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 caught up with Hiba Siddiqui, Founder of The Tenth Wellness Postpartum Retreat.
Hiba left behind the corporate world to launch The Tenth with the aim of helping women navigate new motherhood with the support and care they need. Here she tells us how becoming a mum has helped her make braver career choices, redefined the way she views success and why giving up on perfection is the key to happiness.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m Hiba Siddiqui, founder of The Tenth Wellness, London’s first luxury postpartum retreat that is designed to equip the modern woman to thrive during the pivotal postpartum period, because giving birth is a big deal and no one should have to navigate the journey into motherhood alone. Based on traditional principles of rest, recovery and preparation, our aim is to prioritise mother-focused wellness services, while offering 24/7 baby care, parental education and support for new fathers.
Before launching The Tenth, I spent 15 years in the fashion industry, most recently as CCO of Threads Styling, and before that at Farfetch and Gucci, where I started my fashion career as the right-hand to the CEO in Milan. At home in London, it’s me, my husband, and our very curious and energetic five-year-old son, Hadi. Life can be pretty full as we both have a lot on, but we’ve found a rhythm, balancing the everyday with weekend wanders, neighbourhood favourites and a good dose of fresh air.
Tell us more about your working life?
No two days are ever the same, which I secretly love. I toggle between strategy, operations, and creative thinking – whether that’s overseeing guest experiences at The Tenth, partnering with OB-GYNs, or shaping our next phase of growth. I’m also a night owl, so I often get my most focused work done once the house is quiet.
What inspires you in your career?
I’ve always been driven by the thrill of building something that didn’t exist before – of pushing boundaries, reimagining the norm, and proving something is possible even when the world says it’s not. That drive only deepened when I became a mother. Now, my biggest source of inspiration is changing the narrative around how women are supported after birth. Seeing mothers arrive depleted and leave feeling restored and confident – that transformation is everything.
The three things that help you juggle everything?
A shared Google calendar (colour-coded, of course), endless WhatsApp voice notes (we live on them at The Tenth), and great (but chic) walking shoes – I try to walk everywhere and often use those moments to reset, problem-solve, or squeeze in a podcast.
Have your career goals and aspirations altered since becoming a working mum?
Completely. Motherhood made me braver. It gave me the courage to step off the corporate path – something I probably never would’ve done otherwise. It became clear that if I was going to spend time away from my son, it had to be for something that truly fed my soul – something that made me feel empowered, valued, and purposeful. The freedom to craft my own path, my own schedule, my own days, and to build something with meaning became non-negotiable.
If you could give your past self one piece of advice about being a working mother what would it be?
Stop chasing the myth of balance. It sets you up to feel like you’re always falling short. It’s not about doing it all, all at once. It’s about integration. Let the different parts of you coexist, and be fully present in whatever moment you’re in. That’s where the real connection and fulfilment comes from.
If you had the power to change one thing for working mothers, what would it be?
The expectation that we should operate as though nothing has changed. Matrescence is a transformation – it requires support, flexibility, and new models of working life. I’m no less ambitious after becoming a mother, but my ambition looks different now. We need to offer women alternate paradigms that show you can still build a wildly successful career without compromising how present you want to be at home.
If you have a day to yourself, what do you do?
Wander through the halls of Harrods or Selfridges – there’s something about seeing fashion up close, people-watching, and getting inspired by how people put themselves together that lights me up. I’ll usually meet a close friend for a long, lazy lunch somewhere cosy, then stroll down Pavilion Road, pop into a few shops, grab a cookie from Ottolenghi, and head into Hyde Park for a quiet walk to reset. No schedule, no pressure, just simple pleasures.
Heading ‘out out’ – where is your favourite spot?
What even is ‘out-out’ at this stage of life! For me, the dream is a relaxed evening where I can put on a cute outfit, have great food, and catch up with good friends – no club, no chaos, just good chat and great energy. We love Mazi in Notting Hill for its cosy, elevated take on Greek; Sumi for really good sushi in a laid-back setting; Dinings for something a bit more tucked away but always delicious; and Belvedere when we’re in the mood for something a little more atmospheric – especially in the warmer months when the terrace comes alive.
