Q&A WITH / HUGO LOVES TIKI
Q: . What does a typical day look like for you? I
am up with the boys and we hang out and play.
Once Roman goes down for his first nap I go into
the studio and Hugo has quiet time. But, let’s be
real, I get asked like a 100 million questions during
quiet time. So, I just do what I can to get as much
work done as possible. Packing orders, answering
emails, updating the site, connecting with my
manufacturer on and off all day. Once Roman
gets up, I make lunch and answer emails on my
phone, update Instagram, etc. A lot of back and
forth. Same happens for Roman’s second nap.
Once a week the boys go play with their friends for
a whole day while we get stuff done. I was crazy
for a while watching the boys and working 80
hours a week, but my husband got a wonderful job
doing what he loves and only working three days
a week and that has helped tremendously. I don’t
think I could have maintained sanity much longer
if not. That is something we have actively looked
for, always asking ourselves these questions with
every decision: What job can we do that will give us
more time? Give us creative fulfillment? Let us stay
at home with our children as much as possible?
Etc... Not only is it hard to “balance” having your
own business and staying at home, I am not sure it
is doable without help. It never feels like balance, it
Q: How old are your kids and what is your favorite always feels like stress and guilt, but if you can have
thing to do with them? Hugo is turning 4 next week help in any form it really changes things.
and Roman is 1. Hugo loves watching movies and
cuddling on the couch, playing PlayDoh, making Q: Do you have any upcoming projects that you
pancakes, and is always asking to go to a restaurant. I can share with us? It is our goal to add bedding
think we created a food monster. Roman loves going and swimwear next year. AW16 will bring blankets
outside. It has been winter since he learned how to and maybe some animal hats. SS17 will bring some
walk, and we have been cooped up indoors. So, more femalegeared pieces like dresses for mamas
he loves anything outside. He is always getting his and their little girls. I’m trying to take it one step at
shoes and dropping them by the door and looking a time, but my personality keeps fighting me, and I
at us while making a squealing noise and pointing. keep adding and adding more work every season.
We have to make sure we only say the word “go” if So, who knows what or where we will be next year,
we are actually taking him somewhere or he flips out but as long as I am still doing this, I will be thrilled.
and starts getting ready to leave.
Q: Where did you find the inspiration for your SS16
collection? This cold Midwest weather had me
dreaming of hotter climates. Parrots, leopards, and
fruit. Bright colors and fun graphics that really are a
little more bold than last season. So we are excited
and eager for everyone to see.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece? For SS16, it will
probably be the unisex terry cloth tank romper. Every
time I see them on my customers I will be reminded
of being 4 in California blowing bubbles on the back
steps in my purple terry cloth shorts and tank . I am
designing for me and my children and if everyone
loves it great, if they don't at least I am doing what
truly speaks to me as a creative and I am more than
happy with