If you’re not keeping up with stylish Latina mami Karla Quiz on Instagram, do yourself a solid and click the follow button now! This bold, boho chic girl boss is a wifey, mampreneur, serious style influencer and the badass babe behind colorful, Kaftan-inspired labor and delivery gown company, James Fox Co (check them out if you’re expecting!). We caught up with Karla to find out how she keeps her house looking so damn chic with two spicy little niñas running around, what she’s doing to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (duh), plus how she’s currently kicking Hashimotos ass through clean eating and exercise.
Q: Your company James Fox Co. was inspired by the birth of your two daughters, France and Fair. Can you tell us more about the gorgeous labor & delivery gowns and your brand’s mission?
A: James Fox Co. is named after both our niñas (Francesca Fox and Fernanda James), and the company was birthed out of my own rough labor and delivery stories. My experience and the desire to help other women is what motivated me to create JFCo. I made it my mission to provide women with an alternative to what hospitals offer, even for those undergoing a surgery. It’s also a comfortable way for mamis to heal at home while welcoming family and friends to visit their new little one. I know the road to motherhood is different for every woman, BUT I truly believe we all deserve the option to feel comfortable, at home and beautiful as we labor, heal and recover. This is why I founded James Fox Co. and what is woven into every gown we sell.
Q: You’re all about girl power! How are you teaching your babes to be future leaders/girl bosses?
A: We talk a lot about how important it is to know and go after what you want, but I work hard to instill in them that it’s how you treat others that makes you a leader. My husband always tells the girls, “People don’t want a boss they want a leader, and leaders lead by example.” As their mother, I’m doing my best to show them, not tell them, how to be.
Q: You and your husband Jason got married in Tulum and travel back often with your family. As a Latina woman, how do you celebrate and share your heritage with your little ones? Any fun family traditions?
A: I speak Spanish to them a lot and they are around my parents too. I think that being with us is the best way to pass down our heritage. At least once a year we go to Mexico and the girls experience and soak up so much of who we are.
Q: We have to ask…any Cinco de Mayo plans?
A: Of course! We typically have a family BBQ at my parent’s house with music, drinks (margaritas) and my dad’s famous carne asada tacos. It’s all about gathering and just being together.
Q: If someone only knew you from social media, how would they describe your life/experience as an entrepreneur? If they could see the reality behind the scenes, what would they see instead?
A: If anyone could see behind “the curtain”, I think they would see that I’m a master juggler! I have kept a lot of my work-life out of social media, BUT I’m realizing that I’m missing an opportunity to encourage someone else. I love motherhood but it doesn’t define me as a whole and I want to talk more about that on my platform.
Q: You’ve been documenting your journey with Hashimoto’s and your path to wellness and healing through diet on Instagram. How are you feeling now, and what’s a typical meal plan look like for you? Any signs or symptoms other mamas should watch out for since thyroid issues are so common postpartum?
A: I haven’t felt this healthy in a very long time honestly. I’m sticking to a lot of protein and veggies. I never thought I would find so many ways to enjoy it. Listen to your body and be your own advocate. I suggest asking questions, and if you still aren’t feeling your best after test results coming back clear, then keep digging. Don’t give up on yourself. You deserve to feel great! I was feeling tired all the time, foggy mind, forgetful, loss of hair, weight gain and just moody. I wasn’t myself! I consider myself a very happy person and I remember feeling like I was in someone else’s body. UGH. I don’t want to feel that way again!
Q: Kids are incredibly impressionable. Having daughters, how do you talk about food and healthy living with them?
A: I’m very honest with them and don’t sugarcoat anything. I tell them that eating unhealthy things has side effects. If you eat a lot of sugar, it will hurt your teeth and you won’t feel really great. I eat healthy food because it makes me feel strong and gives me more energy. They come with me to the gym, and I know that they will learn the most from seeing what I do. More is caught than taught, and I’m just trying my best to be the woman I need to be for me and for them!
Q: Your feed may be the most gorgeous thing we’ve ever seen. How do you get your kids to take such amazing photos?
A: Fair has loved it since the day she was born. No bribery necessary. France has to be in the mood. She doesn’t model because it’s not her jam. I try to get what I can with her! That girl just knows exactly what she wants and I roll with it in the picture taking department.
Q: Can we discuss their clothes for a second? They’re always dressed so stylish! What are your (and their) go-to kid’s brands?
A: Thank you! We are huge fans of Stella McCartney. The colors and designs are both playful and super stylish. It’s a win-win for the girls and me. I love Wovenplay as well. They have such unique designs with a European vibe. The girls are comfortable and feel very special in those pieces. And of course we love anything Dopple carries!
Q: Any fave womenswear brands for yourself?
A: Ulla Johnson, Joie and J.Crew.
Q: We’re seriously obsessed with your house. You really seem to have nailed that boho-chic, eclectic vibe married with minimalism. Any tips for keeping your space kid-friendly yet clutter-free (we know how easy it is for toys to take over!)?
A: Thanks! I sort of run a tight ship. I’ve created a play area in our garage and that’s where they keep their toys. I let them bring them in the house but only one basket at a time. Once they are done playing with those toys they can switch them out. The house is all of our space and I don’t think it needs to scream, “kid house” when you walk in.
Q: We want to steal your style! Can you share some of your fave online and local boutiques for house stuff?
A: Elsie Green, Indedgo Africa and Smallable.
Q: Speaking of your house, what’s it like raising kids in the suburbs of San Francisco? Any perks or downsides?
A: It’s very easy to raise kids in the suburbs, however it’s tough to find like-minded people. We tend to be those “crazy liberals”. My family lives very close to us and that is priceless while raising our girls. We stick around because of them, honestly. We love having such easy access to everything, being walking distance from school and living in a court where our kids can freely play outside, like we did as kids. This may change in the future, but we are thankful for our current situation.
Q: Best parenting advice you’ve received?
A: More is caught than taught.
Q: Best business advice?
A: Too much analysis causes paralysis. Go for it! Make mistakes. You’ll never have all the answers before you start.
Q: Any epic #momfail moments that stand out?
A: Um, I’m having a tough time picking just one!
Q: Three things you can’t live without?
A: Zo Polishing facial scrub. My man and kids…they count as one right? And the ocean.
Q: Fave local kid’s activity?
A: Going to the pool!
Q: Fave me-time activity?
A: Gym time and getting my nails done.
Q: Favorite local restaurant?
A: Limon Rotisserie. It’s a Peruvian restaurant, and my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Q: Fave date night spot?
A: Keeping it low key at home. Hanging outside in the backyard with music, wine and good food.
Q: Favorite destination you’ve traveled to?
A: Istanbul, Turkey!
Q: At the end of the day, what makes you feel sexy?
A: Healthy skin and compliments from my husband.
