Good Influence

Fashion journalist, TV host, author of the style guide Front Roe, British-born Louise Roe wears literally dozens of hats in her life as a Los Angeles-based lifestyle influencer. And now that she’s welcomed daughter Honor into the mix, the new mom tells Mini what aspects of her own childhood she plans to share with her, the hardest aspect of motherhood, and exactly what she thought when she learned she was pregnant.

photography by MACKENZIE HUNKIN

MINI | Thank you for inviting us into your home! Tell us about the place!

LOUISE ROE | It’s an older home, which I really wanted to find, rather than something modern. It was built in the 1930’s (which is old for LA!) and has quite a neutral palette, with antique furniture mixed in and a cozy feel.

MINI | Do you have a favorite room in your home?

LOUISE ROE | I love our bedroom. It has beautiful Campaign furniture and a sage green and cream color scheme, which somehow just makes it feel calm. And lots of books!

MINI | Tell us about your daughter’s room. What inspired you when creating the space?

LOUISE ROE | I wanted it to feel like England, specifically the countryside, so I used floral wallpaper from Wallshoppe, and found some old sketches online, framed. I knew I’d be spending a lot of time in here, so the lighting is low and the feel is definitely calm and feminine, but not too babyish.

MINI | Let’s talk motherhood! What has surprised you most about motherhood thus far?

LOUISE ROE | How funny a baby can be. Honor has a big sense of humor and sometimes starts a joke off, which makes me properly belly laugh. I wasn’t expecting that!

MINI | What were your first thoughts when you learned you were pregnant?

LOUISE ROE | I didn’t believe it. We were leaving for a flight 20 minutes later and I made Mackenzie race out to the nearest shop to buy more tests. I don’t know why, but I just couldn’t believe it was true.

MINI | What is your greatest parenting worry or fear?

LOUISE ROE | Probably that all-elusive balance between working too much, or too little.

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

LOUISE ROE | So many things! But mostly that she is somebody who respects others, has compassion, and confidence in her own voice. But for now, somebody who eats her veggies and laughs as much as possible!

MINI | Is there anything from your own childhood you hope to share with her or teach her?

LOUISE ROE | I was lucky to have a really amazing upbringing. Very hands-on, loving parents, lots of fresh air, running around and also, my siblings and I were taught to work hard and commit to things. I want to share all that with Honor if we can!

MINI | What is your greatest joy of motherhood?

LOUISE ROE | As cliché as it sounds, the newfound love and sense of total and utter obsession and protectiveness. It’s like you grow a whole new heart for this little being.

MINI | What have you found to be hardest aspect of motherhood thus far?

LOUISE ROE | Probably the usual, practical answers of way less sleep, and not being able to be spontaneous anymore. Life takes on a more planned, ordered approach— and hangovers are so awful; it’s rarely worth it anymore!

MINI | Where have you seen the biggest changes in your life since becoming a mom?

LOUISE ROE | I’ve become a lot closer to my girlfriends who are mothers, and I’ve also noticed the followers of mine who are mums or want to be mums, ask very detailed questions, and I of them! The dialogue is very honest, supportive and kind... one of the positives of social media!

MINI | Tell us how you decided on your daughter’s name.

LOUISE ROE | We both loved it. It’s rare, but not so unusual that people can’t spell it. And funnily enough, when we made the decision, we were on our babymoon in a place called the Honor Bar. We had already chosen the name— so she’s not named after a bar! But it was very sweet. I kept the napkin!

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

LOUISE ROE | Being able to be outdoors so much, having access to the beach, and beyond that, all the beautiful national parks and mountains. We want to explore more.

MINI | What helps you to juggle motherhood and career?

LOUISE ROE | Having incredible help. There is no way this could be done without my wonderful husband of course, but also our incredible nanny, and the support of friends.

MINI | Has your style changed at all since becoming a mom?

LOUISE ROE | It hasn’t [changed] much. I always loved high-waisted jeans, a cute sweater, and flats. I still stick to that mostly! Easy, tailored, neutrals with a pop of color here and there.

MINI | As a busy working mama, tell us what a typical work day looks like for you.

LOUISE ROE | We wake at 6.30, get Honor up, dressed, and make breakfast together. If it’s a weekday, Mackenzie and I will work from 8 to 4, mostly at our desks, but also shooting, filming in the studio, taking meetings, and going to appointments. Then at 4, we take Honor to the park or play in the garden, and have family time. Once she’s in bed, Mackenzie usually cooks, and we watch a movie. Some nights I have to work, or we see friends for dinner.

FAST FACTS

TYPICAL COFFEE ORDER Hot oat milk latte.

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT Gran Blanco, Venice Beach.

ON MY NIGHTSTAND Framed pics of Mackenzie and Honor, about three books on rotation, water, jewelry in an old dish.

BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD Have so many bottles of wine at home.

CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO French Chill on Sonos!

ALWAYS IN MY FRIDGE Fresh pasta, Branston pickle (from anyone visiting from England), oat milk, shrimp, smoked salmon, rosé, roast chicken, and lots of veg.

FAVORITE KIDS BOOK Paddington Bear and anything from Shutterfly. They personalize their kids’ books with their name and it’s brilliant.

FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP Jenni Kayne.

IDEAL DATE NIGHT A loud sports bar, at the bar, with good margaritas.