As we continue our Meet the Mama blog interview series, we are delighted to share our conversation with Cali-based Katherine Christen, founder of Floof & Sol. Floof & Sol offers a range of safe, effective and gentle hair care products designed specifically for kids. Her journey began when she couldn't find any gentle yet effective hair products for her own little girl. This inspired her to create a brand infused with a whimsical and light spirit that would encourage her daughter and little ones to cultivate self-love and celebrate their uniqueness.
Read on for some sage business owner wisdom from this motivated and inspiring mama, entrepreneur and pediatric healthcare professional.
Q: Can you share a bit about what your family looks like as well as your work as an entrepreneur? How and when did your journey as a mother and business owner start?
A: My immediate family consists of me, hubby, and our 2.5 year old daughter, Harlow along with our village of loving grandparents. My dream has always been to be a mom and spend as much time with my baby as possible so that’s how Floof & Sol organically came to be.
I’ve worked in corporate healthcare for a long time, but I’ve always had a creative soul so I knew I needed to branch out of an office-setting and develop something that represented more of who I am and what I love. Floof & Sol was born out of a need to find some curl-loving products that worked for my girl, but with mindful ingredients and some fun toddler-aligned branding.
The branding, curated hair kits, accessories, special ingredients, social media, etc. have all been creatively directed by just us! Floof & Sol is family-founded and owned and we are so proud of that and I know it’s why we connect so deeply with our Floof & Sol community.
Q: Do you have any favorite childhood toys, games, activities or even spaces that stand out to you?
A: As a little Jersey girl growing up on the east coast I always loved the beach and the sunshine, it always felt like me at my core – so as I grew up I followed the sunshine and landed myself in southern california for warmer weather, beach, and creative inspiration.
Q: What is hardest for you to juggle or balance right now? Have you found any hacks that are helping?
A: As a mom first, it's such an art juggling a vibrant curious little toddler, rapidly growing business, and of course my career in healthcare too. My biggest hack is to always remember the soul call first - because that’s what fuels me. Never underestimate the power of a mom with a plan!
Q: Do you have any advice for an aspiring business owner who is stuck and doesn’t know where to start?
A: This is something I’m passionate about – because I think deep down we all have a gift waiting to be tapped into. It’s key to remember that being ‘stuck’ is part of the process and it's NOT a sign to stop. Sometimes a moment of stillness is all you need to hear the inner guide that always knows the next step to take. When in doubt, back off, find stillness and the answer is given if you quiet yourself enough to hear it. And once you hear it, just take that first step.
Q: I feel that being a mother often pushes you to embrace something that may not have initially come easily. For us it’s embracing the play and the mess. What might it be for you?
A: I agree! Being a mom is the role that has given me the most confidence to embrace the present moment. Kids are inspiring in that they are fully present and show up as they are – there’s so much beauty in that space and for me it’s reminded me to stop reliving past moments or always keep planning the future. Being here in the now is lovely and encourages me to take action today and not wait.
Q: There is inspiration in so many places especially as a creative type! Who and / or what inspires you?
A: Yes! Inspiration is wherever you want it to be. For me, my daughter inspires me daily. She has so much light, joy, and spirit that she brings the light out of me. I’m a creative type and that’s what led me to move to California 10 years ago – I find so much inspiration with a beautiful natural backdrop. Sun, plants, desert air, ocean energy – it's easy to find inspiration here and I think Floof & Sol captures both that childhood self-confidence, freedom of expression, and California vibrance beautifully.
Q: One thing that has helped my state of mind is focusing on gratitude daily. What are you grateful for?
A: Daily gratitude is key, it helps ground me and motivate me to keep going even when the days are hard. I’m grateful for my family, my home, and my faith!
Q: What are your favorite activities or places to enjoy with your little(s) or big(s) nowadays?
A: We love getting outdoors together, going out for a weeknight dinner date, or a visit to the zoo.
Q: If you are into quizzes and whatnot, do you care to share your Horoscope? Your Enneagram? Myers Briggs? Human Design Type? Anything else?! And if you share any of this, does it ring true?
A: I’m an Enneagram 3 – The Achiever – I’d say it rings so true! I think an element of being goal-oriented, yet adaptable is key for any entrepreneurial spirit.
Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: When I was little I always knew I had a big heart for helping others. I never knew exactly how I would do it – but it always felt right for my tender heart, so I feel so blessed and fulfilled that I have the opportunity to help other parents and their kiddos daily with my business and my career in pediatric healthcare.
Learn more about Katherine Christen and Floof & Sol by visiting their website at www.floofandsol.com and their Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/floofandsol/.