Shahidah Zareef seems like one of those women that you want in your corner. Whether it’s style advice, parenting wisdom, or just a balanced and confident presence, Shah—as she’s known to her friends (and fans on Instagram)—brings it. The Oakland mama runs the lifestyle apparel brand and community BOSSMOM Nation, which she launched in 2015 alongside her best friend from preschool, Aliyah, with the goal of uniting and supporting fellow BOSSMOMS everywhere. In addition to heading up her own company, she homeschools her four kids—Saniyah, 10, Khayri, 8, Aziz, 3, and Nasir, 18 months. The juggle is real. Check out her 13 current “Mother Essentials” below.

Maracuja Milk for Curls. “I use this product on my daughter’s hair as a light weight conditioner, it’s not too heavy and it leaves my daughter’s hair super soft, no extra detangling product necessary! That’s a plus!” Maracuja Milk for Kinks, Curls, and Coils, $20, Beija Flor Naturals.

Classic Nike Cortez. “I keep a fresh pair of Nike’s while running this Motherhood Marathon. You can never go wrong with the classic Cortez, dress them up or down!” Classic Nike Cortez, $66.91, Amazon.

Trader Joe’s Loose Leaf Green Tea Blend. “This tea gives me life with every sip. I drink about 3 cups daily. Morning, noon, and night! Green tea is my favorite and the extra kick of ginger in this blend makes it even better.” Trader Joe’s Loose Leaf Green Tea Blend, $6.99, Amazon.

BOSSMOM Tee. “The Classic BOSSMOM tee is my favorite way to not only represent my brand but also represent the most important title I will ever hold. Similar to Superman with the S on his chest, we as mothers are changing and contributing to the world on a daily basis by raising good humans.” BOSSMOM Tee, $32.99, BOSSMOM Nation.

hey, girl Podcast. “Created by Alex Elle with sisterhood in mind. I usually listen to this podcast in my car. I never get tired of listening to other women share their stories and Alex always has such amazing women on her show. I love that most of the women are real friends of hers and you can always feel the real sisterhood in each episode.” iTunes.

Mentha Lip Tint. “It just feels oh so good! The minty scent feels like a breath and lip refresher all in one! I keep one in my purse and one in my car.” C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint, $32.99 (3-pack), Amazon.

Growing in Gratitude Journal. “I purchased this journal specifically for my daughter and I to complete together. It’s been such a nice way for her and I to creatively express our gratitude daily. It makes my heart smile.” Growing in Gratitude: 150 Days of Gratitude Journal, $24.99, Amazon.

Own Your Glow by Latham Thomas. “I was introduced to this gem when I attended In Good Company’s first conference. I was pregnant with my fourth child and really needed to tap into the Queen within. That was over a year ago and this book is still a go-to of mine.” Own Your Glow: A Soulful Guide to Luminous Living and Crowning the Queen Within, $16.99, Amazon.

Taylor Jay Wrap Skirt. “If it’s not jeans and a tee shirt with sneakers, you can find me in a piece from Taylor Jay Collection. The wrap skirt is my all-time favorite, it’s one of those closet staples that can be worn summer, spring, and fall. You can wear it wrapped as a dress too!” Taylor Jay Wrap Skirt, $110, Taylor Jay. 

Bullet Journal Method. “I’ve always used journaling as a way to release my thoughts. Bullet journaling is new for me, and it’s changing my life one page at a time. The Bullet Journal Method will help you accomplish more by working on less. It helps you identify and focus on what is meaningful by stripping away what’s meaningless.” The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future, $17.10, Amazon.

Food Heaven Made Easy. “Your online resource for living deliciously and nutritiously! I discovered these ladies on Instagram and have been obsessed ever since. I have 3 to 4 opportunities per day to nourish my family, to fuel their bodies, and feed their soul. Food Heaven has definitely become one of my go-to’s when looking for something new to try.” Food Heaven Made Easy. 

In the Early Hours: Reflections on Spiritual and Self Development by Khurram Murad. “I was born and raised Muslim. Studying Islam is an ongoing practice and I love choosing books that I can share with my children to enlighten them about this beautiful religion. This book is a part of my morning ritual routine.” In The Early Hours: Reflections on Spiritual and Self Development, $8.50, Amazon. 

A Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer & Jessie Wise. “This guide to a classical education at home is one of my main resources as a homeschooling mother. The book organizes learning around the maturing capacity of the child’s mind. It’s broken up into three stages, from preschool to high school. Each year I learn something new to incorporate into my children’s learning lifestyle—this book has helped me tremendously.” The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home, $26.40, Amazon.

For more on Shahidah and BOSSMOM Nation, check out her Instagram feed! And for more Mother Essentials, peep our past columns with artist Kindah Khalidy, jewelry designers Lauren Godfrey and Maggie Gavigan Smith, Oakland retail queen Sherri McMullen, PR pro Priscilla Vega, Courtney Klein of Storq, Joanne Encarnacion, LaTonya Yvette, Morgan Walker of Make.do, Jeanne Chan of Harlow & Grey, and more.