MotherJumpers

Why did I start MotherJumpers? Where do I want to go from here? How are we balancing life during COVID-19? On this Mother's Day 2020, my good friend from high school who has known me since I was 14 guest hosts this episode of MotherJumpers. We celebrate being moms, and rejoice in the first anniversary of MotherJumpers the podcast. Much love on this Mother's Day! 

These are interesting and sometimes scary times. I am myself trying to find ways to stay calm, positive and focused so instead of drowning myself in a bottle of wine every night, I am finding the opportunity during this shutdown. My kids are at home and my house is our sanctuary, but balancing it all is a lot of work....while trying to manage anxiety and stress. So, on this episode, Rayne shares some advice and strategies on staying on task while also managing our reaction to this situation all of us find ourselves in! 

I love to hear stories of women who find a need in the marketplace and decide to create their own company to fill that need. Blythe Williams did just that! With a career in the entertainment industry, she found balancing motherhood and the work challenging. So when her daughter wanted to wear boxer shorts, and she could not find any that worked for her, she decided to create her own line called My Pipers! Her story is exciting and inspirational! And check out her super cute line of boxers www.mypipers.world and on IG: @mypipers.

As a parent, I have had my share of struggles in raising my children and I continually worry over challenges and look to the experts for help when I just want to give up. Enter Elizabeth Adams - a trained child psychologist who recently co-founded Trustle,  a service that helps parents like me connect with coaches and therapist over all of the child rearing challenges that come my way. It's an on-demand service and I think it is an amazing idea. In this episode, we talk with Elizabeth about her journey starting as a clinical psychologist, becoming a mom and founding a start-up. She has a great story and she has some helpful tips and ideas for parents who might need that extra help. For more on Trustle (Definitely check it out), visit www.trustle.com. And MotherJumper listeners get two weeks of Trustle for free using this link:  www.trustle.com/free , using the code: MotherJumper. Also visit them on IG: @trustle_  

I love meeting new MotherJumpers especially ones that live just around the corner from me. Lisa Mastela is a registered dietician who came up with the idea for Bumpin Blends while 8 months pregnant. She was trying to get all the nutrients needed for momma and baby, and found it challenging trying to work in the kitchen with a baby kicking around and limited mobility. So, she created a company that makes innovative, healthy and delicious smoothies for moms, babies, kids and really everyone. Her smoothies help with issues like insomnia and constipation to name a few. And she's grown her business from the ground up - all while raising her child. Her story is great AND she is offering MotherJumper listeners a special deal - Receive 25% off everything with the MOTHERJUMPERS code. Use it at check-out. And let us know what you think - I have personally purchased the smoothies - they come in iced squares - and my kids and I love them. For more on Bumpin Blends: SHOPBUMPINBLENDS.COMINSTAGRAM

I love meeting all of these inspirational women through this podcast - and Becky Beck is no exception. She has a great attitude, a fun vibe and a wonderful career journey that has spanned a variety of talents and industries like candle making and Hollywood. She is also a mother and she has some great tips on finding balance and following your passion! She even went looking for empty champagne bottles at clubs at 3 AM when she was pregnant. Go Becky Go. For more on her very innovative and cool candle company, visit www.afterpartycandleco.com. IG: beckybeckcoFB: afterpartycandlecompany

I love when I listen back to these episodes and hear all of the great stories and advice from MotherJumpers like Jasmine Montoya. She decided to make the jump into a new career in the midst of motherhood and she's never looked back. Hear her story, get inspired and remind yourself what you want out of life and go get it! For more on Jasmine's coaching and healing services (she does a lot virtually), visit her at:'The Life Alchemist'IG@CoachingbyJasminewww.coachingbyjasmine.com

I actually spoke with Rachel back in June. Tim has flown....and while Summer is a great time to talk about Sunscreen, I think it's appropriate to remind everyone to wear it all year long...especially in places where the sun may shine daily. Rachel has a great story - plus she travels between LA and Australia and New Zealand which I think is very cool (places on my top 5 list to visit next)! As a new mother, she took some time to be with her kids and then decided to jump into her next chapter...entrepreneur. Project Sunscreen was born. As a mom with two younger kids who are always in the sun and complain about putting sunscreen on, this product is genius to me!So put on your sunscreen, jump in your car and take a listen!To learn more about Project Sunscreen visit:Website: projectsunscreen.comFacebook: projectsunscreenglobalIG: projectsunscreen

