FO R T H E M O D E R N PA R E N T
J A D E
COVER MOM RO P E R
DESIGN BRAINS
How to
R e d o Yo u r Rental’s
Nurser y — (with Zero Demo!)
THESE MAMAS
M A J O R LY F L E X T H E I R C R E AT I V E
SKILLS P LU S T H E PREGNANCY TEST CHANGING THE GAME
Sunny Side
T H E R E A L , T H E R AW, T H E WO N D E R F U L OF MOTHERHOOD
RADAR
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MINI
T H E B EG I N N I N G O F S P R I N G B R I N G S S I X M O N T H S O F DAY L I G H T I N T H E N O RT H P O L E .
ON THE EDITOR’S LIST
Welly is bringing veggies back, to bandages of course! The creators of portable first-aid kits and Bravery Badges in Mini-perfect prints, Welly’s Handy Bandies featuring tiny lemons and cucumbers are perfect for the kitchen, farmers’ market fan, or just the food lover who may be prone to accidents! —getwelly.com
THIS JUST IN
FIRST BITES
Mealtimes just got a lot more fun! Our friends at Lalo have introduced their tableware collection, including this adorable First Bites Starter Kit with all of the essentials for starting solids with your Minis! Both microwave and dishwasher safe, all tableware pieces are made with FDA approved non-toxic and BPA free silicone. Plus, the sturdy suction base secures to high chair trays and table surfaces so you can keep more food with your Minis and less on the walls. —meetlalo.com
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT
MORI comes an organic and sustainable collaboration with the favorited children’s book by Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar! The collection includes eight styles, including tees, pajamas, bodysuits, and a super soft and absorbent hooded towel with a familiar face. Prices range from $26 to $44.50; Available at minimori.com
M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
Cal
SAFE AC T I V I T I E S TO T R Y THIS SEASON
S O C I A L LY D I S TA N T P L AC E S A N D E V E N T S TO V I S I T
MINI MUST-HAVE ▶
This cloud raincoat brings the cheer to the stormy weather in any forecast!
Museums have begun to reopen with strict protocols in place— some even with fun outdoor exhibits! Check your local museums to plan a family outing this spring.
Take the kids for a stroll through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to marvel over the cherry blossoms in bloom this April.
Slime spot SlooMoo Institute is now offering Virtual Slime Classes! In these hour-long classes, your Minis will learn new slime recipes!
Venture out for a drive-in movie or other outdoor flick like those showing through April at the Electric Dusk Drive-In in Glendale.
ON THE EDITOR’S LIST
4
NETFLIX’S WAFFLES AND MOCHI ▶
M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
From Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions comes new food-themed series Waffles + Mochi, an adorable Netflix streamer featuring puppets and a different food topic (corn, rice, potatoes, eggs) in every episode. —netflix.com
mini-magazine.com
Head to Mini for more interviews
F E AT U R E S
with parents around the world, style, and more
LIVING
F O L LOW
MIN I Be sure to follow Mini on Instagram! We’re sharing behind the scenes peeks at making the magazine, new kids products and collections, and much more! Find us on Instagram: @minimagazine
BABY+KIDS
THE MAGAZINE
COMMON PREGNANCY SKIN CHANGES AND HOW TO FIX Two skincare gurus weigh in on these all-too-familiar skin issues and how to remedy. HOW TO CHOOSE NURSERY WINDOW TREATMENTS Wovn Home founder Davina Ogilvie shares her tips for designing Mini spaces. 20 QUESTIONS WITH COCOKIND FOUNDER PRISCILLA TSAI Meet the new mom behind the all natural, clean skincare brand sweeping the beauty industry.
50 BRIDGERTON BABY NAMES ABOUT TO BE HUGE If you’re a fan of this popular old English Netflix drama, your future Minis could maybe use these.
minisclusives LOG ON TO
MINI Find all of this and more on our website!
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21 | THE STYLE SPOT A cool collection of rain boots and gingham ensembles 14 | MEET THE TEAM The team that makes all the Mini magic possible 18 | EDITOR’S LIST
A carefully-curated list of Kate’s favorites this season
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32 | TECH KIDS Discover the
27 | MOM It’s the style spot
latest and greatest from the Mini tech sphere
28 | HOUSE DRESSES Amp
35 | BOOK CLUB Grab this stack of spring reads featuring the Earth and ducks!
for all of you chic Mini moms from bump to beyond
up your lounging with these gowns for sleep and play 30 | IN THE BAG Designer
Marie Flanigan shows us what’s inside her Goyard handbag
36 | SHEA MCGEE The Studio McGee founder and soonto-be mom of three goes on the clock with Mini
MINI-MAGAZINE .com Discover daily content, interviews, and more in between issues.
Exclusive interviews, Mini fashion, Mom hacks—
All in one place.
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52 | LOOP CARRIER Fans of Solly Baby will love this new carrier that extends the babywearing experience 54 | ON THE CLOCK Mom of
three Nina Westbrook goes on the clock, sharing her fave apps and more! 58 | HEALTH The latest from
41 | ON THE SCENE Find the
hottest new baby gear, from a foldable trike to a jogger/ urban stroller hybrid!
45 | ROAM CROSSOVER The jogging stroller that folds up to 50% more compact than standard joggers
42 | TURTLE ONE Meet the premium car seat by Nuna that fits every Bugaboo stroller model!
46 | SCOOP Learn all about a must-have learning tower, Mother’s Day perfect collab, and bathtime fun
the wellness world—including kids vitamins and the new pregnancy test in town
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62 | OPEN BOOK Mini cover mom Jade Roper talks birth, postpartum, and parenting with husband Tanner 74 | HATCH AT HOME Mini
catches up with the CEO of HATCH Collection at her West Village home
STYLE This NYC couple transformed a bedroom in their apartment into a nursery with zero demo! 92 | UNDERNEATH IT ALL
We spend the day with the co-founders of Kit Undergarments at their LA homes
94 | SIMONE HAROUCHE
The LA-based mom of two shares new mom advice and the balancing game that comes with work 102 | JAMIE MIZRAHI The style guru on how she chose her sons’ names and how her style has changed since becoming a mom
silvercrossus.com
New
Wave 2021
Our most loved travel system just got lighter and sleeker so your family can stroll for longer! Bassinet
Stroller
One plus One™
MINI Founder and Editor in Chief K aitlyn K irby Cover Photo graphy K imberly G enevieve Editorial Team Contributing Photo grapher Charlie Juliet Photography Contributing Photo grapher Vanessa Tierney Photography
M ini O ffices M ini M agazine Email | hello@mini-magazine.com Web | w w w.mini-magazine.com M ini M agazine is a digital lifest yle publication for the moder n parent available online at w w w.mini-magazine.com. All r ights reser ved. No par t of this publication may be reproduced, distr ibuted, or transmitted in any for m or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other elec tronic methods, without the pr ior wr itten per mission of the publisher, except in the case of br ief quotations embodied in digital and pr int reviews. Copyr ight © 2020 M ini M agazine.
