Mother’s Day — A picnic with Tasya and Maxi

For Mother’s Day, we sat down with Tasya Kudryk—creative producer, photographer, co-owner of Berlin’s natural wine bar Sway, and above all, mum to 7-year-old Maxi. During a beachside picnic, with the sound of waves in the background and coffee in our cups, we spoke with Tasya about how motherhood has added depth to everyday moments and broadened her perspective on life.
Monika Mróz
5.22.2025
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Monika Mróz
5.22.2025
What do you remember most vividly about the version of yourself before you became a mother? And do you ever feel her resurface in your days now? To be honest, that version of me never disappeared. She simply expanded and evolved. Motherhood added new dimensions to who I am, but the foundation—the values, beliefs, inspirations—was always there. I don’t feel like I lost myself; I just grew from that version. And yes, she shows up every day, in small ways and big ones. I still feel like me—just with more layers now. Has motherhood brought out parts of yourself you didn’t even know were there? Absolutely. I became a mom relatively young and didn’t spend a lot of time imagining what kind of mother I’d be. It just happened, and I dove in headfirst. One of the biggest surprises has been discovering how much patience I actually have. I didn’t know that was in me, and to be honest, it’s probably the only area in life where I’ve accessed that level of patience. It’s been eye-opening.
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Motherhood added new dimensions to who I am, but the foundation—the values, beliefs, inspirations—was always there.
As someone who works creatively, do you find that your artistic side influences the way you approach parenting, or does being a mother fuel your creativity in surprising ways? I don’t know if it’s just the creative side of me or simply how I navigate life in general, but I’m a deeply intuitive person. I rarely follow rules or outside expectations—I go with my gut. That’s how I parent too. I trust my instincts about what feels right for my child. I also let the emotional side in. Especially as a mom to a boy, I think it’s important to show that a full range of emotions is welcome and normal. I don’t follow parenting strategies or read parenting books. I follow my heart, and I think that’s something many creative people do naturally. Are there any rituals or routines with Maxi that hold a special place in your heart? Things that make ordinary moments feel extraordinary? Yes—our bedtime routine. I work full-time and often juggle other projects, so weekdays can feel rushed. But bedtime is non-negotiable. Every night since he was a baby, I’ve read to Maxi before he sleeps. It’s our moment of full attention and closeness, where everything else fades. We snuggle, we get lost in stories, we reflect on our day. It’s not just about the book—it’s the emotional closeness, the ritual, the calm. Maxi’s always loved stories; he has such a big imagination. We have more books than shelf space, but that’s part of the magic.
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Is there a part of your day that feels like a sanctuary, where you can feel like you again, outside of being a mom? What do you do then? Yes—those few hours after Maxi falls asleep are sacred to me. I never skip them, even if it means going to bed too late. That’s my time to connect with myself. It’s when my mind opens up and my curiosity sparks. I listen to music, read, explore things that interest me—sometimes it’s as simple as trying a new wine or researching something. Other times, I just sit in the quiet and enjoy existing in my own space. The lights are low, the house is calm, and I feel grounded. I always say, “the day is wrapped.” What do you find the most rewarding aspect of your motherhood journey right now? What gives you the deepest sense of fulfillment? The most rewarding thing is the sense of purpose it gives me. No matter what’s going on in my life, I know exactly why I need to get up and show up every day. That clarity is powerful. I feel incredibly lucky to experience this kind of unconditional love—both giving and receiving it. It’s one of the greatest gifts in life. I also feel more grounded and clear about my direction than many people my age. I’m not lost. Even when it’s hard, I know why I’m doing it and for whom, and that gives me strength.
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What would you wish for other mothers this Mother’s Day? And what would you want to tell yourself back when you were just starting this journey—the mom-to-be you once were? You are doing your best in this exact moment—and that’s enough. It might not look like your ideal version of “best,” or what others might define as “perfect,” but it’s the best you can give right now. Even if you’re operating at 60% or 40% of your capacity—it’s still your best. Please don’t question it. Don’t punish yourself for not being “more.” And don’t compare yourself to others. Every life, every journey, every circumstance is different. Some moms have more support—be it from partners, families, or the system. Others are doing it on their own (like me). No matter where you fall, you’re doing your best with what you have, and that’s more than enough. Your child loves you not because you’re perfect, but because you’re you. So trust your heart. Trust your instincts. And most importantly, be kind and forgiving to yourself.
Your child loves you not because you’re perfect, but because you’re you.
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Your child loves you not because you’re perfect, but because you’re you.
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