Mums that Slay
Yvadney Davis is a hurricane of a woman. She’s a Kids Fashion stylist and mother of two. But Yvadney is so much more than that.
When we came across her new platform, Mums that Slay, we were amazed by her creative input, style, and kindness. We had an interview with Yvadney to find out everything about Mums that Slay. We hope you love it as much as we do.
Start Slaying!
Hi Yvadney, first things first: why "Slay"?
Slay is a funny one, I remember when I launched being asked if I meant slaying dragons and knights in shining armour. I mean motherhood is a lot of fighting fires, but slay to me means self-confidence and empowerment, It is unapologetic, comfortable and full of expression and honesty.
What are your tips for mothers who also want to slay?
The first thing you must do is know who you are. Dig deep, settle into and celebrate you. It is all about being comfortable in your own skin and with that foundation and confidence you have the freedom to express yourself without feeling like you need to compare yourself to other people, dim your light or dim theirs. Mums That Slay is all about acknowledging your identity underneath mummy. It's about recognising that motherhood doesn't mean you can't enjoy fashion, that you stop having career aspirations or business ideas. It reinforces the principle that happy kids need a happy mum and so taking time out to put the mask on yourself first through self care is not only NOT selfish, but necessary for the wellbeing of your family.
Blog, Fashion Stylist, Mums that Rave - What drives you? And where do you find the energy?
I am and have always been passionate about seeing the beauty in everything. It could be how shadows form shapes on a dirty wall or someone's cheekbones, I just find life incredible and full of potential. I'm obviously a very visual person, which is why I love fashion and my job as a stylist. However, I'm also energised about the blog, because I just love celebrating women and helping them to see their potential. Over the years I have had so many messages and conversations with women who have been impacted by what I do. That keeps me going, I just love that this has become a contribution to the greater good.
Where do you find inspiration?
As I mentioned, my imagination is huge, so my inspiration pool is expansive. I love watching films, music videos and documentaries, going to exhibitions, thumbing through books and delving into my memories. Pinterest is amazing for pooling references together and Instagram fantastic for seeing new content and creators. But my biggest inspiration is people. That's actually been the hardest part of lockdown, not being able to get out and about and people watch. I love looking at how people interact and put their outfits together. Wherever I am, the tube, in a coffee shop, walking through the West End, wherever, people are so inspiring and interesting.
What does work/life balance mean for you?
This is where I can see a positive in lockdown. I'm one of the lucky ones who actually got to pause (there are so many mums in survival mode during all of this, working full time and homeschooling). The pause exposed how my work life balance was working, or should I say not working. For me it meant being on the go from 5.30am in the morning, to hit the gym, before bashing out work, taking a break for the kids and then continuing until the late hours once they'd gone to bed. It wasn't sustainable and was doing so much damage to my physical and emotional health.
I've never been particularly money focused, which isn't necessarily a great thing. So while I'm ambitious and care about doing well in my career and covering the bills, my main drive is contentment. So work life balance is really important to me. I take no pride in being busy and strive to flow rather then hustle hustle all the time. It's really important to feel nourished, rested and playful. In my day to day that includes more pit stops, which actually re-energise me. I now do a 20 minute mid-afternoon meditation and try to get to bed early. I make sure I do joyful activities like art, my blog, spending time with loved ones and having a living room family dance off. I find this balance, actually helps me approach my work with more efficiency and gratitude, I also don't feel like I am working my life away.
Talk to us about Fashion Styling for Kids. What's important? Thoughts on sustainability and cost of clothing for kids (which they outgrow in weeks or months).
I love my job, because I get to work with kids. I think the last decade has seen a real explosion of kids' fashion, it's innovative, cool and very directional. I always say it is important to show off the fact that it's kids in the imagery not adults, so you want to capture that sense of awe and playfulness.
I'm particularly passionate about increasing the diversity of kids we use and the narratives. It's getting much better, I've done many shoots with children of various abilities and races, but there is still a very long way to go to make sure it's not ticking boxes or reinforcing stereotypes. After all, the norms we establish now are the norms they will grow into.
I am always impressed by just how many kids' brands integrate sustainability into their business model. Many brands don't do seasons or reuse fabrics, but it is a concern when you think about just how many kids' clothes end up in landfill. I think this shows why if you're able to buy well, you will have pieces that grow with the child and can be passed down to siblings or friends and still look brand new. This is certainly something I've always done with my friends and family, both receiving and giving. I love the idea of introducing kids clothing libraries like they have in Scandinavia where you hire kids' clothes and return them when they've grown out of them. With my own kids, my daughter wears many of her brother's old clothes with pride. So it's also important to get over the limitations of gendered clothes. My daughter is your average unicorn, sparkle, twirling crazy little girl, and that also includes her brother's old slogan tees and denim shorts.
Why do you think it's important for a mum to feel good inside out and what would be your tips for a quick "I want to feel pretty today, but I literally have 5 minutes before my kids kill each other"?
Quite simply we can't pour from an empty jar, so I believe in mums that are overflowing. Fashion is more than aesthetics, it directly impacts our brain and how we feel. so I believe in being intentional in self care and the outside too. Just 5 minutes from distressed to slay? easy, lipstick, statement accessories, fun footwear and great outerwear. It's things you can literally throw on that will add that attention to detail and expression in your outfit. Then you look in the mirror and say an affirmation, maybe as simple as one I made the mums say at my Hustle & Slay event a couple of years ago "My name is ...... and I slay!"