Jade Zobbo, otherwise known as @mamazobbostribe, is a family fashion influencer and drama teacher at a theatre school. She lives just outside of Brighton with her husband (and partner of 22 years) and their three children, who can often be seen dressed in beautifully curated colour palettes. Jade’s feed is known for capturing the magic of family life in Brighton and living by the sea. We caught up with her to chat family fashion, seaside living and the joy of dressing up with your kids…

Could you tell us a little bit about why you started your Instagram feed and what it’s all about?

I have always been creative, I trained as a performer at drama school and whilst I was there I took a job as a photographer taking pictures in nightclubs in the evening. It ignited my love of photography and art. When I had my first child, I just wanted to document everything about him. A photograph tells so many stories, when he was in reception I decided that was the time to start my feed, and it grew from there. My feed is a family-based account focusing on our family fashions, our three children’s fashions, lifestyle, and adventures.

What are the things you love most and least about motherhood?

Gosh soo many things, I love seeing things through their eyes. I love the bond that we have created with our children, we are soo close and I’m so grateful for the love we have built as a family. Three little best friends how lucky am I. It’s such a magical journey. Motherhood is such a weird contradiction, I want to share everything with them and in the same hand I’m like,  can  I just have a minute to myself . Balance can be really hard, it’s become a little easier of late, as our little one is  attending nursery a couple times a week. But even with that,  I get so excited to have a moments breath, and then I feel guilty at the same time, you can’t win!

What are your favourite brands for dressing your kids?

So many to choose from, but I absolutely love Organic Zoo, all three of our children have grown up in this brand. Childrenssalon stocks the most beautiful selection of brands, including Zimmerman and Stella McCartney kids. Happyology has the most beautiful items, pretty, timeless, and again I’ve watched my children grow up in these items. Because my children are varied In ages, Next and Zara are great, when it comes to offering a wide selection so that I can colour-coordinate their outfits. Rockahula is amazing for accessories and lastly Donsje Amerstdam shoes are divine.

What are the things you love most and least about Instagram?

This platform has allowed me to meet the most amazing people including some really special friends. It has given my family opportunities and experiences we may not have had without it, and for that I’m so grateful. I also love how it allows people to bring awareness to important topics and can be a platform for learning and discussion, I’m generally inspired by people on this platform, and constantly learning. I guess for me personally, it’s when I’ve put a lot of work into my content and then it doesn’t get seen- it can be frustrating. I try hard to brush it off and not take it personally.

How has the platform changed for parents since you started posting?

It’s such a funny thing because on one hand, I’ve met so many wonderful kind people, but on the other hand I’m very aware of how unsafe this platform can be especially for young people. I work with young people and social media in the wrong hands or vulnerable minds can be so destructive. It’s about understanding a balance between authentic relationships and social media. I’ve never edited my body or children, apart from making the colours slightly brighter or sharper, but this isn’t the case for everyone, and what you see is not always real. For some people this is hard to grasp. I hope as parents we can teach our children to use this platform to Inspire their growth and goals rather than use it as a negative tool.

Has your own style changed since you became a mother?

I’ve always leaned towards boho, pretty dresses, neutral and earthy looks and that hasn’t changed at all. However sometimes pretty dresses just don’t work, especially When you’re doing the school run or you’re on the side of a football pitch – so I’ve had to embrace Items that are comfortable and practical too. It’s always been important for me to feel good about myself, and dressing in nice clothes, doing my makeup is a big part of who I am. It’s a way to express myself and embrace my creativity. I adore creating a colour platte and matching all the family together, I think it makes everything look really clean and I’m lucky that our wardrobes allows me to do that.

And finally, do you have any favourite family hangouts in Brighton?

Mainly We love just being outside and enjoying the sea (honestly it’s my therapy)  nature is our healer. So will head to the beach in Rottingdean for a spot of crabbing if it’s low tide, and a kick around at Connor Court. Will go to Hove Lagoon for water sports, ice creams at the big beach cafe and a play in the park. The kids also love the Peter Pan playground, you can walk right along the Madeira drive or you catch the Volks railway to the yellow beach cafe and watch the volleyball. And finally, If we fancy a good old mooch, we will go to Kensington Garden in the Lanes for a stroll around the eclectic shops, grab a good coffee and then let the kids have a run around the Pavilion Gardens.