Perfect for gifting, made for play! @SUPER.SMALLS
SUPERSMALLS.COM
Editor
INSIDE LOOK: (On Right) A peek at our spring cover shoot with mama Jade Roper and her Minis Emmy, Brooks, and Reed! (Below) My baby turned one this month and I just don’t know where the time goes— Happy birthday to my sweet Rosie!
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Welcome back! It’s our first issue of 2021— and yet, it feels like an entire century since the new year began. I think we’re all ready to turn over a new leaf and with the return of the sunshine, the green grass, and warmer temperatures, the spring season seems long overdue! This is always one of my favorite issues to put together as everything feels like a fresh start and I’ve been itching to get back into my groove as an editor. Inside this issue, you will find inspiring moms like the co-founders of Kit Undergarments (the best underwear for every size and shape!), Ariane
A LETTER FROM MINI’S FOUNDER K AT E K I R BY
Goldman, CEO of HATCH Collection (the celeb-loved brand for before, during, and after pregnancy clothing), Shea McGee (of renowned interior design firm Studio McGee!), and Jade Roper (the Bachelor in Paradise alum who talks all about her back to back babies, postpartum journey, and raising kids with husband Tanner)— just to name a few! I’m wishing you all a sweet start to this much anticipated season of new beginnings! Enjoy!
E M A I L M I N I ’ S F O U N D E R A N D E D I T O R I N C H I E F AT K AT E @ M I N I - M A G A Z I N E . C O M
M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
◀
GARDEN PARTY
EDITOR’S LIST
The spring vibes from Meri Meri are everything for a party in bloom. —merimeri.com
I SEE LONDON
◀
MINI
The Kit has high quality underwear essentials for every body type. —kitundergarments.com
◀ VEGGIES AHOY
My toddler loves these new puffed snacks made with a blend of seven organic veggies—she’ll never know! —lesserevil.com
◀
ORGANIC BB
Made to last and pass down, Boden’s new organic cotton baby collection is oh so sweet. —bodenusa.com
◀ FAVORITE PAJAMAS
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M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
The Julia Berolzheimer x Lake Pajamas collab is a new favorite this season! —lakepajamas.com
serenaandlily.com
T H E S P OT TO SHOP FOR THEIR M I N I WA R D R O B E
Style
R OT H Y ’ S K I D S S N E A K E R S PUDDLE PERFECT C H E C K M AT E
◀ WASH AND WEAR
C L I C K TO SHOP THE NEW R OT H Y ’ S K I D S SNEAKERS!
Sustainably designed and inspired by joy and curiosity, Rothy’s gender-neutral kids offerings this season include new hues and playful patterns on styles like The Kids Loafer ($65) in Rose Double Stitch, The Kids Sneaker ($55) in Dolphin Blue and Cotton Candy. Rothy’s shoes are hand-crafted with 100% recycled materials to stand up to hundreds of washes and wears, making them inherently hand-me-down friendly and ready for whatever your Minis have in store for them (no worries about getting dirty!). —rothys.com
CHECKMATE
Spring feels like the best time to bust out the gingham, so we’ve rounded up our favorite Mini checked ensembles.
CLASSIC COOL
Name something more iconic than navy gingham— we’ll wait. Above: $13; Gingham Dress; oshkosh.com; Below: $44.95; Kids Gingham Print PJ Set, gap.com
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MINI ESSENTIAL
PEACHY KEEN
This neutral gingham romper is both comfy and cute. $42; harrods.com
This ruched gingham dress is the most lovely spring shade. $29; zara.com
SUNSHINE DAY
This sunshine-colored romper is bound to make you smile. $12; carters.com
BREEZY BABE
This comfy romper will be a staple for warm weather months. $33; janieandjack.com.
You can Framebridge just about anything. framebridge.com
Bugaboo Ant
Your Greatest Travel Companion
PUDDLE PERFEC T
When the April showers arrive to bring May flowers, make sure your Minis are outfitted with the best boots for puddle jumping.
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1. DAZZLING DUO
3. MINI DOTS
5. TRIED AND TRUE
$50; Pink Coral Duo Rain Boots, stonz.com
$33; Pluie Pluie Multi Dot Rain Boots, maisonette.com
$34.99; Totes Cirrus Tall Rain Boots, target.com
2. SWEET AND SOUR
4. FLOWER POWER
6. SPARKLE SHOES
$52; Sticky Lemon Blue Wellington Boots, smallable.com
$41; Buttercup Cream Kuling x Garbo & Friends Rain Boots, melijoe.com
$60; Hunter Original Kids Classic Glitter Rain Boots, janieandjack.com M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
J U S T F O R YO U MAMA, FROM B U M P TO B E YO N D
Mom
K E D S X H ATC H CO L L A B STIX HOME TESTS L A PA LO M A H O U S E D R E S S E S
◀ SPRING SHOES
HATCH, the celeb-loved lifestyle brand for women before, during and after pregnancy, has teamed up with Keds in their first-ever footwear collaboration! Designed to help mamas balance their busy lives in style with a little bit more comfort and ease, the three shoe capsule collection features Keds best-selling silhouettes with special HATCH details, like the Mama lettering, pink accents, and a classic goes-with-everything stripe. Prices start at $65 for this fun collab which is available now on Keds. com and HATCHCollection.com— just in time for Mother’s Day! —keds.com
C L I C K TO SHOP THE NEW K E D S X H ATC H CO L L E C T I O N !
M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
THIS JUST IN
STIX HOME TESTS Eliminating the ever-common trip to the drug store, Stix introduces a brand of discreet and effective pregnancy, ovulation, and even UTI tests. Each is easy to use with jargon-free instructions, clinically tested and over 99% accurate, providing clear results with no faint lines. So whether you’re searching for your most fertile window or waiting for life-changing results, Stix offers both one-off and subscription options to meet your specific needs. Available now for pre-order on getstix.com.
RIGHT NOW WE’RE LOVING
The comfy chic house dresses by La Paloma to elevate your sleep and lounging experience. The Parker House Dress ($108) is made of 100% cotton and undergoes a special three-wash process to provide the softest, dreamiest feel Perfect for sleeping, nursing, playing, dancing, and dreaming, these lightweight house dresses are a homebody’s year-round essential! —shoplapaloma.com
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MEASURING TAPE
“I’m frequently on site visits for my design firm’s in-progress projects. I always have a measuring tape handy in case I need to double check that a piece of furniture will fit or the height of a window. Exact measurements are key to the success of our designs.”
