kai conversations with... staci woo, founder of the house of woo

as we gear up for labor day and the traditional end to the summer season, we've been looking for ways to create that "endless summer vibe" within our wardrobe and keep true to our california style year round! for us the brand that comes top of mind for achieving fun, hip yet functional and fabulously comfortable california style is house of woo, and we are delighted to share this beautiful kai conversation with their founder, staci woo. staci is the warmest soul and a longtime friend of ours (we have fond memories of kai being a part of her chic pacific palisades poolside popups); as well, we are as huge fans of hers, both personally and because of her thoughtful and sustainable creativity and designs (this includes woo's soft blankets i've held onto for years and still use!). we hope you enjoy learning more about staci and her amazing brand. 

xo,

gaye. 

how are you taking care of yourself and your loved ones during this time? are there certain things that are proving to be sources of motivation/ inspiration? if so, please feel free to share.

slowing down and focusing our energy on health and family has been such a gift. we all have been operating at such an unsustainable speed, and now we are humbled by this pandemic and forced to reset and focus on what really matters. i've been so inspired by all of the healthcare and essential workers who never stopped working and have sacrificed so much to help and provide for others. the severe shortage in PPE in early march motivated us to shift our production capabilities to face masks literally overnight. we started cutting into past season fabrics and turned them into face masks because if these essential workers could risk their own health to help others, the least we could do is try to provide as many of them with face coverings. 

how do you embody kai's "breath*life*flow" lifestyle?

i am a very go-with-the-flow kinda person. i try not to stress if things don't turn out the way i've intended. sometimes the best results are from mistakes. i believe in timing and the path of least resistance. life might not always be how i'd envision or wish it to be, but i am always thankful for the opportunity to experience and grow.

do you have a mantra you live by?

be kind whenever possible. it is always possible.

what's your beauty secret? or must have beauty product? 

my skin has changed so much since i've had kids and i'm now in damage control and moisturizing mode all over my body. for my face, i've tried every moisturizing/ sunscreen/ foundation combo out there and my favorite is the Ilia skin tint mixed with a bit of The Foundation from Clé de Peau. i also love the Sheisdo Waso sunscreen. 

go-to lip stick color? 

Ilia tinted lip conditioner in arabian nights.

what color nail polish are you wearing right now? 

i'm a buff/ no color for my manicure... i use my hands too much and can never keep a manicure fresh for more than a day. 

who is your role model? 

Michelle Obama.

what do you love most about where you live? any secret spots you love to go to? 

what i love most about where we live is our neighbors and community. i could live almost anywhere as long as we are surrounded by great people. our favorite (not so secret) secret spot is our local beach. we've spent our best quarantine days and evenings there. 

describe your perfect day. 

a sweat yoga or box union class in the morning, get to work downtown and spend a productive day at the office. and home in time for a beach session with my kids and husband... surf, food, wine until the sun goes down. 

favorite date spot? 

Gjusta outdoor patio. 

ultimate getaway? 

Southeast Asia, Italian coast, Turkey, Morocco... i love traveling where the people are inviting and the culture is transformative but where i can also find creative inspiration for work. even on a getaway, i'm still always searching for ideas involving my business. 

how would you describe your personal style? 

permanent vacation meets comfortable chic. 

favorite food?

my mom's ox tail stew.

kai obsession? 

i've been obsessed with the kai signature body butter for over 10 years, it's the perfect fresh and light gardenia scent (my all time favorite flower). but my new obsession is the rose body glow - it's the perfect hydrating body mist post shower or a refresh after a long day. 

morning person or night owl?

morning person! 

current craving? 

carciofi arrostiti from Pizzana 

ideal way to relax/ unwind? 

any form of sweaty exercise, a cleansing shower and moisturize with kai body butter! 

what book are you reading currently? 

Educated by Tara Westover. 

what's the most adventurous thing you've done?

i'd rather not say.  

thank you, staci!