Kristel Yulo: I let my child flourish into her own person.

My mom was there to nurse me back to health when I was sick, and constantly told me I was beautiful when I was going through an ugly duckling phase. I think one of my best memories is when she toured me around my new campus before the first grade started just to help me get over my fear of moving to a new school,” shares fashion designer Kristel Yulo about her loving mother.

But now the tables have turned, and Kristel Yulo has her own two-year-old daughter Siena, aside from being a successful bridal and evening gown couturier. “It’s been a major shift in priorities — your motivation for things changes. Now I don’t just live for myself. I feel like motherhood has allowed me this space to let go easily of things not meant for me, and be grateful for the blessings that are.”

Kristel spends time with Siena playing with Legos, dolls and pretend cooking. In order to keep things in order, she keeps her schedule planned two to three months ahead. “I’m still new at this but so far I think that the important thing is to have an environment where your children feel safe physically and emotionally, so that they can flourish into their own.”

Although a sought-after designer, she prefers her personal style to be classic over trendy: “Flattering to my now curvier figure but being careful not to be too basic. I really love well-made elegant pieces combined with a bold color or a statement piece.” She has to run after a two-year-old, so airy pieces like lounge pants and comfy shoes help. Her go-to favorites at Cinderella? “Esprit and OshKosh, because I grew up wearing and loving these brands.”