Lainy, Martin and Louis are a happy family living in New York City. There’s a little bit of juggling between work and family time in their house but fundamentally a lot of love, support and union. Get to know this inspiring family. 

By Adriana Santos

Photography Shelly Studios

LEMON Magazine [LEMON] – You have an amazing family. How did it all start? How did you meet Martin [Hoffstein]?

Lainy Hedaya [L.H.] – Martin and I have known each other for as long as I can remember. I think the earliest memory I have of him was when we were around 11 or 12 years old in the summer by the shore. He hasn’t really changed. He’s always been his same loveable self. Years went by and we always shared a lot of the same friends. There was one time in 2010 when I remember thinking “I think I like him” – but I never acted on it. It wasn’t until years later that we finally dated. It’s funny, we are always searching for someone new, but the best love can be someone who’s been right under your nose.

LEMON – You’ve become a mum quite recently. How have these last months been as a family of three instead of a family of two? What has the transition been like?

L.H. – The transition was hard, honestly. It’s hard to be taken out of your regular routine. I already work from home, so not being able to leave home for a break has been hard. But I am lucky I still have my job.

LEMON – What kind of mother do you think you are?

L.H. – I haven’t really done a dive into the “type of mothers” there are. I know there’s a lot of labels. But I don’t like labels.

LEMON – How would you describe Louis?

L.H. – Louis was a kid the day he was born. I always joke that he skipped the new-born phase. His first bath, he tried to climb out of it. He’s very active, and while it’s exhausting, it’s also so much fun. He has the best sense of humour and he’s so loving and cuddly. Every morning he gives me a hug when he wakes up. I can’t describe him in just a few words; he’s just that awesome.

LEMON – What does family mean to you?

L.H. – For me, family means the ultimate support. It means a peaceful escape from a not-so-peaceful world.

LEMON – What’s your day-to-day life as a family like?

L.H. – We both now work from home. We’re both actually busier now than we have ever been. Juggling a baby with work is nearly impossible, but we manage!

LEMON – I read in your Valentine’s Day post that sometimes being a parent can be chaotic. How do you and Martin find time to be a couple?

L.H. – At the beginning of motherhood, it was hard for us to find a way to make time for each other. We’re both entrepreneurs, so we don’t really stop. Then throw a kid on top of it. We had to make a designated date night and schedule it in. It’s weird, because we always loved the spontaneity of going out, but now we know that doesn’t work for us anymore, which is fine, so we have shared calendars and make plans. Which I honestly love, because it’s something to look forward to.

LEMON – You live in New York. What is it like to raise a child in New York City?

L.H. – New York is WILD! I grew up in a beach town by the shore. I was always fascinated by city kids. They grew up faster than we did and their access to the world was always intriguing to me. Martin grew up in the heart of Brooklyn, so his experience was different to mine. I think wherever we raise Louis, our home will be the same though. Manhattan, Brooklyn or in the suburbs.

LEMON – Louis is almost one. Are you the type of mum that has big plans to celebrate his first birthday? If so, what are they?

L.H. – It’ll be a surprise! I definitely have been thinking about it!

LEMON – What are the most important things you and Martin want to pass on to Louis?

L.H. – Be kind to everyone. Love is a choice, so choose well. Good fortune comes from hard work and honesty.

LEMON – What do you think is the most important experience you can give to Louis?

L.H. – To meet many different kinds of people and have a good understanding of the world. It’s easy to get stuck in your own bubble, but our generation is very lucky to have access to the world in many ways. I went to an international summer camp when I was around 12 years old and it was the most eye-opening experience to meet kids from every country.

LEMON – At 29 years old, you are a creative director and we’ve read a lot about your work ethic and how hard you worked to get where you are today. Are you able to keep everything going work-wise now you are a mum?

L.H. – The reality of motherhood is that if you don’t have a second hand designated to watching your baby, working (productively) is nearly impossible. I have had experience with a nanny and without, and without is rough. I don’t want to sugar coat it. And it’s unfair to tell women that they can do it all without help, when the reality is motherhood is truly a fulltime job.

LEMON – How do you balance your personal and professional lives?

L.H. – It’s never a true balance. Something will always have to give.

LEMON – What are some of your fondest family memories?

L.H. – Driving up and down the Jersey Shore with the windows down listening to oldies with my dad. Really the simplest things.

LEMON – You have flawless style. But how are you when dressing Louis? Do you care about kids’ fashion?

L.H. – I love dressing him up, but most of the time he’s crawling around the house in a onesie playing with pots and opening doors. I love dressing him in cute linen harem pawnts and a shirt when we go out. It’s cute when he looks like a little man.

LEMON – What kids’ brands do you love? 

L.H. – I LOVE Maisonette, Smallable, H&M, and Zara. Bon Point is beautiful too. I also shop A LOT for him on Etsy. I love shopping from small brands.

LEMON – What are some of the pieces of clothing you deem necessary for a baby?

L.H. – You can never have enough onesies! My sister in law actually sells baby pyjamas, @sleepingbunnypjs, which are also a necessity, since kids are always on the move and getting dirty. Pyjamas are a quick change…. especially during quarantine.

LEMON – Did your style change when you became a mum?

L.H. – Comfort became a huge thing. I am up and down picking up my kid all day. I don’t wear heels as often as I used to. I usually wear a top I can switch out if it gets dirty. Dressing has become more about efficiency.

LEMON – We have all been going through a special time with the pandemic. How have you navigated it as a family?

L.H. – I think we have just accepted that there are a lot of unknowns right now, and that it’s fine. We are taking it day by day.

LEMON – What’s the first thing you want to do when all of this is over?

L.H. – I just want a boozy night at a nightclub with my man. I was also about to start a new business before Covid-19 hit. I am hoping I can still pick that up right back where it started and get it rolling.