Actress, producer, entrepreneur... Gabby Kono-Abdy is one of those women who seems to have more hours in the day than the rest of us. Curious, endlessly creative and unapologetically ambitious, she has never been particularly interested in choosing just one path.

Born and raised in New York, Gabby moves effortlessly between cinema, business and fashion. She studied acting and entrepreneurship at USC, launched her first company while still in college, develops films through Little Fishy Films, and is now building Vin., the accessories brand she co-founded with Claudia. Her world is a reflection of everything she loves: vintage treasures, beautiful objects with a past, Nancy Meyers and Sofia Coppola films, New York energy — and the stories hidden in everyday life.

And then came Sebastian. Motherhood hasn't made Gabby any less ambitious or creative, but it has changed the way she thinks about time, success and what deserves her attention. We spoke with her about juggling a million ideas, protecting her optimism, motherhood and ambition, personal style, vintage obsessions — and learning that doing it all doesn't necessarily mean doing it all at once.

 

Gabby, you are an actress, a producer, an entrepreneur, a co-founder... you wear so many hats, often all at once. Have you always been someone who loves juggling multiple projects, or is that something you've grown into over the years?

I've always loved wearing multiple hats, ever since I was a little girl. I’ve just always been drawn to both the creative and the business side of things. At USC, I studied acting and business entrepreneurship because I never wanted to choose between the two.

In college, I actually started a pool inflatable company. It was before the market was flooded with fun, design-forward, fun floats, and I ended up developing a business where I'd collaborate with different brands to create custom inflatables. Looking back, I think that was my first taste of building something from scratch, and I absolutely loved it.

I also think I'm someone who needs constant stimulation. The reality of acting is that, unless you're one of the very lucky few, you're not on set every day. And with producing, the films we're developing at Little Fishy Films can take years to go from an idea to the screen. I move pretty quickly and for better or worse, my brain hardly ever slows down, so I love having something I can build every single day, and that's what Vin. has become for me.

I definitely didn't anticipate Vin. growing as quickly as it has, but I'm so grateful. Watching something Claudia, my business partner, and I created resonate with people and seeing customers become as obsessed with the bags as we are has made all of the hard work incredibly rewarding.

But above all, motherhood completely changed my perspective. Before Sebastian, I probably would have said yes to everything without thinking twice. Like, truly. Any opportunity. Any venture. Any project. Etc etc etc. But now, my 15-month-old son is my priority. Success looks a little different to me. It's not just about building businesses or making films anymore, it's honestly about being present, or trying my hardest to be at least. It's reminding myself to put the phone down, close the laptop, or step away from a script to be with him.

I'm incredibly lucky because my husband is such an active, supportive partner. I honestly don't think I'd be able to juggle everything the way I do without him. So yes, I've always loved wearing multiple hats, but becoming a mom taught me that you don't have to wearevery hat at the same time.

The entertainment industry often celebrates constant productivity. How do you protect your creativity and stay inspired?

It's actually so funny you ask that because I was literally just having this conversation with a friend of mine last week who's also a film producer.

I actually think there's a difference between protecting your creativity and protecting your optimism. Creativity has never really been the challenge for me. If anything, I have too many ideas. I'm constantly daydreaming about stories I want to tell, films I want to make, or characters I want to play. That part comes naturally.

What's harder is protecting your optimism once you understand the business side of the industry. Producing has given me a front-row seat to how long everything takes, how many moving pieces there are, and how often things don't happen for reasons completely outside your control. It takes a conscious effort to stay hopeful.

What helps me is reminding myself that there are different seasons for different things. Right now, I'm building Vin., raising my son, and continuing to develop my film projects. Maybe every film I dream up won't get made this year (or even in the next few years) but that doesn't mean they won't get made ever. So I’m going to just keep creating. If I keep doing that, I believe the right projects will find their way into the world when they're meant to.

Which directors, creatives or cultural references have most influenced your point of view?

I feel like my influences are a mix of filmmakers, fashion, and everyday life. I've always loved directors like Nancy Meyers for the way she makes you fall in love with the world her characters live in. And I love love love Sofia Coppola because she has this incredible abilityto capture emotion through atmosphere.

Outside of film, I'm endlessly inspired by fashion. Vintage has always been a huge influence on me, not just in the way I dress but in the stories I want to tell. I love pieces that feel like they have a past, and I think that same idea carries over into both Vin. and the films I gravitate toward. I'm always asking, "What happened before this moment? What's the history here?"

Honestly though, I find just as much inspiration in people-watching. I'll overhear a conversation at a restaurant or notice an interaction between two strangers and suddenly I'll have an idea for a scene or a character. I think the best stories come from observing real life, so I try to stay curious and pay attention to the world around me.

What does a typical day look like for you? How do you balance work, social life and family?