DIAPERS AND WIPES
“My youngest isn’t yet potty trained, so I keep baby wipes and a few diapers tucked away in my bag for emergencies.” STAY GLOSSY
“I keep my makeup fairly natural, but in the age of the Zoom meeting, I like to swipe on a little gloss before I log on.” CHANEL Rouge Coco Gloss in Aphrodite, $44; chanel.com
W H AT ’ S I N T H E B A G
Marie Flanigan The award-winning interior designer and mom of three spills the contents of her Goyard St. Louis GM bag.
NEUTRAL FLATS
“I keep a nice pair of neutral flats or heels in my bag for when I’m transitioning back to the office from construction sites.”
NOTEBOOK AND PEN
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“I’m constantly hopping from meeting to meeting during the week, so I keep a notebook and pen with me to jot down any important thoughts or to create a quick sketch for a client or vendor.” Linen Notebook, $26; shinola.com
WHITE GOYARD ST. LOUIS GM BAG goyard.com
relax, parenthood just got 3x easier
Good news: now there’s Nuna for every age. Our well-loved PIPA infant seat, new RAVA convertible, and new AACE booster are sleek, simple and exceed American safety standards. So you can relax and enjoy every magical, messy, covered-with-crumbs moment. Take a test ride at nuna.eu
T H E L AT E S T F R O M THE MINI TECH SPHERE
Tech
NANIT SMART SHEETS M I K U P R O CO N TAC T- F R E E R E S P I R ATO R Y M O N I TO R
MINI MUST HAVE
SMART SHEETS
No more waiting until your next visit to the pediatrician to see how much baby has grown! Nanit has just introduced Smart Sheets— a crib sheet that gives parents the ability to measure their baby’s height and track their growth in real-time from home. The technology uses the computer vision of the Nanit camera to read the ink pattern on the 100% cotton, wirefree, sensor-free Smart Sheet. Wiggly baby? No problem! Smart Sheets work quickly to measure height and track your Mini’s growth over time! —nanit.com
RIGHT NOW IN TECH KIDS
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M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
This month, Miku introduces its new Miku Pro— the only contact-free, real-time respiratory monitor on the market using their proprietary algorithm powered by over 30 billion baby breaths. The Miku Pro ($399) is the only monitor in the world designed to track a child’s breathing and sleep with no physical contact from added wearables. —mikucare.com
in t r oc u d ing
®
a paci fie r f o r t ime - s t r a p pe d par e n t s w it h t a s t e. ww w.doddleandco.com @doddleandcom pany #becausebabies
C R E ATO R O F T H E L I T T L E N O M A D P L AY M AT
Super-so, hand-illustrated, foam mats reminiscent of an heirloom rug.
THEHOUSEOFNOA.COM
Book Club
Spring is here! And so is a fresh stack of kids reads telling fun tales about the Earth, a stubborn wood log, a brother duck, and more!
FOR SIBLINGS
MY BROTHER THE DUCK
by Pat Zietlow Miller A sweet and silly sibling story perfect for spring! Find out if Stella’s baby brother really is a duck or if further research is required!
EDITOR’S PICK
BIG FEELINGS
by Alexandra Penfold From the author of All Are Welcome comes this children’s book helping to navigate daily emotional challenges. FOR DREAMING
MILO IMAGINES THE WORLD
by Matt de la Peña Imagination abounds on this long subway ride!
FOR NATURE FOR GIGGLES
WOOD COULD
by Tiffany Stone Wood may rather be sleeping like a log, but ultimately learns to branch out to help an imaginative girl in the forest turn over a new leaf.
MY FRIEND EARTH
by Patricia Maclachlan Teach your Minis all about the wonderful things the Earth does for us!
SHEA MCGEE
MINI SPENT TEN MINUTES WITH
the soon-to-be mom of three, founder of renowned interior design firm Studio McGee, and star of Netflix’s Dream Home Makeover, covering every base from guilty pleasures (you have to try this!) to her favorite kids book to pregnancy cravings (hello, salted cashews!), plus the apps she uses most!
ON MY NIGHTSTAND
Glasses, Stanley cup, and a hair tie. IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS IN THE DAY, I
Sleep and exercise more. WOULD
LAST BOOK I READ
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. IN MY FRIDGE YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND
Spinach.
PREGNANCY CRAVINGS
Salted cashews.
ON THE CLOCK GROWING UP, I WANTED TO BE A FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE
Teacher.
Mary Poppins Returns. FAVORITE KIDS BOOK
Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park. CURRENTLY WATCHING
Nothing right now! I wish I had more hours in the day!
BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER IDEAL DATE NIGHT
phones.
Dinner out, no
Take my kids to the grocery store in their pajamas with bedhead.
THOUGHT I WOULD
I prefer chai tea with almond milk. COFFEE ORDER
A spoonful of peanut butter with chocolate chips sprinkled on top. GUILTY PLEASURE
Koo de Ker. 177 E 900 S, Salt Lake City UT
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP
FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP
Zara for every day and La Coqueta for dresses.
FOR KIDS
HSL 418 E 200 S, Salt Lake City UT
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT
Instagram, Spotify, Slack, Pinterest.
APPS I USE MOST CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO
I never tire of ‘70s rock.
Boyfriend jeans, blazers, and puff sleeve dresses. WARDROBE STAPLES
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M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
SIGNATURE SCENT
Sézane.
L’ eau de
SIRONA M WITH
The only smart-tech convertible car seat that provides essential alerts to keep baby safe while you drive and when you arrive.
LEARN MORE AT WWW.CYBEX-ONLINE.COM/US
on the
Scene
B A BY G E A R E V E R Y PA R E N T NEEDS NOW
BUGABOO TURTLE ONE G UAVA R O A M C R O S S O V E R
◀
DOONA LIKI TRIKE
DOONA LIKI TRIKE
From the creator of the beloved car seat stroller combo (changes in one quick motion!) comes the new Doona Liki Trike, the smallest folding trike on the market! Liki Trike comes fully assembled straight out of the box, and folds and unfolds in seconds. Its innovative design allows for use both indoors and outdoors, perfect for getting your Mini’s wiggles out (we’ve all been there!) when you can’t make it out to play. Liki features five different modes, and is made to grow with your child from ages 10 months to 3 years old. —shopdoona.com
THE SMALLEST FOLDING TRIKE ON THE MARKET!
M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
TURTLE ONE The first carseat to be compatible with every Bugaboo stroller, the Turtle One by Nuna keeps your baby safe and makes parents’ lives simpler. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BUGABOO THE ONE CAR S E AT TO F I T EVERY BUGABOO STROLLER!
MY COCOON Protective Barrier
Classic Bugaboo canopy with mesh peekaboo and UPF 50+ snooze shade make for a comfortable ride in any place!
EASY CARRY Parent Friendly
Ergonomic handle and lightweight outer shell offer top comfort on the go!
IN AND OUT Smooth Operator
Transition smoothly and seamlessly from car to stroller without waking anyone up.
