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I Don’t Know How She Does It – Maya Brenner

2013 November 7
by WWGD

maya_brenner_PhotoBySarahYates

Obviously I am fascinated and inspired by life as a modern-day working mother, but I am even more enamored by moms who are not just in the workforce, but doing something they truly love at the same time. That, to me, is the ultimate dream. Not only to be able to have a successful career and be a great mom, but to find your true calling and passion at work. Maya Brenner did just that. After a career in social work, she took up jewelry making as a “calming exercise.” The calm turned into a happy storm and since its launch, her signature jewelry collection has caught the eye of celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Richie and many more and has been seen in the pages of Lucky, InStyle and Glamour. But it’s her incredible journey as a stylish, savvy working mom that caught my eye. From home in Los Angeles, she designs and develops her collection, manages a rapidly growing business, keeps two steps ahead of all the trends of the moment and balances a happy, busy life as mom to Jack (10) and Sadie Love (6)…sounds dreamy, right? Here is how she does it:

What time does your day start and how?

6:45 a.m. … usually with my children calling for me from their rooms.

What time does your day end and how?

10:45 p.m. after putting the kids to bed, preparing for the next day and watching something juicy on TV like “The Good Wife” or “Boardwalk Empire.”

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

I usually work from home, but I do go into my office in downtown LA when I need to.  My office at home is colorful, bright and I can work surrounded by my very favorite personal items. I’m just steps away from my children which is nice for them but doesn’t always make for great working conditions!

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

I try to be home when the kids get home from school so we can catch up on the day and do homework together, etc.  If I’m working downtown or have meetings, I try to be home for dinner.

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

The best thing is that my children get to see me be passionate about my business and loving what I do. The hardest thing is balancing their very busy schedules with my work obligations. It usually makes for one distracted mom!

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

Even though I know staying home is not easy, I envy the simplicity or perceived simplicity of being able to focus entirely on home life. Homemade Halloween costumes and perfectly made school lunches are not happening in my house and sometimes I wish I had that kind of time.

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

It takes a village. Literally…

And here are Maya’s must-haves for she and the littles…paired alongside some of my personal fave picks from her beautiful collection:

MayaBrennerMustHaves-WhatWouldGwynethDo

Clockwise from top left:

Maya Brenner asymmetrical mini letter necklaces

Maya Brenner day to night necklace

Maya Brenner pave horizon studs

I’d love to wake up in these French sleep shorts by Journelle.

I saw this Burberry lipstick on a model with similar coloring to mine and I cannot wait to try it.

Maya Brenner stacking diamond rings

On a recent trip to Austin, I picked up these little organizing baskets for my daughter’s room.

I want the classic yet trendy look of these Clubmaster Ray Bans (editor’s note: me too! Have been coveting the white!).

*photo of Maya by Sarah Yates

One Response
  1. November 8, 2013

    I don’t know how she does it either! Every day I get home from work and seriously consider if I should ever have kids, because I’m always so tired and rarely want to speak with anyone. Kiddies (though wonderful) can really suck that energy out of you. They can boost you up, too, I suppose. 🙂

    These are some really beautiful pieces!

    The Rambling Fangirl

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