Q&A WITH RACHEL PALLY

We talked with our favorite fashion designer, Rachel Pally, to chat all things career, family and nutrition. Keep reading to learn more about Rachel!

How did you get started in fashion, and what led to creating your own clothing brand?

In 2002 I was finishing up my senior year at UC Berkeley with a dance minor and had to commit to a certain amount of hours in the costume shop in order to complete my degree. I started making dance costumes and fell in love with the process. The draping, the movement, the body. I started to sew pieces for myself and my friends at my kitchen table - a lot of sloppy cutting and guessing and fixing - but I loved doing it! I was wearing a dress I had made while visiting my family in Los Angeles and a shop owner asked me where I got it....I told her I made it and started sending pieces for her to sell. She encouraged me to try to start my own line after I graduated and since I didn't have any other plans I thought "WHY NOT?!" and the rest is history!

Rachel Pally standing leaning on a table with her hand wearing fashionable loungewear

Rachel Pally son sitting on step holding Tejari drink puppy licking his head

Rachel Pally other son sitting on step drinking Tejari drink looking right at the camera

How has sustainability and ethical manufacturing in your business affected your everyday life and the way you view food and nutrition?

I don't even think about it, to be honest. Being mindful and ethical in my production and my business was never a question. I wouldn't have done it any other way. This is my city, this is my planet, it is my responsibility to do the best I can here. I am learning and growing every day. Same with what I put in my body - this is the only body I have, I have no choice but to treat it right! I love pizza and wine and ice cream like anyone else and I'm not a restrictive eater, but I rarely eat anything processed and most of what we eat comes from our 2 weekly farm boxes. We cook nearly every meal at home, even before the pandemic, and if I eat junk food its homemade!

Tell us a bit about your daily wellness routine—Are there any rituals you do to start or end each day?

I like to start my day with journaling and meditation, when I can get up before my boys. Sometimes when my mind is overactive I like to chant to help center myself. But it doesn't happen every day, and sometimes weeks go by when I fall out of practice. I have to go easy on myself when I get out of my routine, since I am running a business and parenting and keeping a household together during a pandemic WHICH IS INSANE. I also start my day with a family snuggle pile, which I think does wonders for my overall wellness.

Rachel Pally both sons sitting on step drinking Tejari

After a stressful day or week, how do you relax and reboot?

I love to hike with my family. A little bit of nature goes a long way. I need to breathe fresh air and get my body moving. I also check in with my text chains with my girlfriends - it helps keep me grounded to stay connected to the women in my life.

How do you incorporate movement and exercise into your schedule?

There is always room for more! Sometimes I do The Class online, sometimes I get on the Peloton for 20 minutes (sometimes for a class, sometimes on a trail ride while I listen to Krishna Das and check off the exercise and meditation boxes!), and I try to walk or hike with my family on the weekends. I know I need to move more, but it's been harder than ever these days to carve out the extra time.

Rachel Pally Fashion in a off white outfit

Between the busyness of running your own company and your home life with a husband and two sons, how do you prioritize nutrition and wellness while juggling all of your responsibilities?

The key for me here is not expecting to have an hour each day. When I can't carve out much time even a couple of intentional breaths between emails can center me.

What is your favorite Tejari blend, and how do you incorporate it into your daily routine?

The Organic Cocoa! We use it in smoothies, the whole family loves it!

Why do you choose to use Tejari for your family?

Any way to sneak in the extra nutrients into my boys diet is a win!