Being a grandparent is one of the chief inspirations in Stephanie Allain‘s life right now. And it was the birth of her first grandaughter that inspired her to dip her toes into kid-lit for the very first time with Who’s In Charge?, which she co-created with her best friend, Jenny Klion. Vibrantly illustrated by Marissa Valdez, the book is an anthem for body autonomy and choice. “Who’s in charge of your nose? You are! Who’s in charge or your toes? You are!” And on and on it goes.

Using her own voice has been paramount in Allain’s award-winning career as a film producer and activist. Her company, Homegrown Pictures, includes culture-shaping projects such as Hustle & Flow, Dear White People, and her latest effort, Titus Kaphar’s Exhibiting Forgiveness.

Alongside her films, the Los Angeles-based talent also served as Director of the L.A. Film Festival and was the first to report on its percentages of films directed by women and people of color. In 2020, she became the first African American woman to produce the Academy Awards, for which she was Emmy-nominated. Two years later, she became the first woman of color elected President of the Producers Guild of America.

Below, she shares her (Grand)Mother Essentials list of must-haves for herself and the little lights of her life—Kaila (4) and Reyla (2).

Melissa & Doug Easels. “Nothing is more fun than painting with my granddaughters, so I turned my office into an art studio. They each have their own easels and brushes. After we paint, we hang our creations!” Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Art Easel, $73, Amazon.

Gardening. “I love to grow vegetables with my granddaughters. We plant, water, pick, wash, and eat.”

Who’s in Charge? “Inspired by my first granddaughter, I wrote this book with my best friend, Jenny Klion, so kids of all ages can understand they have agency over their own bodies, voices, and choices.” Who’s In Charge?, $16.73, Bookshop and Amazon.

The Carrot Seed. “This classic never gets old. Believe in your gut. Believe in your dreams and take steps to make it happen.” The Carrot Seed: 75th Anniversary, $9.29, Bookshop and Amazon.

Stoie’s International Musical Instruments. “Papa Stephen and I love to make music with the girls! We have a piano and drums in the living room, and Kiala and Reyla join in with their instruments. Hours of fun!” Stoie’s International Musical Instruments, $34.99, Amazon.

OSEA Oils. “I can’t live without these oils! They keep my skin soft and moisturized, especially in the L.A. heat.” Undaria Algae Body Oil, $52, OSEA. Vagus Nerve Bath Oil, $48, OSEA.

So Cozy Leave-in Conditioner. “My daughter-in-law discovered this for my granddaughters’ hair and I’ve started using it for myself. It’s so good! The smell is super fresh.” So Cozy Leave-In Conditioner Spray, $8.49, Amazon.

Goodpop Popsicles. “Summer days at Nana’s house are the best. We swim all day and love these popsicles for our refreshing snack.” GoodPop Watermelon Agave Frozen Pops, $5.49, Amazon.

Fryman Canyon. “Morning hikes with my hubby are the perfect way to start my day.”

Hasten’s Bed. “Sleep is a priority. I discovered the benefits of sleeping on a Hastens bed 25 years ago and am a devotee. Made from all natural fabrics, it’s the epitome of comfort.” Hastens.com.

Merrithew Pilates Reformer. “As a former dancer, my reformer is essential. I have a Merrithew brand, which is meant for professionals.” Merrithew V2 Max Reformer, $4,603.15, Amazon. Merrithew.com.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on 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.