Describe yourself in 3 words…
I had to defer this question to Lauren and Ali… We always joke that we need to take class on how to talk about ourselves… or just talk to humans in general.
Lauren & Ali: Kaylee is loyal, open-hearted, and incredibly warm. She is literally the best!
How did you get inspired to create Milkit?
Milkit was inspired by the astonishing power of women and the transition into motherhood. Ali, Lauren, and I all became pregnant with our second children at the same time, and we were all overwhelmed by unnecessarily extensive checklists about how and what to pack for the hospital. We wanted to refine what mamas really need for that radically life-changing day. We also wanted to provide mamas with beautiful and ethical products to feel pampered and taken care of without having to think about it.
What is the story begins the brand?
We believe that aesthetics and ethics don’t have to be mutually exclusive. We feel we have a responsibility to how and where our products our made, and that conscientious drives our mission. So, we took our (almost 7) collective birth experiences to create simple, sleek, thoughtfully designed and ethically sourced postpartum essentials meant to take you beyond the delivery room and out into the world with your new babe.
How do you carve out “me time” being a mother of 3 boys, and co-founder of Milkit? How do you like to spend that time?
Well, I’m still baking number 3 right now, but it’s feeling increasingly difficult at the moment. Honestly, it’s not easy, but I couldn’t have a dreamier situation. I get to work from home with my two best friends and all of our children on a project that supports pregnant and postnatal women! It really couldn’t get better than that. It’s definitely challenging to get anything done when you have 6 kids running around. There’s never a dull moment, that’s for sure. But, what we’ve created is really beautiful. We are raising our children with an actual village. A tribe. It’s a cliche thing people always say when you have kids, and it’s not easy to accomplish in this day and age with everyone’s busy schedules and location proximity, but somehow we all found each other and it all happened in an amazing organic way. I wish that for all mamas entering this world.
What are your favorite go-to products for this motherhood master kit?
My favorite products in our kit currently are:
The MIlkit Diaper bag. It's the perfect no fuss bag. I use it with or without my kids present. It also doubles as the perfect work bag. The large pocket in the back fits my laptop. The side pockets fit my water bottle and usually a snack or coffee beverage. It’s become my biggest necessity.
Our Milkit Robe. It’s so soft and cozy, with 3/4 sleeves and a shorter hemline so you don’t have to fuss with a bunch of extra fabric for all those million times you have to pee. It is the only robe I’ve found that completely covers my belly at 9 months, and gives my that extra flow when my belly isn’t massive.
Our Milkit x O-M Ceramics Mug. I drink my labor prep teas by Oat Mama every day out of that gorgeous mug. And I will be drinking the Lactation teas we provide in the bag, very soon.
Poppy and Someday’s Rose Quartz face spray for during and after labor. I’m pretty obsessed with it.
And last, but not least, the Erbaviva Relax Room Spray. It works as a room and body spray and HAND SANITIZER. It smells incredible and its safe for you and baby.
If you had to choose the next 3 products you’d want to introduce to your customer, what would they be?
We’re always on the hunt for new ethical brands. Right now we are all obsessed with Olio E Osso’s lip tints. Orez Lifestyle has these amazing reusable napkin/utensil kits you can add on or customize. They are so beautiful and smart. I feel like that’s something all moms could use on the go. Sakura Bloom is another brand that’s on target with our company, providing beautiful baby slings and carriers. We’d love to incorporate any or all of those items in the next limited edition run.
What are your favorite nutritious snacks?
We are all obviously very into the snacks we picked for the bag, but on a regular daily basis, I’m a trail mix person. I always have nuts in my car or diaper bags. It’s always about what I can bring on the go that my kids will also eat. All of us and our kids are very into the nut butter by SuperFat. The kids devour the Original and we keep the MCT + Probiotic pouch for ourselves. Another easy snack on the go is just an old fashioned apple or banana.
What is your beauty and exercise regimen to help inspire all of the new Mamas out there?
I’m a big proponent of self care. I always take time for myself to do something that relaxes me and or makes me feel happy or pretty or in a perfect world, all of the above. When I want to splurge I do a lymphatic treatment at Ricari Studios. And before I got pregnant, I would do infrared saunas or sweat lodges to top my workout routine with a little detox. I love yoga and pilates, but if I’m being totally honest, these days I’m feeling pretty solid about myself if I can just get out for a walk.
What are your favorite kid friendly/baby-friendly activities and restaurants in LA?
It can be difficult to find things my 5.5 yr old and a 2 yr old both get excited about, and lets be honest, my husband and I also want to be entertained! We all love a trip to Huntington Garden or Descanso Garden. They have beautiful seasonal events for the whole family and it gets you outside. We’re also a big fan of Kitchen Mouse in Highland Park. They have delicious vegetarian food and a kids play corner for those restless babes… which is basically every child.
Pay it forward and name 3 mentors in your industry (can be other female entrepreneurs)…
I’m constantly inspired by Rachel Craven and Beatrice Valenzuela. They are two best friends and mothers that started selling their crafts out of their back yard in Echo Park and 10 years later expanded into one of the most desirable Craft Fairs in the US. They have completely different aesthetics, but both equally beautiful. To me Rachel signifies the simple-no bullshit-woman who always looks elegant without ever trying. And Beatrice signifies romance, desire, in a zesty rebellious way. I love those ladies and I’m so grateful for their friendship. They helped us launch our company on Mothers Day at the Echo Park Craft Fair. We couldn’t be more proud to have gotten our start there with all of those talented vendors.
Gwyneth Paltrow is another force we absolutely respect and admire. I love that she’s using her platform to bring awareness to ways we can make positive changes for ourselves, the environment, and our workplace. Her emphasis on ethics, sustainability, and eco-friendly products are right in line with our mission, and her aesthetics are on point too!
What values do you hope to instill in your children?
The big ones in our family are kindness and respect. We believe that is the foundation of all things great in life. If you come at any person, obstacle, or endeavor with a respect for them or the opposing view and a kind heart, you can accomplish anything.
Where can we purchase the Milkit?
Right now you can only get it at our website.
Each run is limited and exclusive. We will be changing up the products every new release to showcase all of the amazing brands trying to change the industry. Get yours before we sell out!