Anew week and a new Coffee Talk is waiting for you. I am so happy to announce that this week I got to interview Tsitaliya from Mums in Heels (https://mums-in-heels.com/).

Mums in Heels is so much more than the name suggests. Tsitaliya is a very inspiring personality: storyteller, mother and the person behind Mums in Heels.

What is Mums in Heels, how did it come about and why it is so much more than the name says, find out in the latest Coffee Talk with Tsitaliya.

Just get inspired yourself and take your 5 minutes time out, grab your favorite cup of tea, hot chocolate or coffee and enjoy the Coffee Talk.

DW: Dear Tsitaliya, thank you so much for finding the time to answer a few questions for me about Mums in Heels. Would you like to introduce yourself to the readers and tell them more about how Mums in Heels was born?

Tsitaliya: I'd love to. My name is Tsitaliya, I am a mother, author, fashion journalist, content manager, model and a model and a health fanatic /a wellbeing nerd. Mums in Heels was born out of a need and desire to have an open, honest conversation about motherhood and the way women view their role as mothers.

Society very often has a definition and, of course, expectations about how mothers and women in general, should behave, look, and interact with others. The problem is that women are part of this society and we have all been raised to fit in these roles. They are deeply ingrained in us. If we are not able to live up to these definitions and expectations we end up disappointed in ourselves. In the last 10 years, and especially at this moment, the whole society is rethinking every role and belief we have about ourselves. But I have found that we all live with one voice in our head, a constant chatter, constant doubt and criticism, guilt and shame. That's why I founded Mums in Heels, to empower women to change the narrative and mythology around motherhood, rewrite their own stories and live more fulfilling, purposeful and aligned lives.

I want to inspire and motivate women to create their own stories that serve them.

DW: I love the mission of Mums in Heels: that moms can make their own rules. I also think that sometimes it's a challenge not to be judged by others. How do you see that, or how do you handle writing your own rules and not depending too much on what others think of you?

Tsitaliya: : I have reached a point in my life where I no longer worry about what others think of me. I learn from mistakes and failures and failing and of course from being a mother every day, from constructive and kind criticism. I think it's important to know yourself really well and not let others tell you who you are or define you by how you should be. Most of the time, criticism and the negative messages I get from messages have nothing to do with me. They are always about the person writing them. That person is obviously hurting, in emotional or physical pain, and I can often sense their pain in the words directed at me. But who am I to point out other people's faults? Or to judge at all? I try to respond with empathy. That's all. Empathy is what guides me when I communicate with others.

The rest is: try to learn as much as you can about yourself, your strengths, your weaknesses, your talents, skills, idiosyncrasies, and so on. Don't let others tell you who you are or who you should be! No one knows you as well as you know yourself. Build a strong community of people who love you unconditionally, who support you and whom you support. There you can share your pain and insecurities in a safe space.

DW: I love that you write and speak about fashion and mothers.

Would you share some fashion advice or tips for busy moms? How can they get dressed up in no time or how can they look stylish without looking overdressed?

Tsitaliya: Thank you so much for your kind words and your love for Mums in Heels. Fashion tips for busy moms? Dress to feel comfortable, and by that I don't mean comfortable, I mean to feel good. Fashion is about dreaming. Once you learn to dress for yourself and for what you want, it becomes very easy. I never prepare what to wear the night before. For me, it's all about my mood and how I feel that day. Unfortunately, that's why I'm late to a lot of my sessions. I know that's terrible, but I mean well. And looking stylish and elegant has nothing to do with dressing up. Style and elegance come from the person's own understanding and eye for colors, shapes and textures. And knowing your own shape, color palette and what looks best on you. You don't have to wear high heels to look stylish. That's a metaphor I used for the title of my blog. But you do need to embrace the history of what you're wearing today and who you are.

DW: What are your must-haves when it comes to clothing? Do you have any tips for readers on what to invest in or what to have in their closet?

Tsitaliya: For me, a cool blazer is a must-have no matter the season or year. Whether an oversized blazer or a fitted one depends on personal style and body shape. I like both types of blazers. Just a few weeks ago I bought a vintage blazer from Armani and one from Prada. They are Both fitted, but I also love oversized blazers. Blazers are so versatile: you can wear them with a shirt, t-shirt and jeans, or a hoodie. They go with any occasion. In the fall, I like to put a big, warm scarf over my wool blazer and that will do as a coat. Another must-have is good quality accessories that can last for years. A cool hat and glasses or eye-catching vintage jewelry. I think accessories make a statement, they can elevate a simple look.

And finally, I love leather. I mean real leather. I know how controversial it is, but I think good leather lasts a long time and is sustainable in many ways. I can't imagine my life without leather pants. Honestly, I prefer to combine high heels and a thick sweater with leather pants. I've been wearing my black leather pants for 5 years now and just last year I bought another pair in cognac.

If I may add one more piece of advice - investing in a fancy coat of good quality is a must!

The coat has a special place in fashion. The coat is such a statement piece, an icon in every woman's wardrobe. Always choose the best quality and remember to make a statement! This means that a coat should never be modest. I know we live in Switzerland, the country where the most popular outwear is the mid-length puffer jacket, and yet...think Max Mara anniversary coats, the Teddy, Madame, think of a piece that has iconic status.

DW: What does wellness mean to you? Would you share a little bit about your own wellness journey?

Tsitaliya: Wellness means many things to me, from nutrition, to fitness, to emotional balance, and finally to brain health and mental health. I've always been very interested in women's health, nutrition and exercise, but in the last 5-6 years I've become very involved with biohacking and functional medicine. It's a whole new level and approach to wellness. I hope they become more and more popular and eventually become mainstream. I also look forward to the time when health insurance companies will start covering preventive medicine to medicine!

People deserve to know, but they also need to be able to afford to prevent illness and take care of themselves before symptoms of health problems appear. I can't comment further because this topic could fill so many pages. I am very passionate about how we treat our natural world and the use of chemicals and restorative agriculture, so There is a lot to talk about on this topic.

Ultimately, wellness is a much bigger topic than just nutrition and fitness. My personal journey has made me realize that your body and health are determined as much by your inner stories, how you love and forgive, as by what you eat.

DW: Is there anything else you'd like to share here and give to readers, some tips on self-love, self-care, fashion, or whatever. Maybe something related to being a mom or about wellness in general?

Tsitaliya: I could share a lot, but instead I'll say that I'm dedicating future Mums in Heels content to the question: how women can grow old with strength and grace and I can inspire them to do so, no matter what age they are. I firmly believe that we can live up to 150, 160 or even more years.

We just have to learn to take care of ourselves and forgive our own mistakes.

Take care of yourself and enjoy reading Mums in Heels for more fashion and wellness inspiration at every age and stage of life.

DW: Thank you very much for this inspiring interview and your time. I could go on talking with you for many hours and asking you questions. I find your work and of course your person really interesting and inspiring. Please tell the readers where they can read and see more about you and Mums in Heels.

Tsitaliya: Thank you so much. I am very active on Instagram @mums.in.heels where I post stories and posts. Of course you can also go directly to the website: https://mums-in-heels.com/ and see more and get inspiration or info.