Mother Essentials: Hana Getachew of Bolé Road Textiles
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
For entrepreneur and Brooklyn-based mother of three Hana Getachew, summer comes as both a challenge and a relief. “It can be chaotic with kids,” she says. “The rituals and routine of school/daycare abruptly stop.” As the founder of Bolé Road Textiles—a brand that merges Hana’s love of handwoven fabrics from her native Ethiopia and a career in interior design—she’s also juggling the newly relaxed schedules of her kids with her work schedule. This includes toasting the 10-year-anniversary of her company and launching a stunning collaboration with The Met. So, how is she “doing it all” (or at least appearing to do so)? Below, she shares her Mother Essentials of the moment—from time spent alone and at the lake, her favorite breathwork app, and other creativity-boosting tools.
Water Color Pencils + Markers. “I made a commitment to sketch more this year. So far I’ve drawn/painted my studio layout and started my recent textile collection ideas on paper. It’s a real treat and takes me back to my art class days in high school and college.” Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Water-Soluble Color Pencil Set, $45.71, Amazon. Tombow Dual Brush Pens and Sets, $23.50, Amazon.
Kpoikpoi Placemats + Napkins. “I love our new table linens we designed for the Met—and I love the textile which inspired them. I am patiently waiting for our restock so I can keep a set for my home.” Kpoikpoi Placemat Set, $95, Bolé Road Textiles. Kpoikpoi Napkin Set via Bolé Road Textiles.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Set. “In the summer, we’re often zipping around to Long Island or Upstate. I’ve used these packers for over eight years to keep my kids’ clothes organized. I also use the medium sized bag as my diaper bag for both of my girls (7 years apart)!” Pack-It Starter Set, $77, Eagle Creek.
Breathwrk App. “I had a tough start to the year. My friend Terry, who lives in Amsterdam, recommended this app. It’s been a lifesaver. My schedule has recently shifted so I haven’t been able to carve out time to meditate or do other self-care, but I can always use this app, even when I’m with my children or on-the-go.” Breathwrk.com
Time Alone. “The summer time can be chaotic with kids. The rituals and routine of school/daycare abruptly stop. This can sometimes be a good thing. I try to have one weekend alone every few weeks (thanks mom and dad!) so I can reset and recalibrate.”
Time at the Lake. “I always wanted to be the kind of person who has a summer thing, like a destination or hobby. I finally found one two years ago: I love spending time lakeside. We have a spot we usually go, I even started paddle boarding. It’s my favorite way to spend a summer day with my family.”
Kingston Farmers Market. “The Kingston Farmers Market is a staple of our Upstate visit. I love the flowers from The River Garden, the local produce, and the food from the local restaurants are amazing. There’s often live music, which the kids love. It can’t be beat.” KingstomFarmersMarket.org
Book Series. “My older daughter is skipping camp this year, a first. She’s a voracious reader, so having big kid book series on deck has been essential. She’s read Harry Potter and Percy Jackson so far. I welcome any other suggestions! (Update: No camp summer failed—we’re starting Monday, lol).” Harry Potter: The Complete Collection, $68.99, Amazon and Bookshop. Percy Jackson and the Olympians Set, $41,80, Bookshop and Amazon.
Sebene’s Substack: Remind Me To Love. “Being a business owner can be tough, and at times I tend to get bogged down with negative thought patterns or emotions. I find Sebene’s Substack to be so reaffirming and uplifting.” Remind Me To Love Substsack by Sebene Selassie.
Summer. “Summertime can feel like a miracle in the northeast. We had such a grueling winter and in no time at all, there’s warmth, verdant trees, wild colors, it’s amazing.”
Sunday Mornings in the City. “I hate crowds and lines, which are somewhat unavoidable in NYC…except on Sunday mornings. If you get up early enough on, you can see a different side of the city. Last Sunday my 8-year-old and I caught a matinee in the Lower East Side at 9:30 a.m., had ice cream at 11, and were home for the rest of the day by noon. That’s my kind of day.”
Hormone Replacement Therapy. “I got incredibly sick last winter, and unfortunately, had constant bouts of a mystery illness for almost 7 months. My youngest had just turned one and I had spoken to a few other mom friends that had unexplained physical and emotional challenges while their babies were under 2. After dozens of doctor’s visits, I got a diagnosis of perimenopause. (Very on trend…but I couldn’t believe it). I started HRT, and instantly felt better (thank you Trust Women’s Health Care)!”
For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on artist & author Carissa Potter Carlson, actress & activist Hilary Swank, the co-founders of Hearth Display, author and organizer Aida Mariam Davis, design consultant Joyce Lee, self-care advocate Rachel Garahan, DJ Va$htie Kola, designer Rebecca Minkoff, VEERT founder Julia Lang, cookbook author Jenné Claiborne, Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled, model, writer, and activist Cameron Russell, author Nasozi Kakembo, kid-lit talent Bo Lu, artist Suzy Ultman, and Super Smalls founder Maria Duenas Jacob.
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