Interviews / 13 September, 2017 / My Baba

Let’s Talk Business: Laura Adrianna On How To Nail Being A Working Mama

Digital marketing expert turned entrepreneur and editor Laura Adrianna talks all things babies, business, and female empowerment.

With a 50k following on Instagram it’s safe to say you are taking the digital world by storm! What are your secrets to building up your digital empire?

Relevance is the driver of commerce and content.  I have been hired to create the most interesting campaigns and content throughout my career and so I thought one day, why not use Instagram as a platform to share life by offering a preview of what it’s really like to work in the creative space?

And so I did. I created my profile to showcase my journey and my portfolio. In fact, once I started sharing my day-to-day insights, brands began contacting me to get involved in social campaigns such as SWATCH #YOURMOVE campaign for their recent new collection launch quite recently.

I also wanted to share my story – where every woman could relate: the “thrones and rose” of an industry insider in the creative/marketing industry, while I was working in various cities and various projects while staying laser-focused to achieve my professional aspirations. A lot of women have resonated with me because it’s authentic.

A journey that often is terrifying and thrilling all at the same time – from what to wear at meetings, behind the scenes from newest designer collections, to #BeautyLunchBreaks, a weekly popular tested and loved series offering recommendations that seek mind/body/soul recharge – fast. Vetting out the most innovative, technological advanced fast facials, power massages to power workout in London, in real-time.

My advice is to create your profile page as your portfolio. It will help you land your next career opportunity or possible venture.

You have recently been appointed as the digital fashion and lifestyle editor at D-Journal. How are you going to balance this new high-powered role with motherhood?

I am very excited about contributing with D-Journal. To be part of a dynamic team of editors and participate in upcoming projects is quite thrilling. As I am quite passionate about the tech space, I am always seeking the newest wearable technology in fashion and how technology is being applied in luxury goods sector. My social calendar is quite full with events for new product launches and press events especially for Fashion Week.

However, as thrilling as the day-to-day is, I always find time to disconnect and spend time with my family. No phones at the dinner table and not taking my work home with me.

Laura Adrianna wears Velvet Jumpsuit (Pinko)  

Shoes Soft Calfskin flat (Pinko) 

What advice would you give to new mothers who want to balance work with being a new mama?

Teamwork makes the dream work! Treat your new role as a savvy mom accordingly: schedule all feeds promptly (to avoid sudden cry outbursts), pace yourself and sleep when your baby sleeps (to avoid a total burn out), delegate tasks to your partner, family or nanny to avoid being overwhelmed (from nappy changes, tummy time or putting your newborn to bed).

Like anything new in one’s life: new romance or new promotion, moving to a new city – you are unfamiliar ground but the upside is that you need to find your rhythm that works for you.

Being a mother is just a huge honour – embrace every moment. At the same time, also ensure that you continue to live out your personal ambitions – to be creative, to be modern, to stay one step ahead, to enjoy life.

There is a preconception that you are limited to what you can achieve work-wise during pregnancy. What are your thoughts and experiences with this?

I continued on with my same passions and pursuits while pregnant with Valentina despite the ongoing changes in my body: I exercised regularly, ate healthy, booked my social calendar filled with late dinners with my girlfriends and press events a few times a week, planned mini romantic breaks with my husband outside the city on the weekends and above all, was laser-focused in my professional career, more than I have ever been. And while pregnant, a new venture evolved. A venture that sustainably solves one of the biggest problems for city-living families and single professionals.

The pre-conception of “slowing down” when one is expecting, in my humble opinion is outdated. Studies have proven that women gain a higher consciousness while pregnant whether making wiser decisions and are described as being “more productive.” In fact, more women while pregnant get promoted or launch their own ventures. Marissa Mayer was promoted to her high pressured role as Yahoo’s chief executive, while pregnant, Dame Natalie Massenet created and launched her then online fashion empire Net-a-porter more than a decade ago while pregnant with her first child. Jessica Alba, pregnant with her first daughter, launched The Honest Company, a brand made its name by selling nontoxic, eco-friendly products to parents.

I think women are fuelled by hormones and delusions that if I could build a baby why not a business?

My pregnancy experience was quite positive on so many levels, similar to both Dame Natalie Massenet and Jessica Alba. I too, launched a new venture, an app that solves one of the biggest problems with city-living families and single professionals and replacing the outdated ecologically flawed model.

WashApp is a mobile waterless car wash on-site, on-demand premium concierge car cleaning service for automobile owners with a waterless advantage that delivers a on site, quick and easy hassle-free experience in car care anywhere, anytime. Research shows on average 50 gallons on average, in-bay car wash 95 gallons, conveyor wash 75 gallons, industrial wash 45 gallons, WashApp is only uses 16oz. No more lines, no more waste and no more mess.

Through the creation of your new app, you are now dipping your toes in the tech industry. As a woman, how are you finding working in a male-dominated environment?

The tech industry is a very male-dominated industry and very competitive. However, I don’t see this as a challenge rather an opportunity to pave the way for a new generation of women to “shake things up” and make a contribution to the industry.

Having the positive belief that it will all be OK, just means that I have to work even smarter and make it work because failure is not even an option in my own mind. I always go into finding a solution (even if I don’t have an immediate answer) – I will by end of business day as I am very resourceful. I may feel stuck, but I trust my instinct and ability to navigate day-to-day challenges.

Laura wears Chequered Glen Plaid Midi Skirt &  Top (Pinko) 

Sunglasses (MUI MUI) 

How did you deal with the stresses and worries of work while you were pregnant? Were there any therapies or products you used to de-stress?

Yes, there were four golden rules that I lived by that helped tremendously throughout my pregnancy with Valentina.

• Exercise regularly.
• Bi-weekly Classic Hungarian Body Wrap treatments by Omorovicza smoothed and softened my skin while my belly was growing.
• Going to bed by 10pm. It’s so important to rest and have a good nights sleep while pregnant for both you and your baby.
• Before going to bed I would log onto Blinklist, an app that offered key insights from 2200+ bestselling nonfiction books, transformed into powerful packs you can read or listen to in just 15 minutes. Then to Calm, an app that helps guided meditations, breathing programs and Sleep Stories.

A lot of new parents struggle to manage time between work, looking after their little ones and finding time for themselves. How do you manage your time?

It’s so important to have “me time” when managing a new family. I have been successful at managing this by putting my 4.5month year old, Valentina to bed at 8pm every night. This way, I have the rest of the evening to myself. Whether catching up on emails, cooking a nice dinner together with my husband or running a warm bath with lavender salts.

What is your favourite family recipe to cook when you’re in a rush?

Shiitake mushroom and chestnut risotto. It’s the perfect healthy, vegetarian recipe you can make quickly!

What beauty products can’t you live without? Were there any products you couldn’t live without during pregnancy?

• Custom Infusion Drops: C+ Lemon Grass & Natural Finish Foundation (Cover FX)
• Pep Start Eye Cream (CLINIQUE)
• Creme de Corps Body Moisturiser (Kiehl’s)

Lastly, what empowering advice can you give to our readers who are struggling to get back on track with their career after childbirth?

Polish your skills while attending workshops/networking events to stay current. You’ll mostly find me at the Apple etail store attending inspiring programs such as ‘Studio Hours’ or ‘How To’ classes.
Think about what you wish to achieve upon your return to work: whether it’s getting that promotion or staying in your same role. Be clear on your succession plan and re-connect with former/existing mentors for extra support.

Laura Adrianna wears Chequered Glen Plaid Midi Skirt &  Top  (Pinko) 

Valentina wears CINDY dress (Kenzo)