To celebrate the debut of The Everything Else Tote, created with Dusen Dusen, we’re launching Parenting &—a Q&A series spotlighting the incredible person behind the parent, in all their multitudes. Because adding ‘parent’ to the bio doesn’t shrink who you are—it multiplies it.
And the “&”? That’s where it gets good.
Meet Ellen Van Dusen: full-time mom &…founder and designer of cult-favorite home and clothing brand Dusen Dusen, self-taught color theorist, thrifter, candy connoisseur—amongst other things
What’s something you learned about yourself only after becoming a parent?
I’ve been surprised to learn how adaptable I am. I had a pretty regular routine for a long time, but once I had Woody that was all tossed up in the air. I sleep way less, I eat at weird times, I’m often covered in baby related messes, but I’m still the same old Ellen.
What’s a piece of yourself you protected at all costs?
When I got pregnant I was worried about how my relationship to work would change once the baby was born, and if my priorities would shift in a way that would leave me feeling disconnected from design. I wanted to be sure I wouldn’t lose my interest and drive. If anything, having Woody has gotten me more engaged. Looking at the world through fresh (1 year old) eyes makes things I found ordinary in the past have a new resonance. Something I didn’t consider before having a baby!
What do you carry in your bag that gets you through your wildest days?
I almost always have candy on me. I can’t help myself. I was delighted this morning when I opened my bag and found a tube of Fanta flavored Mentos.
Keep up with Dusen Dusen at @dusendusen + grab this summer’s IT bag—The Everything Else Tote—available 6/24 on the Little Spoon Merch Store.
