StyleNest take five minutes with mum, wife and entrepreneur, Patricia Dente-Haimes.

Patricia Dente-Haimes talks to StyleNest about life as a mum to Grayson and founder of Little BU.

After growing up in New York City, Patricia made the move to the big smoke three years ago and spends her time developing Little BU, the revolutionary nail polish formula for children which is safe, non-toxic, odourless and washes off. Patricia tells us what its like to be a working mum and shares tips on how to get your style back after children.

You have developed a unique formula of nail polish with Little BU, when did you first become interested in beauty?

My mother has owned salons and been in the beauty business in the U.S. for over thirty years. She would take me to industry conventions and include me in the buying decisions at an early age. I was inspired to see that a passion like hers could also be turned into a successful profession.

Your mother is obviously a big inspiration to you. What impact has she had on the decisions that have got you where you are today?

You never fully realise your mother’s influence on your life until you realise you are your mother in many ways. As an entrepreneur in the beauty industry, my mother was able to raise three children while running her salon businesses. Her resolve, self-belief and selflessness have influenced my life dreams and confidence greatly. Without her support I would never have thought that I could successfully launch Little BU nail polish while simultaneously raising my son.

Describe in a few sentences a day in the life of Patricia at Little BU.

I juggle being a mom and an entrepreneur. Both my son, Grayson and Little BU are in their infancy so they both need a lot of love and attention.  It’s an exciting time in my life and everyday is different.  I work from home which means I can plan my schedule around Grayson.  A typical day begins with a warm smile and playtime with him. Then I answer my emails, check in with our retail partners, work on new colour collections and meet with potential new suppliers and distributors. I make sure I am available to put Grayson to bed and when he’s asleep I spend time with my husband and work some more.

How did you come up with the name Little BU?

I wanted a name that embodied little girls having fun with nail polishes and BU means “be you”. There are no rules to self-express and Little BU polishes have been created for girls to express themselves creatively using colour.

What influences you?

My professional and personal decisions are usually influenced by my husband, Matthew. I am very lucky to have such a kind, loving and devoted husband who believes I can conquer the world. He too has a very creative streak that helps me look at things differently when I’m deliberating which direction to take, and keeps me laughing when times are tough.

Children are growing up too fast these days. What do you think of the pageants where little girls are dressed older than their years?

I have five nieces, and I want them and all little girls to be nothing more than little girls having fun. Personally, I believe these pageants to be a world apart from children trying on their mom’s clothes and having fun with nail polish.

You have come a long way since your publicist days and achieved a ground breaking product. What has been your ultimate achievement?

I’ve been career focused for most of my life but when I married my husband and when we had Grayson I finally realised what I was working towards was, a family. All of my past and current success has been the icing on the cake.

What advice would you give to our readers who want to set up their own business?

Just do it. I love being a mom but I also thrive in a world in which I can channel my creativity. This is paramount to knowing that your passion can be your profession as well.

Little BU is innovative and ideal for little girls who want to pretend play and have fun. What was the design process behind the story?

As a true city girl, manicures and pedicures have always been a weekly ritual whether to relax or catch up with friends. Unknowingly my frequent visits to the nail salon became future research inspiring me to launch Little BU nail polish. I started realising that there was an increasingly high amount of girls having manicure and pedicure services with traditional nail salon formulas. I loved watching their faces when they picked a colour and my only thought was that there should be a safe, non-toxic alternative that also offered trendy and fun colours.

You grew up in New York, what made you decide to move to London?

I spent my adult life as a single girl in New York with a very hectic life. After a few months of meeting my husband, he asked me to join him in London where he’s been for almost fifteen years. I packed up, said goodbye to the City and didn’t look back. I’ve been here now for three years.

Despite many cultural similarities, do you miss being a New Yorker or do you consider yourself a Londoner now?

I am still a New Yorker at heart who is a Londoner by day. This city makes me feel much more calm and I actually take time to stop and smell the roses.

Can you give StyleNest any exciting inside news on any current or future projects you might be working on?

