Eternal Summer

As the founder of eponymous California cool lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne, this mom of three opens up about how her brand has grown, how having a third baby has turned her world upside down, and what we can find in her new entertaining book, Pacific Natural.

photography by NICKI SEBASTIAN ANGI WELSCH

MINI | Let’s dive right into your life as a mom. What does your morning routine look like?

JENNI KAYNE | I wake up around 7 AM and drink a big glass of water. I take vitamins, stretch, and wake up my kids for a nourishing breakfast. During the summer, I drive them to day camp, or if they’re doing an away camp, I like to fit in a pilates class.

MINI | You recently welcomed Baby Trooper into your family. What changes did you experience this time around with Baby #3?

JENNI KAYNE | My pregnancy was pretty easy, except that I broke my leg when I was ten weeks pregnant and had to have surgery, which was pretty scary. I was on crutches until I was 20 weeks pregnant which slowed me down a lot. At the same time, it allowed me to take it easy, take care of myself, and be in the moment. Trooper is so easy. Everything is more relaxed with him and so fun. I’m cherishing each moment and in no rush to get the the next phase. Having a third has definitely thrown everything on its head and there is a lot more chaos and less downtime for us, but it’s all worth it.

MINI | What do you think is the greatest challenge of motherhood?

JENNI KAYNE | The biggest challenge in life in general, but especially motherhood, is staying present and letting go of the things you can’t control.

MINI | What has surprised you most about motherhood thus far?

JENNI KAYNE | How much it has widened my world view, and how it has reinforced my dedication to the environment and doing my part to making sure my kids grow up on a healthy planet.

MINI | What is most important to you in raising your children?

JENNI KAYNE | Giving them the confidence they need to be themselves, making sure they grow into kind and thoughtful people who help others, and making sure our family unit stays strong and stable so there’s always a safe place for them to come home.

MINI | Tell us how you decided on your kids’ names.

JENNI KAYNE | We named Trooper because he had gone through so much and ended up being so healthy and happy when he was born. Tanner we read in a book the day we went to the hospital and we loved it. Ripley was named after a friend’s brother. We loved the name, whether we were having a boy or a girl.

MINI | What helps you to juggle motherhood and career?

JENNI KAYNE | My extended family and network of friends is a huge help. I grew up going to friends’ houses all the time and I can’t imagine not having that support system and community for my kids too.

MINI | Speaking on the Jenni Kayne brand, how would you describe the overall aesthetic? What does the Jenni Kayne brand embody?

JENNI KAYNE | I like to call the aesthetic “warm minimalism.” The brand embodies living simply but beautifully, embracing the natural world, and finding ways to slow down in our busy lives to make moments memorable.

MINI | Since you’re a style guru, what is your idea of the perfect summer ensemble?

JENNI KAYNE | I love a simple sundress. Cotton and linen are absolute musts in warm weather. Wherever I am, you can always catch me in a wide-brimmed sun hat and a pair of espadrille flats.

MINI | Let’s talk about your book— Pacific Natural. What inspired you to create this book and what can we find inside?

JENNI KAYNE | I’ve always loved entertaining, and as kids and family enter the picture, it’s become a bigger part of my life and I’ve started to hone my style and have a few secrets I share with friends who ask how I pull it off. I wanted to compile a little snapshot of how I mark special occasions throughout the year, because I love living by the seasons and I can always find something to celebrate. You’ll find some of my favorite recipes, some tips and tricks to make entertaining easy, and beautiful arrangements against a backdrop of some of my favorite California landscapes.

MINI | What do you think are must-have elements for summer entertaining?

JENNI KAYNE | IA good set of servingware and glassware that can stand up to all-weather use. I love our rattan carafe and glasses— they have a nice vintage-y feel without being too stand-out retro. And, making dishes that can be made in advance and served cold or room temp—the last thing you want when you’re hosting people in the summer months is running in and out of the kitchen, sweating up a storm.

MINI | What are your top tips for hosting a summer party?

JENNI KAYNE | Summer is the perfect time to really let loose and embrace that carefree mentality. I love hosting a garden potluck, where everyone brings something made with what they’ve grown in their garden. Laid-back is the constant theme. Kick off your shoes and enjoy it! Oh, and always wear sunscreen.

MINI | What do you think is one of the biggest myths when it comes to hosting a party or entertaining in general?

JENNI KAYNE | That there’s some inherent quality or characteristic that makes a good host and that it comes together effortlessly for certain people only. The only reason it looks effortless is because all of the work has been done in advance, and they know that when the guests arrive is the time to relax.

MINI | What are you looking forward to most about raising your kids in LA?

JENNI KAYNE | The best part of living in LA sometimes is getting out of LA! Don’t get me wrong, I love it here, but living in a city and being so close to either the mountains or desert or beach is pretty unbeatable.

MINI | Favorite places in LA to visit with kids, GO!

JENNI KAYNE | Horseback riding at Sullivan Canyon, the Brentwood Country Mart, Malibu Farm Cafe and Malibu Pier, hiking at West Ridge, or the Ivy at the shore for a special treat.

MINI | If you could give your kids one piece of advice, what would it be?

JENNI KAYNE | Be kind.

FAST FACTS

BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD Even know how to boil water!

FAVORITE KIDS BOOK The Giving Tree.

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT A Votra Sante.

CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO Francis and the Lights.

COFFEE ORDER I don’t do coffee! A large iced matcha with a splash of almond, please!

FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP FOR KIDS Maisonette!

IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS IN THE DAY, I WOULD Linger longer after dinner.

FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE The Velveteen Rabbit.

SHOWS I’M WATCHING Euphoria and Big Little Lies.

GUILTY PLEASURE Turkey bacon! Otherwise, I’m a strict vegetarian.