Finding Joy in the Chaos

As I enter a new decade I thought it would be a great time to share my journey, not all thirty six years just the past eight years in Washington and what its been like to be a Seattle transplant, get married, grow a family, and grow a business all at the same exact time! Ha. I assure you it was unintentional .

I moved to Seattle in 2011 ready to re-build a life for myself and two small children, it took a minute to get steady on my feet. I met my husband the same year I was asked to join the makeup team for the Seattle Seahawks, cheerleaders ( I know now that this was a HUGE opportunity) but at the time I had no idea what it would mean, after all I’m from LA and I love the Green Bay Packers. I didn’t know a thing about the Seahawks were they even good? Haha jk

After 10 years I decided to say good by to my makeup family at MAC Cosmetics, they raised me from a baby artist to a full on professional, and I will forever love the brand. I made a huge leap of faith not only to leave a company that I loved, but to also add another human to our family. In 2014 we became a party of five, oh how life did changed.

As I slowly began to build my business, and raise three children I often questioned my sanity. What did I know about business? Or raising three kids?! Sure I knew how to do makeup, but would that be enough? Do I have business savvy? Can I raise kids, be a wife, run a business, and even recognize who I am in the mirror, after trying to manage all the above?

I decided to rise to the occasion, whats the worst that can happen?

Thirty wedding booked in my first season and the future is looking bright, wait…. that can’t be right, do you see two lines? Holy shit! I’m pregnant I literally felt myself about to faint, there is no way I can manage 30 weddings, a house full of humans AND have a baby! Bye bye business, nice knowing you.

Ok, ok I had my freak out and then snapped myself back into reality, I’m no quitter time to come up with a game plan. First plan of action… HELP I needed help, I needed to call on my village, aside from jumping out of a plane asking for help is my second greatest fear. I never want to be a burden on anyone so I hate asking for help.

Lucky for me I have a husband who was determined to see my vision through, he took over all the mom duties when I needed to be available for clients, we have amazing grandparents always willing to lend a hand. I had sensational clients who held my newborn baby during their trials so that we could stay on schedule, vendor friends who let me bring my sweet newborn with me to photo shoots. When Noah was born it was almost as though he was meant to be on this journey with me, the calmest easy going boy.

Everyone always asked what my secret is, whats the special sauce to staying sane while running two full time jobs as mom and business owner. I wish I had better answers but honestly my my formula is so very basic.

1. Boundaries, I’ve learned to say NO. I can’t volunteer for every school event, or schedule trials on the weekend after a wedding ( I use to say yes)

2. Lean on the teenagers, older siblings are perfectly capable of helping make lunches for little’s, do their own laundry, load and unload my car when I am headed out for a wedding

3. Wait till the baby naps or goes to sleep to answer emails without distraction

4. Out source parts of my business that I know will make me more efficient

5. Schedule time to recharge, coffee dates with girlfriends, and afternoon at the spa, going to bed early and completely unplugging to allow myself, rest.

Not every day is Instagram worthy, some days I don’t get out of my comfy clothes, I’m covered remnants of toddler snacks and I consider warming up a Trader Joe’s Frozen meal “cooking”, however I never allow my purpose or my goals to be far from sight.

Lets be friends on the Gram!