Finding Joy in Every Load: A Conversation with Hevs from The Laundry Nanny

Sometimes the most inspiring stories come from the most unexpected places. When I first met Hevs through her daughter's Pilates studio - the very place where I fell in love with Pilates and decided to become an instructor myself - I was immediately struck by her infectious energy and warmth. Here was a woman who seemed to radiate joy while juggling multiple roles: entrepreneur, mother, grandmother, and newly certified Pilates instructor. I knew I had to invite her to share her story on our Women's Journal.

What unfolded in our conversation was a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the power of choosing joy - even when life throws its heaviest challenges your way.

You have this incredible energy that just lights up every room you enter. With so many different roles in your life running The Laundry Nanny, supporting your daughter's studio, being a grandmother. What inspires you to stay so positive and energetic?

You know, I've learned that joy is a choice, and I choose it every day. Life's too short to be grumpy, especially when I've got grandbabies to cuddle, laundry to love, and a Pilates reformer calling my name!

But I'll be honest - this perspective didn't come easily. I've been through some really heavy seasons, and they've taught me to appreciate the little things. When you've walked through darkness, you don't take the light for granted anymore.

That's such a beautiful way to look at it. Speaking of juggling multiple roles, how do you actually balance running The Laundry Nanny with everything else - supporting your daughter's studio, being present as a grandmother?

Let's be honest - some days I'm absolutely smashing it, and other days I'm just winging it! But I've learned that's okay. I prioritise what matters, I'm learning to set boundaries (still working on that one!), and I remind myself it's okay to slow down sometimes.

It's not about doing everything perfectly. It's about being present for what fills your cup. Some days that might mean I'm folding someone else's laundry with complete focus and care. Other days it's rolling around on the floor with my grandkids or cheering on my daughter at her studio.

I love that honesty. Now, here's what really amazed me - you pursued your Pilates certification at 50. What motivated you to take on something so physically and mentally demanding at this stage in your life?

Actually, the Pilates reformer course was a gift from my daughter for my 50th birthday. At first, I was anxious and thought, "I'm too old for this." But then I realised I wanted to prove to myself that I still had more to give - to my body, my mind, and my future.

Pilates helped me heal and feel strong again. It made me fall in love with movement in a way I never expected. Now I get to move, teach, and inspire others, and that feels pretty amazing. Getting certified wasn't just about learning a new skill—it was about reclaiming confidence in myself.

That's incredibly inspiring. You mentioned healing - I sense there's a deeper story there. Can you share a memorable experience that has shaped your journey and kept you motivated?

Losing my beautiful mother-in-law to cancer changed everything. I actually quit my job to care for her, and that experience showed me what truly matters in life. When she passed away, I started doing washing for my kids, and that's how The Laundry Nanny was born.

She's still with me in spirit, and her legacy of love keeps me going every single day. She taught me that service - real, heartfelt service - is one of the most beautiful ways to show love.

What a profound way to honour her memory. With everything you're juggling, what does a typical day actually look like for you?

Each day starts with intention! I might be up early for Pilates, then it's off to collect laundry from my clients, and I'll possibly sneak in a visit with the grandkids if I'm lucky.

The day is this beautiful mix of movement, connection, and service. I've learned to flow with the unexpected and give myself grace when the to-do list overflows. No two days look exactly the same, but they all revolve around the things I love most - my family, helping others, and doing work that genuinely fills my heart.

It sounds like it hasn't always been smooth sailing though. What challenges have you faced along the way, and how have you overcome them?

Oh, where do I start? Burnout, grief, starting a business from absolute scratch, tech tantrums - you name it! But here's what I've learned: every single challenge has taught me something valuable.

I ask for help when I need it, I cry when I need to, and I laugh as often as possible. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just acknowledge that it's hard and keep going anyway.

That's such practical wisdom. How do you stay motivated to keep growing, both personally and professionally?

I stay curious. I ask questions, I say yes to things that scare me a little bit, and I surround myself with people who cheer me on. But here's something important - I also give myself permission to rest, because growth doesn't always mean hustle. Sometimes growth looks like taking deep breaths and having long conversations with people you love.

Family seems to be such a central theme in your life. What role does family play in keeping you grounded and motivated?

They're the center of everything. My husband, my kids, my grandkids - they're the reason I do what I do. Their support, their beautiful chaos, their unconditional love - it's the best fuel in the world. Even when things get tough, knowing I have this incredible support system makes me feel like I can handle anything.

Finally, and this is so important for our readers. What advice would you give to women who are looking to pursue new passions or start new ventures at any stage of life?

Do it scared. Do it messy. Do it anyway.

Your age doesn't limit your dreams - your mindset does. You're never too old, too late, or too tired to start something that lights you up inside. Start small, trust yourself, and know that magic can happen at the most unexpected times of your life.

I'm living proof of that. At 50, I thought my biggest adventures were behind me. Now I'm teaching Pilates, running a business I'm passionate about, and discovering new things about myself every day. If I can do it, so can you!

As our conversation wrapped up, I couldn't help but reflect on how Hevs embodies everything our Women's Journal stands for - the courage to reinvent yourself, the wisdom to find joy in service, and the strength to turn life's challenges into stepping stones.

Her story reminds us that it's never too late to discover new passions, that every season of life has its own unique gifts, and that sometimes the most fulfilling journeys begin with the simplest act of saying "yes" to something that scares you.

Whether you're folding laundry with intention, pursuing a dream that feels too big, or simply choosing joy in the midst of chaos, Hevs' message is clear: your story is still being written, and the best chapters might be yet to come.

Want to connect with Hevs? You can find The Laundry Nanny on Instagram @the-laundry-nanny and discover more about her Pilates journey!

What dreams are you ready to pursue? Share your thoughts in the comments below - we'd love to cheer you on!