TINY STORIES | “The bustle and energy of the city are very valuable to me. My interests come to life more in the city.”

First things first. Who are you? And what does your family situation look like?
A: “I'm Armia Yousefi, 32 years old and I live with my girlfriend and daughter in Amsterdam. I am a fashion designer and I am involved in making clothes and other artistic expressions.”
C: “My name is Caro, 31 years old and I have been together with Armia for over eight years. I am also a freelance copywriter, but above all I am the mother of Ziggy, our three-year-old daughter.”                                                                         

Have you always wanted a family?
C: “Certainly, I always dreamed of a big family with four children. I must admit that I have since come back to this, haha.”
A: “Yes, I have always wanted children. It took a lot of getting used to when Ziggy was born. Sometimes parenting is really tough, but there's really nothing more beautiful. She is my most valuable asset.”

You are both very creative and open-minded, how do you pass this on to Ziggy?
C: “I am consciously working on that. In the choices I make regarding the books we buy for her and her toys, but also her fancy dress costumes. In this way I try to make choices that do not fall within a fixed framework. We also regularly go to the museum, spend a lot of time in nature and try to limit screen time as much as possible. That doesn't always work out very well, but we do our best."
A: “I try to let her hear different music and when she is drawing I try to leave her free as much as possible so that she doesn't feel inhibited while creating.”

“Although the hectic pace can be intense at times, I like the fact that you step out the door and the world is open to you.                       

                                                                                    - Carol

What's it like living in the city with a little one? And what's the best thing about living in the city?
A: “It is hectic at times. You have a small child and you have to pay very close attention to it. In a city like Amsterdam where many cyclists and cars drive, you always have to be alert. Sometimes this can be tiring, but the bustle and energy of the city are very valuable to me. My interests come to life more in the city, passions such as fashion, art and culture. ”
C: “I am very sensitive myself and you would think that Amsterdam is not necessarily the first choice to live in, but the vibe and energy of the city still outweigh the hectic pace. Although the hectic pace is sometimes intense, I like that you step out the door and the world is open to you. There is always a new place or restaurant that you can go to. I particularly like that innovation and dynamics.”

“It is indeed a lot of lessons, every day again. One of the biggest lessons is that she made me realize that I have to take care of myself.”

                                                                          - Carol

What is the most beautiful mirror or lesson you have received from Ziggy?
A: “There are a lot of them. I think mostly responsibility for me. She taught me what responsibility really means. Of course, you have the practicality of taking care of a child. The fact that who I am will have the greatest influence on her has made me much more aware of my own doings.”
C: “It is indeed a lot of lessons, every day again. One of the biggest lessons is that she made me realize that I have to take care of myself. I had to find that out the hard way. After my pregnancy I ended up in a dark period, in which I really had to learn to take time for myself again. Just have to put yourself first more often, because otherwise you just won't make it. Regularly charging your own battery, taking a step back and taking time for yourself is essential to return home with renewed energy.”

What do you think is the biggest challenge of parenting?
C: “For me that is finding balance in your work life, parenting, your relationship, friends, I find that a very big challenge. To keep all those balls in the air at all times.”
A: “My biggest challenge is to discover for myself what is good and bad for Ziggy. We live in an information world, where we have constant access to all information. Finding my own way in what kind of parent I want to be, instead of being influenced by external factors or the upbringing I had myself.”

“Buying second-hand clothes for Ziggy and passing on clothes to limit overconsumption. We are very aware of the products we buy for Ziggy.”
- Armia

Sustainability is central to Tiny Library. What does sustainability mean to you? Also with a view to Ziggy's future?
A: “We try to live sustainably where possible. For example, we have consciously chosen to raise Ziggy vegetarian. A choice that affects her as a person, but also the world and the environment. But also buying second-hand clothing for Ziggy and passing on clothing to limit overconsumption. We are very aware of the products we buy for Ziggy.”
C: “Certainly in the field of clothing, but actually with everything. We are certainly not perfect at that, because I sometimes make a slipper at a large fashion chain. But since the arrival of Ziggy, we have started to live much more consciously.”

Which product has been the most useful for you?
C: “I think that is our Easywalker pram . You can fold and unfold it with one hand and carry it over your shoulder. Especially because we live on the first floor with Ziggy, it is useful if you have a car that does not weigh too much, because you have to go up and down the stairs every day. In the beginning we used the Bednest co-sleeper and that was also ideal.”

What do you want to give Ziggy?
A: “That she believes in herself and that she should be kind to people, animals and the planet. That she is good as she is and that she is loved.”
C: “What I especially want to give her is that she loves herself. If she loves herself then she can love others in a healthy way. If you love yourself then you need much less externally from others and from your environment. Then you learn to stand in your own strength much more. And of course the feeling of unconditional love, that whatever she goes through or does in her life, we always have her back.”

What does an ideal Saturday look like for your family?
A: “Nice outside with the three of us, visiting something or being in nature. I really enjoy it when I see Ziggy enjoying herself. In that respect, I can really enjoy the little things.”
C: “Yes, me too. We regularly drive to the beach or to a village in the countryside and then take a picnic blanket with us. When the sun is shining, we don't really need much more.”

Via Tiny Library you can easily and sustainably rent baby products. Take a look at our Tiny Librar y for an overview of all products.

Photography credits : Tengbeh Kamara