‘The Daily Aus' Co-Founder Zara Seidler's Peaceful Mid-Century Apartment
Welcome to The Makers. Each week, we’re celebrating innovators, artisans, and crafters of all types, taking you on a private tour of their creative spaces. For this instalment, we tour The Daily Aus co-founder Zara Seidler's playful home in Sydney's East.
It's no mean feat starting your own media business, let alone in your early twenties. It requires a clear vision, plenty of drive, and a strong supporter to back your idea. Enter Zara Seidler, the co-founder of Australia's leading social-first news service, The Daily Aus.
Alongside long-time friend and business partner Sam Koslowski, Zara launched the company in March 2017, an idea that was born out of the pair's aptitude for breaking down the news for their peers. Together with a growing number of staff, they now do this for over 300,000 young Australians on Instagram via @thedailyaus, keeping a generation of scroll-happy readers informed about local and global current affairs.
The team communicate the news in a digestible and engaging way, using interesting visual content that is approachable yet impactful. It's a career and platform that Zara could never have predicted. "I’ve always been loud, opinionated and addicted to 'explaining things', but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be running my dream company, and in my dream role by the age of 25", she shares with Bed Threads Journal.
Zara holds a Bachelor of International and Global Studies from The University of Sydney, and her impressive albeit short career has seen her work as a research assistant in Washington, a Government Relations Officer, and an Electorate Officer. "I’ve always been someone that tries to do things differently, and innovating in the news space matches that personality trait," she tells us.
When it comes to her home, the former political advisor's charming home feels youthful yet refined. The abode leans towards a relaxed mid-century aesthetic with its stereo players, retro lighting, and vintage chairs. Lashings of pastel hues enliven the apartment from the Slim Aarons' print which hangs above an aqua side board in the open-plan living area, to the Pink Clay and Terracotta linen in the light-filled bedroom. Elegant details like leadlight windows and an ornate ceiling design bring further character into the home and elevate it to a more sophisticated level.
We spoke to Zara about the most challenging lesson she's learnt so far, the advice she'd give to to someone looking to pursue a similar line of work, and how she knew this was the home for her.
Shop Zara Seidler's home edit.
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Hi Zara! This series is called The Makers. What is it that you make?
I make news for young people to consume! I run a media startup called ‘The Daily Aus’.
How does the act of “making” relate to your personality and who you are?
I’m still trying to work out “who I am” but I think I’ve always been someone that tries to do things differently, and innovating in the news space matches that personality trait.
Tell us about your career journey to date. Did you always know you wanted to pursue this line of work?
I’ve worked in and around news and politics throughout my (short) career to date. I’ve always been loud, opinionated and addicted to “explaining things”, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be running my dream company, and in my dream role by the age of 25.
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Talk us through your creative process. Where do you start?
I’ve honestly never considered myself as creative, and have therefore never thought about what my process looks like. In terms of innovating, which I believe is my form of creativity, I look to our audience of inspiring, engaged and loyal young people to inform what future innovation should look and feel like.
What’s been the most challenging lesson learnt so far in your career?
You can’t do everything all at once. I’m genuinely the most impatient person ever, so it’s been fun trying to temper that haha.
What’s been the best thing that’s happened to you since you started your career?
I’ve been fortunate enough to build an incredible team at The Daily Aus - they are without a doubt the best thing that’s happened to me professionally. The rest couldn’t happen without them.
Recreate Zara's look with our Lavender Tablecloth.
Do you have a single piece of advice you’d give to your younger self or someone looking to pursue a similar line of work?
Take risks and be loud. The two things young women are told not to do!
Now, the home stuff. How long have you lived in your home?
A year.
How did you initially know this was the space for you?
It was the first proper space I looked at, and I was drawn immediately to the outlook and light-flooded bedroom. I moved from living with my mum into this place, so it was a big move.
Did you do any renovations or make any big changes after moving in?
No, but we certainly have developed a love/hate relationship with the ah, mature bones of the building (read: lots of cracks).
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What was the thought process behind the way you’ve styled the interior?
I was tempted to lie here and go into some wonderful narrative about finding my inner style, but sadly, my partner is 100% responsible for the styling of our home. Throughout this process, we have recognised each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and let’s just say… I do news better than interior design.
What are your favourite pieces in the home?
I’m a big fan of the matching Slim Aarons print and aqua cabinet that was resourcefully sourced from Facebook marketplace.
Do you have any special décor pieces you’re looking to add?
I’m going through a funky candle stage now that we can host people at home again.
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Which is your favourite room in the house?
The bedroom. The afternoon light is beautiful, and a Sunday arvo with a book in bed is the best place to be.
What are your top tips for a well-styled bedroom, and home generally?
Errr, live with someone who knows what they’re doing.
Do you have any projects coming up you want to talk about?
This year is election year, which means The Daily Aus is going to be laser focused on bringing credible, explanatory journalism to young Aussies so that they’re informed when they get to the ballot box.
For more from Zara follow her @ZaraSeidler and @TheDailyAus
Photography by Hannah Blackmore, Styling by Jackie Brown
Discover Zara Seidler's home edit.
Step inside more of Australia's most beautiful homes in our series, The Makers.