#Supermamas Interview Series: Introducing Laila from Kitchin Table

I came up with this idea when I realised that I’m lucky to know so many wonderful women. I really am surrounded by #supermamas. Most of all: my own mama. She started an evening course at the university and she was reading law when she was pregnant with me. By the time I was in pre-school, she graduated summa cum laude and became a lawyer! And others too: friends, blogging buddies and creative business owners I have met lately. They are juggling it all: looking after the children, having a newly found profession, running a new business and inspiring us. Their stories are a real inspiration to everyone.

I truly believe when a child is born, a mother is born too. And so we change. We grow, learn and become stronger. We should embrace all these changes and use their power to nurture, create and find our passion. So these mums took risks, pushed themselves, overcame self consciousness, challenged themselves again and again until they found their very own path to balance. My Supermamas Interviews are about them.

#Supermamas Interview Series: Introducing Laila from Kitchin Table

Can you please introduce yourself?

My name is Laila and I am the founder of Kitchin Table an app the connects women to work together. You can use our app to host or attend a coworking session at home or any classes and workshops. I’m also a mum of 6 kids and a born and bred Londoner. I am also a Dharma yoga junkie! And am a sucker for health supplements.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I was a Prosecutor in a previous life and loved it and moonlighted as a stand-up comedian. But I wanted to spend time with my kids. When I was really little I yearned to work in an office with tons of paperwork and filing, weird I know! In my teens I had one sole ambition; to play basketball, I played in the UK and USA and my dream was to go pro.

What did you do before becoming a mum?

I was a lawyer.. I did civil litigation and then wanted something more gritty so I joined the Crown Prosecution Service in Surrey. Previously I reached the second stage of interview for Mi5 but was late for my exam!

Why did leave that job?

I left as I wanted the freedom and flexibility to be with my children. To attend their sports days, go on holiday with them, that’s why I created Kitchin Table as it allows you to turn your home into a business and create local communities of like-minded women.

What do you do now?

I run Kitchin Table full time! Nobody tells you how time consuming that is. It is my seventh child. Every time we have a new user I want to go hug them.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about life and living it. I’m passionate about my work as we aim to help 1000 new female entrepreneurs a year. We envision a global community of like-minded women all working together and helping each other out! I’m also passionate about being healthy and being there for my kids in every way I can. It’s pretty much, parenting, work and exercise right now.

 Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in my mum. She’s an amazing female entrepreneur who is forever curious and never stops questioning. I also find inspiration in a lot of women I meet through Kitchin Table, the obstacles they overcome are so many. It’s a fact that female founders receive a lot less funding so when I see the perseverance of these women and their resilience I’m inspired and motivated. I remember when I was a lawyer in the city my boss used to tell me to wear red lipstick and a short skirt, that kind of attitude used to be ubiquitous but thanks to strong and frankly extraordinary women that kind of behaviour is no longer tolerated.

Did you learn to say no?

No! First time I have said it is today 🙂

How did you overcome uncertainties and self doubt?

That’s a tough one. My husband is extremely supportive and positive, he is the wind beneath my wings. Women’s reaction to what we are trying to do has been phenomenal, when we were at Web Summit women gathered round our stall and were calling it a movement, that’s a definite confidence booster.

Did you have to convince your family about making the leap? Or did they support you from the very beginning?

My family is very supportive. I am one of 4 sisters who are all strong and successful.

What’s your latest project?

Kitchin Table! We are recruiting founding hosts in local areas to be our community leaders and have met such awesome ladies along the way, so we are continuing down that path targeting all neighbourhoods.

Name a thing (or two) you used to give a shit about – but not anymore:

Handbags! After having kids I can’t stand them! It’s like carrying a baby 24hrs. I have to have pockets now or a backpack for my laptop.

I used to love going away but with so many kids and a start-up I can’t really afford it, as a result I am having a new found love affair with London and the UK.

Fill in with the first word comes to your mind:

I believe in…love and equality

My superpower is…multitasking and meeting people

Being ethical means to me...being fair and honest

Right now I’m most excited about….growing the Kitchin Table Community and meeting women all over the country and eventually the world.

My dream job is… what I’m doing now with a side job of being a stand-up comic.

The most important thing I can teach to my child is….compassion, to priorities happiness and take care of each other.

Find Laila also on

• Twitter: @KitchinTable
• Instagram: @kitchintableapp
• Facebook: @kitchintableapp

If you enjoyed reading this interview, why not try another one: #Supermamas Interview Series: Introducing Sarah from Halia Rose