get everything absolutely right, and will no doubt stuff a few things up! Just do your best, have fun and enjoy the ride!”
Balwyn North Discount Drug Store Retail Manager, Rachel Klashovski
As a busy Mum of four adult sons working five days a week, Balwyn North Discount Drug Store (DDS) Retail Manager, Rachel Klashovski, feels that perfection isn’t the goal – being present and doing your best is.
Balancing Career and Family
When you’re juggling a lot, setting boundaries where you can at work and home, and prioritising tasks daily helps Rachel tackle what matters most and helps avoid the stress of an overloaded mental schedule. A daily or weekly to-do list helps to provide clarity, organisation and prevents tasks from slipping through the cracks. Breaking tasks into smaller steps also makes them feel more manageable for Rachel.
At Balwyn North DDS, Rachel said that flexible working arrangements such as hybrid schedules, part-time options and flexible start/finish times have helped them to manage school drop-offs, medical appointments, and other family responsibilities. Ultimately, her workplace is about creating sustainable careers, where parenthood is seen as a valuable life experience.
As a Pharmacy Retail Manager, Rachel’s responsibilities include managing task effectively, communicating clearly and ensuring both customers and team culture stay in sync so everyone experiences the best possible outcomes. She feels a good team culture is a must, like a home, if everyone is heard, happy and encouraged to grow personally and professionally, the outcome will speak for itself.
Every day interactions have provided some of Rachel’s most rewarding moments in pharmacy – a meaningful chat with a long-time customer or seeing relief on someone’s face when they have been helped in the pharmacy. She said she genuinely loves the connections she has built with customers. “I love going all in on an idea, bringing energy and creativity to the pharmacy and seeing the smiles it brings to both customers and staff. It’s those fun, shared experiences that make the workplace feel special and remind me why I love what I do,” Rachel shared.
Making time for yourself
For Rachel, setting boundaries and prioritising self-care comes down to good time management. She often works backwards from what absolutely needs to be done (deadlines, family commitments) and then looks for pockets of time to claim for herself. She recommends finding time to invest in yourself, working on your mindset and goals, as well as your well-being. Rachel loves to hike and goes to the gym. Sharing time with friends and family over food (and the odd wine!) as well as reading are things she also enjoys.
One of her biggest tips for other working mothers is not to be so hard on yourself. Rachel shared, “Looking back, I’ve realised that when I focused on myself, even just a little, I became a better version of me in all areas of life. I wish I had embraced that mindset earlier.”
Being a Mum has been a truly rewarding experience for Rachel. “What I love most about being a Mum is the deep connection I share with my boys. They’re my favourite people to spend time with – funny, thoughtful and full of life. Watching them grow into kind, intelligent young men has been one of life’s greatest gifts. I feel incredibly grateful to be their mum,” Rachel said.
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