Mustela Mom of the Month, September 2026: Meet Ru
Rudy, known to everyone as Ru, spent her early career as a speech therapist before content creation grew from a creative outlet into work she loves. She lives in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi with her husband of nine years and their two children, Naia (6) and Leo (4), and the family counts the move to the islands among the best decisions they have made together.
Her days revolve around beaches, parks, and the small rituals that hold a household steady, and she documents them for other parents. Ask her to sum up this chapter in one word and she says a good one: intentional.
"Right now, we are their best friends, their superheroes, and the ones who make the magic."
- Key Takeaways
- 1. A Little About You
- 2. Your Journey
- 3. Everyday Moments
- 4. Caring for Skin, Caring for Family
- 5. Community & Support
- 6. A Note to Other Parents
- Suggested Products
- Suggested Articles
- More Mom of the Month Stories
Key Takeaways
- Ru's family builds their weeks around outdoor island life, from beach mornings to park afternoons with Naia and Leo.
- She measures motherhood by presence, having let go of the pressure to get everything done.
- The bath-to-bedtime routine is the heart of her family's day and the place she learns the most about her kids.
- Sunscreen is an everyday habit in Hawaiʻi, and the family's beach-day kit is built on Mustela mineral SPF.
1. A Little About You
We opened with introductions and the story of how her family landed in the islands.
Tell us a bit about you and your family.
"I'm Rudy, but everyone calls me Ru. I'm a speech therapist turned content creator, and my husband and I have been married for 9 years. Together, we're raising our two amazing kids, Naia (6) and Leo (4), here in Hawaiʻi. Moving here was one of the best decisions we've made as a family. We love spending our days outdoors, whether we're at the beach, exploring the island, or enjoying time at the park."
"I originally started creating content as a creative outlet during my motherhood journey, never expecting it to become something I truly love. Today, I'm grateful to share little pieces of our life, celebrate the everyday moments, and connect with other parents along the way."
Where are you based?
"Honolulu, Hawaiʻi."
What are you passionate about?
"I'm passionate about creating meaningful memories with my family and finding joy in the little moments of everyday life. I love documenting those moments in hopes of encouraging other parents to slow down and appreciate the season they are in with their children."
How would you describe this season of life in one word?
"Intentional."
2. Your Journey
We asked Ru what motherhood has taught her so far.
What has been one of the most meaningful lessons you've learned as a caregiver?
"One of the most meaningful lessons I've learned is that the little moments leave the biggest impact. Motherhood has taught me to let go of perfection and focus on being present. My children won't remember whether everything went according to plan but they'll remember how loved, safe, and supported they felt. I've learned that the ordinary moments are often the ones that become the most meaningful memories."
What's something you wish you'd known earlier on?
"I wish I'd known that it's okay to slow down. In the beginning, I felt pressure to have everything figured out, but I've learned that every stage passes too quickly. I've realized that being present is so much more important than getting everything done."
3. Everyday Moments
Next came the daily rhythms she treasures most.
What's a small daily moment with your little one(s) that means a lot to you?
"I love our bedtime routine. After baths, everyone slows down, we cuddle together, read books, and talk about our favorite part of the day. Those quiet moments before sleep are so precious. I have learned so much about my kids during these hours every night. Their emotions, aspirations, and interests."
Is there a routine that feels especially special in your home?
"Our evening routine is something I truly cherish. Bath time marks the transition from busy days to quality family time. It's when everyone relaxes, we reconnect, and create a calm, comforting environment before bedtime."
4. Caring for Skin, Caring for Family
We asked Ru how she chooses what goes on her children's skin.
Why is gentle skincare important to you?
"As a mom, I want to feel confident about everything I use on my children's skin. Gentle skincare isn't just about healthy skin but also about knowing I'm choosing products I can trust for the people I love most."
Are there any Mustela products or routines you reach for regularly?
"The only shampoo I use for my kids is Mustela's Gentle Shampoo. I love the clean ingredients, and it's truly tear-free, so I never have to worry if it gets in their eyes during bath time."
"Living in Hawaiʻi, sun protection is a daily priority for our family. Mustela's mineral sunscreen line is a must-have for us. We love everything from the SPF Stick to the Sunscreen Spray for easy, full-body application before our beach days. It's a brand I've trusted for years, and one I genuinely feel good about using on my kids every day."
5. Community & Support
We wanted to know who carries her through the fullest days.
What helps you feel supported during busy or challenging days?
"My husband is my biggest support. Knowing we're in this together makes even the busiest days feel more manageable. We lean on each other, and I try to focus on simple routines with my kids that bring a little calm to our day."
What does being part of the Mustela community mean to you?
"It means being surrounded by parents who value gentle, trusted care for their children. I love sharing products that have been part of our family for years and knowing we're supporting one another through every stage of parenthood."
6. A Note to Other Parents
Before we wrapped, Ru left a few words for parents in the thick of it.
What would you want to tell someone in a similar season of life?
"Right now, we are their best friends, their superheroes, and the ones who make the magic. As parents, we have the privilege of creating their childhood. Slow down, be present, and enjoy the season you're in. One day, we'll look back and realize just how quickly it all passed."
One reminder or intention you're holding onto right now?
"To give myself the same grace I give my children."
Suggested Products
- Gentle Shampoo: Ru's bath-time staple, safe from birth on and gentle on eyes.
- SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick: A broad-spectrum, certified organic mineral stick for face and body, sized for beach bags.
- SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Spray: Broad-spectrum SPF 50 mineral protection for quick full-body coverage before a day outside.
- SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion: A mineral, broad-spectrum lotion safe for face and body, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and the right pick for faces since the spray should not be applied directly to the face.
Suggested Articles
- Your Baby's First Summer: A Complete Sun Safety and Skincare Guide
- When Can Babies Wear Sunscreen? A Sun Safety Guide
- Baby Bathing 101: A Complete Guide to Bathing Your Newborn