YOU CAN DO ANYTHING NOT EVERYTHING

I just got back from Mom 2.0 Summit where the theme of the conference was "redefining motherhood." The conference was for bloggers and influencers who are moms and often trying to balance the role of mom and business woman. It was an amazing time for me, and it brought about a lot of thoughts about what messages I had growing up and what messages I'm telling my children now. 

My mom and the women of the Baby Boomer generation paved the way for us all when they got their degrees and climbed corporate ladders all while being moms. My mom was a great example. She has her bachelors, masters and doctorate, and was an associate dean of a college science and mathematics. What a legacy she has left for me and other women. She truly showed me you can do anything. 

But in her 30's, the corporate world was still rigid about working 9am to 5pm, so having a choice to flex your hours, work from home, etc. didn't exist yet. I only got to see my mom between the hours of 6pm and 8pm and 6am and 8am during the week. It was really hard for her, but she didn't want to be JUST a mom, and I respect that. 

Now, Millianials moms like me have more choices and flexibility. It's a special time for women and I think it's only getting better. In fact, there's still more that needs to be done in regards to wage equality and gender equality. However, this new movement of mom-preneurs (myself included) trying to work full-time AND be a mom-full time is sending a bad message to our daughters saying, "You can be anything and you can do everything." 

But, we can't! That's a total lie! I do not want my daughter to think she needs to live up to this super-woman expectation because she will fail, and I want to set her up for success. At this point, I feel like I'm failing all of the time - as a business woman and mom - because I find myself half-assing everything. I do NOT want my children to feel this way. 

So, what IS the message that I want to send to my daughter? What is the message that I feel my generation is responsible for reinforcing?

You can be anything, but know your limits and set boundaries. Don't be afraid to say no. Don't try to wear every hat. Just try to wear one at a time. You can wear one hat for half a day and one for the other half, but no one looks good wearing two hats at once.

I'd love to hear what you think Millennial's messages should be to young girls. Please share with me. 

Photos by Keira Grace Photography.

Being a Working Mom

Part of the reason why I started this blog was to share my journey in becoming a fashion stylist. And now that it has been three years since  my leap of faith into the fashion industry, this blog has served as a place for me to update you with career news in addition to fashion trends. Thus, I thought I would touch on what it has been like to be a working stylist and a mom at the same time.

Being an emotional person, it has shocked me that I haven't really cried very much throughout the journey of pregnancy and motherhood. I thought I would be a bit of a basket case, but instead, I've become incredibly calm and patient. I credit God for this new found sense of peace. However, this past December I think I spent a whole day teary-eyed and overwhelmed by the thought of possibly having to give up styling. Let's just say the cost of childcare pretty much negates what I earn through styling, and it's very hard to bring a baby with you and work.

Obviously, my family comes before work, but it's also important to spend time doing things that replenish your soul. For me, creating art is part of that process. So, I realized right now that just means doing less styling for a season, but it doesn't have to go completely away. I'll still be doing closet sessions, personal shopping and styling photo shoots, but I just wont be doing as many as I normally do.

You've heard me talk about EMMA Magazine a couple times before. This magazine was started by young moms like myself that completely understand the struggle of balancing motherhood, marriage and our art forms. Working for EMMA is definitely one place I can bring Elle and still do my craft. Here are some photos showing us with our babies on set.

If you're reading this and you are a mom or would love to one day be one, know that the transition in becoming a mom is hard and amazing at the same time. But it doesn't mean you need to completely say good-bye to your passion. It just will take a back seat to a new found joy - loving on a beautiful baby.

Photos by Alejandra Vidal and Michelle Herrick.