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SECURE BASE Easy Install
The Bugaboo Turtle by Nuna car seat base takes just seconds to install and ensures a secure ride all the way!
The
Urban Stroller Bugaboo Bee3
Designed specifically for parents who live life on the fly.
learn more meetlalo.com follow us @lalo
ROAM CROSSOVER Over four years in the making, the brand-new Guava Roam Crossover Stroller has the performance of a jogger with the ease of a compact, urban stroller. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GUAVA FAMILY A N AC T I V E S T R O L L E R TO F I T YO U R
UBER COMPACT
AC T I V E L I F E !
Small Footprint
A more compact folded footprint than leading jogging strollers— fold up 50% smaller! A+ FEATURES Best of Both
Remote-lock front wheel, handy storage, and unbeatable portability allow you to seamless switch between high-tech jogger and urban stroller.
GUARANTEED Worry-Free Buy
Take your Roam for a 30-day test drive and if you don’t love it, you can return it, FREE!
NO FLATS Seamless Ride
Swing-arm style suspension and all-terrain, airless bike tires make your ride smoother. M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
THIS JUST IN IN THE MINI WORLD
Scoop
AU D W E L L O S LO TO W E R B A BYG A N I C S TOT S B U R U X B R O O K LY N D E C K E R
◀ LEARNING TOWER
Encourage your child to get involved in the world around them with the Oslo Learning Tower from Audwell, the new brand designing thoughtful and beautiful children’s furniture. Made from high-quality FSC certified Baltic Birch and non-toxic finishes, Oslo provides the perfect height for your Minis to craft masterpieces at the counter or even move into the bathroom when brushing their teeth! Oslo wisely features furniture-grade felt to protect your floors, an adjustable platform to grow with your little ones, as well as a back bar for safety. $285; audwell.com
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M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
For life at home.
Babyganics Tots
Designed to help you through the tangles of toddlerhood, the new Babyganics Tots and Kids collections tackle washing and brushing with four clean products.
GOOD CLEAN FUN C L I C K TO E X P LO R E THE ENTIRE TOT S LINE-UP!
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M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
The Tots by Babyganics and Kids by Babyganics line-ups include four clean products to help make bathtime and brushing a little bit easier— on everyone. Tots 2-in-1 for Straight Hair, as well as Curly Hair, Tots Detangling Spray, and 3-in-1 Body Wash complete the collection, all made without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicone, artificial fragrances or dyes. Both lines are cruelty-free and not tested on animals, so you can rest assured your growing little ones are in good hands! —babyganics.com
Paint you can feel good about Zero VOC paint & colorants
No hazardous air pollutants
GREENGUARD Gold certified
No toxic air contaminants
Ultra-low odor
No EPA chemicals of concern
Get everything you need to paint, delivered. | Clare.com Color: Make Waves
Match Made
LA-made BURU’s cult-favorite silhouettes and Brooklyn Decker’s design savvy come together in this perfect collaboration just in time for Mother’s Day.
◀ BURU X BROOKLYN
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M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
Just in time for Mother’s Day, the BURU x Brooklyn Decker collab is now available, including many of BURU’s cult-favorite silhouettes and functional details like pockets and machine washable fabrics! Prices range from $158-$398, and Brooklyn will be donating 100% of her portion of sales to the Special Olympics and Andy Roddick Foundation. —shopburu.com
You’ll lovebeing beingasked, asked, You’ll love
“How’s the baby “How’s You’ll love being asked, sleeping?” the baby “How’s sleeping?” the baby sleeping?”
Loop Carrier
Music to baby-wearing parents’ ears— Solly Baby launched their second product, the Loop Carrier, to allow for extended wear beyond the beloved wrap.
◀ THE LOOP CARRIER
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M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
The next step carrier we’ve all wanted is here! Solly Baby’s new Loop Carrier provides an extended babywearing experience (for babes 15-45 pounds!) with a familiar silhouette in beautiful 100% organic cotton for added support. The Loop features a sewnin ring design for fuss-free use and adjustments, offering the ease of a sling with the support of a wrap. —sollybaby.com
S H O P N OW AT S O L LY B A BY.C O M
BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER
Be so happily exhausted.
THOUGHT I WOULD
IN MY FRIDGE YOU WILL
Ripple plant-based milk. ALWAYS FIND
LAST BOOK I READ
Becoming by Michelle Obama. MY WARDROBE STAPLES
NINA WESTBROOK MINI SPENT TEN MINUTES WITH THE MOM
of three (Noah, 3; Jordyn, 2; Skye, 2) and founder of Minibrook and The Little Ark, covering every base from her ideal date night with NBA husband Russell Westbrook, to guilty pleasures (spicy fans, unite!), to her favorite kids movie (Hint: it’s our editor’s favorite too!), even the shows she’s currently watching!
Crossbody bag. FAVORITE CHILDHOOD
My dad waking me up for breakfast on the weekends. MEMORY
ON THE CLOCK GROWING UP, I WANTED TO BE A FAVORITE KIDS BOOK
APPS I USE MOST
Instagram.
Madeline.
Gmail and
PREGNANCY CRAVINGS
and fruit.
IDEAL DATE NIGHT
and a movie.
Doctor.
Pizza, Taco Bell,
Oat milk vanilla latte, extra hot. COFFEE ORDER
Pizzana. 460 North Robertston Blvd, West Hollywood CA
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP
Dinner
CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO
SIGNATURE SCENT
H.E.R.
fresh and fruity. GUILTY PLEASURE
tos. FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT
South Beverly Grill. 122 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills CA CURRENTLY WATCHING
WandaVision and The Queen’s Gambit.
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M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS IN THE DAY, I WOULD
Sleep.
FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE ON MY NIGHTSTAND
Moana.
Snacks.
Anything Hot Chee-
T H E L AT E S T I N THE WELLNESS WORLD
Health
R I T UA L K I D S V I TA M I N S Z I VA K I D S M E D I TAT I O N L I A F LU S H A B L E T E S T S
MINI MUST HAVE
RITUAL KIDS
With best-selling vitamins for men, women, and moms-to-be, it was only natural that the next step for Ritual would be kids. The brand applied their no-nonsense philosophy and traceable supply chain to their new Essential For Kids Multivitamins— all free from sugars, GMOs, major allergens, animal products, and synthetic fillers. Plus, there’s 3 grams of fiber per serving! —ritual.com
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M I N I s p r i n g ‘21
THIS JUST IN
NEW TEST IN TOWN Move over, dated pregnancy tests— it’s time you meet Lia. The earth-friendly healthcare company has introduced the first and only FDA cleared, biodegradable, flushable, and plastic-free pregnancy test on the market! Awarded Fast Company’s Innovation By Design Award and TIME’s Best Invention 2018, Lia 100% biodegrades in just 10 weeks, weighs less than 4 squares of 2-ply toilet paper, and is over 99 percent accurate! The future of pregnancy tests is here and the planet is ready! Available now on meetlia.com.
