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I Don’t Know How She Does It – Meredith Levy

2013 May 1
by WWGD

Meredith Levy - WhatWouldGwynethDo

I “met” Meredith Levy’s work before I met her. Her chic, simple and a little sassy line of stationery and products for the home, Minnie & Emma, had me at hello. The line is bright and vibrant without being overly sweet and became an instant favorite thanks to cards like these. When I found out she was also a working mom of two, I knew I had to dial her up. Levy, based in New York, has worked with some of the most visible names in the fashion and beauty world, creating highly-recognizable logos, invitations and branding materials for companies including Abercrombie + Fitch, Chanel and Chopard. But the biggest names in her life are Harry, 5 and Emma, 2. Here is how she does it:

What time does your day start and how?

My day starts early, around 6 am. I still (even with small kids at home) relish that quiet time in the early morning, checking emails, catching up on news and favorite sites while having a cup (or three!) of coffee. It allows me to plan the day and clear my head before the house gets moving.

What time does your day end and how?

Late. Around 11, 11:30. I love that time after dinner with the kids, before they go to sleep. Mentally, it sort of helps end my day, too. They relax, play, have baths. Now that my youngest is 2, my kids are now on somewhat of a similar schedule which has made it a little easier for me. They eat at the same time, have a bath together. Something is so sweet about that for me. Once they are finally asleep, I have a nice amount of time to finish work, catch up with my husband, do some online shopping. I have a hard time shutting it down. There is so much I want to do in one day.

Do you work from home or in an office? What is the set up like?

I am lucky to have enough space to have a home office/studio where the entire Minnie and Emma team can work. It is wonderful for me because I do not have to spend the time commuting to an office and if the kids really need me for something, I can easily be there. On the flip side, they can sense when I am here, even if they are with a babysitter, so that can get a bit challenging. We’ve been fortunate to be rather busy lately, so we are working well into the night, when they are asleep…

Do you see/speak to your kids throughout your work day? If yes, how/when?

For me, it is very important to be the one who brings/picks up my son to/from school everyday. I know how lucky I am that I have that ability to work and be able to do that. It was imperative that when setting up this business, it allowed me that flexibility. My mom was there when I came home from school and I vividly remember her being there, talking about my day. That has always been important for me.

What is the best thing about being a working mom? Hardest thing?

I love that I have something that fulfills me, mentally and creatively. Of course there are days when I am stretched so thin, but every mother, working or not, feels that way at some point. It comes with the title. I never thought I would love being a mom as much as I do, so I love that I can do both. The hardest thing? I have never, ever been this tired in my entire life. I find the lack of sleep impossible.

Be honest, what is one thing you envy about stay at home moms?

I am trying this new thing, where I am not comparing my life to others. That said, I think being a mom is probably the hardest thing you can do. With amazing rewards, of course. The decisions you make as a parent are not easy. You want to make sure you are giving your kids exactly what is important to you, while teaching them to be valuable members of society. So, aside from perhaps wearing gym clothes all day… I would say nothing 🙂

Answer the question “I don’t know how you do it?” in ten words or less.

I laugh A LOT. A supportive husband. White wine.

And clearly Meredith has some serious style, so here are her must-haves of the moment for she and he and she:

MeredithLevy-WhatWouldGwynethDo

Clockwise from top left:

Dodo Jewelry. I love the mix of gold and their wax cords and that you have the ability to make your bracelets completely your own.

For me, a big chic tote is essential. It can take me from a meeting to the playground. Goyard just released a new grey color that is perfect.

Crewcuts for swim. They have made the rash guard incredibly chic.

Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 60 – we are true beach bums and this works for us perfectly.

Fresh Seaberry Body Cream is a total game-changer. I was just introduced to this cream by the lovely team at Fresh and I am obsessed. It is helping my winter skin get ready for summer.

Emi-Jay hair ties. I always keep a 5 pack in my bag- they are perfect for me and my daughter.

I am in LOVE with Givenchy’s Hydra Sparkling Magic Lip & Cheek Balm. I recently found it. It gives your lips a slight tint with a perfect, non sticky gloss.

I am always looking for my phone at the bottom of my tote so I love that I can easily spot it with one of our Minnie & Emma phone cases. I have become addicted to changing it often. Right now I am using a light grey version of our large letter case.

One Response
  1. May 1, 2013

    Love what Meredith says about not comparing her life to anyone else’s – such wisdom in that. Comparison sure is the thief of joy.

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