Mother's Day With Pauline, Alyssa, and Kate
This Mother's Day Pauline the Founder and Creative Director of Lilla P sat down with Alyssa Adams, Co-founder of Cabana Life, and Kate Reynolds, Co-founder of Studio Four NYC, to discuss motherhood and entrepreneurship. You can view the whole video at the bottom of this page.
Alyssa Adams Pauline Nakios Kate Reynolds
How do you find that balance of work and life?
Pauline: You have to have this clear defined time. Every year I try to put the phone down when I walk into the apartment at 6 o’clock and it’s hard, it is a real struggle.
Kate: I was a little hard on myself when my business was about 2 years old and you try to figure out how much time you put into one versus the other. For me, my son was going to be the most important. I have vivid memories of running from our office to the R train, literally running to get those extra few minutes. All of my time is precious, I try to fully devote myself at work and also devote myself at home separately, and not spend my time overlapping.
Alyssa: I don’t think there is ever a balance. Your mind is constantly focused on the two most important things, which is your kids and your business. One of the things I really try to do is 7:30 am - 6 pm I’m working then from 6 o’clock to 9 o’clock I am present with my kids. That is the best balance I can find.
Is there anything you wish you were told before having kids?
Pauline: There’s so much unknown - it’s full of surprises, and I would have not wanted to know more than I know now. Other than time starts to fly but just to really take every moment and really appreciate it. One of my sister’s said, everything is a stage and the stages get better and better. That infant stage, this is so hard and my sister told me “this too shall pass.”
Kate: Right when you get used to it, it passes, until you get a new curveball.
Alyssa: You’re a little sad when it’s over. You are remorseful you don't have those toddler years anymore.
What do you think your kids will take away from seeing you working?
Pauline: Part of me owning my own business is that they have seen things and hear us - things that work and don’t work. Learning that you can fall and get back up and taking advantage of opportunities.
Kate: I lean on my mom for this and she was always kind to everyone. It is very important my kids learn that kindness. The ability to just take time out of their day to see how someone else is doing and how they are feeling. I think is something that will get you far in life and make you a happier version of yourself.
Alyssa: It is installing a sense of curiosity in my kids. They constantly hear a lot and they are curious about it and they can dig in.
Pauline: Part of me owning my own business is that they have seen things and hear us - things that work and don’t work. Learning that you can fall and get back up and taking advantage of opportunities.
Kate: I lean on my mom for this and she was always kind to everyone. It is very important my kids learn that kindness. The ability to just take time out of their day to see how someone else is doing and how they are feeling. I think is something that will get you far in life and make you a happier version of yourself.
Alyssa: It is installing a sense of curiosity in my kids. They constantly hear a lot and they are curious about it and they can dig in.
