Photo credit: Anna Chiu Instagram

California-based beauty Anna Chiu is not your average woman. She surfs, she mothers, she designs. With her second collection of highly praised womenswear label, Kamperett, recently behind her and co-owner/designer Valerie Santillo, she brings the art of multi-tasking to a whole new, admirable level.

She strives to find time for herself amidst a busy life in San Francisco and time to teach her two boys, Kai (3) and Taj (8 months), about their German heritage, all while creating high-end pieces that exude modern yet wearable fluidity and subtle elegance. It’s a lot to take on, but Chiu has done it with ease.

Therefore, we had to really see what this empowering mama uses as her fuel, her “therapy,” and her artistic inspiration. We asked her 10 questions on our quest for insight. Thanks Anna for not only dreaming, but dreaming big … after babies.

A look from Kamperett’s second collection.

 1. #1 afternoon snack with the boys?

Usually some kind of fresh seasonal fruit and veggies we picked up at the farmer’s market. We also usually make an afternoon green smoothie. A favorite is with kale or spinach, 1 cup almond milk, 1 tsp. chia seeds, 1 tbsp. almond butter, 1 banana, 1-2 pitted dates and 1tbsp. coconut oil.

2. Your favorite surf spot in the whole wide world?

Sunzal, El Salvador

3. Favorite nighttime read with the boys?

I’m teaching them German, so I usually read German books with them, but some of our favorite English books are “Corduroy,” “Curious George” and Dr. Seuss books.

4. Favorite date night spot with the hubby?

Unfortunately, date nights are pretty scarce these days, but we love The Progress or Mister Jiu’s for dinner, and Kabuki Theater is nice because it has comfy chairs you can reserve in advance and a bar.

5. Describe Kamperett in 3 words.

Effortless, comfortable, timeless.

6. Baby/toddler invention you can’t live without?

Hmm … does a stroller count? Living in the heart of the city, we walk everywhere with it and still put the baby down for naps in it (oops!).

7. Best mommy multitasking moment?

Shooting our lookbook and going to buying appointments when Taj was only a few weeks old. I just put him in a carrier and took him everywhere with me.

8.Fashion designer you look up to the most?

Phoebe Philo for reviving an old fashion house, and for doing so with three kids and putting her family first.

9. Sandals or sneakers?

We live in San Francisco … so sneakers.

10. Beauty find you never leave home without?

Rosebud Salve for my lips.