Mompreneur Series – Interview with Angela Saxena, Founder of Lav and Kush

Fashion is a tough business as, our next interviewee, Angela Saxena can attest. Angela recently launched her family-friendly loungewear line, Lav and Kush, with a design focus on comfort clothing for women but especially busy moms that are versatile enough for loungewear or running out to meetings. These stylish, locally, ethically made outfits can also be found in toddler-size so you can both be ready for the day. An outfit that is ideal for work and play is something we can all appreciate!

What was the inspiration for Lav and Kush?
My inspiration for the brand comes quite a bit from my children and their spirit ( sorry, I know its such a common answer! ) And honestly, from the crazy business of our life and the need to have super comfortable, versatile clothing that washes and wears well time after time. And of course beautiful soft sustainable fabrics in various prints and colours! We are striving to solve that challenge for women around the world. Stepping into our clothing usually feels like getting into a warm bath when you’re a little bit cold..:) It’s happy clothing! Our kids feel the same way!

How many children did you have and what were their ages when you started?
My little girl Kairo is 4.5 and my son Ryder is 6.5. I relaunched 2 years ago with our Angelwings Sleeping bag and then saw the need for mommies to have comfy clothing to run around in, so we created our bamboo rompers and matching ones for kids. My daughter LIVES in hers! Challenging, working a lot in the evening after bedtime, but making it work little by little.

Where did the company name, Lav and Kush, come from?
We are Indo Canadian, and growing up my father would teach us about Hinduism and mythology. I always loved the story of Lord Rama and his family including two twin sons called Lav and Kush. Its a long story becoming a book called the Ramayan, which is what the Indian festival Diwali is based from, and Lav and Kush were his little warrior sons that lived in the forest with their mother Sita in exile. They became the protectors of the woods. I said when I was 8 , that when I became a designer, I would call my company Lav and Kush.

What was the biggest challenge you had becoming a mompreneur?
I still have them! Biggest challenges for me are time management and “turning off” the business person and being just a mommy. Before kids, I could work 12-14 hours if needed, but now kids come first, so trying to fit everything being a solopreneur in 7 hour days is quite challenging.

What advice would you give to other mother’s looking to start their own business?
Do your research about your market, products, services, and business before launching and spending money. Set attainable goals and boundaries daily to get the work done but focus on your kids – JUST your kids- when you’re with them. Its hard but they are little for only so long, enjoy them as much as you can. Business success doesn’t need to happen immediately, be patient and enjoy the ride. ( I wish I could take my own advice!!)

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If you enjoyed this interview, continue to be inspired by more mompreneurs:

VICTORIA AND PHILLIPA – FOUNDERS OF PIP AND VIX ART KITS

TRACI COSTA, FOUNDER OF PEEKABOO BEANS

JULIE COLE, CO-FOUNDER OF MABEL’S LABELS

NARDA SIMPSON, PRESIDENT OF OYACO PRODUCTS

RAEGAN MOYA-JONES OF ADEN + ANAIS