Tell us about the best holiday you’ve taken with your children?
We recently took our son to Hoi An in Vietnam. It was the perfect blend of exploration, culture, and laid-back pool days. But the best trip I’ve taken in a long time? A completely solo three-day escape to Tokyo. My husband encouraged me to go, even though I never like being away from my son. It was bliss. Tokyo holds a special place in my heart from my Gucci days. I learned so much about luxury retail and global culture there. Wandering the streets solo, vintage shopping, eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted – I had forgotten what it felt like to just live for myself, even if it was just for three days!
Favourite hotel ever – with or without children?
The Maldives is our forever favourite destination. There’s just something about it – the calm, the beauty, the sense of being completely removed from the world. It’s equally perfect for a quiet, grown-up getaway or a fun family trip. We’ve done both, and it never disappoints. Our son is endlessly entertained by the beach and the water, and for us, it’s the kind of place where we can actually switch off. We love the quiet, barefoot luxury of Amilla, but the magic of the Maldives is the same no matter where you stay.
What are your tips on things to do with children in London?
Hyde Park is our everyday haven. My son could explore it for hours, especially the playgrounds and the Princess Diana Memorial Garden in the summer. The pirate ship playground at Holland Park is a hit too. And for rainy days, we love the Science Museum and The National Army Museum. Both have loads for kids to see and do.
Travel essentials with kids?
A curated snack selection (read: snacks that won’t melt or crumble everywhere), a few low-effort entertainment staples like sticker books or activity pads, and an iPad with carefully chosen downloads.
Travel essentials without kids?
All my skincare. I always bring a set of mini toiletries. The Augustinus Bader hand cream and Face Mist, the Doctor Skin Collagen Serum, Summer Fridays lip balm, plus a Slip silk sleep mask to squeeze in that sleep wherever possible, and a few neatly packed pouches to keep everything organised My Dyson Airwrap, and a rotation of shoes. Shoes are probably the single most important staple in my life. I always pack options across shoes categories because you just never know! And without fail, there’s a favourite outfit of the moment that ends up on repeat, no matter how many ‘just in case’ pieces I’ve packed. Honestly, all you really need is glowing skin, impeccable hair, and the right shoe – everything else falls into place.
How do you think travel benefits your children?
Travel pulls us into presence. Normal life is so full-on – it’s easy to feel like you’re moving from one obligation to the next. Holidays give us the space to truly connect, to slow down, and to experience joy together. It’s honestly the most uninterrupted time we ever spend as a family. Travel also sparks growth and curiosity – it expands the mind, for all of us.
Any top tips for travelling with kids?
Let go of the idea of the ‘perfect trip’. Let your kids lead the way sometimes. See the world through their eyes and allow yourself to be surprised. The best memories often come from the unplanned moments.
Where are you off to next as a family?
We’re planning a trip to Malaysia. Langkawi has been on our list for a while, and we’re ready for something new. Beach, nature, and culture all in one.
The best advice you would give to other mothers?
Your children don’t need you to be perfect – they love you simply because you’re mum, and that’s enough. Take that same grace into the rest of your life. It’s not about drawing hard boundaries or choosing one part of yourself over another, it’s about integration. Find a rhythm that lets the different parts of you coexist, and give yourself permission to evolve along the way.
Are there any women who inspire you?
I’m inspired by women who build their own playbooks – who see a gap and have the courage to fill it, even when no one else sees the need. The ones quietly redefining what ambition, success, and motherhood can look like on their own terms.
How do you do it?
By constantly recalibrating. Some days I’m fully in founder mode, others I’m fully in mum mode and most days, I’m straddling both. I’ve stopped aiming for balance and started seeking rhythm. It’s not always graceful, but it’s mine. And in this season of life, that’s enough.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?