How Mindy Kaling Wears it Like a Mom

How do we love Mindy Kaling? Let us count the ways. In addition to being a phenomenal actress, comedian, writer, producer, and director (as if that wasn’t enough!), she’s also an amazing mom. She’s not perfect, but she wears life beautifully — she wears it like mom.

Read on for our exclusive interview with Mindy on her favorite mom moments, how her style has changed since becoming a mom, how she prioritizes self-care, and so much more.

Tell us about a funny mom moment that’s happened during the pandemic.

I think the funniest moment (of a not very funny year) was trying to make Halloween special with no parties or trick-or-treating. For us, it was letting my daughter knock on every door inside the house as if they were the doors of houses on the street, with someone hiding behind each of them handing out candy.

How has your style changed since you’ve become a mom?

I love fashion! The defining look of my 20ʼs and 30ʼs was complicated: colorful designer looks and stiletto heels. And I still love those things for special occasions, but now, Iʼm more about simple and flattering basics, chic flats, and some gorgeous Kendra Scott jewelry to elevate my look. Basically, something I can put on in two minutes and be out the door looking put together.

How do you #WearItLikeAMom?

I wore it like a mom when, this past year, I accepted that my kidʼs school would be remote, all my events and family get-togethers would be canceled, travel would be non-existent, and all my nice clothes would be getting dusty. I truly learned what resilience was.

As a mom, it can be hard to put yourself first sometimes. What do you do to unwind and prioritize yourself?

I absolutely love podcasts, particularly ones about crime. My Favorite Murder is one I enjoy. I also love jogging; Iʼm by no means athletic, but about 4-5 times a week, I will go for a 30-40 minute jog. It really relaxes me.

In your own words, why is it so important to remove the stigma around mental health, especially for mothers?

When I was growing up, if you heard someone needed to see a therapist, it was scary, like they were defective. I find that so sad now. I canʼt think of something healthier than having the confidence to talk to someone about your problems or ask for help. I want to raise my kids in an environment where, not only is that normal, but itʼs encouraged. We all go through tough times — why should we have to do it alone? I love that Kendra Scott gives 50% of the proceeds from her Sun & Moon Charm to NAMI and Active Minds.

How has motherhood affected your own mental health journey?

Iʼm a naturally anxious person, so motherhood has exacerbated some of those tendencies. But Iʼm so much more aware of them now as well.

Fill in the blank: Motherhood is...

Laughter and redemption.

If you could engrave three things onto Kendra Scott jewelry, what would they be?

“Kit”, “Spencer”, and “new money”.

What is something your mom passed down to you that you hope to teach your kids?

My mom always said, “You have to say ‘I’ before you can say ‘I love you,’” which I thought was fantastic advice. I took it to mean that before you can love someone else fully, you need to love yourself.