a conversation with jasmine & laurel

a chat with designer and mom Carla Adol about her beautiful new brand!

Hi there mom, aunts and design lovers!

Another week in the books. Yet this one is extra special because we have a fabulous guest answering some questions about balancing motherhood with her business since becoming a mom to a sweet girl named Lara. Her name is Carla Adol and she’s the wonderful creative behind Jasmine & Laurel.

Carla and I go way back. We met on the first day of college back in Venezuela and became instant friends. Although life has taken us down very different paths (me to NYC and her to the UK), our lives have paralleled in many other ways: like cultivating illustration careers and having daughters within weeks apart. Regardless of time and space, I have always admired her work and cherished her friendship, so I couldn’t be more glad to kick off these interview series with such an accomplished designer and dedicated mom.

I know we can all take in a lot of inspiration from those who take the plunge into a passion a project after motherhood!

---

Carla and Lara

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m Carla, I love being a mum and a wife. A bit of a DIYer, I enjoy doing crafty projects and cooking new things. I grew up in Venezuela but am currently based in Bristol, UK. 

How did Jasmine & Laurel come about?

It started as a warm feeling to nurse and prepare for Lara (daughter). I wanted to channel that into creating things that would show her our beautiful world, colours, and culture. 

What inspired the name?

Early in my pregnancy, I found that the scent of jasmine when I was feeling under the weather or couldn’t sleep worked like magic. It helped me relax and it still takes me to my happy place. Laurel is based on Lara as it comes from “Laurel leaf” in Latin.

Where does the inspiration for your illustrations come from?

Most sparks come from things that I would like to show Lara.

How do you balance motherhood and work?

I try to stick to a routine and food prep meals every couple of days, so it is easier at mealtime. 

How has motherhood changed your definition of success?

A bit basic but I had the idea that success meant that I needed to excel at work, have a sterling career and go on exotic holidays. I still try to do all that, haha, but success for me now is having the time to go to a pumpkin patch and have a great time as a family.

What has been the most rewarding part of working on Jasmine & Laurel?

Seeing my pieces in children’s rooms and schools. That has been the most beautiful gift.

And now for a quick round of questions:

• Number of unanswered emails in your inbox today: 652 :)

• First thing you do in the morning: Hug and breastfeed Lara.

• Where do you get your design news: Muzli, Medium and It’s Nice That

• Preferred work outfit: At the moment, knitwear and a good headband

• Favorite Instagram to follow at the moment: @margaret.jeane and @thejunglaow

• Mom you look up to: My older sister, Laurence

• Lifesaver baby product: Baby sling, I use Ergobaby carrier 360. Great for walks and doing chores at home

• Baby brands you love: Liewood, Moccis, Organix, Gus+Beau and Konges Sløjd

• Kind of mom you hope to be: Supportive

1. Tulip Print / 2. Set of 4 Dinosaur Prints / 3. Shapes and Colours Print / 4. Sunshine Print / 5. Bumblebee Print / 6. Space Print / 7. Animal World Map / 8. Alphabet Print

---

What would be your pick from Carla’s amazing work? Who else would you like to see in this interview series? See you in the comments!