Like many entrepreneurs, Nasozi Kakembo‘s creative practice has grown up right alongside her child. When her son, Rafa Kalungi, was only 2-years-old, Nasozi founded xN Studio, an interior design and product design practice she launched in Brooklyn and Kampala. Over the past decade-plus, her business—which celebrates artisans across Uganda, Ghana, and Morocco—has thrived (as has Rafa, now almost 16). Alongside raising a high-schooler (who also dabbles in art direction and photography for his mom’s company), this month Nasozi hit another big milestone, with the launch of The African Decor Edit: Collecting and Decorating with Heritage Objects. Her first-ever book is a testament to the beauty of artisan-made objects as decor, with decorating advice and a collection of profiles of ten layered homes from across the world. Below, the globally minded mama shares her current Mother Essentials of the moment—from beauty faves to Trader Joe’s finds.

Laneige Water Bank Cream Moisturizer. “My face is naturally oily in the summer, and super dry in the winter. This formula somehow strikes the perfect balance to keep me moisturized year round! Plus, it’s carry-on friendly and smells divine.” Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisturizer, $38, Amazon.

Travel Jewelry Organizer. “I usually end up wearing the same pieces once I get there, but I still have to have them all with me!” Blutete Travel Jewelry Organizer, $8.95, Amazon.

Pichulik Lua Earrings. “My favorite earrings! I love these earrings because I can dress them up for a book event, and down for parent teacher conferences. They’re appropriate for all of the hats I wear during the course of a normal day in my life.” Pichulik Lua Earrings, $165, Industrie Africa.

Daily Perfumes. “Earthy fragrances are my signature (occasionally with a note of floral), and I spritz a little on, even when working from home all day. It’s a wellness hack for me. Autumn Vibes by Maison Margeila is in regular rotation, and I love anything from the Deep & Woodsy discovery set at Marché Rue Dix.” Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA’ Autumn Vibes, $165, Sephora. Deep & Woodsy Eau De Parfum Discovery Pack, $38, Marché.

Teva Original Universal Sandal. “A summer footwear essential. I have these in so many colors. And I’ve been known to wear them with socks—ha!” Women’s Original Universal, $55, Teva.

Amtrak Quiet Car. “I can be on the train from DC to NYC as early as 5:30 a.m. if I have a 9 a.m. appointment, so making sure I can get some extra zzz’s on the way up is totally necessary.” Amtrak.com

Calpa Luka Duffel + Laptop Backpack. “With so many intuitive compartments, the Luka Duffel is the perfect weekender or personal item for air travel. Another Calpak favorite is the Luka laptop backpack, which I have in a fun rose gold.” Luka Duffel in Matte Black, $128, Calpak. Luka 15 inch Laptop Backpack in Rose Gold, $115, Calpak.

My Parents! “They’re basically my co-parents during the school year, and help get my son to and from school when I travel for work. They live relatively close by, and have been very hands-on since I moved back to the DC area in 2017.”

Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Oatmilk Creamer. “The purist in me was initially skeptical about this flavor, but as soon as I tried this seasonal option, it felt like the holidays. It’s a fun way to start my day and switch up my ordinary coffee routine (while it lasts).” Non-Dairy Cinnamon Bun Oat Creamer, $1.99, Trader Joe’s.

The African Decor Edit. “My book! I actually still need to carry this with me everywhere because it is a constant reminder that I can do the hard things, and I need those reminders throughout the day! It’s the author-mom version of having a picture of your child or loved ones in your wallet. Except it’s a book, so not a wallet or a child (in the traditional sense). Haha.” The African Decor Edit: Collecting and Decorating with Heritage Objects, $41.85, Bookshop and Amazon.

Clare V. Midi Sac. “Made from quality leather, and discrete enough to stay out of the way. Also it has just enough smart storage for items I need on hand, like my phone and rose water spray.” Midi Sac, $375, Clare V.

Rose Water Spray. “Another Trader Joe’s favorite. A quick wellness hack, especially during humid summers on the East Coast.” Rose Water Facial Toner, $3.99, Trader Joe’s.

Root Refresh Spray. “This spray is great for my locs between workouts and washdays.” Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse Dry Shampoo Alternative, $31, Target.

Hobonichi Daily Planner. “I’m a hand-written notes kind of gal, and still need to write down my to-do list for each day (and proudly check them off when I complete them—sometimes a few days or weeks later)! This is compact but organized in a way that matches my planning style.” Hobonichi Techo 2025 Original Book, $39.98, Amazon.

My New Candle. “I’ve already declared my love for constant fragrances on or around me, and I just designed my first candle to share with the world. There are the oud notes of course, but also eucalyptus, which has calming properties and the eucalyptus tree is also native to Uganda, so it reminds me of my home there as well.” Kampala Soy Candle, $42, XN Studio.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on author/illustrator Bo Lu, artist Suzy Ultman, Super Smalls founder Maria Duenas Jacob, Lanee Slaughter of MAMA & OG, the mamas behind MAJO IDEAS, HAWKS founder Emma Flanders, celebrity hairstylist Kylee Heath, APRIL SHOWERS of Afro Unicorn, crafty mamas ERIN BOYLE AND ROSE PEARLMAN, writers CLEO WADE and ALEX ELLE, comedian JENNY SLATE, poet MAGGIE SMITH, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream co-founder LAURA O’NEILL, author and doula BRANDI SELLERZ-JACKSON, designer CLARE VIVIER, Miles & Milan founder SHENNEL FULLER, GRACE NA of Pistola, and the designers behind MILK TEETH.