WHAT SPARKED THE IDEA FOR OATS KIDS? 

I explored the baby/kid clothing realm first hand after having my first. It was like this  amazing new experience, but in all honesty, I found it very overwhelming. It felt like there  was almost too many options and then not much consideration for the environment. Around  birthdays I would buy very special pieces from businesses whose product reflected creativity  and mindfulness. At playgrounds parents would ask and comment so I thought why not.  Oats was born out of the devotion I feel as a mother to not only my children but ensuring  they can grow, play and explore a beautiful clean world.  

WHERE DID THE OATS NAME COME FROM? 

Oats is an ode to our late grandpa. He was American and would always make sure the kids  had their “oats”. Although we call it porridge here, my children have grown up calling it oats  or “oaties”. It’s a meal they have most mornings and the first food they experimented with as  babies. A true family staple in our kitchen is a bulk food bag of rolled oats.  

DESCRIBE THE OATS AESTHETIC? 

I suppose oats really embraces the connection between art and life. How both mimic one another.  Drawing inspiration from summers spent living in Mallorca, Spain and bringing the Mediterranean to  our shores here. Weaving in European summers with the classic kiwi Christmas’ we know and love.  Oats really embraces these two worlds and our curation of products visually shows our love for design  and quality.  

TELL US ABOUT YOUR KIDS? 

I have two kids. My son Rahsaan is 4, he is named after a jazz saxophonist – Rahsaan Roland Kirk.  Who played three saxophones at a time and a flute out of his nose. Rahsaan seems more and more  fitting as he grows. My son is courageous, explorer and skilled craftsman. My daughter is almost 2,  Māya. She pretty much adores her brother and loves food. We are also expecting again in the new 

year and I am excited to observe how the dynamic will change. Every kid is so different and  wonderful.  

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE BECOMING A MOTHER? 

Oh my goodness, there are so many lessons. I guess surrender is huge. I find if you carve some time  for yourself regularly, having the patience to surrender comes a lot easier. Letting go of control and  allowing there to be chaos and play.  

WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A NO-DEVICE FAM … ANY TIPS? 

It’s hard at first for sure, It means having a craft basket with paper, paints, stamps, crayons at the  ready. It actually becomes fun finding art shops and getting supplies. Sometimes I paint with the kids  its very therapeutic. Being outdoors as much as possible also helps, I like to try the free-range kid  thing by letting them be independent outdoors.  

FAMILY RITUALS? 

Oats! Every morning we have our breakfast first and foremost. The kids practically roll out of bed  demanding a bowl. Another ritual we have adopted is the Spanish art of siesta. After a few hours of  play outside we eat lunch and then the kids have a midday nap. It is honestly the best and I never  want these years to end. It gives us a couple hours to either sleep, read, or whatever we feel we need  to do. It also means those afternoon blues don’t affect the kids as much 

RAINY DAY ACTIVITY? 

We have a tonne of second-hand books for the kids. Encyclopaedias are great. My son can  sit for hours just flicking through the pages and looking at photos of animals, or ships and  various other things. We maintain that we don’t necessarily ‘entertain’ the kids, that boredom  breeds creativity. They come up with incredible ways to have fun on their own that way.  

FAMILY DISH? 

This is hard. We love so much food! The kids’ favourite would have to be either their papa’s miso  udon noodle soup or my garden pesto pasta.  

FAMILY GETAWAY? 

We love camping. The past year we camped on the kid’s god mothers land, on the barrier during  easter, it was one of our fondest memories. If it’s not camping we are regularly visiting Tauranga and  Mt Maunganui to be close to cousins and our gma. 

WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT LIVING IN EUROPE? 

I love the architecture. I miss walking around 100-year-old buildings. The beautiful cobble stone  pavements and the cathedral’s stained glass windows.  

HOW DO YOU TEACH YOUR KIDS SUSTAINABILITY? 

It’s hard to teach them something like sustainability. They’re still very young. So instead, it’s more  about respecting their environment. Leading by example and treading with care wherever we go.  Camping also helps because you have to live minimally. We don’t stay at sites so being amongst the  elements is a good way for kids to learn the basics.  

HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE JUGGLE BETWEEN MOTHERHOOD AND BUSINESS? 

It has proven to be difficult for sure. I have an amazing partner who is supportive and just an amazing, intuitive father. It means I can focus on my work without worrying about the kids. I was severely sick  with hyperemesis this pregnancy which made it difficult to juggle. I let go of expectation and pressure  and decided that my business is going to truly reflect what is important. So, I make up my own rules  within reason. I allow there to be flow and forgive myself on days where I could have done more. I  create a work environment that balances the professionalism needed to run a business but the  humanness needed to remain present in life.  

WHAT’S THE STAPLES IN YOUR KIDS WARDROBES? 

Good quality singlets & tees go a long way. Pants a size up so they last longer, rolling the legs never  phased my two. And basic sweatshirts with warmer linings are great because they work with all  seasons, my son loves the Bobochose or TAO designs.