In our How She Does It column, we talk to inspirational mothers about work-life balance, their favourite travel destinations, travelling with children, and how they really do it all.
This month we sat down with Haeni Kim, founder of fashion brand KITRI, who tells us how her career has changed since having her daughter, why family holidays are so important to her, and how the women in her life have shaped how she sees motherhood.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m Haeni Kim, founder and creative director of womenswear fashion brand KITRI, based in London. I started the brand in 2017. It was born from the frustration of not being able to find unique, quality fashion pieces without breaking the bank. We design playful, hero pieces for confident, creative, go-getting women. We were initially just online but we’re now stocked in Liberty, Harvey Nichols and Le Bon Marché which I still can’t quite believe! I’m South Korean and moved to England when I was twelve to pursue my dream of becoming a ballerina. Since then I’ve lived in Paris and Hong Kong where I met my husband – who is now my business partner. We live in De Beauvoir, East London, with our 18-month-old daughter Lyra.
Tell us more about your working life?
No two days are the same and I love that! I’m really lucky in a way that I get to work with my husband – we have a small team based in east London and we work from our studio three days a week. On the other two days we divide our time between looking after our daughter and working from home, so we have the flexibility to do what we need and can work around each other’s schedule. The fashion industry has such a relentless pace, and since having my daughter it’s definitely been more challenging to juggle and give an equal amount of love and attention to both my business and family life at times, but I think I’m getting much better at it now!
What inspires you in your career?
That it has been a dream come true for me. I’m so lucky to work in an industry I looked up to all my life, and that I get to do what I love to do with a brilliant team every day. I love the idea that I can help women look amazing and feel confident in our designs. Through all the ups and downs (of which there has been many!), this really helps me stay focused on why I started the business in the first place, and to keep going.
If you could give your past self one piece of advice about being a working mother what would it be?
Go with the flow. I think many business owners and entrepreneurs are self-professed control freaks – I know I definitely am, but you just simply can’t be in full control of your life with a child. There’ll be sick days, sleepless nights and looming deadlines – just try your best to prioritise and take each day as it comes.
The three things that help you juggle everything?
My phone, my laptop and my husband. After giving birth, I started working pretty much straight away – from home as much as I could – and I couldn’t have done that without Zoom, Slack, Sharefile, FaceTime, Deliveroo…the whole lot. What did we do before technology? Also, I don’t know how I could have made it through the last two years without the support of my husband and my in-laws who live in London. It really does take an army to raise a child and I have such deep respect for all single parents.
Have your career goals and aspirations altered since becoming a working mum?
I’m definitely more focused and ambitious. I want to make sure I’m only doing the things that really matter. I want to set a good example for my daughter and provide her with a good future, so I’m now quite impatient to reach our business goals and push myself to be better everyday.
If you had the power to change one thing for working mothers, what would it be?
Affordable childcare. I think it’s ridiculous how expensive childcare is for working families. Work doesn’t just provide women with an income, it can also be a huge part of their identity, self-worth and joy. I think it’s so important to give families options to be able to choose to go back to work or to stay at home with better, more affordable childcare.
If you have a day to yourself, what do you do?
It sounds really lazy, but I would actually spend the whole day in bed surrounded by great fashion magazines, newspapers, books and films – only coming up for air for a spot of lunch and a massage at home, booked through Ruuby.
Heading ‘out out’ – where is your favourite spot?
It’s been way too long since I’ve been ‘out out’ but I love a good night at Koji, my husband’s family’s restaurant in Parson’s Green, London. They have the best sushi in town and such a warm, fun vibe. Also, I’m definitely booking a babysitter for the re-opening of Tramp: my friends, Duncan Campbell (my daughter’s godfather) and Charlotte Rey are the interior designers and I’ve had a sneak peek at the new design. It looks to be the perfect spot for a fabulous, naughty night out.
Tell us about the best holiday you’ve taken with your children?
We visited South Korea for the first time as a family last December, for my daughter’s first birthday. First birthdays are a big deal in Korean culture and it was so important to us that we were there with my family to celebrate. It was the first time my father met Lyra in person, and it was amazing to see all of them interact and get to know each other. We had a lovely traditional celebration for her birthday surrounded by her Korean side of the family. We’ll remember that holiday for ever.
Favourite hotel ever – with or without children?
I’ve been gatekeeping until now but I love La Darbia in Italy. It’s such a hidden gem in Lake Orta, which I think is one of Piedmont’s best kept secrets. I love how peaceful it is, surrounded by nature overlooking a beautiful lake. My husband and I love good food and wine so when we go away, it’s important that we have both. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind with delicious fresh food from the private garden, wine tasting from the cellar and incredible spa treatments. Absolute heaven.
Can you share tips on what to do with children in London?
We’re so lucky to live in the heart of London and all it has to offer. I love visiting the beautiful museums in the city: the Tate Modern and Britain both have lovely events for babies and children all year around so it’s definitely worth checking them out, and the Young V&A which recently opened in East London is amazing for children. In the summer, we love going to Coal Drops Yard, where they have so much open space and great water fountains for kids to run around in after a spot of lunch in Barrafina and shopping.
Travel essentials with kids?
A roomy bag. I love my new baby bag from London Velvet, filled with lots of snacks, lots of toys and lots of extra clothes – as much as we can carry. We were stuck at an airport for five hours once and learned the hard way that taking extras of everything is definitely worth it.
Travel essentials without kids?
The first time I travelled without my daughter was to New York for new season sales in February and it was magical to be able to just carry a small bag through customs. For myself, I’d pack a few good books that I’ve been meaning to read, magazines, face treatments and masks for a pamper session in peace.
How do you think travel benefits your children?
I think it’s so important to expose her to different places and cultures, and we love making memories together as a family. I really notice the difference in my daughter every time we get back from travelling. It’s nothing huge per se but she just seems a little more confident and aware each time somehow. I love seeing her face light up when she’s in a new place.
Where are you off to next as a family?
We’re going to my husband’s family home in Tuscany outside Montalcino. It’s one of the most magical places with a beautiful view of the rolling hills and vineyards. We’ve had a busy few months so it’s going to be lovely to go somewhere where you know you have everything you need for the baby already so can just relax and enjoy some quality family time.
The best advice you would give to other mothers?
Don’t compare yourself to other mothers. Take comfort in knowing that everyone does things differently and there’s no right or wrong way. We’re all trying our best!
Are there any women who inspire you?
My mum and my mother-in-law. I’m so grateful to have them both in my life and have never respected and appreciated them as much as I do now. They’ve been so supportive, loving and kind, and are fabulous grandmothers to their granddaughter. I only hope I can be the same to my daughter.
How do you do it?
In all honesty, I don’t know if I’m ‘doing’ it, but I take it one day at a time and try to be committed and present in whatever I’m doing at that time.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?