From Newsrooms to Lab Diamonds: Talitha Cummins on Motherhood, Sobriety & The Cut Jewellery.
Photo Courtesy The Cut Jewellery
At a time when women are redefining what it means to lead, build, and create, there’s something magnetic about those whose next chapter blends entrepreneurship with the layered realities of motherhood and personal transformation. It’s not reinvention so much as deepening, a richer, more intentional evolution that reframes both work and life.
Talitha Cummins is one of those women. For more than two decades, she was a trusted presence on Australian screens as a journalist and news presenter, reporting from flood zones, political corridors, and city streets. Today, she is the founder and creative director of The Cut Jewellery, a Sydney-based brand crafting modern heirlooms with a focus on lab-grown diamonds, old-world craftsmanship, and stories that last.
Her path has been anything but linear. Motherhood, sobriety, and a career shift at 43 have reshaped her priorities and sharpened her sense of purpose. The result is a business that values connection as much as craft, and a life grounded in clarity, the kind that comes from facing yourself fully and choosing each step with intention.
This conversation isn’t just about leaving one career for another, though that leap is remarkable in itself. It’s about what happens when a woman begins to design her world not only for herself, but for the people she loves most. For Talitha, that shift hasn’t dulled her ambition; it’s given it more light. And like the finest diamonds she works with, her story is one of brilliance born from pressure, and beauty that’s built to last.
By Alice Codford
ON MOTHERHOOD
Alice: Tell us about your journey into motherhood. How has becoming a mother changed or shaped you?
Talitha: Being a mother has been one of the hardest, yet most rewarding experiences of my life. I found the early days of motherhood challenging, as I had always worked and put my career first, and it was an adjustment for me in that way. But I learnt to soften and grow to love the special moments I have with them. Being a mother transforms your priorities and purpose. Everything becomes aimed toward the best possible outcome for them.
What have been some of the most surprising lessons motherhood has taught you?
Talitha: I think being a mother holds a mirror up to you. Sometimes it’s not all positive! It shows your strengths, fears and your triggers. The parts you’re proud of and also the ones that haven’t healed. But it’s also a chance to help you work on yourself in those areas. Therapy has been so helpful with this.
“Progress, not perfection — that’s my motherhood mantra.”
As a working mum, how do you find balance between your creative pursuits, business, and parenting?
Talitha: I don’t! There’s no balance. There are many attempts at it, but I’m mostly trying to focus on doing what I’m doing at that particular moment and staying focused. If I’m with the kids, I put my phone away and focus on talking or playing with them. Even if it’s 15 minutes to check in at the end of the day. Or having tea on the couch with them early in the morning. Connection is very important, and it’s not about the volume of time, but the quality.
What has been one of the most difficult points of motherhood for you? Were you able to overcome it, and if so, how did you navigate through that challenging time?
Talitha: I really feel like the early years of motherhood were challenging for me. That adjustment from a career person to mother. It was at this time I knew I needed to put myself out there in the way of trying to connect with other mothers. I met some really amazing mums who are now very close friends. Our kids are growing up together, and it's beautiful to watch.
Photo Courtesy The Cut Jewellery
What has been one of the highest points of motherhood for you so far? Are there any particular moments or experiences that stand out?
Talitha: I just love seeing my kids happy. I love seeing them when they’re excited about something or are pleased with something they have achieved. I love the times when we’re fully connected and they share things with me about how they’re feeling or ask for advice. These moments are so special.
Do you have a mantra or mindset that helps you navigate the more chaotic days of motherhood?
Talitha: Progress NOT perfection!!!! The house won’t be tidy, there’ll be yelling and screaming and plenty of things going wrong on some days, but all you can do is the best you can. If you need a 5-minute breather in your bedroom, take it guilt-free.
“Motherhood shows your strengths, fears, and triggers — the parts you’re proud of and the ones that haven’t healed.”