Yes. I have developed new BU shades which will launch this autumn. Keep an eye out for the debut of Stella, Coco, Savannah and Milla. You will also get a chance to meet the international girls who inspired the shade range.

Any top tips for our readers on how to look fabulous in just five minutes?

Carry a flattering lipstick like Chanel Rouge Allure in Silhouette to use for touch ups on lips and cheeks. Use your finger to apply to cheek and you’ll see how revived you’ll look.

When you are not busy working, what do you enjoy doing with the family?

At the weekend we take a walk into Hyde Park and hit one of the café’s near my home.  They all know Grayson, and spoil him.  Time spent hanging out with the family is incredibly precious to me and doesn’t need to involve doing too much.

You are a working mum and have a son. You certainly have your hands full. What do you do for some well deserved “me time”?

I just love the Aman spa in the Connaught hotel in Mayfair because their signature treatments are pure heaven. But closer to home, I cannot wait to try the new Bulgari hotel spa.

Your little boy is under a year old, what advice would you give to new mums who are feeling a bit self-conscious and have lost their sense of style?

The first few months are really tough and there have been times when I’d wear my maternity clothes everyday. There were times when I felt I had lost myself a bit, but I was always rallying myself together when I stepped out. Style comes back as does the body. Stick with stylish yet comfortable basics from Zara and Cos and pair them up with a favourite pair of ballet flats and jeans. I also loved tossing on a smart blazer to pull together my look with a fun scarf with pops of colour.

Don’t be afraid to look at yourself in the mirror and evaluate the situation. I set a goal and made a plan to get fit again so I could wear my favourite dresses and regain a bit of lost body confidence. Be focused and don’t let yourself get comfortable in the in-between and maternity clothes. It’s hard but worth working to get your body back so you can wear the clothes that gave you the feeling of style and confidence. The day I zipped up my favourite Peter Som dress I high-fived myself!

Family is obviously a big part of your life. How do you balance being a working mum?

Working from home and having a wonderful, loving nanny to help out makes all the difference to being able spend time with Grayson. I also use his nap time to work and spend early mornings and late evenings working on Little BU.

Creativity is obviously quite important to you, how will you instil this in your son?

It’s very important that Grayson taps into his creative side. At six months, we stimulate my son’s mind with trips to the National History and Science Museums, the V&A and Serpentine Gallery. I like to explain to him what is happening in the world around him. When he’s in my office, he watches me work with colours and I tell him the stories behind the shade range and teach him about colour. We’ve also noticed he loves music so we’ve enrolled in music and exploration classes to help him cultivate and eventually discover his talents.

Do you have any nail art tips for little ones?

When we do our Little BU manis, we use nail art stickers which are easy and mess-free to adhere to the nail at home.

What are your beauty secrets? Any products you can’t live without?

Esteé Lauder is a brand I swear by, which is reflected in by the brand’s dedication to science and the superior quality of their skincare products.  I am never without their Advanced Night Repair Concentrate. And of course, Little BU nail polish in Emma is the perfect red that I like to wear for a night out.

What is your failsafe nail shade?

In New York I worked in Chanel‘s beauty press office where I launched my favourite nail shade, Vendetta in the U.S. market. This gorgeous colour inspired Little BU’s Sofia, a deep, rich purple with a touch of magenta shimmer.

We love your style. What is your wardrobe style staple?

Really cool bangles. Accessories are important to me and recently my husband bought me a few fierce McQueen bangles that I wear with my traditional Hermes ones.  I like a bit of rock ‘n roll in a wardrobe.

What summer fashion spots have you made this season that your wardrobe simply won’t and can’t be without?

Since my body has transformed back to its previous size and proportions, I’ve been inspired to start shopping again. I recently treated myself to a fitted McQ dress I found at Selfridges. Since I was able to shimmy my way into it I decided to continue the reward program with a pair of killer YSL heels to match.

Whilst you are pampering your little one this summer, don’t forget your children’s sun care.