I am truly honored that I get to talk to such amazing and inspiring women. Liza Savary is one of them and her story is one you will want to hear. She turned her interior design experience into a career as a business owner and product designer. She found a need in the home goods marketplace - a rug that children could play on without leaving a mess - and set on a course to make a product that would eventually be sold in stores like Pottery Barn and Nordstrom. All while being a mother of two children. I loved her tips on staying on course and finding ways to make it all work! Take a listen and find out more about Ruggish Play Rugs at: ruggishco.comInstagram: @ruggishcoFB: @ruggishco  

Kristiana Tarnuzzer  is a mother, change-maker, and former media exec-turned-social entrepreneur. She created  The Cause Bar  to help  individuals  striving to give back and make positive social change create personalized, high-impact giving plans. In one year, the business has grown and she has big plans for the future. She did this while being a mom to two children and moving to LA. I really enjoyed my conversation with Kristiana, she really understands the philanthropic landscape which is a much needed element in today's society. We all want to give back, but there are so many options and ways to do it, narrowing in on something that speaks to us and make sense for us is where Kristiana puts her focus. Her focus and attitude are inspiring and I can't wait to see what she does next. For more on The Case Bar visit: www.thecausebar.comFB: thecausebarIG: thecausebar

It is an honor to meet so many women navigating the path of motherhood and all the other stuff that is important in their lives. The conversations are so real and authentic. It helps to remind us we're all together in this journey....no one is perfect and we can help lift one another up versus tearing each other down. I really enjoyed my conversation with Ali Levine. We talk about all of these topics in this episode of MotherJumpers. Ali has really jumped into new opportunities in her career over the last few years, and she has some great insight on how to go for things while also trying to balance bing a mom.Make sure to follow Ali on IG: @alilevinedesign Website: www.alilevine.com  

I am constantly looking to find a better balance between my mind and body. I love practices that help to explore that connection, and help us push ourselves outside of our comfort zone. I had such a great conversation with Meghan Pickrell who owns two businesses including Mind & Motion Pilates, a holistic pilates studio based in LA. She has a great story of being finding a career journey that brings her joy while also having flexibility being a mother. It's not always easy....but she feels she's right where she belongs. And she offers some great advice for moms trying to find a mind/body connection.For more on Mind & Motion Pilates - www.mindandmotionpilates.comand follow them on Instagram: @mind_and_motion 

Judy has a story like so many of us - she went from a high level career prior to kids and then when she became pregnant, she decided to make a change and find a new path that would give her balance and happiness as well as the satisfaction of keeping an oar in the water. I interviewed Judy when her second child was just 6 weeks old...and I was blown away by her honesty, poise and focus. She's a great inspiration for all of us!

I really loved this interview...these two women are incredibly inspiring and intelligent...and they have created a very cool brand that creates experiences for women that include shopping (YES!) and conversations (and food and drink which I personally love). Right now, they are based in Los Angeles but have plans to expand to other cities. I LOVE what they are doing. And I also love that they jumped in and made this company happen while also being mothers. They are badass and I really hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do! For more on Local Mercato including upcoming events in LA visit: www.localmercato.com and follow them on IG: @localmercato. 

In this episode, I talk with Stephanie Gisondi-Little on fashion, careers, mom life, balancing it all and finding the perfect blazer. Stephanie and I had a lot in common and really could have probably talked for hours. She has some great advice on making a leap into a new career, growing her own business and putting together a perfect wardrobe. While also raising two children in LA.For more information on Stephanie and her styling services, visit her website at: www.composedco.com and find her on Instagram @composed_co.

