RE: DANIELA VILLEGAS
LMKWYT
Welcome to LMKWYT [ Let me know what you think ] a space for open and real conversations with dear friends and inspiring humans. Through these intimate chats, we hope to learn more about what it takes to be a successful working parent, balancing marriage, parenthood, and a demanding career, plus all the tips and tricks that only come from hands-on experience.
I am lucky to have incredible people guide me through this wild ride called motherhood. Many colleagues, friends, and strangers ( hi insta friends! ) give me advice, strength, and inspiration when I need it most. It really does take a village, and my village is your village now.
Today, I am talking to a dear friend, Daniela Villegas - a Mexican artist and jewelry designer based in LA. Mom to Balthazar(3) and Dorotea (1). She is the founder and creative director of her namesake brand “Daniela Villegas”, which is sold at Matches, Ikram, Just one Eye, Nordstroms, Amaree’s, Moda Operandi,…
Daniela and I met years ago at a fashion week in Paris, as I was fanning out over her designs during a buying appointment. We became fast friends and she has been a key pillar in my life here in LA. Daniela manages to navigate motherhood as seamlessly as she does her career: with curiosity, love, inspiration, and poise.
During this chat, we discuss our “ideal” world, balance, beauty rituals, and her favorite mom hack.
Your journey to motherhood wasn’t typical. Would you mind telling us a bit about it, and the lessons you learned along the way?
DV: “You know the saying that says: “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans”… In my “ideal” world I would have liked to have my kids earlier in life but now I understand that they come at the right moment.
As a working mom with her own company, there are always challenges and adjustments. Kids didn't come as easy as expected and that helped me to align my company to the type of life I wanted to create. I realized I was being a workaholic and not really giving a lot of space for maternity. The moment I let go of certain thoughts and practices that were not adding anything to my personal or work environment (and they were just automatic responses to routines I was used to) the energy and flow changed. I implemented more balance in my career and personal life.
Instead of focusing on what I didn't have I focused on what I DID have! And that with the help of my supportive circle (my husband, team, healers, acupuncturist, friends, doctors, and of course God) the babies came naturally at the time it was meant for me.
What I want to say is that each story has its ups and downs and nothing is perfect. But it is YOUR story and you have the power to make that story as pleasant and kinder as you want. Trust in GOD, trust in you, trust in life... and it will develop in ways that you never expected. Growth always comes from challenging times and that is a big win in life.”
Motherhood is THE best, but at moments it can definitely be challenging. What would you say your favorite thing about motherhood has been so far? And the most challenging part about it?
DV: “Motherhood is truly a gift. I have so many favorite moments. Each day brings one nice memory but I will say that making eye contact for the first time with my babies was such a special and transformative experience. The first time they said mamá was another blowing mind moment.
Interacting with them and being able to teach them a little bit of who I am and what I know but at the same time learning from all their innocence and magic is a very rewarding and humbling experience.
My biggest challenge is to create balance in life. Time for work, time for family, time for yourself. I am very organized in that way, I plan my days in advance so I can give the proper time to the task I need to do. I book appointments and working meetings, but also I book music classes for kids and dinner with friends. I like to go to bed with the sensation that it was worth my time that day.”
You are a true self-care and beauty expert. How Has your beauty routine changed after having kids? Do you have any new rituals?
DV: “ It is the same. I like to make time for myself and disconnect. Self-care is a time to relax, be grateful for my day, and pamper myself, so I really make time for myself. That being said, life happens, so when the kids are around, I have them play with my singing bowl- which is kind of adorable. They see I like to put masks and massage my face and I bought some stone rollers for them so we can all “play” with some oils and guashas.
My routine is very intuitive and emotional. I like to constantly change products and create my own combinations of what I feel I need. Currently, some of my favorites include the La Mer concentrated serum, the Joanna Czech Facial massager, the Osea Sea Minerals Face Mist, and the Shiva Rose Face Balm.”
Share with us one of your favorite mom hacks
DV: “The Arnidol Balm Stick (that I buy in Mexico but you can order from Amazon sometimes)
This balm is based on arnica and devil's claw, which cools and soothes skin, taking the 'ouch' out of children's knocks and bumps. It comes in a stick so it is super easy to have one in the bag.”
DV’s top 5 Baby Products
My owl music soother machine. Super helpful to put the kids fast and easy to sleep (same lullaby on repeat). Easy to travel with it.
Blankets -My kids love to feel cozy during nap time. They go faster to bed when they have a cozy blanket
Plush pacifiers - My kids love them
Books - One of my passions and a habit I would like to implement in the daily life of my kids is reading. It stimulates the developing senses and builds listening and memory skills. I always have one in my bag so they can entertain themselves. I subscribed them to this kid’s book club (LITERATI), which I love and helped me to discover new titles
The Doona - Unfortunately, they don’t use it anymore as they are a little bit older. But honestly the best invention, so practical and safe.
Speaking about must-haves, you recently launched a capsule collection alongside the iconic concept store Just One Eye - please tell us more!
This has been a dream that has been in my plans for a long time, and I am super excited about the result.
Using traditional Mexican techniques and introducing contemporary designs, I share my passion for embroidery and fabric through a very special line for children and home. Starting with a limited edition run of ethically-sourced 100% fine linens from Italy, and working closely with an incredible collective of women artisans in Yucatan, Merida - each embroidery can take the artisan 10 to 24 hours per element.
For the BABY Collection, we launched a limited edition Romper Capsule featuring 3 elements that belong to some of our iconic jewelry collections:
*The squid: from the “into the deep” collection which symbolizes power and wisdom
* The beetle: from our “Backyard” collection that symbolizes protection, regeneration, and strength.
* The chameleon: from our “Curiosity” collection that symbolizes adaptability and flexibility.
The line celebrates the innocence of infants and curiosity as new elements of the world are introduced where animals can be the teachers.
Made with love and respect for the embroidery tradition, and the art of dressing.
What is the best parenting advice you have ever gotten?
DV: “Learn from others and never forget the importance of your inner voice.
And the cliche that “it goes so fast…” it does… so do enjoy every second of it.”