Peggy Economou | How A Pause Inspired Teat & Cosset
by Neha Ruch
Peggy Economou discovered the value in a pause well before motherhood. After ten years in finance, she knew she wanted something else, so she left that role and New York to grant herself a year to find what came next and landed in Italy. She met her now husband and found her new home in Siena where she's since had her daughter, Dafne. That same open-mindedness allowed her to take the time to be fully with her little girl during that first year and ultimately led her to Teat & Cosset, a brand that creates quality classics that are beautiful for your bump but even more so, thoughtfully designed for nursing. Now she recognizes both, the privilege in her flexibility to focus on family but also to find genuine fulfillment in building something she believes in. Read how she's able to nurture both in her life abroad.
PS. Our little family is heading to Peggy's neck of the woods next week and I'll be wearing this dress from the T&C collection on repeat.
How did you change after becoming a mother?
My respect for mothers grew exponentially, especially for mothers who choose to stay at home and raise their children. I’m definitely less selfish - not always by choice! I can get A LOT more done in the same amount of time. I prioritize better and say no a lot more often. I also changed physically - I still can’t get rid of that last bit of belly!
What choices did you make to accommodate motherhood? Would you make them again?
I decided to take a break from working for the first year after Dafne’s birth. I would definitely make the same choice again. It was a privilege to be able to spend so much time with my daughter. Plus, it was this space and break that made way for Teat & Cosset to come to life.
Describe yourself as a mother in 3 words. What kind of mother would you like to be?
Easy going, Affectionate, Lenient. I strive to instill independence in my daughter and I plan on doing everything in my power to help her find her path. My biggest fear in life is me not being there to help my daughter pursue her passions.
How do you take care of yourself outside of motherhood?
By running my own business. There are few things that nurture all aspects of who I am more than working for Teat & Cosset. I have had to make sacrifices and compromises (eg. less time with my daughter and family) but it is the one thing outside of family that fulfills the woman/non-mother in me.
Every mother needs help to find balance. What does your village look like?
My mother-in-law and mother! They are the reason I have been able to find balance in my life, both in New York and Italy. They are there for us 100%. I wish I had my own mother here with us in Italy, but I am lucky enough to have her when we go back to New York for a couple of months a year. My daughter loves them both and is just as happy staying with them as she is with me.
I think finding balance as a mother is being able to have time alone without your child…so some sort of child care is necessary for that, whether it be a nanny, daycare, grandparents, etc.
What are you working on improving about yourself as a woman & a mother?
I am trying to be kinder and more patient. I’m definitely working on being more present and less reactionary. Part of that is being a better listener - I’d like to listen more intently without feeling the need to jump in and give my two cents.
I think in today’s world we also forget or are too distracted to think deeply anymore. I’d like to carve out more time to sit still and think and concentrate on one thing at a time. In essence, it’s all about slowing down, being present and limiting distractions.
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