Mum and Founder of Goo Goo Gourmet, Reena Patel talks Chanel, healthy eating, and her favourite London haunts.
Reena Patel founded Goo Goo Gourmet, an organic baby food delivery company, when she was faced for the first time with the reality of how terrifying and time-consuming weaning can be. The philosophy behind the brand is Reena’s desire to help other parents who, like her, want the best food for their children and who also believe this should be homemade not only for nutrition reasons, but also in terms of food education.
‘I want to help parents ensure their children are eating healthily and to take some of the strain off them. In today’s pram comparing, changing bag coveting, competitive baby world, we could all do with a little relief!’ -Reena Patel.
You must be very organised to juggle a business with motherhood – do you have any top tips on how you stay on top of it all?
Lists, lists, and more lists. I’m one of those crazy people with notebooks everywhere, next to my bed, hand bag, nappy bag, etc, etc. It’s the only way to stay on top of it all.
From pregnancy into motherhood, your body undergoes some massive changes. Did you find your style changed when you entered motherhood? Did you find these changes difficult?
Absolutely. I turned 30 and had a baby within four months of each other so I had something of a style crisis. I was completely unsure of my style and what was appropriate for a 30-year-old mum. Thankfully, I’ve learnt to be much more forgiving of myself now.
Are there any mums out there who really inspire you?
As corny as it sounds, I’m really inspired by working mums like Tamara Mellon, Cristy Turlington, Laura Bailey; women who are mums but still manage to run businesses, fight for causes, and look great.
What’s your failsafe look when you have a moment to get ready?
Now that I’m a mum it has become Seven for All Mankind jeans, Converse Allstars, and super soft cotton t-shirts.
Any styling or fashion tips you can offer our readers?
Having a baby definitely changes how you dress (I can no longer wear white as my son will invariably wipe his face or hands on me), but you just have to learn to find the new you in your style. Be forgiving of yourself; it takes time to adjust.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing with the kids?
We live in South East London where we have some amazing parks; I love Dulwich Park for a place to spend an afternoon. We also live just over an hour away from Brighton, which is also great for a day out.
What’s your favourite luxury skin care brand and hero product?
Rodial. I love their Glamtox Peel which I generally do once a week. I also love following fellow mum, Mrs Rodial, on Twitter.
Do you have a particular restaurant that you love going to but that’s also family friendly?
We love Giraffe for fun family meals. We also took our son to Hakassan to Mayfair a few weeks ago; not very family friendly (no highchairs or baby-changing facilities), but the staff couldn’t have been kinder to our son. They seem genuinely excited to see him and to talk to him, which was really nice.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
All over, I’m addicted to food and lifestyle blogs which I find really inspiring. I love putting twists on things that I read and come across.
If you could own one Investment IT bag what would it be?
Anything from Chanel. (I hope my husband reads this!)
Did your skin and beauty regime change after being pregnant? Which product did you swear buy during pregnancy and then which after?
My beauty regime became a lot more relaxed as I was no longer going to work; in my pre-baby life as an events manager at a 5-star hotel, I had to look ‘done’ at all times. When I found out I was pregnant, I took myself off to my local department store to find products to ensure I didn’t get stretch marks. I used Mama Mio Belly Rub and Aveda’s orange oil and I can say that I don’t have one stretch mark!