RIGHT NOW WE’RE LOVING
Online meditation course zivaKIDS— a Mini version of the highly-acclaimed and research-proven Ziva Meditation which has helped more than 40,000 individuals to date including pro athletes and celebrities like Lo Bosworth, Cheryl Burke, Jenna Dewan. Designed to help kids navigate stress and anxiety without the use of ongoing apps or screens, zivaKIDS can be used from ages 4 to 14. —zivameditation.com/kids
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#COVERMOM
OPEN BOOK Mom of three JADE ROPER TOLBERT knows just how different each birth—and each subsequent rebirth of the mother—can be and now shares her experiences to help others along the way, from precipitous entrances into the world to the ups and downs of postpartum. The Bachelor in Paradise alum and co-host of podcast Mommies Tell All opens up to Mini on all motherhood has taught her.
photography by
K I M B E R LY G E N E V I E V E
morning playlist, then get dressed, and the kids play. Emmy goes to school [three days a week] and Tanner takes her, but honestly, our days pretty much revolve around nap times. We love that you’re an open book when it comes to motherhood! How would you say motherhood has changed you?
MINI |
I love being a mom and talking about early motherhood and my experiences is a passion of mine because I feel the realities of being a mom should be talked about more often. I’ve welcomed three babies into this world and each time, I feel like I’ve been born again into a new mother. I feel motherhood has made me more forgiving and compassionate towards myself, which has been something I’ve struggled with in my life. Motherhood has challenged me, humbled me, and brought me the greatest joy and unconditional love.
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
We’re thrilled to have you on our spring cover! Let’s dive right into your life as a mom. What does your morning routine look like now with three Minis?
MINI |
I’m so excited to be a part of this community and magazine! Some mornings, I try to get up before all three kiddos so I can enjoy my coffee hot and listen to a playlist that slowly warms me up to the day, but most mornings are just chaos. Reed is up with me first, then Brooks, and shortly after, Emmy. We do breakfast and a
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
What do you think is the greatest challenge of motherhood?
MINI |
One the biggest challenges I struggle with is wanting to do everything perfectly. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I’m afraid to disappoint my children, but have learned sometimes
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
it’s okay to disappoint because it helps build their resiliency. I’m also learning how important it is to “put your oxygen mask on first.” When I step back and take care of myself and fill my cup first, it helps me be a more present parent. What was your transition to multiple children like? Did you find it harder going from 0-1, 1-2, or 2-3?
MINI |
I’ve asked a lot of my friends this question and the answer is always different, which I find so interesting. For me, 1-2 was much harder. A big part of that for me though was because I had a traumatic birth with my son Brooks, and I think it catapulted me into postpartum
depression with PTSD. I really had a hard time coping with my PPD and felt very alone all while trying to be the best mother I could be to my babies. This postpartum, now with my third, has been easier and I feel like a much more confident mom with three, even though there are more needs to be met. What advice would you give to moms about to have their second baby?
MINI |
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
That it’s natural to worry about the transition, because for a time, our first child is our whole world and all of that is about to change. But the love isn’t divided in half. It grows exponentially and it’s a really beautiful thing to experience. I also
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
think I’ve learned it’s so important to advocate for yourself, for when you need a break, or when you need anything else taken off your plate. We aren’t meant to mother alone. It truly does take a village, and asking for help helps the whole family dynamic flourish. And lastly, always trust your intuition, you know your minis best! Since Reed is just a few months old, can you tell us a little more about what postpartum has been like this time around?
MINI |
It’s been such a great experience. I think I’ve been soaking it in more because Reed may be our last baby. It’s also gone incredibly quick since I don’t get much alone time with him as much as I did with my other two. My physical healing was slower this time, but with the pandemic, I feel I was able to rest more since we all stayed home more than ever over the past year. Although, Reed still doesn’t sleep more than two or three hours at a time, so this mama runs on coffee! But truly, he’s such an easy, sweet, baby. The things I’ve struggled with most are the sleep deprivation and feeling touched out.
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
What do you wish more people talked about, postpartum-wise?
MINI |
Everything! Pregnancy is talked about so much and people tend to put an emphasis on the care of pregnant mothers, but once a baby is born, we tend to only focus on the baby. Mothers are going through such a transformational period after a baby— our hormones dive, we are fatigued, sleep deprived, we may have experienced a significant amount of blood loss, among a hundred other things we are expe-
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
riencing. I think there needs to be a better system set up to support new mothers mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, especially in the US. You’ve shared the most amazing images from Reed’s birth! How would you describe this birth experience?
MINI |
Thank you, my midwife took them! I was hoping for a redemptive, intimate, and safe birth experience this time for both myself and Reed. After Brooks’ unplanned precipitous home birth, I wanted to have a planned home birth with a holistic minded midwife. My labor was still fast and furious, being just two hours long, but we welcomed Reed into a birthing tub and into a very peaceful sacred hour. It was so special; I felt his energy was so relaxed.
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
How have your other two children reacted to having a new baby in the house? Did you do anything special to prepare them?
MINI |
They’ve done so great adjusting! They both have had little periods where they’ve regressed, but they both love Reed so much. We have to continually remind them to be gentle with Reed, but they’re very affectionate with him. There’s still moments of jealousy, but we try to do one-on-one time with each, and that makes a huge difference,
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
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even if it’s just 15 minutes of undivided attention and love. We didn’t do anything particularly special, but just talked a lot about the “new baby” during my pregnancy. They have baby dolls, so we played babies too, and we read books about becoming a big brother or big sister. Tell us how you decided on your kids’ names. Were there some names that you liked and Tanner didn’t?
MINI |
Emerson was on both of our lists and we just knew right away! With the two boys, we played a fun game with a bracket narrowing down the winning name with our Instagram followers. Ironically, the name that won the bracket for both boys was the top contender for us, so we ended up using both names!
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
How do you and Tanner work as a parenting team? What would you say are your strengths and his when it comes to raising your Minis?
MINI |
He helps out more with Emmy and Brooks so I can take care of Reed easier— this works the best for us right now, for sure. My strengths are my patience and my empathy. He’s good at setting the boundaries and also all the rough and tumble active play.
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
What is most important to you about raising your kids?
MINI |
That they feel fully loved and accepted to be their truest self. That they have the courage to chase their dreams and have the compassion to love all. MINI | What is your greatest parenting worry or fear?
tand in your power. Be kind. Make mistakes.
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
Any harm coming to my children. I’m always worried about their safety and well being.
JADE ROPER TOLBERT |
If you could give your kids one piece of advice, what would it be?
MINI |
Jade
on the Clock BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD
“Suck snot out of tiny noses using something called a Boogie Blaster.” IF THERE WERE MORE H O U R S I N T H E D AY, I WOULD
“Nap!”
