Maryam Nassir Zadeh, owner of Maryam Nassir Zadeh, and her daughter, Anaïs Vida

What's the most surprising thing you've discovered about yourself since becoming a mother?
"I was surprised to feel more balanced than ever. I still feel like who I was before the baby, with a strong work ethic and the ability to manage, but now with someone to take care of. It is so grounding to have my dual life where, after work, there is something so real to come home to who is so important. It really gives perspective to how there is a limit to work, the proportion of things, and what really matters. Of course it's so challenging, but it can also be very calming to be in the presence and brilliance of your child."

How has your style changed since you've had kids?
"My style hasn't changed too much, but definitely lower shoes and maybe less precious fabrics, more cotton, denim, and things that are easy to throw in the wash. When I leave the house, what I'm wearing could get thrashed at any moment, so it helps to know I can just throw things in the wash and not deal with dry cleaning."

What's the best advice you've ever gotten from your mother?
"Family comes first. Make sure you put the interests of your family before anything else."

Photo: Courtesy of Maryam