Mother's Day Q&A with Zeenat Wilkinson
In celebration of Mother's Day, we spoke with an inspiring mother & friend of Mi Piaci, Zeenat Wilkinson on her favourite part of being a mother, how she balances work and motherhood, an inspiring woman she admires, and more.
How do you balance time between work and motherhood?
Z: I try to honour rest and playtime with my daughter as sacred times for recharging. I am lucky enough to work when I feel a surge of high energy and rest when my body needs it. The best way to get the most out of each day is to be intuitive with your energy levels and mood. Every day is different and that’s ok.
Also, I have never felt as driven and creative as I have since beginning motherhood. I have achieved more within the period of pregnancy and after giving birth than I have in the last few years.
What's your favourite part of being a mother?
Z: Seeing her face light up when she sees me is priceless. It reminds me how little it takes to make someone so immensely happy and how strong human connections are. I don’t think anyone (apart from my mum maybe?) has looked at me with that kind of sheer delight, absolute adoration every single time. Even at my worst.
Who’s an inspiring woman you admire and why?
Z: I admire my late grandma for her courage, wit, and grace. She once told me — leading with kindness is for me and not others. I did not fully comprehend it then but now, years later, I get it. Almost every bedtime story was riddled with life lessons and stories from far away exotic lands.
Your biggest learning since becoming a mother?
Z: Motherhood is full of paradoxes and there will always be highs and lows. No two days are ever the same and that’s okay. Also, time is very precious so savour every minute of it and use it wisely.
How will you be celebrating mother's day this year?
Z: I am not entirely sure what my partner has planned for my first ever Mother’s Day. Whether it’s a two-hour massage or just a long uninterrupted day for naps and reading a book, I would be happy with some relaxation. I wouldn’t say no to coffee and breakfast in bed either. And I’ll take any gifts too ????
QUICKFIRE:
Style icon?
Z: Huge fan of Stella Simona and Monikh Dale’s effortless style.
@stellasimona
@monikh
Most essential item for your wardrobe?
Z: Classic black boots and a well-tailored blazer.
Currently watching/reading/listening to?
Z: I’ve been really into Brown History podcast lately. I think being away from my first home (India) for such a long time has made me crave some of those connections and stories. I now realise the value of culture and how important it is to build a wealth of knowledge to pass down to future generations.
I also recently started reading Mira Jacob’s Good Talk and I can’t get enough of her and her words.
www.brownhistorypodcast.com
Flats or heels?
Z: Both. I love my flats but nothing like a few inches of heels to elongate your legs.
Favourite Mi Piaci shoe this season?
Z: There are waaaay too many! But I have been wearing Liana almost every single day so that style is high up on my list!
Zeenat is the founder of Sauce Magazine www.saucemag.co.nz
Follow @zeenatwilkinson on Instagram
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