My family includes my loving partner, our rambunctious two year old, the #OriginalRosebud, and our patient Pomeranian. My partner and I both have the pleasure of running our own companies. I am lucky enough to work with the most amazing talent in Austin, Texas (including AMB’s official photographer, Laura Morsman!) while he builds marketing material for some pretty stellar companies. Our dog spends most days sleeping and hiding from the grabbing hands of a two year old. And the #OriginalRosebud is either charming her teachers, or exploring parks and creating masterpieces with whatever medium she can get her hands on (sometimes it’s paint, sometimes it’s playground remnants found in her “barkle shoes”, sometimes it’s freshly folded laundry. You just never know.)
When we aren’t running to meetings or changing the Austin modeling scene, you can find my family swimming outside. We also love home improvement projects… yes even the two year old. Our last finished project was a king sized bed, and our current project is side tables. Woodworking fills my soul with peace and is such a nice way to relax after a full week of long nights.
I am a survivor of domestic abuse.
Around the #OriginalRosebud’s first birthday we were able to leave that situation and continue growing. My once “high needs” baby became a loving and stable little human almost immediately. I attribute our ability to leave that situation to a realistic ‘mommy & me yoga’ group, one old friend, and SafePlace. I believe it is now my duty to pay-forward all of the love and help that was given to me during that extremely difficult time. That is the reason I have started the #GoTeal Campaign. (By the way, if you are experiencing Domestic Abuse or sexual assault you can call SafePlace’s 24 hour hotline (512) 267-7233. Get out! Life is so much sweeter on the other side.)
I began my company when my daughter was 6 months old. Leaving an abusive relationship with a 1 year old child and a 6 month old company was scary. We went through all kinds of experiences that I never thought we would have to face; from questioning how we would eat to dating as a single mom.
Almost a year later, I met my partner at a local grocery store. On our first “date” I met about a dozen of his friends. It was an amazing group of young Austin professionals. By our fourth date, he met my daughter. As we left his apartment on a walk to Blues on the Green, she took his hand and then mine. We have all been inseparable ever since then.
Facing challenges is what shapes our perspectives on life. My journey into motherhood was turbulent at times, but in the end, I am a mother. And mothers will do what they need to provide for their children. My daughter has motivated me to grow myself and my business. She has stretched my body, my mind, and God knows my patience! Now, partnered with a man that loves us and supports our growth and hearts, I have the family that I have always wanted.
My journey is what makes my perspective on motherhood unique and I am grateful for the joy it brings every day.
I am proud to be a mother! I know that there are many women that are going through stories like mine. There are women that are afraid to leave abusive relationships, questioning how to handle high needs children, or wanting to start a company while lacking the support structure they crave. I am living proof that where there is a will there is a way. I will tell you, it is long and it is hard. Thankfully, it is worth it! Power through. Find a group of people on a similar path. Don’t stop looking until you find them. Don’t quit your day dream!
