...may we introduce - MARIA ! Maria, welcome to the team

Maria, 37, from Berlin, recently appointed PR head of the mara mea family and privately one of the coolest boho moms we know.

Maria not only brings a wealth of industry expertise—Maria worked for many years at the renowned PR agency BOLD—but also a wealth of firsthand mom knowledge. She lives in Berlin with her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter and boyfriend. She also writes about her life as a Berlin-based boho mom, globetrotter, and sneaker lover on the blog mini-vodoo.com and her two Instagram accounts @minivoodoo_official & @berlinprgirl .

As you can see, we're completely blown away. Reason enough to interview Maria again in a little more detail. And yes, it's also high time we finally introduced you to our newest mara mea addition. We're really proud that Maria is now our contact for collaborations and press inquiries.

Dear Maria,

Luckily for us (and we're so lucky!), you started your own business after the birth of your daughter, after working for a large PR agency for a long time. How did being a mom inspire you to start your own business?

You often hear how much a new life makes you think differently. I am no exception. Suddenly you feel a new life within you. You realize for the first time how exhausting daily life really is. Your body can suddenly be the focus and you listen much more deeply to yourself. Anyone who does yoga will know what this is like - I never had this balance alongside my 60-hour week. I simply noticed how tired I was and how unpleasant sitting at the computer for long periods was. Even in the first trimester I could hardly stand it. My stomach even hurt. Then my daughter was born and an indescribable feeling of love but also responsibility for this delicate life awakened within me. I simply knew at some point that I didn't want to be a weekend mom. I needed a more flexible solution for myself as a mom. It suddenly became clear and simple.

What does your everyday life look like as a self-employed mother?

We are currently in the process of getting used to daycare. Since then, my days have been a bit simpler and more structured. We get up at 7 a.m., eat porridge, and then the two of them go off. Then I have time for myself. I drink a cup of tea and open the computer. After my nap and dinner, I come home and we do something. In the evening, after dinner, the computer is turned on again. At the weekend, I am on the computer at lunch and in the evening when my daughter is asleep. It's not less work—it's just more flexible and can be arranged according to our needs. That's what works for us. I have very high standards when it comes to results and I use every minute, but when my daughter comes home from daycare and is awake, my focus is 100% on her.

What makes you most proud when you look back on the last few years?

The last 1.5 years. Any loving mother will surely understand that.

Sneakers and dresses – What else is typical for your style and how has it changed since you became a mom?

Hahahaa...yes, sneakers and me. It's always been like this. Sneakers and boots - I have to say. In winter, sneakers are usually a bit too cold and I hate wearing them - I just like them too much for that. Then I like to wear non-slip and sturdy boots. Dresses actually only came onto the screen during my pregnancy. I've never felt so feminine before. Besides, dresses or long sweaters are the most comfortable things you can wear during pregnancy - apart from sweatpants. I even had to cover a fashion week during my pregnancy - sweatpants were unfortunately not really allowed there. So I had maternity tights and dresses.

Otherwise, my closet is full of basics because you can always wear and combine them, even more denim and vintage, vintage vintage. I prefer to buy less and then I pay attention to the materials. The occasional "fashion" item is okay - a "sin". I do allow myself that, but vintage is not only more sustainable but also more original. Anyone lucky enough to buy a pair of 70s jeans in good condition and their size will know what I mean. Unfortunately, they don't make them anymore. Plus, vintage is usually cheaper and I can often afford something. Then there's the "hunting instinct". It makes me proud when I find a real treasure. Originality in clothing is important to me - I'm vain in that regard. I don't just mean fast fashion, but also "it bags" (classics are something else. They always work.). That's a phenomenon that is far from my mind. You spend hundreds, even thousands of euros just to have the same bag as Lieschen Müller at the party. For people, clothing is part of their expressiveness and body language. Everyone wants to be perceived as an individual, right? So why dress in a uniform? That was quite a digression. Maybe I'm also particular about this because I had no choice as a child and in the former GDR we only had very limited access to clothing. Everything was practical and everyone had to buy the same festive dress for starting school, whatever was available. In sports class, there were exact rules about what we had to wear. My mother had to dye everything dark blue because that's what the sports teacher wanted. We had to wear our uniforms several times a week. At first we found it funny but it quickly became annoying. I love fashion and am influenced by trends, like the rest of us, but I always try to find my own way. I don't like to shop on command either; I just see something and then happily take it with me.

So, who has read to the end? 😊

Your favorite travel destination?

Australia. Unfortunately, I've only been there twice. It shows me a place where the people are friendlier and more relaxed. Plus, there are a few labels there...wow!!! They just appeal to my boho soul.

We love your positive and relaxed attitude to life. What's your mantra?

Inhale-exhale. We're not saving lives here!

Last but not least: Your current Mara Mea companion in your everyday mom life and why you never want to give it up again?

This is my Coconut Shy diaper bag . It's practical – no question about it – but I really like the color gradient. Each one is hand-dyed and unique – I love that. Mindful production is important to you in each of your designs. Sooner or later, as a conscious mom, you can't ignore mara mea. This backpack fits everything, and I can easily attach it to my stroller. My must-have. However, I think I've already seen a new must-have for summer in the SS 18 collection, and as a fashion lover, I'll tell you which one it is soon, okay? 😉

photo credit @herz&blut

Maria, we are so happy and proud that you are a member of the mara mea family! I can't imagine anything better. You are so sweet! There must be more of you.