This was a really fun and enlightening interview with Beate. She's incredibly inspiring, and her story will resonate with a lot of women. She was faced with a challenging situation as a single mother and forged a path forward. She is a warrior and her story is one worth listening to. Now she takes the experience she went through and helps other women design a path to growth and success in their lives.For more information on The Growth Architect and The Women's Code, visit her websites below.BeateChelette.comTheWomensCode.com

I really enjoyed my conversation with Astrid and Jenn. Super smart, focused and fun, they both understand the demands of life and being a mother very well. They both have a passion for fitness and turned that into successful careers - that they jumped back into after having children. They recently launched a 36-week fitness program called Lift for Life: Train Like A Mother that you can buy online with 30 minute workouts that can be done in your home. And flexible enough to squeeze in while managing a busy schedule. Their journeys are inspiring and motivational...you'll not only want to find your passion but you'll want to get out and get a workout in!For more information on LIFT FOR LIFE: TRAIN LIKE A MOTHER visit: www.womenliftforlife.comYou can find them on IG at @astrid_swan and @bodybyjennla

Olivia Howell is a mother of two and a spunky woman who decided to leave her career in teaching and start doing social media. She now runs her own company and is extremely passionate about what she does. That resonates throughout her life and you feel it when you speak with her. I wanted to hire her immediately. In this episode, we take a journey through Olivia's career path, we discuss her life as a mother and business owner and the importance of women having more choices in the workplace. Enjoy! For more information on Howell Media House: Website: howellmediahouse.comIG: oliviamhowell

Photography has always been a passion of mine, so I am slightly obsessed with talking to people who have made it their career choice. Larissa Block is a photographer that specializes in babies, families, pregnancy and fashion photography. I met her in Babygroup in Santa Monica when our first borns were babies...and I have been blessed to have her photograph my family over the years. Her work is fantastic, I treasure the beautiful moments she captures. And she runs her own business called Beauties and Babies which allows her to do her work when and where she wants while also being a mom to two growing children. Hear her story - including why she chose to take a break after the birth of her second child - and how she found her passion in work and home.For more of her amazing work (if you need photography done, call her):beautiesandbabies.comwww.instagram.com/beautiesandbabies/

I am always in awe of people who decide to launch a product business and get it off the ground. To first find a niche in the market where there is a need, come up with an innovative product idea to fill that need then figure out how to get it made and take it to market....it's a big deal. I loved talking to Kara Wilk, a mom of twins who decided she was tired of the messy sponges she used in her kitchen. She knew there had to be a better way - so she explored, designed, built and now sells her innovative silicone scrubber (under the name Teal Trunk) on Amazon. She plans more products and I can't wait to see what she does. Hear her story in this week's episode and visit her site to learn more about her product line: https://tealtrunk.com/ IG: @tealtrunk FB: www.facebook.com/TealTrunk https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Scrubber-Kitchen-Bathroom-Cleaning/dp/B07DD2GFGT

I love the idea that you can test the waters and try out different careers. That is a beautiful part of our modern day life. Stressful and frustrating - yes. But the options are endless. And you always have a new chapter to start. Kelsey Searles tried out different types of careers that tapped her creative side and her operations/business skills. She found she was good at both. And with a friend, decided to start a nursery goods company called MiliMili. She does this while raising a young daughter and growing another. Kelsey's story is inspiring and her company makes beautiful baby sleepers, sheets and mamma PJ's in prints that are inspired by places like Hawaii (my favorite) and more. Listen to her story and visit ShopMiliMili. And right now, MotherJumper listeners can get a 20% discount with the code MOTHERJUMPER. www.shopmilimili.com @ShopMiliMili www.facebook.com/ShopMiliMili

Judgement free....what a beautiful phrase. For some reason, life brings judgement. Whether people are judging others or we are judging ourselves, our brains just naturally go to the negative sometimes. It's easy to slip into judgement, but it's a negative energy that really does not belong in life. That is why I loved the conversation I had with Corey Spiegel, a mom of two who went on a career exploration and decided to create an organization focused on creating a judgement free community. Light House is a "new community of like-minded women who get together to share, advise, inspire and help each other navigate life in a judgement free zone". Her organization holds various sessions for women focused on every day necessities like money management, aging gracefully, being a mom and more. She brings together women to talk, learn and grow together. I love it! Check out this episode to hear more about Corey's story andLight House. And follow her for more details on upcoming sessions in the Los Angeles area: https://www.findyourlighthouse.com/ IG: findyour_lighthouse FB: findyourlighthousedotcom

