Living a creative, colorful, and textured life has always been the goal of Katharine Petersen. The Oakland-based founder of kids fashion label Baby Cats of California is a Texas native who first came to the Bay Area to study textile design at California College of the Arts (where she met her eventual husband). After falling in love with printing on fabric at school, she went on to earn a master’s in Textile Science (in Philly) and work as a textile designer for companies both big and small. Then came motherhood.

“After my son was born, I noticed there was a lack of colorful, fun, gender-neutral clothing for kids, so I created Baby Cats of California,” the mother of two (Mac, 11, and Birdie, 9) explains. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to create prints inspired by my children, my family, and the vibrant community that has shaped me as an artist and designer.”

The playful brand includes tops, socks, stickers, patches, and caps all embellished with—what else?—cats! Cats peeking out from potted plants, nibbling on strawberries, in the shape of popsicles, with trippy mushrooms on their heads, and more.

Below, the mind behind Baby Cats shares her Mother Essentials list for living a creative, colorful life—including her favorite snacks, beauty must-haves, workout routine, play things for her kiddos, and much more!

Baby Cats of California. “This is my brand and, of course, I love it all! But I am obsessed with this hat at the moment. It looks so good on both kids and adults. I never was a ball cap person until I started to design these.” Cherry Cat Corduroy Hat, $38, Baby Cats of California.

Nooworks. “I love this company and Jen the owner is super cool. I got to make a print with them just recently and I am so happy I did!” Heatwave Print, $64 and up, Nooworks.

Hydrating Serum from Nurse Karen. “My sister is an esthetician/nurse in Austin and makes this incredible product that works and smells good too! I use it everyday.” Hydrating Ceramide and Rose Primer, $16, Nurse Karen.

Spalding Basketball in Marble. “My son is into basketball and I got him this marbled one. He loves it and it’s easy to find when he takes it to school.” Spalding Marble Basketball, $25, Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Hookey Book Series. “This is one of the books that got my daughter into reading. It’s a graphic novel and she will read now for a long time.” Hooky Volume 1, $7.29, Thrift Books.

Tandem Pilates. “My friend Jane Virga started a pilates studio in Oakland. It’s beautiful and I get good workouts.” Tandempilates.com

West Coast Craft. “I vend Baby Cats of California at this craft show, but also find time to sneak away and do some shopping. You will find some of the best of the best at West Coast Craft. I look forward to it every time!” Westcoastcraft.com

Hard Broom Incense. “I found her at Renegade Craft a few years ago and whenever I am in Chicago, I buy 4 boxes at least of her incense. I love the Lovers Blend.” The Lovers Blend, $24, Hard Broom.

Date Better. “I love a sweet treat and this company does it all for me! I suggest you try them all, but I love the hazelnut praline the best.” Hazelnut Praline Box 6-Pack, $36, Date Better.

Berkeley Bowl West. “Yes it’s a grocery store, but it makes me so happy to go there. The fruit selection is ridiculous and during stone fruit season, I go there a few times a week.” Berkeleybowl.com

Tantrum SF. “It’s a wonderful kids toy store filled with so many awesome items for kids and adults to love! I sell Baby Cats there, but always come out of the store with something for my kids or a friend.” ShopTantrum.com

Timeless Coffee. “Here I go with more sweets, but the peppermint patties are so good here! My kids love the bread items too!” Timelesscoffee.com

Heaven on Main Street Lipstick. “Try the shade Call Me Crazy. It looks good on EVERYONE! I swear. It’s a perfect shade of red and I wear it all the time.” Call Me Crazy Lipstick, $27, Heaven on Main Street.

Deanna Gibbons Millinery. “I used to work for Deanna years ago, but now I just work with her to make crazy hats. She has classes where you can learn how to block hats. We always have fun and what is better than a custom hat?” Deannagibbons.com

Crayon Fawn. “My daughter also loves these hats. Super cute and made in LA, they are fashionable and makes an outfit pop.” @Crayonfawn

Lacis. “My go-to place for all things textiles related. I am a textile designer and Lacis has so many supplies like books, needles, embroidery floss, and so much more. I find so much inspiration here.” Lacis.com

Maisey Broom of Myfawnwy. “I can’t get enough of her brand and want it all! She is so inspiring with her colors and motifs. I did a workshop with her last year and fell more in love with marbling.” Myfawnwy.com

WaterSandStone. “I own a few pieces from WaterSandStone and wear them everyday. She and I went to school together and I love her quirky jewelry. Of course, I have the cat ring!” Freyja Ring, $175, WaterSandStone.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features with Salad for President founder Julia Sherman, with Cary Vaughn and Jenna Wilson of Ace & Jig, Our Place co-founder Shiza Shahid, Bumo founder Joan Nguyen, art world multi-hyphenate Dominque Clayton, food star Jing Gao of Fly by Jing, Sarah Fritsch of Studio Tigress, artist Lena Corwin, Hello!Lucky’s sister duo, doula and author Latham Thomas, Carla Wingett of Idlewild Floral, Andrea Faulkner Williams of Tubby Todd, Hana Getachew of Bole Road Textiles, artist & author Carissa Potter Carlson, actress & activist Hilary Swank, the co-founders of Hearth Display, author and organizer Aida Mariam Davis, design consultant Joyce Lee, self-care advocate Rachel Garahan, and DJ and director Va$htie Kola.