PERSONALITY AND MISSION? RENA: Fashion is a way to express both my personality and purpose. At galas or work events, I like polished, confident looks and pieces that make me feel elegant—that are still fun and youthful. I want to feel like myself: young and powerful. But on a regular day, you’ll find me in athleisure, running around town between school drop-offs and errands. I love that fashion shifts with your day. Sometimes, it’s about making that statement, and you’re on a magazine cover. Other times, I need to be comfortable and practical. I just want to feel like myself no matter what I’m wearing. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE WOMEN AND/OR MOMS WANTING TO COMBINE CAREER AND COMMUNITY WORK? RENA: Be intentional with your time and ask for help when you need it. Combining a career and community work takes a lot of planning and focus, but if you’re following what you’re passionate about, then you keep motivating yourself to continue. I try to prioritize things that are important to me, and I definitely have learned to set more boundaries as needed. Again, you have to ask for help,
sure. It’s really sweet and fun to see their personalities develop and blossom. I just keep seeing those little glimpses of us in them; It’s sweet to see that reflection. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY? RENA: For us, quality time has meant traveling the world together. This summer, we spent more than a month traveling Europe, [visiting] Italy, London, Paris, Greece… we went all over! It’s not easy traveling with kids, but getting to show them the world and experience new places as a family is the best gift you can give them. It was absolutely magical, and I love seeing them embrace new cultures and different places. Some of these places I had never been before, so it was really nice to do it together. When we’re not traveling, we find joy in simple things: evening trips to Yogurtland, family board game nights playing Scrabble and Life, and walks on our street (when the weather is tolerable and not a million degrees). I think about the idea of “18 summers,” and it makes me want to soak up every moment with them while they still want to be with me. HOW DO YOU USE FASHION TO EXPRESS YOUR
QUICK QUESTIONS Morning person or night owl… Morning person. If I could travel anywhere tomorrow, I would go to… Singapore. all the answers, and as you grow into motherhood, you start to figure things out day by day. whether it’s family, friends, or a crew of babysitters. Use your resources, and find joy in the process. It’s not going to be easy. Last year during gala season, I’d wake up at 4:30 a.m. every day just to stay on top of everything. If I put my name on something, I want it to be perfect. WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN BEFORE BECOMING A MOM? RENA: I wish I knew that I wouldn’t know it all. I’ve learned so much along the way. When you’re a new mom, you put so much pressure on yourself to have
Guilty pleasure snack… Fresh, buttery popcorn. Go-to song right now… With the kids, “Sapphire” by Ed Sheeran.
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