Honestly, every day looks a little different, and I think I've finally learned to embrace that.

My mornings are almost always dedicated to Sebastian. Bottle in bed around 6:30am and lots of cuddles. We’ll play for a bit before his nanny takes over and then I’ll switch into work mode, which means an immediate FaceTime to Claudia as she lives in Boston and I live in New York. We’re constantly designing new collections, meeting with our team overseas, reviewing production, or working on marketing etc etc. Other hours in the day, I’m focused on film, reading scripts, taking meetings, developing projects, or memorizing lines for an audition. I’ll pause to take Seb to a music class or just for a long walk but yeah, no two days look the same.

I used to believe balance meant giving everything equal attention every day, but I've realized that's impossible. Balance, for me, is knowing what needs me most in that moment.

Sometimes that's a film. Sometimes it's Vin. And sometimes it's closing my laptop in the middle of the afternoon because Sebastian wants me to go swimming with him. I've also become much more intentional with my social life. Between work and motherhood, my freetime is limited, so I really value quality over quantity. I'd much rather have dinner with a few close friends or spend a quiet night with my family than feel like I'm constantly trying to be everywhere.

At the end of the day, I don't think balance is something you achieve once and then have forever. It's something you're constantly recalibrating, and I'm still learning how to do that every day.

What is the most special vintage piece you own, purchased or inherited, and the story behind it?

This is probably the hardest question everrrrr. Two things immediately come to mind. The first is a super rare vintage Prada chainmail bag I just bought. It's made from silver metal mesh, but what makes it so special is the oversized crystal droplet strap - it almost feels like you're carrying a vintage chandelier. I'm completely obsessed with it, and I haven't even worn it yet because it doesn't feel like an "any random night" kind of bag. The second is a vintage purple Missoni dress that belonged to my grandmother, who has the most incredible taste.

I've worn it a handful of times over the years, and every single time someone stops me to ask about it. Every time I wear it, I send her a picture, and I think it means just as much to her to see it being worn today as it does to me to wear it.

If you could have a drink with one icon, who would it be? Where would you take them, and what would you ask?

Diane Keaton, without question. I'd invite her to my house in the Hamptons because I've always been obsessed with the feeling of Something's Gotta Give (one of my top 5 favorite films). We'd have wine on the porch, and I'd ask her how she's managed to reinvent herself so many times without ever losing who she is. I'd ask her how she's managed to build such a full, creative life while always staying completely true to herself.

Your favorite vintage store in Paris or New York?

Honestly, I do most of my vintage shopping online. I practically live on Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, Vestiaire, and 1stDibs. Over the years, I've fallen in love with supporting small vintage collectors and dealers rather than shopping from one big destination. There's something so exciting about discovering someone with an incredible eye who's curated pieces you would never find anywhere else. But storefronts, I do love Into Archive in New York. I've found some beautiful pieces there, and it's close enough that I can pop in whenever I'm in the mood for a treasure hunt.

Into Archive NYC

Your favorite restaurant in Paris, New York or elsewhere?

The restaurant at Hotel Costes in Paris. I love a restaurant that feels like so much more than just going somewhere to eat, and Costes is exactly that. It’s dark, sexy, a little mysterious, and I always feel glamorous when I’m there. The courtyard, the candlelight, the music, the red velvet interiors - it just has this very specific energy where you want to sit there for hours, have too many drinks, enjoy a yummy meal, and somehow end up having great heart to hearts with people sitting at the table next to you (or maybe that’s just my experience?).

Any other favorite addresses you love and return to, in Paris, New York or beyond?

I’m a New Yorker, born and bred, so most of my favorite addresses are here (and LA where I lived for 10 years but that’s a dif story). The Marlton Hotel is one of my ultimate happy places, especially a seat by the fireplace in the winter. Pastis in the summer for the chicken paillard, fries and a glass of crispy white wine. And The Nines for a night out drinking, dancing and inevitably staying out much later than planned with friends.

Any tips you would share with mums during pregnancy?

This is my favorite topic of discussion. I love giving my friends and other’s advice so here is lots…

I think this changes so much month to month. In the first trimester, listen to your body and what it needs. If you need sweets, go for it. If you need hours and hours of sleep, shut off your phone and sleep. If all you can stomach is bagels and carbs, do not feel guilty about it. I really believe the first trimester is about allowing yourself to start building this cozy, hospitable little home for the life inside your belly that you’re already nurturing and caring for. Also, first trimester bloat is SUCH A REAL THING. Do whatever you need to do to feel good in your own skin. Personally, I felt really ugly lol, so I indulged in blowouts and facials whenever I wasn’t too sleepy or nauseous. It made me feel a little more like me, if that makes sense.

