Does Cat Seto have it all? She’s an expert juggler, balancing design, illustration, writing and motherhood. She runs a design studio-cum-boutique selling her own stationery and wedding designs in the San Francisco area of Russian Hill, and she’s just published a book with co-author Meg Ilasco on how to run a successful business as a mum. Oh – and she squeezes in the odd kickboxing session too. We’re in awe, Cat, simply
in awe…

Our favourite family pastime is going to Ocean Beach. It’s a desolate stretch of beach in San Francisco where we brave strong winds and water.

We look forward to collecting flowers together. I used to do this as a little girl, and I’m loving that I get to now do this with my son – he makes me get down on my hands and knees to observe the stripes and underbelly of a peony.

My son likes it when I make anything with ice cream in it!

Family down time happens when we sit down to read his favorite book, The Red Balloon.

My quick dinner fix is a healthy kid-friendly take on fried rice: peas, turkey ham and eggs with steamed
rice (vs fried).

On the weekends you’ll most likely find us exploring Golden Gate Park and singing songs about balloons.

Ideas flow when there is a rainstorm, I make a trip to NY, or I have just traipsed through the museum or bookshop.

My style is urban/retro vintage.

My all-time favourite book is… I was a writing major so this is a very difficult question! I’d have to name a few such as “A Fine Balance” by Rohinton Mistry. “Love Medicine” by Louise Erdrich. “Pugilist at Rest” by Thom Jones

Everyday I try to take care of my body through some sort of daily exercise whether it’s kickboxing, running or strolling along the city streets.

I love what I do because it enables an outlet for my creativity and fosters an independence that helps me be a better parent.

The idea for Mom, Inc was born when Meg Ilasco approached me to co-author a business guide and book about starting a creative business and being a mom.

People know me for my stationery designs, most notably my custom wedding collection.

I find inspiration at my community of designing moms called Mom Inc Daily.

My son likes to hang out in his room where his prized stuffed dolls are. His all-time favourite is Olivia the Pig.

I collect artwork and prints that have saturated patterns or pops of color.

My prized knick-knacks are a set of blue porcelain bowls I rescued from my uncle’s old village house in China.

I’d love to redecorate a long dresser in my bedroom with white feathers and leather knobs.