That Mama: Bridget King of Brigetta Jewellery

We talk to Bridget King of Brigetta Jewellery about how she found a creative outlet for her energies after having kids, and her parenting technique that results in mama getting the outcome she wants!

Where you do buy your clothes? How do you stay stylish as a mum?
I shop in town but mostly when I travel. My favorite places are boutiques in Los Angeles for the easy, California look and Barneys New York for the edgier pieces. I also like basics from Club Monaco and cute dresses from DvF. I gravitate towards classic shapes with a twist and personalize the look with signature jewelry.

How do you save time?
I eat in the car all the time, really! I always have my “snack box” with 2 bags of fruit, wheat crackers and water. This way, I make sure I get my daily fruit, and also prevent me from buying unhealthy snacks when I get hungry. I try to run all my errands and be home by 3 when the kids come home, so long lunches are a luxury.

What are your organizational tricks and tips?
I write everything down. I am lost without my iPhone. There are also labeled folders for everything – each child, our dog, receipts, pending matters, pending payments, etc. An alphabetized binder with name card holders is a good way to categorize contacts – if only I can remember which heading I put them under! Both kids’ schedules and all reminders are on the white board in the kitchen. Even with all these systems in place, we still mess up sometimes, but at least we try!!

What do your kids snack on?
Lots of fruit, crackers, cheese, home-made popsicles and fruit smoothies. We also love sweets, so oatmeal cookies with ground flaxseeds secretly put in make me feel less guilty about them.

What is your beauty must-have product?
Kerastase and Bumble & Bumble hair products, and also hydrating masks on trips!!

How do you stay sane?
My girlfriends keep me sane. No matter how hectic things get, as long as I can talk with my girlfriends, it will be alright.

Do you have any tips for keeping the romance alive in your relationship?
Definitely date nights, like a good leisurely dinner with only adult conversations plus a good action movie. We also try to go on a short trip without the kids once a year, if possible.

Favourite activity with the kids in Hong Kong?
Family Sunday brunches and movie nights at home with everyone curled up together under the blanket eating popcorn.

Favourite kid-friendly restaurant in Hong Kong?
Tons! We love good brunch places like Oolaa, Zuma, Press Room, Isola and Jaspas.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a parent?
When the kids say no to something, give them 2 choices – meaning 2 choices that are ideal for you.  This way, they feel like they made the decision and you get what you want.  It’s a win-win situation!!

How did you get the inspiration to start Brigetta?
When my son turned two, I wanted to start a business on the side. Even though my background is in fashion design, it would have been impossible to set up shop at home. A jewelry collection came naturally since I’ve designed jewelry since my college days and it only required a worktable. My vision was to design a line of jewelry that was easy to wear everyday and chic enough to carry you into the evening, something that I would want to wear all the time. So I guess I’m my own muse.

How important is it to you to have a creative outlet outside of being a mama?
I’ve always loved designing, even at a very young age, so it is essential that I have a creative outlet. I remember making elaborate cookies (think gingerbread family with customized outfits in royal icing) when the kids were little, and thinking that I need to channel that energy into something else. It is also important for me to have an identity other than being a mom and wife. Seeing people wearing my jewelry  is the best compliment I get as a designer.