It is a fact that women often feel a loss of identity after becoming a mother. Did you experience this in any way?
Talitha: Very much so. I went through a mourning period for the person I was prior to having kids. It was a good process, because it demonstrated to me that I was probably wrongly identifying myself by the job I had. That’s not healthy either. It was a great chance to grow.
What advice or words of wisdom do you want to share with other mums that you wish you knew, or have now learned along the way?
Talitha: Be kind to yourself, and no one is perfect. No one! So don’t model yourself on someone else’s life.
ON SOBRIETY & PERSONAL RESILIENCE
You've been open about your sobriety journey, a topic that still carries stigma for many. What empowered you to share your story so publicly?
Talitha: The decision to go public was initially unintentional. A blog post about my sobriety was shared on my Facebook page.
But the overwhelming support and positive responses I received led me to embrace the opportunity to help others facing similar challenges. People thought I was crazy to speak out! But I now see it as one of my greatest achievements. I wanted to plant a seed in the minds of others who were struggling but not yet ready to seek help.
How has sobriety influenced your approach to life, work, and motherhood?
Talitha: Sobriety is a gift. An Absolute gift. When you can face yourself fully without the fog of alcohol, it’s a pretty scary yet liberating place to be. You build emotional tools that help you navigate stress and setbacks. You approach work and the world in a very different way because you know what the worst looks like, and there’s a lot of gratitude for what you have. My children have never experienced my drinking, and it’s my goal to keep it that way.
“Sobriety is an absolute gift. When you can face yourself fully without the fog of alcohol, it’s scary yet liberating.”
What would you say to another mother who’s quietly struggling with similar challenges but hasn’t yet spoken out?
Talitha: I know where you are, I’ve been there. Life can be better. It doesn’t have to be like this. Take the first step. Learn a little bit. Read real-life stories from people who have stopped drinking and see if you see a bit of yourself in them. Stopping drinking is a big life step and won’t be easy. But life can be so much better.
ON FOUNDING THE CUT JEWELLERY AND YOUR PREVIOUS CAREER IN MEDIA
You spent many years as a journalist and presenter, what first drew you to a career in media?
Talitha: I always wanted to be a Criminal Psychologist and work in prisons, but my family and family friends talked me out of this! I always had a very curious mind and in a way was an Ambulance Chaser, wanting to know everything that was going on. But as a shy and anxious young girl, Broadcast Journalism certainly wasn’t on my dance card!
Do you remember a moment in your journalism career that really stuck with you, either a big story or a personal turning point?
Talitha: Years ago, I covered the Brisbane floods. Rooftops were barely visible, lives devastated. Days later, thousands of strangers showed up to help families clean up. A moment I’ll never forget. Pure devastation met with extraordinary kindness. We saw the best and worst of humanity as journalists.
Photo Courtesy The Cut Jewellery
You’ve moved from newsrooms to jewellery design, two very different worlds. What skills have you carried over from your media career into running a business?
Talitha: VERY different! I really struggled with the idea of trying to ‘sell’ coming from a journalistic background, when our role was to sit on the fence. But it turns out that sitting on the fence and allowing clients to choose is an effective way to approach this business. And that’s what I’ve done. I’ve been able to use my camera skills to educate social media audiences about jewellery and diamonds, which had led to our growth. Relatability - being able to talk to people and ask them questions and connect on a different level. Creating and nurturing relationships is one of the best parts of my business.
“When we compared a lab and mined diamond under the microscope in London, we couldn’t tell them apart. Virtually indistinguishable. A business was born that day.”
What inspired you to start The Cut Jewellery? Was there a “lightbulb” moment, or did it unfold slowly?
Talitha: It was an opportunity met with hard work. My uncle, who has been in the diamond industry for nearly 55 years, called me and told me I needed to join the family business. I wasn’t convinced, though I did agree to study diamonds with the GIA. After a few months, I was so intrigued that I travelled to London to finalise the practical component of my study. It was there that I discovered lab-grown diamonds. I was fascinated.
