Your kids will look so much cooler on the beach thanks to this mom
If you live in California, especially the southern, sandy side of the state, you have no doubt seen childhood joy on repeat, jumping in and out of waves in the raddest little retro swimwear. That would be thanks to Julia Wheeler of Seaesta Surf, a mom who wanted a better fit, more sustainable and higher quality materials than anything else on the market for her kids. Well, she nailed it, along with raising two, really awesome little groms with her husband, and of course a beautiful home that blends mid-century modern vibes with a love for art, music, custom built furniture (compliments of her equally talented husband) and a whole lotta surf-eat-nap. She’s cool, but not too cool to chat with us or anyone else about how cool she really is. Though she would never admit that, we’ll admit iT for her and let you just see for yourself!
Meet Golden Girl // Julia Wheeler
photography by Sarah Parmer
You are a powerhouse—running your own digital marketing consultancy and growing every mom’s favorite boardshort & swimwear brand, Seaesta Surf— all in the midst of motherhood. Now that your kids are a wee bit older (your son, Gram is 9 and Daughter, Lizzy, 6.5), do you find it any easier striking a balance between work and family life?
The working mom juggle is so tough – I always feel torn between wanting to be fully present for my kids but also needing to finish up work tasks. Now that they are both in school, it has really helped my sanity to have some dedicated time to separate work and motherhood. However, post-school schedules are pretty wild and I definitely succumb to the screentime requests and late night work hours to finish work! I try to just embrace the chaos and remind myself that this time with them is fleeting.
We really are obsessed with Seaesta Surf! Can you tell us how your company has evolved? And what about your brand makes you the most proud?
Ahh thank you! It has been such a fun project to work on. I started the brand in 2016 when my son was a tiny toddler and NOTHING fit him and all the shorts I found were hideous, baggy, and covered in bright characters. Once I had my daughter, we added some full-coverage swimwear for girls and have continued to expand the brand to offer swimwear for a wide range of ages. One of the things I’ve always focused on is our artist collaborations, which is one of my favorite things to work on. I love to meet artists from different backgrounds who can interpret the brand in their own unique way. The other thing I’m so proud of is seeing our swimwear handed down – I still see photos of kids wearing boardshorts from our very first collection! I’m proud of the quality and timeless designs and love to see families grow with the brand.
We believe motherhood breeds creativity. The challenge is finding the time (and energy!) to tap into it. Any tips on how you found, and continue to find that space? In particular during those early days when sleep was slim and days chasing active toddlers left you exhausted?
Oof this is a tough one haha! The toddler days are so exhausting and it feels like such a fight to get time for yourself. I think the best cure for that is getting outside with the kids, finding a new adventure, and if you live near the beach, go there! The beach is the best babysitter. If you can get your kids playing in the sand, you can hopefully find a few moments of peace to daydream. The other way I find creative space is to put some good music on in my airpods and get outside for a walk. If I can steal some solo time away, I love a trip to the thrift store or flea market.
Are there any daily rituals or moments with your children that you are savoring?
To be brutally honest, I love when my kids leave for school for the day! Ha! My husband takes them to school so we work together to get everyone out the door, which is always chaotic. Once everyone is gone, I can sit and drink some coffee in silence and then take my dog for a walk. That’s when my introverted side gets to recharge. Then when they’re home, I love to have some time to unwind with them after school and make them a snack before we rush off to sports practices.
What’s the trickiest part about the stage you’re in?
I definitely find that the older they get, the more presence I need to have with them. They’re both pretty sensitive kids and when they have a chance to talk about their days and their challenges, I need to make sure I can set everything aside to listen to them. When they were babies or toddlers, their needs were pretty simple but the older they get, the more complex and quiet their needs are so I’m working hard to make sure I can be super present for them.
How would you describe your parenting approach? Is there a compass you look to for guidance?
I do my best to stick with gentle parenting but that doesn’t always pan out!! I’m really grateful to have a handful of friends who are incredible parents and have been great guides for me. I wish I had a more concrete answer but I honestly think what works best for me is parenting from my gut – staying really connected with my kids, knowing them well, and always working on finding better ways to navigate their needs if something doesn’t seem to be working.
Your kids go to an alternative school—a more flexible program than traditional school and definitely not your typical education structure. Why did you choose this route for your kids? Do you love it?
Yes, we love it! They don’t have homework and learn in a project-based learning environment with a focus on social emotional learning as well. The school has helped them learn to advocate for themselves in the classroom, build confidence through group presentations, and be an engaged student. I also love that since they don’t have homework (even into middle school) they aren’t overly exhausted and can play sports and rest after school without being overwhelmed.
What type of outings or activities do you do as a family that sparks the most joy for you and for your kids?
We love a fun, quick weekend getaway – Pismo Beach, Palm Springs or Santa Barbara are fun, easy trips for us. We love a day at San O or an evening beach mission with burritos for dinner and bathtime courtesy of the beach showers. We also love taking our kids to this local used record shop by our house. They both have old school CD/tape players so we can keep things low-tech but still let them experience the freedom and joy of music.
Mom wardrobe: Is there a particular mom uniform you swear by? What other pieces do you find yourself always grabbing in your closet?
Well I work from home so I’m usually wearing the Princess Diana bike shorts and a sweatshirt combo. If I have to wear real clothes, it’s usually going to be vintage Levi’s, a t-shirt and adidas. I wish I had a more exciting answer but almost 10 years of motherhood and working from home has not kept me adventurous style-wise!
What is your interior style? How has decorating your home evolved as your children have grown?
Our house was built in 1959 and is a ranch style house so we try to keep things pretty classic to fit that vibe. My husband is a woodworker so he has done some really beautiful custom furniture for our house. We would always prefer to go the route of purchasing quality, heirloom items over anything that feels like a fast trend. Because of this, our furniture has mostly stood up pretty well to kids! Aside from picking macaroni noodles out of our vintage living room rug and constantly wiping finger prints off of our white walls, I don’t have too many complaints!
Top memory in your home that instantly makes you smile?
Backyard movie & s’mores nights with kids and friends. Feels like the magic of childhood perfectly summed up.
Best family vacation you’ve been on?
We went to New York for a family wedding last year and it was so fun to experience the city with kids – FAO Schwarz and a slice of pizza with kids was pretty magical.
Favorite snacks you are packing on your beach adventures?
We love a taco shop run before or after the beach! Our tried and true snacks are tangerines, popcorn, and salt and vinegar chips. Definitely a run to Mister Frostie to beat the heat after. https://www.mrfrostiespb.com/
5 things you’re loving in your home right now
CASPER PILLOWS | Boring but practical, my husband and I had the HARDEST time finding pillows that were soft but firm and these are perfect.
CERAMICS | From A Question of Eagles, forever and get so many compliments on my cruet from them.
MOVIE PROJECTOR | This Epson is the best!
SONOS SPEAKER | Portable Sonos speaker for the yard or to move around the house.
EAMES HANG IT ALL | This hook solution has been hanging on our wall for 10+ years and is timeless.
SHOP JULIA
