Meet Elisa and Dac
Introducing Elisa and Dac, the creative minds behind Mombini, an enchanting blend of ‘Mom’ and ‘Bambini’. This charming establishment is a must-visit in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, catering to both parents and their children. Mombini combines a boutique shopping experience, a play area, and a cozy cafĂ©, offering exciting workshops like cooking and yoga. After being captivated by Elisa and Dac’s visually appealing and playful design style, we eagerly wanted to learn more about their motivations for creating this family-focused haven.
Are you parents?
Indeed, we are proud parents to a little girl who is nearing her fifth birthday (time certainly flies!).
The challenges and joys of motherhood
The challenges include moments of solitude, the pressure to do everything perfectly, and worries about not being present enough for our daughter. Furthermore, we often encounter a lack of understanding from others regarding the journey of motherhood.
The joys, however, revolve around the unconditional love we share with our daughter. After much hard work and dedication, she has finally started speaking Italian, which is my native language!
The challenges and joys of fatherhood
One of the harder moments for me is coming home to find my child asleep after a long day at work. However, there are incredibly rewarding moments as a dad too; for example, being there to tuck her in at night. More seriously, one of my challenges is balancing social life with work commitments and not always being able to meet the contemporary expectations of fatherhood. The joyous moments come from witnessing all of my child’s first milestones: her first smile, learning to write her name, tying her shoelaces, and riding a bike. Each achievement is followed by the glowing pride reflected in her eyes.
What sparks your creativity?
We draw inspiration from all around us—whether it’s the beauty of a drawing, creative designs, nature, graffiti art, photography, or the stories of people we encounter. Our motivation stems from our desire to keep moving forward, maintain a fresh perspective, and spread a little joy.
How was Mombini born?
Mombini represents our personal journey as well as our response to the needs of families. Ten years prior to Mombini’s opening, we embarked on a year-long trip around the globe. That journey brought us face-to-face with various cultures and allowed for deep self-reflection on humanity’s essence, paving the way for our vision.
As we settled back into our routines in Europe, the birth of our child rekindled our adventurous spirit, prompting questions about our lives and careers. Ultimately, we made the bold choice to leave our jobs to pursue a new venture where we could learn a new trade and find more significance in our endeavors.
We envisioned Mombini as the kind of place we wished existed in our neighborhood as new parents—a space that defies traditional shop and café norms, where current and future parents can enjoy a sense of community. Here, children can express themselves freely, and the health and development of families is the core focus. Through Mombini, we connect with diverse individuals from around the world, and each conversation offers a semblance of travel.
Why should people visit Mombini?
Mombini is truly a unique establishment! It features stylish furniture, charming decor, innovative design items, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Our delectable cakes, combined with a playful atmosphere of colors, lighting, and textures, create a delightful environment for both kids and adults. And let’s not forget—our bathrooms are worth a visit too!
What are your aspirations for Mombini?
We are bursting with ideas and dreams for Mombini; creativity flows from unexpected places. It excites us to think that Mombini can transport people through their experiences here. For now, we are focused on gradual growth instead of rushing ahead.
Recommendations for must-haves for parents and children
We aren’t particularly brand loyal; instead, we prioritize the quality and design of individual products. Our global product explorations often reveal common themes in creative processes across different cultures. Currently, we’re enamored with Nordic products, renowned for their durability in both function and style, allowing children the freedom to develop at their own speed.
In fashion accessories, we particularly enjoy geometric patterns and animal motifs.
Any recommendations for parents in Paris?
In Paris, we suggest visiting Mum & Babe in the 11th and 15th arrondissements, where children are well cared for while parents indulge in hairdressing services. We also appreciate places like the Comptoir Général or the 104, where culture, good food, and leisure are shared across generations.
Moreover, we highly recommend a visit to Sardinia, Italy (Elisa’s home), where kids can enjoy the wonders of a crystal-clear turquoise sea and the delightful smells and tastes of the Mediterranean.