This months Mami Mode we talked to Christine Lafian, founder of Suku Home

 

What led you to establish Suku Home?

I came to Naarm in my early twenties to study, and like so many immigrants I know, I fell in love with the city. Where I came from just didn’t offer the same opportunities, so I made it my goal to stay here. That meant working a bunch of retail jobs to support myself while figuring out what I actually wanted to do.

 

When I started SUKU, I was working at Zimmermann. I wanted a little project that wasn’t tied to the fashion world, which is why SUKU originally started as a bedding brand. For the first three years, I used my graphic design background to build the website, did all the marketing, and packed every order myself. It eventually grew to the point where I could leave my full-time job.

 

Around that time, during the whole Girlboss era, I messaged Sophia Amoruso on a whim—and she ended up featuring SUKU on the Girlboss site. That felt like a real turning point. More people started finding us, and things slowly began to grow. There have been lots of little moments like that, but that one definitely stands out from the early days.

What’s a specific story or memory that influenced the aesthetic or ethos of your brand?

One of my favourite memories growing up in a small town in Indonesia was going fabric shopping with my mum. We’d go into these tiny local shops and choose fabric for things like our window curtain—it was such a small thing, but it felt so special. That memory has stuck with me.

 

When I started SUKU in my twenties, I knew I wanted the brand to feel just as personal. At the time, it wasn’t super common for brands to be transparent about how or where things were made, but that was so important to me. I wanted to create something that felt human—something with real stories and real hands behind it.

 

Building a cult following isn't easy. What do you believe resonates most with your audience and fosters that sense of community around Suku Home? 

It sounds cliché, but honestly—listen to your community and show up for them, every time. It’s easy to say, harder to do, but that’s really been the heart of SUKU. We’ve always tried to make sure our customers feel seen and heard.

 

I also think it’s important to remind people that there are real humans behind this brand. Not just faceless corporations or men in suits. For me, being a woman of colour, and now a mother too, I think that openness resonates with our community. 

 

What do you love most about being a business owner?

The freedom. 

 

Any advice for mums struggling to find their creative practice? 

Start small—and just start. It won’t be perfect at first, and that’s the point. Your first idea needs room to grow, and feedback will shape it. Give yourself permission to be a beginner—especially as a mum, even ten minutes a day can be enough.

 

How would you describe your style?

Eclectic, colourful, and casual. These days I only wear things that are comfortable!

 

What do you love most about designing pieces?

The ability it has to adapt into other people’s story—that’s what I love most. Once it leaves my hands, it becomes part of someone else’s world, and that transformation is really special.

 

How did you find the transition into motherhood as a business owner?

Has motherhood shifted your perspective on your work and the way you run your business?

Absolutely. Motherhood changed everything for me. I didn’t have an easy pregnancy or birth (saving that story for another time—it’s a long one), but to keep it short: my baby was born very sick and spent almost two months in hospital.

 

I kept reminding myself—he didn’t fight that hard just to end up coming second to my work. That thought shifted everything for me. There were moments in the NICU where I prayed to God to take everything I own, just let my baby be okay.

 

Before that, I was so ambitious—work was always my number-one. But going through that experience really snapped me out of it. It made me realise there’s so much more to life than just work. And I’m actually grateful for that shift.

 

Who are you most inspired by? 

My son. He's almost three, but he is pretty inspiring! I also like to be reminded about the beauty of this world through his eyes because everything is a new experience for him.

 

A wardrobe item you’re currently obsessed with?

I’m obsessed with soft materials at the moment—maybe it’s the winter mood. Anything in a mohair or bamboo blend is my go-to. And I’m having a red moment again…it’s bold, but it just makes everything feel a bit more alive this season.

 

Looking back at the last decade of Suku Home, what's one piece of advice you'd give to your younger self just starting?

Learn some business skills!

 

Has your definition of success, both personally and professionally, evolved since becoming a mother? If so, how?

Yes, 100%. I listened to a podcast a few years ago—can’t remember the guy’s name, but he’s someone really successful—and he said, “If my kids are older one day and still want to spend every holiday with me, that’s success.”

That really stuck with me. It made me realise that success isn’t just about achievements or goals—it’s also about companionship, connection, and being present for the people you love. That’s become a big part of how I define success now, both in life and in business.

 

Any advice on how you manage the juggle between business owner and mama?

Oh gosh, I’m still figuring it out myself, but one thing I’ve learned is: everything else can wait. 

 

Did becoming a mum spark any new creative ideas or directions for Suku Home?

Yeah, absolutely. Since becoming a mum and having less time to work, I’ve had to really focus on what’s actually worth my time. It’s helped me streamline how SUKU runs—I try to do less, but with more intention and quality. Because let’s be real, the last thing this world needs is more stuff.

 

What is your ultimate mum hack?

A strong coffee lol... But honestly—learning to be okay with doing things your own way, even if it’s not what the books or the internet say. That’s the real hack.