Juggling the demands of motherhood and running a successful business is no easy task. It can feel overwhelming, especially with school age children, but Anastasia Hotulova, co-founder of Wigiwama, manages both roles with a calm and thoughtful approach. As a mother of two and the creative soul behind Wigiwama, she admits she's still learning how to balance work and family life, but there are definitely some things we can learn from her.

Imagine Wigiwama was a child. How did it grow from a baby – a newbie teepee brand – to a strong, stylish and confident young person – a leading brand of children's furniture with a full range of beanbags, chairs and other original products with timeless design?

It has been a smooth and natural transition. Our brand was in the process of finding its own unique style. We tried to create different elements of children's interiors, from cushions to curtains. At one point our collections included both beanbags and teepees. But over time we stopped making teepees because we realised they had lost their relevance and our brand had outgrown them.

For those still wondering, who came up with the name Wigiwama?

To be honest, it was me! I was playing with the word 'wigwam', which is another word for teepee. When I came up with Wigiwama, everyone immediately loved it. The playful twist on the original word and the visual appeal really resonated with the whole team.

Do you think motherhood had any influence on your decision to start a kids soft furniture business?

Absolutely! My perspective and priorities have shifted in ways I never imagined. Without my daughter, I might never have realised that a teepee could become a magical children's home, a playground sparking endless hours of imaginative play. The experience of motherhood inspired me to develop the Wigiwama range into what it is today. My children's curiosity and joy have been the driving force behind each new design, making each product more than just furniture – into beautiful and elegant spaces where children can create, dream and grow. I also see cultivating good taste from an early age as an important mission of mine, both as a parent and a brand co-founder.

What challenges did you encounter in the early stages of setting up the company, with a small child to consider? And how did you deal with them?

I would say that lack of free time and few opportunities to concentrate fully on the new business was the biggest challenge. Then the lack of any knowledge of textile production and no experience of running a business, but here you have nothing to do but learn. There were many difficulties, but as I had a small child to look after, I was in no hurry and we progressed slowly, making one mistake after another. We learned to embrace the imperfections and setbacks, realising that just like parenting, there's no perfect manual for growing a business. We progressed at our own pace and, over time, those early struggles became the foundation of a brand that is resilient, thoughtful and deeply rooted in the joy of creating something meaningful.

How has family life and running your business changed with the birth of your second child?

I enjoyed my second maternity leave as much as I could. Although the added responsibility required me to adjust to a new routine, it was also filled with even more love and warmth. My maternity leave would not have been as fulfilling or manageable without my husband Arthur joining Wigiwama as a CEO at the perfect time. Together we navigated the challenges and made sure that both our children and Wigiwama got the attention they needed to thrive.

What does your typical working day look like? How do you balance work and family?

I am still learning to find the balance by trying to delegate more tasks to free up my time. My working day typically begins with tackling the immediate daily tasks that keep everything running smoothly. If I’m lucky enough, I can carve out some time to think creatively about new collections and the future vision of our product range. In general, it’s a constant juggling act, but finding this balance is essential.

What are the most challenging moments of the day and how do you handle them?

I'd say it's probably finding a positive attitude for the day, especially on those tough mornings after sleepless nights with the baby. It can be a challenge to stay motivated, but I've learnt to focus on the small victories and maintain a resilient mindset. I think prioritising self-care can really help on days like this.

Do you ever get a chance to pause and just be you – not the businesswoman, the wife or the mom? What’s your go-to way to enjoy some me-time?

I know from my own experience that it is so easy to get caught up in the demands of everyday life, but making time for yourself is not a luxury – it's a necessity. I've made time for exercise almost every day, no matter what! It’s my energy booster, a way to recharge both physically and mentally, and it helps me show up as my best self for my family. Other than that, I'm still learning to find new and enjoyable ways to spend my me-time.

Did you enjoy going to school as a child?

Oh yes, I loved school! It was my first real taste of interacting as an adult, actively engaging with the community and building relationships. I discovered so many new feelings and began to explore myself as a person. It was a fun time of self-discovery, and growth and friendship! 

What year is your eldest daughter in? And how were you preparing for the new school year?

She is studying in the American system and has just started 4th grade. I believe the best way to prepare for the new school year is to make the most of the summer holidays. We spent quality time together, catching up with friends and having fun. My daughter went to camp, which was a fantastic experience, and we also joined our very own Wigiwama Summer Reading Club (editor’s note – this summer Wigiwama has launched a special campaign to inspire kids to read more and give their parents some well-deserved me-time). 

Does your family have any special traditions to celebrate the start of school?

My daughter goes to school in Portugal and usually we don't have any special celebrations for the new school year. However, we are planning to make the first day of school special in our own way. After her first day back, we're going to meet up with her best friend, whom she hasn't seen for a while, and we're going to take a relaxing walk together. I think it's a simple but meaningful way to mark the start of a new school year. 

What advice would you give other parents about preparing their children for the new school year?

I think it depends on the child and their age. I try to instill a love of new knowledge and curiosity in my children. Other than that, we enjoy little girly pleasures together, like picking out a new backpack that my daughter is excited about and choosing all the cute stationery. It's all about creating positive associations with school and fostering a love of learning.

It's not easy to combine business with small children. What keeps you strong and motivated to keep going?

I am very motivated by my husband's example of perseverance and desire to move forward. Basically, that's enough.