Mother of three and founder of high energy activewear line Terez, ZARA TEREZ TISCH brings her boundless creativity and glass-halffull mentality to every aspect of her life, from her rainbow-colored office to raising her kids.

photography by

MICHELLE ROSE

MINI | Thank you so much for inviting us into your NYC offices! Tell us about the place! How would you describe the office or what did you envision for the space?

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | I grew up in a home where my parents always wanted to bring everyone together. I would always be the friend that “hosted.” When we create experiences, especially the place we call home, we want to make it just that— an environment filled with warmth, fun, and good energy. A place where we can be ourselves, do what we love, and make memories.

MINI | What are some of your favorite elements in the office?

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | Probably our vintage Pac-Man machine that does not work. It did work at some point, but doesn’t anymore; I still love it. I love fun pieces of furniture and art. We have a stool that’s completely made out of sprinkles. Yes, you read that right.

MINI | We are huge fans of Terez! Can you tell us how the brand came to be?

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | Terez (my middle name: a combination of both my grandmothers’ names) embodies love, freedom of expression, female empowerment, inclusivity, and positivity (really a lot of things, huh?). I started the brand out of my parents basement in 2008. I was in a dark place in my life, as so many can relate to, and wanted to create something, anything, that made me feel good and in turn, other people. In 2012, we launched our galaxy-printed leggings and they truly took off— like stories you only read about. It was very special. The brand has continued to be a source of good and an outlet for creativity for anyone who wears it.

MINI | How has Terez evolved since you started the brand and where do you hope to see it go?

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | It’s hard to believe that we’ve only gotten louder since the brand began. When I began, I was making leather handbags with fun interiors. Essentially, hiding my truest self inside. Once I took the linings out and created not just a pair of leggings, but an entire world filled with color, it continued to explode from there. The brand has evolved over the years— collections have reflected trends. For example, our spring collection is filled with pastel prints and bold colors, but we always wanted Terez to be a space for positivity and brand that celebrates the joy in life.

MINI | What has been your proudest career moment to date?

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | Honestly, when I am walking down the street or somewhere that I am not expecting to see someone wearing Terez and then I do, it doesn’t get better than that. The fact that our customers have millions of choices to choose from and they choose to purchase from us is very humbling; it’s a feeling that never gets old. Something exciting right now is our partnership with Dillard’s. I’m so proud to be expanding nationwide and I hope the brand continues to be a source of light and positivity for anyone and everyone as we expand into Dillard’s and grow our customer base across the country.

MINI | What has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned in business thus far?

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | In our business, learn your margins.

ZARA ON THE CLOCK

KIDS BOOK

Remarkably You by Pat Zietlow Miller ($12; amazon.com)

KIDS MOVIE “Hook.”

IN MY FRIDGE “Ice cream.”

IF I HAD MORE TIME “I would sleep.”

KIDS SHOPS “Malawi Clothing NYC and Terez.”

ON MY NIGHTSTAND “My remote, photos of my family, and at night, Belly Comfort Tea.”

NOW PLAYING “Lauryn Hill and Sublime.”

DATE NIGHT “Omakase sushi at Ito Tribeca.”

MINI | Let’s talk parenting! As a mom of three, how was your transition going from a mom of one to two? Was it easier or harder than going from 0 to 1, 1 to 2, or 2 to 3?

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | This question makes me laugh. They are all INSANE. You are literally birthing a human being and then responsible for keeping it safe for the rest of your life. But, in all seriousness, having children is the coolest thing in the world. Having three can sometimes be challenging, as you only have two hands and arms. MINI | What advice would you give to moms about to have their second baby?

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | One is absolutely wonderful. Two is spectacular. Your heart grows with each child.

MINI | Can you tell us how you decided on your children’s names?

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | Elle Jay, our oldest daughter, was named after both my and [my husband] David’s grandfathers. We wanted a name that started with the letter “L” for Larry and the letter “J” for Joseph. David then brilliantly suggested we just spell out the two letters and created “Elle Jay.” Ty Jonah, our son, is named after my mother who passed away when I was pregnant with him. Her name was Justine, and her nickname was Tina. That is where Ty came from. His middle name, Jonah, is after a very good, heroic friend of mine that passed away right after high school. Our little one, Billie Justine, is named after both David’s grandmother Billie and my mother, Justine. All strong, beautiful people who have made true impacts on our lives.

MINI | What is your go-to outfit right now? What will you be living in this spring?

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | For me, sports bras are not just for sports! I live in our sports bras and have been pairing them with our new rib skirt. It’s the perfect outfit to run around in this spring. Throw on a pair of jelly sandals and you’re good to go!

MINI | We’d love to get your take— What do you think about the idea of “having it all?”

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | I think being grateful for what you do have, especially your health and your family. Those will always be the things that ultimately matter.

MINI | What do you love and look forward to about raising your kids in NYC?

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | I never thought I was going to raise children in NYC. I didn’t think I wanted to. I didn’t grow up here, but it’s wonderful and we are so fortunate for the opportunity to be able to raise our family in New York City. There’s never a dull moment in this city. It makes growing up all the more fun and exciting. We can still escape to quieter places, but my kids adore the noise and craziness. I think they get it from me!

MINI | Let’s wrap it up! Ultimately, what has surprised you most about motherhood?

ZARA TEREZ TISCH | That it’s actually the greatest thing in the world.