For many, running a business and raising a family are two full-time roles that rarely overlap seamlessly. For Kanessa Muluneh, the founder of MULU, they are deeply intertwined. What began as a personal mission to create inclusive fashion has evolved into a global venture – all while she raises three children, embraces homeschooling, and builds a life shaped by intention, flexibility, and long-term vision.
Speaking to Kanessa, she shares more about the woman behind the brand, and how she balances it all.
You’re running your own clothing brand while raising three children. What inspired you to start MULU, and how has motherhood influenced the way you run it?
It started from a very personal place. I used to be plus size and could never find clothes that felt comfortable, stylish, and truly made for my body. So I created a plus-size sportswear brand in Europe, which organically grew into the U.S. market. As the brand expanded, I acquired the manufacturing company in Pakistan that had been producing my collections. Through manufacturing for other brands, I realised many founders were struggling with the exact same challenges, from production to marketing to generating sales. That’s when I decided to focus on MULU Fashion E-Lab, offering a 360-degree approach that supports brands beyond just making the clothes.
Motherhood has completely reshaped how I lead. Today I’m raising three children, and that changes your perspective on time, impact, and legacy. Building something meaningful while being fully there for my children, especially since I’m homeschooling, is the real success story behind everything I do.
Homeschooling is a growing trend. What led you to make the decision, and what were the biggest factors?
Our family life and values didn’t fit a traditional school structure. Our schedule is flexible, entrepreneurial, and international, but the school system left very little room for that. So I designed a learning path that keeps academic responsibility but with much more freedom. The children remain enrolled in an online school, but our “modern learning” approach allows education to happen beyond a fixed timetable.
One of the biggest shifts has been depth. The kids are now learning multiple languages, Russian, Arabic, and Mandarin, while being exposed to different cultures through travel. We’re also teaching them practical skills schools rarely cover: entrepreneurship, negotiation, saving, and investing. For us, homeschooling was about being intentional with our children’s time, influences, and future.
What have been the biggest benefits and challenges?
The biggest sacrifice comes from me as a parent. Homeschooling requires constant presence, planning, and responsibility — there’s no handing things over at the school gate. But the benefits have been incredibly meaningful. My daughter discovered a love for K-pop after we travelled through East Asia and is now dancing and connecting with Korean culture. My son is learning Chinese and recently celebrated Lunar New Year with a genuine understanding of what it means.
Homeschooling has also created space for identity. We are a multicultural family, Dutch and Ethiopian, and this lifestyle allows the children to explore both sides of who they are. Education travels with us, and that freedom combined with real-world growth has been the greatest gift.
How do you ensure your children build friendships and social skills outside the home?
Our children travel often, so they naturally build friendships in different countries and learn to connect with people from many cultures. A few times a week they attend learning hubs with other homeschooled children, and they join after-school programmes and community events too. Social development doesn’t have to mean being in the same room with the same age group for eight hours a day. Homeschooling allows us to respect each child’s personality while still giving them meaningful opportunities to connect and grow.
Your children are launching their own clothing and napkin brands. How did those ideas come about?
The ideas came very naturally. My son has always loved hoodies, so a hoodie line felt obvious. My daughter noticed how plain restaurant napkins often are and wondered why they couldn’t have beautiful designs. My role is to guide the journey, teaching them about product development and how you bring an idea to life. Their father supports the financial side as a loan they must repay — you can’t just spend what you make. We’re planning to sell at a market so they learn to speak to customers and build confidence. It’s about responsibility, creativity, and the value of effort.
Why do you believe financial education is so important at a young age?
Children don’t fully understand financial concepts yet, but they understand wanting things — and that’s exactly why these lessons matter. I want them to connect desire with effort, value, and responsibility. Financial education should go beyond saving — money sitting still loses value, so understanding investing matters too. When my son wants something big, the conversation becomes: first repay what you owe, reinvest in your business, keep a safety buffer, and only then think about spending. If they leave this process with a sense of responsibility and long-term thinking, that foundation will guide them for life.
How do you balance being “mum” and running a business?
The biggest shift was learning to take care of myself first. When I’m well — mentally, emotionally, and physically — I can show up fully for my children and my work. I’ve learned to let go of constant control and accept that some things unfold through experience. I don’t believe in doing everything alone. My husband and I truly support one another, and I’m intentional about the energy of those around me. Protecting that space keeps me focused and present.
What advice would you give to a mum looking to start her own business?
Start by working backwards. Think about the life you want to create, then break it down step by step. A business is built around solving a real need, not our personal feelings. Begin with branding and community before heavy investment. Social media means you can test ideas and grow an audience long before launching a product. Don’t wait for perfect confidence. Building a business doesn’t have to mean a huge global company. It can be something small, meaningful, and fully within your control. Anyone willing to stay focused and take consistent steps can build that for themselves.
