Article: UNIK Muse Kel King
UNIK Muse Kel King
Photographer, content creator, and mother of two boys — grounded in love, creativity, and the gentle chaos of family life.
This Mother’s Day, we’re excited to share the story of Kel — a woman whose days begin with puzzles and pancakes, and whose heart is stitched into every photo she captures and every moment she shares with her boys. Living on the Gold Coast with her husband and sons, Kel brings warmth and intention to all she does — from the way she dresses to the way she parents.
In our conversation, Kel opens up about the quiet transformation that comes with motherhood — how it reshaped not just her days, but her sense of self. With tender honesty, she reflects on the joys, the challenges, and the small, sacred rituals that fill their home. Her words are a gentle reminder of the beauty in the mess, the strength in softness, and the deep, enduring love that defines motherhood.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself — where is home, who do you share it with, and how do you spend your days creatively and otherwise?
Hello, I'm Kel, a photographer, as well as a content manager and creator. I reside on the Gold Coast with my husband and two beautiful boys.
Kel wears the Verona dress in Black
How has motherhood shaped your relationship with yourself?
Motherhood changed me, of course it did. I naively thought motherhood would just blend into what life was, into who I was, but instead, it altered everything — including my relationship with, well, me. I grew incredibly proud of myself, my body, but at the same time, I was challenged by the new norm, the non-stop needs of my boys, paired with my people-pleasing ways. I was forced to rewrite what I knew to be me, to create me as a mother. Motherhood made me really reflect on what was and what is necessary in this little life.
Kel wears the Kidd boilersuit in Black
What does a typical morning look like in your home?
In our home, we wake early. My husband isn't home in the mornings, so it’s straight into drawing, puzzles, or indoor football while I make a smoothie for us all to curb the 'hangry' vibes. Then it’s swiftly into our clothes and out to the beach or park to enjoy those early hours before we're back home for eggs or pancakes, before everyone’s day heads in different directions.
Has your approach to getting dressed changed since becoming a mum?
My approach to 'getting dressed' has changed, definitely. It's now all about what works for these breastfeeding/toddler-chasing/grubby hands/football-playing-filled days. I'm reaching for easy style — comfort that I know allows me to feel great about my outfit and also get me through my day.
Kel wears the Anya kimono in Shell and Jonathan pant in Cacao
Can you share your daily self-care routine with us?Self-care has never been my strong point. I'm happy to put the needs of others before mine, but I’m understanding that this isn’t always sustainable, so this year I’ve finally adopted a few habits to help. I’ve started a somewhat 'proper' skincare regime, gotten back to Pilates, and I’m doing my best not to feel guilty about leaving the boys for an hour. I take daily supplements and aim for daily swims in the ocean too.
Kel wears the Mateo shirt in White and Jonathan pant in Cacao
When your children look back on this time with you, what do you hope they’ll carry in their hearts?
Oh gosh, this is a big one because it's such a precious time, and I always worry about how quickly it's passing. Someday, I almost long for these days that haven’t yet passed, as they truly are so wonderful, and my goodness, am I going to miss them. I just hope the boys reflect and feel warmth in the house, know the love I hold for them, and understand just how important they are to this world. I also hope that, one day — maybe when they’re parents themselves — they’re able to look back and smile at the little rituals we’re creating, and have a laugh at the madness that currently passes as 'the norm' and the mess made from fun.
What’s a piece of wisdom your mum shared with you that you hope to pass on to your own children?
My mum has always been such a 'strong' woman; she had to be. Her life played out in ways that meant she had a thick skin to a degree, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve almost come to realise how 'human' she is. She was always a beacon of utter strength, and she passed that onto me. At times, I think I’m probably too stoic to ask for help as she was, but now I know her to be a lot softer, when the walls fall away and the moments of vulnerability can't be kept at bay. She’s taught me so much — beyond wise and wonderful things. When I reflect, she’s taught me that you can possess both strength and softness collectively. I want my boys to know that they can be strong, but that doesn’t mean they have to harden. It’s always okay to face your vulnerabilities.
What is your favourite UNIK pieces and why?
UNIK is one of my all time favourite labels, so many ways to wear all of their pieces so choosing favourites is hard! But, I adore my Anya kimono as it’s so easy to throw over shorts, or swimwear or a mini dress! The Santorini shirt dress is my ultimate go to for elevated day wear when belted and accessories! And the Verona maxi dress is my favourite for occasions where I want to feel a little more dressy!
In celebration of Mother's Day, enjoy 15% off sitewide with code 'MAMALOVE' - offer valid until Tuesday 8am.
