At Légoe Heritage, we love championing purpose-led brands who, like us, are redefining the experience of modern motherhood. That’s why we were thrilled to sit down with the founder of Portier, Lia Dimingo, a longtime friend of the L/H community. With a thoughtful approach to both business and parenting, she’s someone who shares our belief that motherhood deserves to feel elevated, empowered and entirely your own. In this Q&A, she opens up about holding onto your sense of self, building a brand with babies at your feet, and finding clarity in the chaos. Enjoy!
What does "holding onto yourself" mean to you in the context of motherhood?
To me, it means staying true to myself. The parts of me that existed before becoming a mother, and the parts that continue to evolve alongside it. Motherhood shifts your identity in so many ways, but I think it’s important to stay true in what makes you feel like you. The things you love, the things that inspire you, and what matters to you outside of your role as a parent. It’s about not losing sight of the woman you are.
What parts of your pre-motherhood identity have stayed with you and what's evolved in surprising ways?
There’s no doubt my priorities have shifted, and my time looks very different now. But certain parts of me are non-negotiable, like staying connected with friends. I’m a social person, and while I don’t catch up over dinner as often as I used to, I still make time for it because it matters to me.
Fashion has also always been a part of who I am. Even now, taking 15 minutes in the morning to throw together an effortless outfit, swipe on some tinted moisturiser, bronzer, and mascara - it sets the tone for my day. That small routine helps me feel like myself. What’s evolved is how efficient I’ve become. I don’t have hours, but I don’t need them. I know what works for me, and I get on with it.
Starting a business while raising small children is no small feat, what pushed you to go for it?
It was a mix of timing and instinct. I was on maternity leave at the start of COVID, stuck at home in lockdown like so many others. The idea came from a personal need, I couldn’t find what I was looking for and I saw a clear gap in the market. So, I started. I didn’t overthink it. I began product development and sampling from home, in between naps and feeds. It felt like the right moment to just go for it.
How do you balance the need to be present for your family with the demands of running a business?
I think the idea of balance is unrealistic, it’s almost always out of balance. For me, it’s about knowing what’s important and making sure those things aren’t compromised. Everything else can move around that.
For example, I love doing school drop-off. I get the kids ready, we have breakfast together, and I walk them in, that’s something I really value, so I protect that time. There are days I can’t do pick-up, and that’s fine. It’s all push and pull. I’ve stopped chasing perfect balance and started focusing on clear priorities. That’s what keeps things steady, even when they’re a bit chaotic.
What would you tell the version of yourself who was just entering motherhood?
Throw out the timers - for feeding, for naps, for everything. It’s not a performance, and there’s no perfect schedule. Just relax, trust yourself, and roll with it. Babies aren’t robots, and trying to control every moment only adds pressure. The sooner you let go of the rules, the more confident and calm you’ll feel.
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