The Art Of Gifting: with Haamacha Ngandu

As the founder of fashion boutique turned life-coaching platform Theory of Gaia, Haamacha Ngandu knows more than most about life’s tangible and intangible gifts. Having swapped the sidewalks of New York for the tram-lined cobbles of Milano, the fashion-industry stalwart and mother of two shares the art of gifting with us this Mother’s Day.​​

Valextra: Ciao Haamacha. Happy Mother’s Day! We’d love to ask you about the art of gifting. When you think of the word gift, what does it mean to you?


Haamacha Ngandu: The first thing that comes to mind is life. The pandemic really shifted how I wanted to show up in the world. I wake up every morning with gratitude for the present. To be able to raise my children, live in Milano and aspire to create joy in our lives is a gift.


V: We’re happy you’re here! So, as a mother of two, what would you say are the greatest gifts – tangible and intangible – that your children have given you?

 

HN: The greatest tangible gift would be them, their physical beings and their amazing hugs. I get to see them grow physically, watch them do gymnastics and dance. They are such great dancers, it’s such a joy to watch. Intangible would have to be the inspiration and motivation they give me. As the same sex parent, I see how influential I am to them. They learn a lot by observing the choices I make, so I’m very aware of this influence and do my best to be a great role model as a woman.


V: Let’s turn the question around: what are the greatest gifts – tangible and intangible – that you think you have given to your children?

 

HN: On the tangible side, I'm not a "shopper", but I do save for items such as art, jewellery or accessories that the girls will inherit, things that they can appreciate because their mother curated it not only for the present but also the future and items that they can see, touch

and feel that remind them of me. Intangible would have to be the ability to travel and experience other cultures.

 

V: Now to you! What is the greatest gift you have given to yourself?

 

HN: An item would be a vintage Rolex watch when my eldest was born. But also the ability to invest in myself, with a course, a seminar or a motivational talk. I'm a seeker of knowledge, always wanting to grow in all aspects of my life.


V: Is there anything that you could never give away?


HN: Yes, those curated Items that I invest in that will be passed to my girls.

 

V: Is there anything that you own that you would love to give your children in the future?


HN: I collect vintage pill boxes and when my children lose teeth I store them in there. I plan to show them when they no longer believe in the tooth fairy.

 

V: As we know, gifts don’t always come gift-wrapped but via wise words – what has been the best piece of advice you have been given and why did it resonate so much?

 

HN: To be self-aware of who I am in order to not compromise my values. This resonates because I strive to be my best self in all aspects of my life and doing so with my values is something that makes me proud when I go to bed.


V: What advice do you hope to give to your children that will help steer them positively through life?


HN: To be unwavering in their values. Never compromise on the morals we live by in our household. To have respect for themselves, for others, and to be grateful for the life they were born into.


V: And finally, as a new Milanese resident, where are your go-to to buy gifts?

 

HN: Flowers for my friends from Clori - I really enjoy gifting flowers to my friends with a note stating why I appreciate them on random days. Flying tiger for creative projects that my kids and I do together. Eataly for when I travel and bring gifts to visit family and friends abroad. And an assortment of Italian delicacies is always appreciated.