JADE ON THE CLOCK KIDS BOOK Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave by Jessica Hische
($9.99; amazon.com)
N O W W AT C H I N G
KIDS MOVIE
“Tanner and I love to watch documentaries on Netflix.”
“Coco.”
N O W P L AY I N G
“Taylor Swift’s remastered music.”
G U I LT Y PLEASURE
“Dark chocolate. I have to have it every day.”
KIDS SHOPS
“Cotton On Kids and Zara.”
COFFEE ORDER
“Iced latte with oatmilk and honey.” FA V E R E S TA U R A N T
“Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge.” 30865 Gateway Pl, Mission Viejo
CLICK FOR JADE’S MOMMIES TELL ALL PODCAST!
HATCH AT H O M E
Maternity clothing has almost become synonymous with HATCH Collection, the label loved by moms-to-be, worn by hoards of celebrities, and touted for its staying power with clothing meant to be worn before, during, and after pregnancy. We caught up with the woman behind it all, NYC mom of two ARIANE GOLDMAN, in her bright and beautiful West Village apartment to talk business, babies, and how she spends her free time at home.
photography by CHARLIE JULIET PHOTOGRAPHY
Thank you for inviting us into your home! Tell us about the place. Where do you spend the most time in your home?
MINI |
I spend most of my time probably in the living room just because the surrounding windows look out onto the West Village. In the springtime, I can see the cherry blossoms on the trees. It’s really where I hang with my family and watch a movie or play.
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
How about your kids’ spaces? What inspired you in creating them and what are some of your favorite elements there?
MINI |
I like to start off with a white canvas and white walls and inject color through bedding and wall art. Charlie has a house bed with a big canopy that makes her feel like she’s on an island, and it’s become like a little reading nest for our family.
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
You are the mother of two girls! Can you tell us what has surprised you most about motherhood thus far?
MINI |
What’s so surprising is how it’s possible that the same two parents can have such different kids, and how DNA can split in such different ways. From there, how you can equally love such different souls for different reasons.
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
How was your transition from a mom of zero to one, then two kids?
MINI |
It was a little harder going from one to two for me. With one child, I was able to take her with me everywhere, both in terms of travel and in building HATCH over the first few years. Having two was more challeng-
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
ing with one in school and one in diapers. At that point, HATCH was five years underway, and the demands were that much bigger at that point. Having two kids spread me thin in the beginning. What advice would you give to moms about to have their second baby?
MINI |
Don’t stress. It’s like riding a bike— you know what’s about to happen. Truly absorb every moment, especially if this might be your last child. You got this!
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
Tell us how you decided on your daughters’ names.
MINI |
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
I’ve always loved boys
names for girls. Charlie was a Revlon perfume in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and I loved the smell and loved its font. It was the coolest thing. When I first saw her, I was like, you’re Charlie. With Georgie, I was convinced she was a boy, but I also wanted her name to be in the same tribe as Charlie. I’ve always loved the name Georgie. It’s easy and fun. Everyone wants to hang with a girl named Georgie, right? We are so inspired by HATCH! Can you tell us how it all came to be?
MINI |
Back in 2010, when I was newly pregnant with Charlie, I was so excited to enter this new chapter of my life. But when I went looking for stylish wardrobe
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
with a strong, effective, wonderful tea— a team that’s committed to getting to the other side of one of darkest situations we’ve faced so far. What do you think about the idea of “having it all?
MINI |
I have two perspectives on this. The first is that “having it all” is simple if only a few things matter. For me, that’s love, family, and health. When you check those boxes, you have it all. On the bigger side, there’s always more to have and there are always other playing fields you want to be at the top of. But it gets to a point where you’re chasing tails, when everything you need is actually right in front of you.
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
As the CEO of a fashion label, we have to ask! Has your personal style changed at all since becoming a mom?
MINI |
options, I couldn’t find anything I wanted to wear that felt like me and that celebrated my changing body. I realized there was a void in the market for chic, comfortable pieces that women could invest in during pregnancy and continue to wear after the baby was born. So I created HATCH in an effort to provide women with stylish, timeless wardrobe solutions for pregnancy and postpartum. What has been your proudest career moment to date?
MINI |
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
That I’m coming out of Covid-19
Yes! I’m way more at ease and not trying so hard. The height of my heels have certainly gotten shorter. I’ve also never worn sneakers so much, but now you’ll find me in them a lot more.
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
What has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned in business thus far?
MINI |
MOM MUST HAVES ON MY N I G H T S TA N D The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
($13; amazon.com)
FA V E K I D S BOOK Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers
($14; amazon.com) COFFEE ORDER
“Starbucks nonfat misto.”
N O W P L AY I N G
“The Daily.”
A LW AY S I N MY FRIDGE
“Pomegranate seeds.”
I D E A L D AT E NIGHT FA V E R E S TA U R A N T
“Tiny’s & the Bar Upstairs.” 135 W Broadway, NYC
“Dinner and a martini in the West Village with my husband, Max.”
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, it’s still just beginning.
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
raising your girls? That they be raised to be kind, with strong values and have a zest for seeing the world.
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
Back to parenting! What is your greatest parenting worry or fear?
MINI |
All of it! I’m a control freak, so to let them go and be their own people is very hard. How do you not want to protect your kids at all times?
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
What do you look forward to about raising your kids in NYC?
If you could give your daughters one piece of advice, what would it be?
MINI |
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
Do what you love.
MINI |
The culture, the flavor, and their exposure to diversity.
ARIANE GOLDMAN |
MINI |
What is most important to you in
C L I C K TO S H O P T H E L AT E S T F R O M H ATC H CO L L E C T I O N !
