Victoria Hatsatouris | Rituals, Routines & Running a Business by the Sea: A Day With Victoria
Meet Victoria Hatsatouris — Coastal mama, founder of Little SOHLS, and the heart behind a brand inspired by barefoot adventures and everyday play. Based by the sea with her husband and two boys, Victoria’s days are shaped by slow moments, sandy toes, and the beautiful balance between business and motherhood. Whether she’s designing practical footwear for little explorers or winding down with her family by the shoreline, Victoria finds joy in the simple moments — and a deep sense of purpose in creating a life that celebrates nature, connection, and calm amidst the chaos.
1. How has living by the beach shaped your approach to motherhood?
I absolutely adore living by the beach. Being able to take my children out into nature with just a few minutes’ walk is something I never take for granted. I didn’t grow up with the ocean on my doorstep (unlike my husband), so it was really important to me to give that kind of lifestyle to my own children. There’s something so grounding about it – the salty air and barefoot moments have a way of bringing calm to the chaos. I also make a conscious effort to teach my children how lucky they are to grow up this way. It’s such a privilege – one I try to instil gratitude for every day.
2. How do you find balance between being present as a mum and showing up for your business?
This one’s tricky – mum guilt is real, and it hits hard some days. I’ve had to become very intentional about how I divide my time. I now block out every afternoon from 4pm to 7pm (or until the kids are asleep) to put down my phone, step away from my laptop, and just be present. It’s non-negotiable now, but that definitely wasn’t the case in the early days of Little SOHLS. As the business has grown, I’ve learned that most tasks can wait – but those small windows of time with your children can’t. Whether it’s sitting down for dinner, reading a bedtime story, or simply being in the moment – those are the memories that shape childhood, and I know they’re what truly matter.
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3. Are there any rituals or moments that feel grounding or special for your family?
The beach, always. My husband grew up in Bondi, so for him, being by the ocean feels like being home – and now we’re passing that feeling on to our boys. There’s something magical that happens when our days are spent down by the water. No matter how overstimulating or chaotic the day has been, as soon as we hit the sand, it’s like a reset button for all of us. The boys become calmer, we’re more connected, and everything else fades into the background for a little while.
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4. How do you prepare for a beach outing with little ones in tow – any must-haves or hacks you swear by?
Oh, I used to pack half the house when they were younger – just in case! But over time, I’ve refined our beach kit to the essentials:
A reusable swim nappy for my littlest is always stashed in the boot or pram because you never know when we will end at the beach.
Sunscreen is a year-round non-negotiable – Sydney’s UV doesn’t mess around. Our current go-to is Sun & Daughter’s mineral sunscreen, and my new favourite hack is using their paintbrush to apply it. It turns a battle into a fun little ritual they actually enjoy.
We also never head to the beach without our SOHLS shoes. Not only are they fast-drying if they get wet, but the non-slip rubber sole is a must as the boys climb in and out of the kiddie pool and explore the rocks.
As the weather cools, we tend to move our of our favourite swimwear and into our wetties – we are fan favourites of the sustainable AVALY wetsuits, as they are not only so adorable, but incredible for the planet also!
A big, sand-free towel is essential – key word: sand-free! My boys don’t stop moving, so having something that repels the sand makes life so much easier. Enter: Sand Society!
A couple of smaller hooded towels to wrap them up post-swim and keep them warm on the walk home.
And finally, how can I forget... SNACKS!!
5. What lessons do you hope your boys take from growing up near the ocean?
I hope they grow up with a deep respect for nature and an ability to find calm in its unpredictability. The ocean has always felt like a teacher to me – offering patience, perspective, and resilience. I want them to know that joy doesn’t live in screens or stuff, but in beach adventures, sand between your toes, and quiet moments shared with people you love. Most of all, I hope the beach becomes their refuge, just as it always has for me– the place they return to when they need to recharge, reflect, or just be.
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