kai conversations with... fortune dushey

as we commence our celebration of women's history month over the coming week (although we wholeheartedly believe women should be celebrated all year long!), we could not be more excited to bring you this week's kai conversation with fortune dushey, the founder of fortune inspired, the uniquely amazing fashion & shopping blog. based in nyc, she is also an exceptionally talented fashion influencer, who has an inspiring and eye-catching instagram feed sharing her exquisite style & beauty expertise and her fabulous life as a wife, mother of three, people lover, and travel lover. fortune describes her own personal style as a mix of "mostly classic, a bit preppy, and a bit edgy," and her fashion blog was created with the aim to inspire the modern woman who appreciates the value of an upscale wardrobe and lifestyle.

fortune very much embodies the kai "breath*life*flow" philosophy, as shown in her blog and instagram posts, and the interview below. we also love that she says that the quickest way you can change a look is with a smile. that optimistic attitude typifies fortune's sunny philosophy of life. while she loves style, she finds that happiness and humor are what really complete a look. we've had the great pleasure of knowing & supporting fortune as a dear friend and longtime kai devotee for several years now, and we highly encourage you to check out her blog and follow her on instagram. you will fall in love with her too! additionally, please stay tuned for a special giveaway collaboration with fortune dushey to be announced soon.

xo,

gaye.

how are you taking care of yourself and your loved ones during this time? are there certain things that are proving to be sources of motivation/ inspiration? if so, please feel free to share.

self-care has been a great source of comfort during this time. i've made it a priority to meditate and journal in the morning, and i most recently began using a sage smudge stick and palo santo to set the mood and create some positive vibes. when i start the morning off with intention and some me time, it truly does set the positive tone for the day. i've also been working out more often and more consistently - it definitely helps to get my ya ya's out! i found that having routine during quarantine gave me comfort as it offered some predictability during these unpredictable times. the way i take care of my loved ones is by being available to them - i.e. lend an ear when someone needs to talk, release whatever anxieties they may be feeling, or just talk about whatever is happening.

how do you embody kai's "breath*life*flow" lifestyle?

a few months ago, i bought an intentions journal which has helped me to be more mindful of the areas in my life i'd like to improve, including more things/experiences that bring me joy, and release what is no longer serving me - a work in progress of course :).

what's the best advice you've ever received?

be gentle with yourself and others.

always try and give the benefit of the doubt.

it's ok to say no and it's ok to change your mind.

surround yourself with people who make you feel good.

your mind and body are the most important things you can invest in and that goes for my kai body cream!

do you have a mantra that you live by?

this is constantly changing depending on where i am in life. today it's "i am good enough."

what's your beauty secret? or must-have beauty product?

my must-have beauty product is kai body lotion. i have gone through more bottles than i can count and purchase them in 3's. that's how addicted i am. i apply it to my body both morning and night and people always ask me what scent i am wearing. it's always kai.

go-to lipstick color?

i haven't purchased lipstick in a while but i was just gifted a red lipstick called Scandal by Valerie Beverly Hills and i'm obsessed.

what color nail polish are you wearing right now?

i am wearing Modern Love by Deborah Lippman.

who is your role model?

i have many role models. my mom, Vivan Dayan, has always been there for me, any time of day and night, and whose family has always been her priority. i am in awe of the way she single-handedly took care of my elderly and ailing grandparents. my aunt Roxanne Assoulin, a successful jewelry designer who is a boss babe. my husband, because he is so kind and never sweats the small stuff. i admire all the health care workers who put their lives at risk to care for others. and anyone with a positive upbeat attitude. i recently asked my doorman how he was and he responded, "life is great because i have my health and my job." the list goes on...

how would you describe your personal style?

i can go in so many different directions. in the winter, i dress more classic and preppy but with an edge. i also happen to be obsessed with western-style - i think cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and lots of denim. in the summer, i am more bohemian. i love wearing pastels, floral prints, and overall, i have more of a feminine, flirty, vibe.

what do you love most about where you live? any secret spots you love to go to?

i live in a peaceful residential area that's a close walk to central park and some of my favorite coffee spots. no secret spots because i love to share everything. i love an iced matcha ginger turmeric latte from Chacha Matcha. Ralph's coffee makes a great chai tea. McNally Jackson is my favorite bookstore. i can spend hours browsing through books. i also love the Westside Boutique for casual clothing. i always feel like i've gone on a day trip to LA when i visit.

describe your perfect day.

wake up to relaxing music

meditate - lately, it's been in the form of Qi Gong

journal

hiking - my favorite activity

an iced coffee with eggs and avocado toast from Sant Ambroeus

lunch with my daughters, mom and sister

a walk around soho or reading a few pages from a current novel

dinner and a glass of wine with my husband while watching The Crown.

favorite date spot?

we don't really do date nights but i love the idea of it. maybe we should haha. some of our favorite neighborhood restaurants are Sant Ambroeus, Fleming, and Le Charlot.

ultimate getaway?

capri and spain in the summer, aspen in the winter.

favorite food?

too many! artichokes prepared any which way, sushi, i love a good ole cheeseboard any day, i love any and all salads except for beets and i always love summer bbq's.

guilty pleasure?

spaghetti al nerano, key lime pie or an apple tart tatin.

kai obsession?

obsessed with the kai body lotion in the original scent and the kai body glow - especially on vacation!

morning person or night owl?

morning person.