CINDY DIPRIMA,CO-FOUNDER OF CAP BEAUTY,MOTHER OF LOUIS,5,AND SALLY,3,NEW YORK CITY.

You’re a successful stylist, co-founder of CAP Beauty, and mother of two– life can probably get a bit chaotic!  How do you work on balancing everything?

Ha! I wish I had a better answer here. Balance is so elusive. I guess I would say that when I had kids, I learned to let go of a lot. I don’t throw as many dinner parties as I used to, and the apartment is always a bit of a mess.

I wouldn’t be happy if I didn’t work, but I certainly wish I had more time with my family. Starting CAP Beauty was definitely a step towards balance. Stylists lead such complicated lives– with travel, long days on set, and constantly changing schedules. It sounds extreme, but my solution was to start a new business– one that’s all about self-care!

Speaking of balance, who do you turn to for parenting advice? 

I really believe it takes a village. Our friends and family, our babysitters and teachers and therapists (Louis was born with very low tone and has had lots of therapy since he was 7 months old) all help shape how we raise our kids. I was an aunt before I was a mom, and my sister-in-law taught me that. She’s a brilliant mom to so many kids, not just her own, and I’ve been taking notes for years. She also taught me that mistakes will be part of the process. Consistency of course is key, but mistakes are inevitable. Apologize in advance and be nimble. She taught me that the day I brought Louis home from the hospital. It was like a license to screw-up, forgive myself, and move on.

You’re American, your husband is French, and you’re raising Louis and Sally to be bi-lingual. How’s it been going?

It’s going well! It’s incredible how much kids can absorb and understand. They’re really learning both languages– speaking English with me and French with Laurent. We didn’t take this on as some kind of project or mission, it’s just who we are as a family. When Louis was much younger his speech therapist suggested that we focus on just one language. I told her I didn’t think that was possible– Laurent is Parisian and it’s just natural that he speaks French with our kids. I’m really glad I didn’t take her advice on that! They’re lucky to be learning two languages so effortlessly.

Where are some of your favorite New York spots? Stores, restaurants, museums, parks?

We definitely have some regular haunts. When we stay in the city we take the kids to BXL Zoute just about every weekend. It’s really casual and spacious and the owners couldn’t be more welcoming. Louis and Sally are obsessed with the mashed potatoes, and Laurent and I have espressos or one of the incredible beers they have on tap. The Highline, Madison Square Park, Union Square Greenmarket, and Yoga Vida are other weekend staples. I love to shop at Warm, and for weekday breakfasts and lunches I love The Butcher’s Daughter and Dimes. For dinners with friends I love Quartino Bottega Organica on Bleecker Street. And Miss Lily’s is great for a night out.

Do you have any go-to children’s clothing brands?

Flora and Henri is my go-to for the best t-shirts, and Louis is almost always in a pair of classic Osh Kosh overalls. I tend to splurge on just a few special pieces each season from Flora and Henri or Makie, and then I supplement with a lot of staples from places like Zara, H&M, and Old Navy. We do high and low!

I also just discovered the kids department at the Soho boutique Kisan. They have a great selection with classic brands like Bon Ton and Bonpoint, and more whimsical stuff from Morley and Simple Kids. And they have great sales! The ABC Carpet kids department also has some really adorable stuff.

As a natural beauty expert, what are some of your personal favorites when it comes to products?

We love to take the kids to visit my dad and his wife, Helen. They live about an hour outside the city in Morristown, New Jersey. We go for walks in the woods, run around on the tennis court, play lots of piano and ping-pong, and eat very well.

What are some benefits of raising kids in the city? And any challenges?

It’s so cliché, but my kids have taught me to live in the moment, to be present and to cherish my time with them. They grow so fast. They’ve taught me that my actions reverberate and they’ve taught me the importance of keeping my word. I hope that I teach them kindness, compassion, and to love and take care of themselves.

Visit CAP Beauty online and on West 10th Street in New York’s West Village.

Photo by John von Pamer