Hi Austin mamas! I’m Lisa Jauregui. A second generation native Austinite, born here, raised here and proud of it. When I meet new people and tell them that, I say it with a sense of beaming pride. I always get a response of surprise. Surprise to not only meet someone who was born in Austin, but who’s parents were also. I’ve always loved this city, but it wasn’t until I moved away for a few years in my 20s, that I truly realized how special this city is.
I’m married to my best friend. As cliche as that sounds, it’s the best way I can describe him. Paul and I met while we were in college, he at UT, me at St. Edwards. My recollection of our first encounter involves me basically drooling over him at a party while he barely noticed. His recollection of our first encounter happened a year later when I recognized the hot tamale I remembered from the year before and boldly walked up to reintroduce myself. It must have been my perfume, but something that night got his attention and the rest is history. We were young, and full of dreams. 4 years later we’d get married, 5 years after that we’d have our first child, our daughter Brooklyn who is only weeks away from turning 5. She’s sweet, caring and sensitive. We also added a hilarious little toot named Kate to the mix who turns 3 this year. She’s pretty much a baby genius, who keeps our house laughing and full of love.
Before kids, I was one of those over achievers. One of those busy bodies that literally could not relax even if I had tried. I worked full time in advertising sales, had a business that kept me booked every weekend doing wedding makeup, and I even trained for a fitness competition. Geez… as I type this introduction of myself I’m questioning if this was really me. Ha!
When Brooklyn was born, I pumped the brakes. I had dreams of being the stay at home mom I had always imagined I’d be. You know, the one that plans daily activities with your child, prepares every snack and meal from only organic natural ingredients, never gets behind on laundry and decorates the house for every single holiday. Geez! As I type that sentence I am questioning was that really me? Did I really think that’s what it would be like. Ahh… how clueless.
So I quit my full time job, and gave up the side business and joined the playgroup networks. Six months later I realized it was ok to keep my identity outside of mommy. Not only was it ok, it was necessary for me. I started to book back up with weddings, and started a network marketing business. For the next 3 years, this was my life. I was a stay at home mama, who had flexible work arrangements on a part time basis. Then enter baby #2, our little Kate.
Just when things were getting a little easier. You know, when you don’t have to helicopter your child on the playground, or when they can skip naps and opens up your schedule as you like, or when they can use toilet by themselves. Well just when we got there with Brooklyn, we welcomed a new baby home. It was great. Our family complete. A year later, I was tempted to go back to work in the more traditional sense.
So here I am, a working mama. I work outside of the home 3 days a week, and spend the other 2 weekdays home with my babes. I also still have my side gig (and passion) where I do wedding and/or makeup for special events from time to time but where I really get to satisfy that creative outlet is on my YouTube Channel where I upload makeup tutorials, product reviews and beauty related content for women. My hope is I can teach women tips and tricks that either make them feel beautiful or make their routine a little easier. My approach to makeup is for the grown-up girl, the busy mom who wants to look her best but may not have all the time for herself in the morning.
So I guess you could say somethings never change… while I can now find it easier to relax these days, I find I don’t have much time to. But that’s perfectly ok with me, I feel so fortunate for this life.
My husband and I just built our dream home last year in the Westlake area. We look forward to kindergarten next year, and connecting with so many other families and mamas in this group. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this community.
