THE SLEEP DIARIES: EDITION ONE
WITH LINDA MORRISON, FOUNDER OF MILIMILU
In this month's edition of The Sleep Diaries, I have the pleasure of introducing you to the incredible Linda Morrison, founder of Mili Milu, my favourite sustainable fashion brand in Hong Kong.
We delve into the multifaceted aspects of life, from the intricacies of parenting to the art of managing a thriving business. Linda shares her inspiring journey, all while navigating this beautiful adventure with her husband Tom, and their two adorable children, Adrian and Mia.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, your career and your family?
I am the founder of MiliMilu, a sustainable fashion brand for the whole family. Originally from Latvia, I have spent almost half of my life living in Asia. I used to work in the fast-paced corporate life in Hong Kong and have enjoyed travelling. As a mother of two and the founder of MiliMilu, I face both excitement and challenges but I enjoy my life here in Hong Kong. I love to spend my weekends on hikes or beaches to recharge and relax, and right now, we are entering the best weather.
What is your parenting style and beliefs?
I do support a more gentle approach, and encourage conversation where all of us are heard and understood (including me haha!) but at the same time, I can be the strict mom – after all we have rules at home to follow and I am a big advocate for routines.
Balancing business and family life can be tough. Could you share some strategies you use to manage this juggle effectively?
The most important thing for it is effective time management (I am still working on mine)! It's important to strike a balance and not overburden ourselves, especially when we have a family to take care of. Life can get extremely busy, especially here in Hong Kong, but it's essential to take control of our schedules and sometimes say no to things. It's also important to make time for ourselves, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones. When life gets too hectic and stressful, it's a sign to take a break and come back stronger. Everyone has their own way of rejuvenating, but for me, it's a good hike or a few hours at the beach. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish. It's actually good for you and even better for your loved ones, especially children who would prefer stress-free parents.
What strategies or routines have worked well for you and your child when it comes to ensuring a good night's sleep?
I strongly believe in following routines, and I have applied this to both of my children. As a result, my children are sound sleepers, which has also made me a better and more rested parent and person. Finding the right routine that works for your children and yourself is important, as every family and child is different. My daughter and son have different sleep patterns and need different amounts of sleep to be happy and energetic.
The most important discovery I made was the significance of naps and adequate daytime sleep for babies to have a good night's rest - which applies for me as well. It's important to understand that an overtired baby might not sleep well.
In my opinion, sticking to a regular bedtime routine is so important. Our routine is pretty simple: we have dinner together, play a little, take a bath or shower (sometimes even both!) and then we snuggle up to read a bedtime story. It's such a great time to chat about our favourite parts of the day and things that we didn't enjoy so much. After story time and quick bathroom runs, little ones get in bed for the last short story or Latvian lullaby song, and by 7.30/8pm, they are asleep.
What have been your biggest sleep related challenges to date and how did you overcome them?
Becoming a parent for the first time is a huge life change that comes with many challenges. Trying to prepare for a newborn can feel overwhelming ( even after reading every book about newborns there is!), especially when you know you won't be getting much sleep. When I had my first child, it was particularly difficult because I didn't have any family nearby to support me and my husband, and we had just moved to Tokyo 3 months before having our first baby.
My son had a colicky stomach, which meant that he was often upset and struggled to sleep. It was a very stressful time, and we tried everything we could to soothe him. We took long walks around Tokyo, which seemed to help him sleep, and my husband even took over very early-morning walks to give me a break, but we all needed more sleep. Eventually, our son's tummy improved when he was just over eleven weeks old, and he became a great sleeper. Looking back, I realize that this challenging time taught me a lot about myself as a new mom, and we were able to establish a routine and he loves his sleep now.
What's your ultimate parenting hack, tool, or tip that you'd love to share with other moms to make their lives a bit easier?
As strange as it may sound, you will be overwhelmed with the advice and tips you receive, but it's important to remember that every family and every child is unique and requires a personalised approach. Having family or friends nearby is so important to provide hands-on and mental support. If you can get as much help and support as possible, there are many specialists available to assist new moms and babies. There is a lot of social pressure to be the perfect Mom, just remember to do your best and take care of yourself. Our child doesn't need a perfect Mom, but the best Mom for them. A relaxed and happy mom leads to a relaxed and happy child, as they can feel your emotions.
What do you do for self-care!
I am not the spa girl (I do love them, don't get me wrong!), but I enjoy spending time outdoors the most. Whether it's going on a hike, spending time at the beach, or just taking a leisurely walk, being outside is something I find refreshing. I love travelling with my family and showing my children the world. Seeing their happy faces light up with excitement is truly the best thing.
Finally, what is your most favourite part of the day?
I have two favourite times during the day. Mornings are chaotic with the rush to get the kids ready for school but there is something special about it. After school drop-offs, I enjoy the walk back home, a cup of coffee, and the chance to reset my mind for work on MiliMilu. My second favourite time of the day is the afternoon. It's a time when I'm almost done with work or taking a small break, and my kids are home from school and their after-school activities. We get to spend some special time together, chatting, reading a book, or doing some arts and crafts. It's a lovely moment to bond and enjoy each other's company.
And yes, I love our Sunday mornings on the beach, swimming, splashing and having so much fun as a family!
Linda, I can't thank you enough for our insightful conversation. I find a deep resonance with your approach, especially in valuing open, inclusive conversations and holding a strong belief in the power of routines. Your remarkable work with your brand is awe-inspiring, and the way you effortlessly juggle multiple responsibilities mirrors the balancing act many of us perform daily.
I'm truly impressed by your ability to establish personal boundaries, recognizing when it's essential to decline social invitations in order to prioritize your well-being and family. It's a philosophy I wholeheartedly share because, as you rightly pointed out, we can't be everything to everyone. Self-care is not just acceptable; it's essential. Let's obliterate the notion of "mom guilt" together!
Thank you for generously sharing your time with me. And for all of you eager to explore Linda's exquisite range of garments, perfect for both adults and kids, including delightful matching sets, be sure to visit her collection at https://milimilu.com/
Linda xxx