Patrice Sosoo @belle.pea * Kingsley Sosoo 6months (1/26/17) @belle.pea

Q:   What is the most rewarding part about being a mother?

     A: Experiencing an entire village raise my child. It's a surreal feeling. I've heard the saying "it's a takes a village" before, but I did not understand it. It has been mind-blowing how supportive our families are in knowing when to swoop in and save us and when to give our little family some space. It's amazing what babies are capable of. They have the power to heal old wounds, bring people closer together and make you discover the most tender side of yourself that you didn't even know existed. Babies are miracles really. 

Q: What is one thing that you never had that you want for your kid(s)?

     A: Honestly I had the best childhood so I hope his is exactly like mine. It was filled with lots of cousins, laughter, summers in Barbados, bicycle riding with our little neighborhood crew, spontaneous road trips and a dose of discipline here and there. My parents worked really hard to make sure we never wanted for anything while we were younger. If we dreamed it, we received it. It's kind of insane how they were able to make it all happen. 

Q: What is your biggest fear as a mother?

      A: Forgetting that first and foremost, I am a wife and a woman. I fear letting motherhood takeover land pushing away time for myself or my husband so I work extra hard to take care of both. Kalvin and I experienced 13 amazing years together before Kingsley and I don' want to throw all of that away. Kingsley is our everything but we are very cognizant of the fact that one day he will leave. We don't want our lives to be dependent upon him and have nothing when that time comes. We also want him to see what a loving, healthy and happy relationship looks like and that takes hard work and time. 

Q:What is your biggest pet peeve about being a parent?

     A:The lack of sleep is very jarring. Since Kingsley has come home, I don't think I've slept for more than 4 hours. Most days I'm working on 2-3 hours of sleep. It's a miracle my face hasn't fallen off. 

Q: What method do you use if any to put your baby to sleep at night?

     A: My husband, Kalvin, puts him to sleep and he uses the cry it out method. I'm not strong enough and at first I didn't believe in it but it's the best thing you can do for baby and yourselves. I only wish I had the strength to let Kalvin start it earlier like it wanted to. 

Q: What is the cutest thing that your child does? 

     A: Smile. He has two dimples and they make everyone melt into a puddle of mush. 

Q: What are five words that describe your child?

     A:Beautiful, curious, energetic, serious and fast 

Q: Complete this sentence "Being a mom means...." 

     A: Being a mom means unconditional love and sacrifice. 

Q: You are potty training and you find that your little one has smeared poop on the wall..how do you react?

     A: I would probably Snapchat it because oh my god that would be disgustingly insane and people need to see it. 

Q: What advice or tricks that you've learned throughout your motherhood journey can you share with our Moms. 

     A: A) embrace the crying out method and let your husband do it. B) buy lots of aquaphor and stash it everywhere, its good for everything under the sun: rashes, diaper ointment, eczema, dry areas, anything. C) if your baby is constipated, boil water, let it cool, pour into the bottle, add a teaspoon of sugar and mix it up. Give it to baby while still a little warm and he/she will be going to the bathroom shortly after. 

I am a firm believer that how you start off the Year is how it will end. So I am in deed starting it off with a bang, knowing everything else to follow will be the same. Our First Fashion Muse Crush of the year is Krystle Rodriguez; a Wardrobe Dresser who has traveled 21% of the world working with artist such as Madonna, Kanye West, Pink, Pharrell Williams, Chris Brown, and the list goes on. Krystle has been such an inspiration to me, I hope this interview that she has blessed us with does the same for you. 

What or who would you say is your fashion inspiration ?

KR: I would say my fashion inspiration comes from many different things. Definitely from my personal and work travel, social media, my friends, and family, empowering women, music. I can go on and on for days about what inspires me. 

 Whats the one wardrobe essential you cant live without?

KR: I can't live without my vans, they are classic and will never go out of style. 

When you can't think of anything to wear, whats your go-to outfit?

KR: A vintage t-shirt, pair of vintage Levis, Vans, and whatever pair of glasses are my favorite at the moment. 

 How would you describe your job as a wardrobe dresser? 

KR: I would describe my job as a wardrobe dresser as someone who an artist trust to keep their vision and wardrobe a reality while on tour. I help run a functioning wardrobe department that can facilitate whatever wardrobe needs they may need while out on the road.

What was the beginning phase like of your career? &. What was the jumpstart that took you to the next level?

KR: The beginning stages were hard, and I had to make a lot of sacrifices and hustle hard, I also worked a lot for free. I think the jumpstart to my career was building and keeping all my relationships in good standing. 

 What has been some of your most challenging moments in this industry, and how did you surpass them?

KR: I think every job has their challenging moments; it's just up to you how you handle things. I always try to assess every situation with a positive attitude and not dwell on the negative. Being negative never helps any situation, find a solution and move on. 

 What would be your best advice to anyone who wants to be apart of the fashion industry?

KR: Work hard, don't give up, and being nice to EVERYONE will take you a long way. Your reputation is everything and most times its the only way you will get a job.