POST-BABY LIFE WITH BRUNA TENORIO
We caught up with the face of our Audrey collection, model, jewelry designer (and now mom!), Bruna Tenorio, on her life with a newborn and how she’s getting it all done.
How are you juggling being a mom, business owner, and model?
My routine has changed completely. The baby keeps me super busy (I love it). I work on my jewelry line during his naps, and when I’m shooting in a studio, he stays with daddy, since he can also work from home. It’s been perfect.
How has your schedule changed?
I’m now up at 5 AM every day. I have to admit that it’s nice to be up that early, even though it’s very painful to get out of bed some days. I just get so many things done! My days have never been so productive. We are having much earlier dinners though—5 PM usually. I’m also going to bed much earlier than before, to make sure I get enough sleep. (8 hours minimum is still my thing.)
Has your style changed?
Definitely. COMFORT is the word. It also needs to be practical when it comes to breastfeeding, even at home. I’m all about soft fabric nursing shirts, dresses, cozy pants and flats or running sneakers.
How do you make sure you’re still taking care of you: eating well and making time for self-care?
During the weekends, my husband and I prepare the food for the week. We cook stuff and store it in our fridge, this way we don’t have to cook every single meal. It’s so much easier when you can just warm it up. Also, I am still taking my postpartum vitamins, I take them every day. I think it’s super important to continue with your multivitamin supplements.
What’s it like being on camera post-baby?
I have never felt so confident! I’m so proud with all the work my body has done, everything it accomplished, and what it still does for my baby.
What does your feeding journey look like?
I’m breastfeeding and pumping in the middle of the night, so I can store some breast milk and give him a bottle whenever I’m exhausted. My husband gives our son a bottle every night, so I can take a nice and relaxing shower. It’s a game changer. Breastfeeding was hard at the beginning, there was periods that I nursed my son for 4 hours straight—they call it cluster feeding. I remember having to turn on the TV and watch 2 movies to distract myself.
Has being a new mom been what you expected it to be like?
It’s much more than I expected. There’s so much love around us.
What’s been the best part?
Waking up to that beautiful and innocent smile!
Most challenging?
Breastfeeding…the days he would not sleep and just wanted to eat for hours and hours.
What do you wish you knew before having a baby?
That I wouldn’t sleep for the first 2 weeks…at all.
What are your A Pea in the Pod must-haves for post-partum?
The denim overall. It’s super stylish and, most importantly, super nursing friendly.
Also, The Post Pregnancy Leggings - you do need that support on your belly.
Favorite products every new mom needs?
I love how easy the little baby kimonos are. My son loves to wear them because it doesn’t go over his head.
How did you feel when you saw Gael for the first time?
It was the best feeling ever! I felt like I already knew him.
FOLLOW BRUNA ON INSTAGRAM @brunatenorio @brunatenoriojewelry
PREGNANCY LIFE WITH BRUNA TENORIO
Favorite Designer:
I like a lot of them for different reasons. Hard to say only one. Vera Wang is incredible, I'm her biggest fan. I have worked fro her brand since I started modeling until now. She is the most loyal and genuine person. I have worked for Ralph Lauren for more than a decade and the brand has an incredible history. Also, Karl Lagerfeld had a huge impact on my career, giving me my first chance and opening many doors for me. I am also a big fan of Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant, & Jacquemus.
Fashion Moment:
It was definitely when I walked the Valentino 45th Anniversary Show in Rome.
Must-Have Piece from A Pea in the Pod:
So hard to choose one. I love the Pietro Brunelli Panarea Maternity Shirt, it’s so chic and easy to wear. It goes with everything – black leggings or denim. And the Pietro Brunelli Salisburgo Maternity Dress. It’s super elegant and I LOVE the puffy shoulders. I really felt like Audrey Hepburn in a movie during the Audrey Collection shoot.
Downtime:
Working on my new pieces of jewelry in my home studio. It’s so great to have a studio at home so I can really focus on my upcoming collection.
The Bruna Tenorio Jewelry Collection:
I loved the idea of being able to create something I really love. So, I decided to create my own jewelry line.
After 10 years of working as a model, I wanted to do something else that could work parallel with my work in fashion and decided to study jewelry design. A few years ago, I did a few courses I learned the techniques of handmade jewelry, wax carving, metal smiting and stone setting.
Your Collection’s Inspiration:
I am fascinated by the vintage world. I love finding pieces from the 60s, 70s & 80s in vintage stores around the world. I collect a lot of great pieces and I was very inspired by them when I was thinking about my own brand. So, I wanted to create timeless pieces that really express who I am and what I like.
Favorite Design:
I love my Trio Ring. It’s such a special piece – the sapphire, amethyst and ruby are perfectly paired together.
A Working Mother:
I could never imagine myself not working. I’ve worked since I was 16 years old. It’s a big part of my life and I love what I do, especially now that I can work as a model and jewelry designer. I love being busy!
Next Destination:
Once things calm down again, I would love to go back to Brazil to visit my family, and maybe spend summer in Greece with my husband and the baby.
Workout Routine:
I’ve been doing private Pilates + Yoga classes since my first trimester. I also walk 5km in the park twice a week. I really feel the necessity of moving my body every day.
Beauty Routine:
I wash my face with water only in the morning and apply sunscreen. I don’t wear makeup every day, only when I have appointments or events. I always try to keep my skin very, very clean. At night, I wash my face and gently exfoliate with a daily scrub. Then I apply night cream and a lip balm. That’s it. I also drink a lot of water throughout my day.
See Bruna's Jewelry at brunatenorio.com