Can you share a moment that made you stop and feel proud of what you’ve built with The Cut?
Talitha: Every time an amazing Google Review is posted, sending parcels to clients around the world, from Germany to the USA to Estonia. When clients refer their friends to us.
Did you experience fear before starting or launching the business? What helped you overcome your fear? What words of wisdom can you give other women who might feel that way?
Talitha: I was paralysed by fear. Who would buy a diamond from me? Why would anyone? How can I start a new career at 43? It was about taking one day at a time and not getting too overwhelmed by the bigger picture. If I could do the best possible job for every client, I knew we’d have a good business.
Did you experience fear before starting or launching the business? What helped you overcome your fear? What words of wisdom can you give other women who might feel that way?
Talitha: When we were asked to compare a Lab and Mined diamond under the microscope in London. We couldn’t tell them apart. Virtually indistinguishable. A business was born that day! I love that brides can have the ring of their dreams without compromising on size or quality. We sell both Lab and Natural and are pro choice! There’s a lot of unnecessary elitism surrounding Lab vs Mined.
Photo Courtesy The Cut Jewellery
What has been the most rewarding, and the most unexpected, part of building The Cut from the ground up?
Talitha: I love our suppliers and relationships I have formed with them. Most are different nationalities so I learn a lot about their cultures. Some have become mentors to me.
What entrepreneur do you look up to the most and why?
Talitha: I love Gary Vaynerchuk because he’s kind, humble, hard working and swears a lot lol.
Each piece from The Cut feels so intentional, is there one piece that holds a special place in your heart, maybe your all-time favourite?
Talitha: The Contessa Ring is my all time favourite. My head jeweller and myself sat at his desk with a large notepad - we wanted to create a ring that represented my sobriety. On the sides of this ring are 12 steps to the top, representing the 12 step program. Each layer a lesson in strength.
What does success look like for you now, both personally and as the founder of The Cut?
Talitha: There are the financial achievements and watching the business grow, obviously, but what’s really rewarding to me is having new staff who are as highly engaged and driven to build this business as I am. I take leadership very seriously and have learnt from previous employers what not to do! I’m about to start business coaching to continue to grow myself as the business and organisation grows.
What’s next for The Cut? Any exciting launches or ideas you're dreaming up or currently working on that you can share?
Talitha: We’re about to open our second showroom in Sydney, this one in the CBD. Melbourne is in our sights, along with trunk shows in the USA.
ON YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
Has your personal style changed since becoming a mum? If so, how has it influenced the way you dress?
Talitha: I no longer wear heels or see any sense in them! Sneakers where possible, or flats or boots.
What is your go-to outfit for every day? Any particular pieces you wear on repeat?
Talitha: I strongly feel the need to feel comfortable, so I love simple pieces like the A Emery Benton skirt, a Uniqlo turtleneck and Jac and Jack blazer. I love simple pieces that allow jewellery to become the focal point. We’re about to launch our Contessa diamond pendant on a heavy chain which looks perfect with this!
Whose wardrobe would you love to raid? Do you have any style icons?
Talitha: Sienna Miller. Her street style is slightly boyish and fabulous.
Have you received or gifted yourself something special to commemorate the birth of your children?
Talitha: A tennis bracelet!!!!
What is on your shopping list right now?
Talitha: I’m going through a period of lower consumption. I bought a few pieces for winter but am mixing in pieces from the past, I knew that spending all of that money on clothes in the past would reward me somehow!!!!! I wore a Scanlan dress last week that a lot of people were asking about, when I did the math, I realised it was 8 years old!
I love the simplicity of A Emery clothing and Acne shoes.
What is your go-to handbag for everyday?
Talitha: A large tote to fit everything inside - from kids toys to computer!
What makeup products do you swear by daily?
Talitha: Giorgio Armani Foundation and Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadows.
