Motherhood & Entrepreneurship
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 Pauline Kate
How do you find that balance of work and life?
Pauline: You have to have clear defined time for both. I try to put the phone down when I walk into the apartment at 6 o’clock but it’s hard.
Kate: I was a little hard on myself when my business was about two years old and trying 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 train, literally running to get those extra few minutes. All of my time is precious, so 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 7:30am - 6pm I’m working then from 6pm to 9pm 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 sisters said, everything is a stage and the stages get better and better...
Alyssa: ... and you’re a little sad when it’s over. You are remorseful you don't have those toddler years anymore.
Kate: Right when you get used to it, it passes, until you get a new curveball.
What do you think your kids will take away from seeing you work?
Pauline: 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: It is very important my kids learn 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: 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: It is very important my kids learn 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.
