Tori Praver, Model, Founder and Designer of Tori Praver Swimwear, and mother to Ryan. Los Angeles, California

You’re a model, a designer, an awesome businesswoman, a wife, and a mom. What have the past few years been like? How did becoming a mom change your lifestyle?

The past few years have been challenging but very rewarding. It’s been difficult to find a healthy balance between work and being a mom. As much as I love what I do, I love be a mother more than anything else and my daughter always comes first. I have had to learn how to juggle taking care of Ryan while still being focused on work related things, being a wife, a chef, and then find some me-time. Although it can all be exhausting, I love every minute of it and wouldn’t change a thing.

Did you have a go-to silhouette or brand when you were pregnant?

I lived in Isabella Oliver dresses with a bohemian kimono over the top. I felt best wearing flowy things over tight fitting clothes that showed my belly.

What are your favorite kids clothing brands or shops?

I might like shopping for my daughter a little too much but here are my faves: I love NUNUNU, Jen’s Little Pirates, Kickee Pants, Freshly Picked Moccasins, Children of the Tribe, and Zara Baby is my absolute favorite. And of course my own line of children’s bikinis, Keiki by Tori Praver Swimwear. My favorite shop is called Firefly Kids on Abbot Kinney in Venice. It has great clothes and toys as well as amazing books for your little ones.

You split your time between Hawaii, Los Angeles, and New York—do you have a favorite?

Hawaii is home and will always be my favorite place on earth. I love taking Ryan and showing her where I grew up and immersing her in the simple lifestyle of  going to the beach every day and being in the ocean as much as possible. I hope to instill the love I have for nature and the ocean in her as well.

What are some of the benefits of raising a kid in the city versus somewhere more relaxed, like Kaui?

I love raising my daughter in LA. Though we are outside of the city in Malibu, I feel like we get the best of both worlds. Malibu is so beautiful with all of its beaches and gorgeous mountains and hiking trails, but the city is also so close to us. I love taking Ryan to museums and exposing her to cultural things just as much as I love just taking her to the beach. My husband is very much into art so we go to a lot of exhibitions and art openings which I think is great for her little mind.

And do you have any tips for traveling with a baby or toddler?

Breastfeeding was a lifesaver for me and made Ryan an angel to travel with as a baby!  She would nurse and fall right to sleep for most of the flight.  Once I stopped around 14 months, I had to find other ways to keep her busy and content. I always brought lots of snacks, toys to play with, and a ton of books. Now that Ryan is older and into movies and TV shows, the iPad is a great way to keep a toddler busy. There are so many amazing educational apps and shows for them these days.

Who inspires or motivates you?

My daughter motivates me everyday. Everything I do is for her and to create an amazing life and future for her!

What surprised you when you became a mom?

How I thought I knew what love was, but really I had no idea how much I could love this little human that I gave birth to! It was the best feeling in the world!

Did you have any favorite beauty products when you were pregnant?

I used Mothers Special Blend Oil morning and night throughout my pregnancy and I managed to not get any stretch marks. It’s a miracle oil. It’s all-natural and made up of coconut oil, sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, and Vitamin E.

What about now—has your beauty routine changed much since having Ryan?

Not much, I keep a super simple routine of getting natural highlights twice a year and always wear minimal makeup. There is not much time to beautify, but I always make time for my weekly mani/pedi. It’s my one beauty indulgence that I never feel guilty about.

Do you have any favorite ways to relax? 

YOGA! It has been my savior since becoming a mom and a great way to check-out and take a break.

What do you hope for your daughter? 

That she becomes a strong and confident woman with big dreams!