In the second trimester, as your energy starts to come back, I think it’s important to push yourself a little to stay physically strong. Go to the Pilates class, find a trainer who specializes in pregnancy, walk, move. Your belly is getting bigger, your balance is changing, your muscles are changing, all of the things are happening. So somehow try to motivate yourself to do something active. Also, I felt my son kick for the first time at 20 weeks and it was just such a special time. I started really daydreaming about him and who he was going to be, and I started shopping for him, which got me even more excited because baby clothes are just so cute. This is also when I started religiously using stretch creams and oils because the changes happen fast. I was lathering myself up two or three times a day. I tried everything but I think I liked Hatch Body Oil the most. I’m also a very creative person, and during my pregnancy I felt even more creatively charged, so I would say explore that if you feel it too.

Try something new, make something, find a way to express yourself. We actually developed Vin. while I was pregnant, and having that creative outlet was an amazing release for me.

And then the third trimester, specifically that last month: walk, walk, walk, walk, walk. I was doing around 15K steps a day. I was drinking raspberry leaf tea constantly, like literally I kid you not- a gallon each day, I was doing acupuncture, getting foot massages, walking evenmore, eating dates even though I hate them (I would hide them in a vanilla date smoothie),

and, yes, plenty of shmexy time with your significant other. Some of these things have more evidence behind them than others, and obviously you should check with your doctor about what’s safe for your pregnancy, especially herbs, acupuncture and exercise. But for me, the whole ritual of it made me feel strong, connected to my body and excited for what was coming. It also made me think I had control over something that I definitely did not have any.

But, it eased some of my nerves. I ended up having an amazing, easy delivery, and whether or not any of those things actually helped move things along, I loved feeling like I was actively preparing my body to meet my son.

How would you define your personal style? Any styling tips during pregnancy?

I would define my personal style as feminine, a little eclectic, and always with something that feels special or unexpected. I loveeee vintage (obviously) and I’m definitely not a basics-only person. I love a skirt or a dress, a great coat, an amazing vintage shoe, a weird little bag (by Vin. duh).

During pregnancy, my biggest styling tip is to not feel like you suddenly have to dress like a completely different person just because you’re pregnant. I actually tried to buy as little traditional maternity clothing as possible and instead found shapes that worked with my changing body - stretchy dresses, low-rise skirts under the belly, peplum tops, oversized vintage jackets, longer knits, things I knew I would still want to wear afterwards. And when you’re having one of those days where nothing fits or you just don’t feel like yourself, lean into the things that always do: a great pair of sunglasses, jewelry, a cool shoe, a really good bag. Pregnancy changes your body so quickly and sometimes getting dressed can feel like meeting a new version of yourself every morning. I think the trick is finding little ways to still recognize yourself in her.

What do you enjoy most about motherhood?

Getting to know Sebastian. Truly, that’s my favorite part. Discovering the world again through him, watching his eyes light up when he learns something new, and watching him teach himself how to do things - it’s kind of incredible how much is happening inside their little brains all the time. I also love the way he understands me now. There’s this whole language and relationship that has developed between us that doesn’t always need words.

Watching his personality reveal itself more and more, and realizing I get to spend my life getting to know this little person, is probably the greatest part of motherhood for me.

What do you find most challenging about being a mum?

I think the hardest part for me is that there is still so much I want to accomplish in my own life, and so much I want to do every single day, and sometimes sacrificing those things for Sebastian can make me feel a little frustrated. And then, of course, comes the guilt for even feeling that way in the first place. I love being his mom more than anything, but I’m also still a person with ambitions and dreams and this huge desire to create and work and experience things. I think I’m constantly learning that those two parts of me can exist at the same time.

Wanting something for myself doesn’t take away from how much I want to give to him. I’m still figuring out that balance, and I imagine I probably always will be.

Who inspires you as a mother?

My own mother and my mother-in-law, but in very different ways. My mom gave so much of herself to raising me and my two older sisters, and she really shaped the women we are today.

The older I get, and especially now that I’m a mother myself, the more I understand just how much love, support and sacrifice went into creating the childhood and family we had. There are so many things she did for us that I don’t think I could fully appreciate until I had a child of my own.

And then my mother-in-law raised two amazing sons, my husband being one of them, and I find myself learning so much from her too. Being a boy mom feels very different to me thangrowing up in a house of all girls, so I’m constantly looking to her and asking questions. I mean, she raised the man I chose to build my life and have a family with, so I’d say she did a pretty incredible job.

Which Josefina bag did you choose, and why?

I chose the Josefina Large in brown and I’m obsessed with it. I had “SEB” personalized on it, which makes it even cooler. I love that it’s so understated and elevated - it doesn’t scream diaper bag. It’s incredibly spacious and organized without feeling bulky or heavy, which is obviously essential when you’re already carrying a baby and a million other things. And I love the brown leather because it’s only going to get better and more beautiful with age. It feels very me, while still being completely practical for Sebastian.