It's hard to imagine how a mother of two boys with a full time job in retail, a blog and a career as a stylist manages to make it home in time to cook dinner and on top of it, look good while doing all that.
Meet Aissa. She's a lot of things and to us she's every bit of an STU Woman.
Can you describe yourself in a few sentences.
I spend most of my days juggling motherhood, a full time job, and several side hustles. I am living the dream working as a Store Director for a women's retail store where I am surrounded by curated assortment home furnishing, accessories, and apparel. After work hours is when I carefully schedule out client meetings and photo shootsfor my freelance styling business.
Since weekends off are hard to come by in the retail world, I yearn for spontaneous adventures with my family. We enjoy exploring new cities and finding hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
What is a normal day like for you?
Everyday is different, really. My work schedule differs from week to week, so getting a routine down would be challenging.
On work days, I'm usually up by 5am to try to squeeze in a little studio time {Barre is my workout of choice}, before heading to work at 7. My work day typically ends just after 4, and is usually followed by a quick trip to the grocery for dinner essentials before heading home. Family catch-ups during prep, giggles at dinner, then tucking in the boys at about 8pm rounds out my day. More often than not, I try to squeeze in a couple of hours for Aislerchic; catching up on e-mails, creating content, or simply seeking inspiration. Then it's off to bed for me by 10pm at the latest.
What makes you smile in the morning?
On work days a cup of freshly brewed coffee. On the weekends, seeing the boys at the foot of our bed makes my heart sing.
What is your FASHION/BEAUTY/HOME philosophy?
I like to mix things up when it comes to fashion and home. I love creating looks with highs - lows. Pairing a glitzy blouse with a pair of distressed denim, a velvet chesterfield with a thrifted chair. I like things to be little bit undone and never stiff or sterile.
What are 5 pieces you cannot live without (FASHION/BEAUTY/HOME)?
In complete honesty, I can live without most things, but if I had a choice I would like to always have a moisturizer, a Lamer lip balm, my Mom's pearl earrings, pen and paper.
What is your favorite travel destination? Why?
As silly as this may sound, I would have to say the Philippines. Although born and raised there, I feel like I took the country's beauty for granted when I lived there, and opted to explore elsewhere. There is so much to see. I can't wait to go back.
What is the one thing you must bring with you when you travel?
A camera.
Where do you ‘seek’ for your personal FASHION/BEAUTY/HOME finds?
I love a good flea market, thrift or antique shop find. Estate sales are huge treasure chests. I love giving older pieces new life and putting my own spin on them.
What is your most treasured UNIQ find from around the world? Why?
What does the word “UNIQ” mean for you?
A signature. A trait that make something/someone stand out among the rest.
Mikka Padua
Author