Getting To Know ... Anne Lewis from Mathilda's Market

OK, this is the Q&A you've all been waiting for! We probe the busy and creative brain of the Queen Bee behind Mathilda's Market, Anne Lewis.

I am passionate about … family, work and the principle of right & wrong.

I get frustrated when … I don’t listen to myself, which goes something like this: "why didn’t I go to bed earlier?, why didn’t I finish my to do list instead of watch Bones?, why didn’t I clean the kitchen before I went to bed?, why did I yell at my kids instead of explaining it calmly?", etc.

I started my business because … I thought I’d be a good idea, and I just adored beautiful things for babies & kids.

My favourite TV show is … Well, this is quite funny. I hardly ever watch TV, as I don’t have enough time for it. But I have all the series I ever plan to catch on DVD, so when I magically do have time one day, I can have a two-week TV viewing marathon. This would include: Desperate Housewives, all interior design shows, Underbelly, Bones, and a zillion other shows that will just allow me to escape into a different world!

If I could be anywhere right now I’d be … Time travelling back to my life of 15 years ago, backpacking through Asia, partying lots and sitting on the beach all day doing not much at all. Basically, a life full of fun without responsibilities and consequences.

I am most proud of … the fact that my kids turned out pretty normal (so far!)

I think the biggest obstacle our kids will face in the future is … Hmmm, where to start! Mainly the lack of parenting rules and discipline they get, coupled with the right amount of love. This can have negative results for an individual and a community as a whole, and that's scary.

My favourite item from our product range is … Well, for Mathilda’s Market, the answer to that is every stallholder! However, we have recently started our own range: Pip & Co. (find us at http://www.pipandco.com.au/) and Klickbox (http://www.klickbox.com.au/) so of course, I love all our products right now!

I love listening to ... Anything from Cat Stevens to Muse and Guns n' Roses to Vivaldi. Whatever mood I am in!

My heart sings when … We get lots of shoppers through the door at Mathilda’s Market. It means our job is done, and done well!

The hardest part of running my business is … Lack of time and lack of sleep. And as the owner of the business, I often end up having to deal with the serious complaints and problems. Don't get me wrong, I love LOVE this job, as you couldn't work this hard if you didn't! But a lot of the fun jobs go to my staff!

I love sipping on … Anything I'm offered ...

One of the funniest things I’ve ever seen is ... My friend laughing uncontrollably, and subsequently completely wetting her pants. (I am not being mean, my friend still thinks it is funny too!)

The best part of my day is … Hopping into bed with the kids at nighttime for a chat, and they let their “school guard” down and become the gorgeous, innocent little kids that they are. This is closely followed by me hopping into my bed, and enjoying pure silence in the house.

My favourite food is … Anything Italian.

I struggle with … Dishonesty, bullshit and people who delay the inevitable. Ah, and staying organised.

Friendship to me means … Unconditional love.

I just can’t live without … Chocolate, and of course my family. And, I have to admit it ... work!