Stylist and fashion designer Brynn Elliott Watkins (Elliott Shop) and her filmmaker husband Aaron Craig show how they transformed one bedroom in their NYC apartment into a calm, yet bold modern space with just a few tweaks and zero demo. photography by SARA KERENS
BEFORE AND AFTER
Small Space, Big Style
THE INSPIRATION
“I wanted the limitless sky to be a reference which is why I included so many blue accents in the nursery. I also focused on nature. Living in NYC, you miss the beauty of natural things. I decided to include bold, vibrant wallpaper featuring wildlife and flowers. Winnie loves it! Almost every day when she wakes up, she points out all the birds she sees on the wall. I also added little treasures from our travels around the world. We love to talk to Winnie about these things and we can’t wait to take her with us someday!” Frazier Fanciful Wallpaper; wayfair.com THE VIBE
“Our nursery is bright, energetic, and, most of all, fun!” said Watkins. “The room can also be quiet and calming, complete with its moonlight orb and natural window coverings which mask the city lights and traffic sounds.” Floor Lamp, Layla Grace; laylagrace.com; Colorful Throw, deKor & Co Ojai; dekorliving.com
THE ART
“I really love the art we have incorporated into the space. One piece is by our friend Ethan Cook, who is such an inspiring artist who incorporates woven material into most of his pieces. The two large blue pieces I actually painted myself. Before Winnie was born, I decided I wanted to make something special for her to have in her room. So I created the paintings especially for her.” Blue artwork, personally made; Red and green artwork, Ethan Cook; ethanfieldingcook.com
N U R S E R Y D E S I G N 1 01
“I think many parents might think you have to compromise style for function. Don’t be afraid to echo the style you have in the rest of the house in the nursery. A nursery can be edgy, sophisticated, and fun! You’re going to be spending a lot of time in that space and you want it to be equally inspiring to you as well as to your child. So go with your gut and be bold when it comes to decorating!” Hanging Swans Mobile, $34.75; flensted-mobiles. com; Callum Crib, $1099; rhbabyandchild. com; Gleaming Primrose Mirror, $998; anthropologie.com; Louve Occasional Bench, $847; scoutandnimble.com
THE ACCENTS
“The rug is another aspect of the redesign we love. Since it’s so large, it makes the room feel larger. It’s also nice to have a new rug from The Citizenry on the floor since Winnie spends so much time crawling around on her hands and knees,” Watkins says. “We also love the items we’ve incorporated from our travels. In this room, we added baskets we bought in various markets in Bali and Morocco. We use them as organizers for books and toys underneath the bench. Whenever Winnie wants to play with something, she’ll go to the baskets and find something interesting. Another little design favorite we love is books! We’ve stocked the baskets with some of Winnie’s favorites. You can never lose designing with great books!” Urvi Braided Jute Rug, $425; the-citizenry. com; Callum Dresser and Topper, $1699; rhbabyandchild.com; Custom Blue Alex Chair; mgbwhome.com; Capiz Honeycomb Chandelier, $998; serenaandlily.com; A & B & Winnie Embroidered Briar Mini Pillowcase, $68; hillhousehome.com
R E N T E R F R I E N D LY D E S I G N
“Since we are renting this space, we knew we couldn’t tear down walls or do any huge structural adjustments. We decided to focus our resources on working with the structure of the room exactly as it is, transforming with paint, trim, and wallpaper,” says Watkins. “It’s amazing how much a fresh coat of paint will brighten a space. What’s even more amazing in this nursery was how the wallpaper truly transformed the room. The wallpaper feels like it gives the space new dimensions and we didn’t have to do any demolition work to make it happen. Additionally, the incorporation of the large mirror makes the space feel bigger than the original layout. This mirror is classic and elegant. We added furniture we love and will grow with Winnie. Best of all, if we choose to move, we can take literally every item with us to the next space.” Kiniza Side Table, $129; onekingslane.com; Arctic Sheepskin, $190; jennikayne.com; Walker “Move It,” $107; small-foot-de; Greek Goddess Head Planters, $34.99; etsy.com
THE CHARM
“I also love the vintage wicker giraffe we found at Old New House in Katonah, NY. I’ve honestly never seen anything like it in my entire life! The giraffe brings a quirky and lively dimension to the space that would be hard to get any other way.” Wicker Giraffe; oldnewhouse. com; Natural Meditation Pillow, $135; xviaverano.com; Brynn’s Blue Dress; elliottshop. com; Winnie’s Outfit; littlemoony.com
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UNDER N E AT H
IT ALL Having spent years styling women of every size and shape, SIMONE HAROUCHE and JAMIE MIZRAHI put their heads together to deliver a brand that empowers women to both look and feel their best, starting underneath it all, with the right bras and underwear. The Kit Undergarments founders (and neighbors!) share the ups and downs of growing their business and with four children between them, how they tackle the daily demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship.
photography by VA N E S S A T I E R N E Y
to simplify the process of getting dressed. The early days were very stressful, but they still are. Let’s just say that start-up life is very different from being a stylist and I don’t think we were prepared for all the hard work and heavy lifting required to starting a company. I also don’t think we were prepared for post launch and all that is required. I don’t think the work ever ends and we are constantly putting out fires, but it’s super rewarding and awesome to know that we built this together. How long have you known Jamie and how did you two decide to team up on this venture?
MINI |
I’ve probably known Jaime for about eight or nine years. Fun fact about Jaime and I, when she first moved to LA and was trying to get into styling, she assisted me. Another fun fact is that we live across the street from each other!
SIMONE HAROUCHE |
We are so inspired by Kit! What do you distinctly remember from the brand’s beginnings?
MINI |
Thank you so much! That really means a lot. The idea behind starting Kit Undergarments was bringing our experience from years of styling and working with women and their bodies to everyone. We want to help empower women to look and feel their best and one way to achieve that is to start with the right bras and underpants. Jamie and I knew that there was a void in the market for a dependable and affordable brand that paid attention to function as well as fashion. We wanted
SIMONE HAROUCHE |
As a mom with two little ones, what do you think is the greatest challenge of running this company?
MINI |
I would say the most difficult challenges of running this company and having a family is time management. The business is a third child for me and because the company is still in its
SIMONE HAROUCHE |
beginning stages, it requires a lot of nurturing and time. Having enough time for the kids and somehow being able to carve out a little time for myself is super important and I’m still working on figuring out how to do it. There are so many things I want to do and never enough time to do it all. Before, I used to say yes to everything, but now as I have less time, I have gotten better about making decisions and actually saying no to things that will be huge time sucks without much upside.
stagram image we see when we think someone “has it all”. Personally, I think there is so much pressure on women and people to have it all and it’s extremely dangerous. Ultimately, things can look really nice from the outside, but if what’s going on inside is a mess, at a certain point you have to stop and think, “is this worth it?” and “who am I doing it all for?”
What do you think about the idea of “having it all?”
SIMONE HAROUCHE |
MINI |
I don’t think “having it all” is actually attainable. And if it is, I imagine it being very different from the In-
SIMONE HAROUCHE |
What has surprised you most about motherhood?
MINI |
To be honest, it’s all been surprising. I think there are two really big standout surprises for me and one of those is the ever-present feeling of guilt and the second is how strange and elusive time can be when raising young kids. I remember
when my son was six months old, someone said to me that the days are long and the years are quick and at the time, I didn’t really understand and even now, I probably don’t fully understand, but I do know what that person meant. Some days seem to last a lifetime and you can’t wait for the kids to go to bed and the day to be over and others seem to fly by and one day, you blink your eyes and you’ve got an eight-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl and you have no idea how it all went so fast and you’re terrified that the time you have left remaining with them will go by even faster. The other surprise is the consistent push and pull of mom guilt that seems to touch every piece of motherhood. I am constantly having conversations on a daily basis, questioning
myself: Am I too involved with my work? Is it important for my kids to have a mom that they see has a career and a life of her own or is it better for them to have a mom who picks them up from every school day and takes them to every game? And you can’t seem to get anything right because when you are spending time with them, you feel like you are falling behind in work or you are working too much. Either way, you feel like you are not being a good mother. Whether that guilt is coming from external sources or from the pressure that I put on myself, it’s all very overwhelming. My best friend Allison always tries to remind me that we are all just doing the best that we can and for some reason, I think that phrase helps alleviate some of the guilt and pressure I feel. Be-
accounted for. What advice would you give to moms about to have their second baby?
