Motherhood According To Katya of Hey Mama

23

Feb

The Ladies of HeyMama

Today we are continuing our motherhood series with one of the inspiring women behind Hey Mama. Hey Mama is such a cool  concept — Katya and her co-founder Amri have created a network  and community of working moms around the world and help to provide them opportunities & exposure. Today Katya, mom to 4 1/2 year old Lilian is sharing  a peek into her version of motherhood. 

What websites, blogs, books or apps do you like to read/use about motherhood or for kid/baby? Any favorite reads?

Great question. I love Hippiesindisguise for simplicity, she shares her advice on how to do a lot with a little, and enjoy more of a minimiliast lifestyle. I can really appreciate that living in NYC. Also a big fan of Curious World, it’s a great app for kids learning and my daughter loves it! One of the best books out there I’ve heard of is NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children 

Tell us about Hey Mama. Why did you decide to start it?

We started heymama really as a way to connect like minded women. We kept on meeting incredible mamas that had businesses, creative passions and really exciting projects going on, we wanted to connect them together and create a platform for people to discover new people and brands they should know about.

Where are your favorite places to shop for kid & baby in NY and online?

We love YOYA, they have the most gorgeous kids boutique in West Village, and an online shop. Monica & Andy is one of our top picks for beautiful organic baby basics and the founder is just a magical person. Other great under the radar brands we love is Natti Natti for beautiful Swedish inspired kids bedding and art, and then the girls at Mini-Mode do an amazing job of curating stuff we love.

How do you find balance in your day — between motherhood, career, relationships?

Sometimes its just good to touch each of the things you love every day. You may not get a full day to work on any of them but if you make a little bit of time for them all, you’ll leave the day more fulfilled.  I always make time for my friends, no matter what’s going on and I shut off as much as possible when I’m with my family.  I find focusing on what i’m doing at the moment instead of what I should, could, or missed doing helps me feel more centered.

What aspect of motherhood made you most nervous?

Right now at this stage it’s really raising a strong, confident girl who believes she can achieve anything. Kids can get easily insecure about how well they do things, how they’re perceived so just nurturing this inner fierce of hers to believe in herself.

How has being a mom changed your personal style and beauty routine?

Comfort! I use to wear heels all the time, tighter jeans, skirts that would look great standing only! haha Those were the days. Now I really appreciate well made cozy things that make me feel effortlessly beautiful. My beauty routine always includes great skin care, because I feel so much better when I’m taking good care of myself.

Whats your morning & evening beauty routine?

In the morning I take a quick shower and swear by Vitamin C serum from Amazon. I swear it changed my skin. I throw my hair in a bun, do my makeup quickly which has gotten lighter and lighter. I’m now down to eyeliner, tinted moisturizer and a nude lip. At night, I have this one trick that’s been working so well for me. I start her bath, and usually she’s in there for at least 30 minutes. I use this time to wash my face and put on a mask. Any mask I have will do, but it makes her laugh to see mommy’s face all scary, and I have built in beauty time while she’s playing!

What’s the best piece of advice you can think of for a new mother?

It’s okay to feel like you suck at motherhood sometimes. Every mother feels that and it’s beyond normal. We all have those moments where we question whether we’re doing a good job, because it’s our nature to think it’s not good enough. But rest assured, it is. Do your best, you’re probably doing way more than your parents every could for you and you turned out pretty amazing.

What do you look forward to the most in the upcoming years of motherhood?

Travel. I really can’t wait to have more trips that she can remember. Introduce her to the world. And of course, who wouldn’t love a brunch date that doesn’t involve crayons! Maybe even conversation???

You have 10 minutes to yourself — how do you spend it?

I get a lot of fulfillment from being there for others, and I have a bunch of close girlfriends who make me laugh and who I love to send silly things to. I make sure to check up on the 5 most important people in my life daily. Tell them how much I adore them or just send them a ridiculous picture to cheer up their day. I find that the quality of my relationships and connection to my closest people is so worth investing in.  When I’m truly by myself and no phone in hand, listening to music feeds my heart and soul and I do that constantly.

What are you excited about right now?   

I’m so excited about our first conference which will be in Ojai this May. More details to come but this is going to be an incredible way to gather women that are passionate, purposeful and mindful about their work and roles as mothers, businesswomen, friends.

What is the biggest surprise you have encountered so far in motherhood?

I know this should not be a surprise, but I am constantly surprised by how tired I am after 3 hours with my daughter when I can spend 10 hours at the computer and not feel tired at all.

What are 3 of your favorite children’s books?

I love Paper Dolls, Corduroy and Dr. Seuss.

Top 3 things every new mom should register for?

A massage for mama, a cozy cuddle box from Monica + Andy and Munchkin products, they’re so well made.

 
Thank you, Katya, for all of these amazing tips! 
 
If you are interested in hearing from more of our favorite mamas, here is the link to previous interviews.

Motherhood

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