1. Please introduce yourself: Name, what you do & how many children you have.
Marketa: My name is Markéta Henry and I am the founder of Luna Bespoke, a premium recruitment agency focused on sourcing specialist nannies and private staff for families both in the UK and around the world. I am also a proud mum to two incredible young children. My daughter, Alexandra, is 6 years old, and my son, Gabriel, is 3.
Kamila: I am Kamila Nevrklova, and I lead the Recruitment team at Luna Bespoke. I’m also a proud mum to two super sporty boys, Tobias (12) and Robert (10)
2. How do you manage to juggle work and life balance as a mother?
Marketa: Maintaining a healthy balance between work and life is important to me, although not always easily reachable. I am lucky to have a strong support system both at home and at work, which helps me plan and manage my time effectively. By being productive during work hours, I can be more focused and present with my family when I am at home.
Kamila: I love my job, which makes everything so much easier. I’m incredibly fortunate to have an amazing support network through my family and friends. Moreover, I’ve been so lucky to have had great nannies who’ve been a tremendous help with my boys.
3. What top tips would you give to any working mum?
Marketa: It is important to acknowledge that it is not possible to handle everything alone. It is all about setting priorities and sharing tasks both at work and at home to keep a balanced workload. I find it essential to draw clear lines between my work life and personal time. This way, I can be fully present in each moment, whether it is my family or my work. Some days might not go as planned, but that’s ok!
Kamila: Ask for help! Don’t be too hard on yourself, and separate working time from your family life. When I am with my boys, the phone is off (well, most of the time) :-)”
4. What do you love most about London? Do you have a favourite spot with your children?
Marketa: I absolutely love London and its lively atmosphere! One of the things that makes me really happy is the mix of different cultures and experiences in the city. When it comes to spending quality time with the children, our favourite spots are Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens; all the playgrounds and open spaces provide hours of fun. The children particularly love the Diana Memorial Playground.
Kamila: What I love most about London is its diversity and the incredible opportunity to meet people I might never otherwise encounter. Thanks to my boys and their interests, I’ve practically become an expert on every ice skating rink and football pitch in London! Southbank is our favorite family spot.
5. How do you define quality ‘me-time’?
Marketa: Balancing being a mum to my two little ones and my busy yet rewarding job is super important to me, yet not always easy. One of my favourite things is sneaking in some ‘me-time’ in the early mornings before the house wakes up. I love wrapping myself in a cosy blanket, sitting on the sofa with a book and a fresh cup of coffee!
Kamila: Being a working mum doesn’t always leave much time for myself, but I make the most of the moments I get. Reading and hitting the gym are my favorite ways to relax. I also enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, even if my boys might not always appreciate it.
6. What is your favourite & least favourite thing about parenthood?
Marketa: The absolutely best thing about being a parent is the endless love that fills my heart each and every day. Those hugs and kisses from my children make me feel incredibly blessed and fortunate. On the other side, I find the constant worry and concern for their well-being, safety, health, and overall happiness really hard. It’s a natural part of being a mum, but sometimes it can feel a bit overwhelming.
Kamila: My favorite part of parenthood is undoubtedly the company of my kids. They’re just so funny and delightful to be around! On the flip side, they can also be quite demanding and tiring, especially during different stages like setting up sleep routines, prepping for the 11+ exams, or getting them to tidy their rooms. Each phase brings its own challenges. But even with all the ups and downs, I wouldn’t change a thing for the world.
7. Tell us something people don’t know about you.
Marketa: One thing that people may not know about me is that I really enjoy playing the piano. I only started playing in my adulthood, but it quickly became a special part of my life that brings me a lot of joy.”
Kamila: I’m actually a super fast reader, and I’ve got some skills on the tennis court too. I’m a fairly decent tennis player and a huge fan of Roger Federer!
8. Given we are all about embracing Motherhood, what advice would you give a first-time Mum?
Marketa: My advice to you as a new mum is to be kind to yourself and trust your instincts. Take each day as it comes, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek advice when needed. You are your child’s greatest advocate and source of love. Cherish those precious moments, and know that you are doing an amazing job.
Kamila: Raise your kids in a way that feels right for you. Avoid comparing yourself to others, trust your instincts, and enjoy every single moment.
9. I’m a mum and…
10. Finally, please let us know what you love most about Kensington Mums.
Marketa: The Kensington Mums is an invaluable resource for me as a parent. It is a fantastic source of information and support that I truly enjoy. What’s more, the feeling of being part of this amazing community and the chance to connect with other parents is something I really appreciate. It takes a village to raise a child!
Kamila: It’s all about bringing us together, creating a community that reminds you that you’re not alone on this parenting journey. It’s like having a big supportive family right there with you!
Read more inspiring interviews as part of our online motherhood exhibition and get in touch to share your story with us. We would love to hear from you…
