Live Like a Heroine with Lela Becker
As the co-founder of MOTHER Denim, Lela Becker has transformed a denim label into one of fashion's most recognizable cultural voices. Known for its playful spirit, irreverent attitude and unwavering authenticity, MOTHER has become a brand that people wear and identify with. For this new edition of Live Like a Heroine, Lela shares the rituals, places and philosophies that shape her daily life, from her deep connection to the ocean and nature to the creative energy of Los Angeles, the importance of intuition, and why authenticity remains the most powerful foundation for building anything meaningful.
What changed in you when you created MOTHER?
Creating MOTHER changed how I think about brands. I stopped thinking about making products and started thinking about building a world people wanted to belong to. We weren’t just selling denim, we were creating a point of view. Once we committed to being authentic instead of trying to appeal to everyone, everything else became clearer: the product, the marketing and the culture.
What are you obsessed with right now?
I’ve always been obsessed with the sea; it brings me a real sense of joy and calmness. My first business was actually a multi-brand showroom called Sea. Being close to nature is super important to me too. My house in Los Angeles has this little grove of redwood trees, which is unusual for Southern California.
What wellness or physical habit genuinely transformed your energy, yet people still tend to underestimate?
I am obsessed with listening to my intuition and gut. For me, that is what affects my energy and wellbeing the most.
What is your non-negotiable ritual today?
Taking time to rest and to swim in the sea.
The supplement or ingredient you absolutely can’t live without?
Ingredients: garlic, olive oil and tomatoes. Supplement: psyllium seed husk.
“Once we committed to being authentic instead of trying to appeal to everyone, everything else became clearer”
What’s your most effective low-effort, high-impact habit over the long term?
Being with friends and family, eating delicious food and enjoying drinks together.
Where do you truly reconnect and reset?
My home, always. And Hanalei, Kauai, in Hawaii. That place is magic.
What is your current beauty and wellness destination obsession?
I would say I am more obsessed with fashion than a wellness destination, and my destination obsession doesn’t really change, it’s always Paris.
Is there a place you return to again and again?
Once I find a spot I like, I go forever and over and over again.
Hotels: Raya Hotel Panarea, Ritz Paris, Greenwich Hotel NYC.
Restaurants: Giorgio Baldi and RVR.
Place: Hanalei, Kauai.
What have you kept from your younger self that still guides you today?
Listen to yourself, be loyal and have real, close friendships.
At what moment of the day do you feel the strongest, the most aligned with yourself?
Every day is different, but I would say I consistently love the quiet of the morning, taking time to sit and truly feel gratitude for life, family, friends, health, nature, and appreciating that I get to go to work at MOTHER doing what I love alongside so many incredible people.
Los Angeles has always projected a certain fantasy of beauty and wellness onto the world. How has your own relationship to LA evolved over the years?
I have been here for over 25 years and have only grown to love everything about Los Angeles. You can be whatever you want here, and I find most people to be incredibly open-minded. The wellness movement that comes out of LA, to me, is very representative of how people live in California. There is such a natural connection to health, nature, movement, food and being outdoors. It feels less like a trend and more like a way of life.
Where do you think the most interesting energy in Los Angeles is happening right now?
The East Side of Los Angeles has such a unique energy right now. There’s this convergence of fashion, music, art and community happening, particularly in Highland Park, Mt. Washington and Eagle Rock. It feels creative, independent and very alive.
If someone wanted to experience your version of LA for 24 hours, where would you send them first?
I think I would send them to Malibu first. It captures so much of what I love about LA: the ocean, the light, the mountains and that feeling of being completely removed while still being close to the city.
What are the three wellness places in Los Angeles you believe everyone should experience at least once when visiting the city? And why?
Surya Spa has the best Ayurvedic treatments.
Tomoko Spa offers incredible traditional Japanese massages, and every treatment begins with an Ashiyu foot bath that instantly transports you into another world.