MINI |
That every child is different and they are all born with unique personalities and dispositions. Even to this day, my kids are very different from one another both in their personalities, their interests, and their strengths. I think the best advice is to try and remember that no two people are alike and to embrace your children’s differences and do not compare one to the other. It’s also super important that you don’t lose yourself completely in the identity of just being a mother. You are also a woman and it’s important to maintain not only your relationship with your partner, but your friendships and interests. I believe that if you can do that, you’ll be happier in the long run.
SIMONE HAROUCHE |
cause that’s the truth. I am doing the best I can with my set of skills and the circumstances I’m in.
MINI |
How was your transition been going from a mom of one to two kids?
SIMONE HAROUCHE |
MINI |
Going from zero to one was way harder than going from one to two. Once you’ve ripped the Band-Aid off and had a kid and learned that life no longer can revolve just around you and you make that room and space for another life to take precedent over yours, adding a second one is pretty easy. The only thing I struggle with is scheduling and making sure that at the end of the day, both kids are
SIMONE HAROUCHE |
How did you decide on your kids’ names? For my son, it was really hard coming up with a name that could straddle the line between both cool and serious. I loved that Dashiel felt serious and respectable, whereas Dash felt sporty and cool. For my daughter, Azlan, [I was inspired by] the book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The lion’s name was Aslan and I always thought it was beautiful. When I found out I
SIMONE ON THE CLOCK LO C A L R E S TA U R A N T
“e. baldi Ristorante.” 375 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills
KIDS MOVIE
COFFEE ORDER
“I’m addicted to Harney & Sons Cinnamon Tea.”
“Coco, Soul, and Troop Zero.” ON MY N I G H T S TA N D
“2-3 books, Grown Alchemist hand cream, Labello chapstick, Osea Vagus Nerve Pillow Mist.”
NOW LISTENING
“Kate Bush.”
A LW AY S I N MY FRIDGE
“Mountain Valley Sparkling Water, Sancerre Wine, berries, cucumbers, and Midnight Moon cheese.” KIDS BOOK
“Little Tree, The Rag Coat, The Giving Tree, What Do You Do With an Idea?, and Love You Forever.”
was having a girl, I learned that the name Aslan was generally used for men in Middle Eastern countries. I decided I wanted her to have a strong and powerful name, but switched the spelling. How would you describe your personal style?
MINI |
My personal style is sort of all over the place, to be completely honest. I dress a lot based on my moods. Some days, you’ll see me look like a bohemian in a caftan whereas others, I am in jeans and a vintage T-shirt. I love vintage! Vintage is whimsical, so I pair the vintage with current, well tailored pieces of today; it’s a little bit of a twist. I guess I’d describe myself as
SIMONE HAROUCHE |
classic with an edge. Has your style changed at all since becoming a mom?
MINI |
The only thing that has changed is my choice in footwear. Over the years, I’ve definitely traded in heels for Birkenstocks. Having comfortable shoes is way more important to me now than it ever was before.
SIMONE HAROUCHE |
If you could give your kids one piece of advice, what would it be?
MINI |
The world is full of people trying to fit in. Instead, be true to yourself. It will pay off in the end and you will be a happier person for it.
SIMONE HAROUCHE |
Since you’ve now started a company together, tell us how you met Simone.
MINI |
I met Simone through my husband. I actually worked for her when I first moved to Los Angeles. She was doing a huge OPI campaign with the Kardashians and I assisted her.
JAMIE MIZRAHI |
Tell us what makes Kit stand out and what you love most about the brand.
MINI |
Everything we put out has a reason to exist. There was a lot of thought put into why we created the product, how we created it, the colors we chose to offer it in. It is a labor of love and we have our hands on every single thing. The love of dressing women and the feeling of feeling good in what you’re wearing is what permeates throughout everything we do. We are just getting started.
JAMIE MIZRAHI |
What has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned in business thus far?
MINI |
Stay in your own lane, keep your head down and do the work, and stay true to yourself and your values.
JAMIE MIZRAHI |
You have two little ones at home— What do you think is the greatest challenge of being a mom and running this company?
MINI |
Balancing everything. I am not one to love a schedule but it’s the only way to be productive.
JAMIE MIZRAHI |
We love to ask— What do you think about the idea of “having it all?”
MINI |
Tell us how you decided on your kids’ names.
MINI |
My husband’s dad passed away and his name was Yale. That was an easy one to decide on. I’ve always loved the name Cy so that was what we chose as my son’s middle name. I never thought I would have two boys, but I did and I couldn’t think of a name I liked more so I basically changed Yale’s middle name and gave it to my second child. I know that sounds insane, but it’s true.
JAMIE MIZRAHI |
Let’s talk style. How would you describe your personal style?
MINI |
JAMIE MIZRAHI |
fortable.
Classic and com-
Has your style changed at all since becoming a mom?
MINI |
I have way less time to think about it, hence why I go for what I know works for me. Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Levis, white T-shirts, black sweater, Birkenstocks, Manolo Blahniks. I have my go-to’s and I’m pretty consistent with that on the day to day.
JAMIE MIZRAHI |
I don’t even know what that means. Who knows what that means! Please tell me!
JAMIE MIZRAHI |
How has your transition been going from a mom of one to two kids? Was it easier or harder than going from 0 to 1?
MINI |
Because of Covid, it actually has been easier than I had imagined it to be. Being home allows me to be hands on and jump in and out as I can… definitely easier for me than going from 0 to 1. None of these things are super new to me anymore. I just did them all a year and a half ago!
JAMIE MIZRAHI |
If you could give your kids one piece of advice, what would it be?
MINI |
JAMIE MIZRAHI |
Stay true to yourself.
MOM MUST HAVES ON MY N I G H T S TA N D
“Byredo Rose Hand Cream, baby monitor, Lucas’ Papaw Ointment.” FA V E K I D S BOOK
“Goodnight Moon.” COFFEE ORDER KIDS MOVIE
“Cars.”
“Decaf almond latte.”
N O W P L AY I N G
“Every night, Etta James.”
A LW AY S I N MY FRIDGE
“Kombucha.”
I D E A L D AT E NIGHT
FA V E R E S TA U R A N T
“Angelini Osteria.”
“Sushi, a joint, and a really good TV series.”
KID APPROVED! Rugs that take mess and chaos in stride.
From left to right: @diymom.ca, @citysage, @myfavoriteroombykbmdesigns, @lewisishome, @tomboykc, @minimagkate, @lifeontheshadygrove, @ashleyaltenbach