Corina Papadopoulou, founder of Scandinavian Children’s Store Kidsen, tells us how she juggles a successful business, motherhood and Mexican holidays. Kidsen, the UK’s first Scandinavian children’s shop, offers originality with its extensive range of North European products from clothing and toys to mealtime and furniture. We’re big fans of the brand here at StyleNest, so we caught up with founder and mum Corina Papadopoulou for a quick five minute chat.
Where did the idea come from for Kidsen?
I would love to say ‘it was when I had my kids’ story, but that was only a very small part of it. I simply saw a business opportunity perfect for Kensal Rise and seized it. I wanted to create a one-stop store which treated kids like individuals, offering fun fashion, great shoes and practical, yet unique nursery items and gifts. As I am Swedish, sourcing most of my products from Scandinavia felt natural.
Did you find your style changed when you entered motherhood?
Not really –my style changed when I hit the BIG 40! Suddenly Topshop is not as appealing.
What are your top 3 designer brands?
Minirodini for Kidswear. Mulberry for Handbags, and Fillipa K (Swedish designer) for understated, classic basics.
Are there any mums out there who really inspire you?
Yes – Both in business and in my store. Working women, stay at home mums and do-it-all mums… Women are the masters of juggling and they impress me every single day!
What book are you reading at the moment? What’s your all time favourite read?
I am reading Martin Lindstrom’s latest book called ‘Brandwashed’, which reveals how stores brainwash you into buying their products! I can’t chose an all time favourite, but the author who inspired me to read from an early age and I owe my love of reading to is Astrid Lindgren – famous Swedish author who wrote Pippi Longstocki amongst other great children’s books.
Did you and the family have a chance to go on holiday this year? Is there one particular family friendly hotel you would go back to time and time again?
We did go to Mexico Tulum in January for my 40th. We ran away just after Christmas and enjoyed a 2 week family holiday including the grandparents and kids. Worth turning 40 for! But the best family hotel I have ever been to was The Sani Beach Club in Halkidiki, Greece. Perfect for families with young kids.
What’s your home/interiors style?
It’s a real mix reflecting all my cultural influences. Many would describe it as Scandinavian modern mixed with flea market finds.
Has your taste in interiors changed at all since having kids? How do you manage with kid’s toys everywhere?
I don’t! I never have – not even when they were much younger. We have a large storage cupboard in the living room stuffed with toys and the girls’ bedrooms has some great storage boxes where they keep all their toys – one for fancy dress, one for puzzles etc. I can’t stand mess and try and encourage ‘tidy up time’…which isn’t always so successful. Since having the kids I have found that I buy furniture that has multi uses – so my storage cupboard in the living room stuffed with toys will one day hold MY precious things.
What’s your moto in life?
I have two – Treat others as you would like to be treated and you only live once.
We are always looking for new recipes on StyleNest, do you have a failsafe family dish you swear by?
Yes – Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and special brown sauce! Not the IKEA version but the home cooked version with ingredients purchased from our friends at Scandi Kitchen. A strong favourite amongst the girl friends too.
When you’re not at work what do you enjoy doing with the kids? Where do you take them? Are there any local parks or attraction museums they particularly love?
We work so much and the girls attend so many activities in the week, that my absolute favourite activity is Sunday mornings when the four of us cuddle up in bed to talk, giggle and read. I have decided less is more!
Do you make New Year resolutions? What will yours be for 2012?
Yes, every year and I never keep them. My resolution for 2012 is not to make any and instead live life as if each day was my last.
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?
Organised chaos – that is the best I can aim for. Lists – my only top tip is to have lists and try and stick to them and to accept that you cannot do it all.
What’s your favourite luxury skin care brand and hero product?
I discovered this Swedish skin care range named after its creator Kerstin Florian, which is all based on natural ingredients. I couldn’t live without Neroli Water – it is a 100% natural floral water from bitter orange blossom – its so calming and smells divine.
Do you have a particular restaurant that you love going to but is also family friendly?
We are so spoilt in London. My all time favourite restaurant has to be E&O – but with kids Phoenix Palace is a firm favourite for their excellent dim sum and large space.
Who is your style icon?
My mum. She is flamboyant, dramatic, elegant and so coordinated – all the things that I am not.
You have two gorgeous little girls, can you see them following in your footsteps, business-wise or creatively?
At the moment one wants to be a ‘mummy’ and the other an ‘artist’ so its not looking likely. My advice to them is to follow their heart and do what ever makes them happy – then they will be successful.
T0 shop online and for more information visit www.kidsen.co.uk