I fully admit that I have spent a majority of my life not knowing what I wanted to do when I got older. PR and marketing was something I kind of naturally landed in and gravitated towards, but I did not know when I was kid this would be my career path. Keren knew she wanted to be a lawyer even when she was a child. She did become a lawyer. And then she became a mother and found the busy schedule of working for a law firm was not fitting into her role as mother. But she still wanted to use her legal expertise and follow her career aspirations. She set out on a journey to find the right fit for her life and career. Today she runs two businesses while also being a mother to her two young children. Keren's story will inspire and motivate - I literally want to be her when I grow up! Enjoy and follow her: Insta: @notyourfatherslawyer Facebook: https://facebook.com/notyourfatherslawyer Website: https://nyfl.law

I love this podcast for so many reasons, especially when there's an intervew that just is totally honest, emotional and real. My conversation with Ann Shrake signified the incredible highs and the unbearable heartbreak that can come with being a mother. I loved our conversation and just want to hug her every time I see her (I probably do, sorry Ann)! Ann came to Hollywood from the Midwest and found herself on the set of the TV Show Ghost Whisperer (a must watch show) as a PA. This gig landed her an opportunity to write an episode for the series...but after that, her career as a Hollywood writer paused. She became a wife and a mother and turned her writing skills into a marketing consulting business. Recently, Ann launched Onward Stories, an online community and podcast dedicated to sharing stories of infant loss. Ann lost her fourth child, Michael, a few days after his birth, and that inspired her to take her love of writing and help others write their own stories. Ann is a true inspiration, a bubbly spirit and the person you just want to be around often. Her podcast launches on July 16th, so make sure to follow her at the links below: https://www.onwardstories.com/ www.instagram.com/onwardstories/ www.facebook.com/onwardstories

Every so often, you meet someone who really blows you away. This is how I felt about Erin Tauscher. We spent an hour together and during our conversation, I wanted to applaud about 500 times from her pearls of wisdom, her go-to attitude and her overall amazingness. A mother of two girls, a producer and business owner, Erin is the master of her own destiny. She gives us tips, advice, recommendations and mantras to live by. Take a listen to this episode and get ready to feel empowered and motivated to kick ass in this life. Because we only have one...and it's in our hands to take it where we want to go. Erin teaches us that! For more on Erin and the work she does, visit: https://bodegastudios.com/

Stephanie Brooker is the girl you want to hang out with often. She's real, she's smart, she's funny and she gets it. She understands the absolute joy in being a mother while also wanting to find something that makes her soul sing. She studied law, started a blog , she's been published in parenting blogs like ScaryMommy and she recently made the jump into Real Estate in Los Angeles. She loves to travel (especially to Hawaii which makes us kindred spirits). I had such a good time talking with Stephanie - she inspires and motivates while keeping it real. Check out this episode and make sure to visit her website and follow her to find out what adventure she is taking next. https://stephaniebrooker.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniebrookerhomes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniebrooker/

On this episode of MotherJumpers, I interview a long time friend of mine Marty Buss Smith and her partner in business, Marile Borden. Both are marketing professionals and both have children. After several years working in corporate and agency environments, both knew they wanted to create a life for themselves where they could work and be with their families while also indulging in a little fun every so often (think The Bachelor on Monday nights). These two women are smart, funny, and real; sharing stories and giving advice that leaves you with a smile on your face and a "let's go kick some butt" attitude in your heart! Enjoy this episode and find out more about Metal Creative and developing your own personal brand story!

Full disclosure, Nikki and I have kids at the same school so we know each other pretty well. We spend a lot of this episode laughing and talking about 20 different topics related to motherhood - including Nikki's jump into music and how she balances her passion with four kids and a busy life in Venice, California. I like to think of this episode as an exploration on "Real Talk" when it comes to kids and keeping it together. Nikki is one of those women you respect immensely because she keeps it real and knows how to prioritize what things are most important in life. Sometimes as a mother, it is nice to know its OK to just let some things go, including the high expectations we put on ourselves, our kids and life. Sit back and enjoy this episode. And check out this great music video with Nikki and her band, you will catch a glimpse of her third child as a baby in the music studio with dad. https://youtu.be/G0XSqhozMHo

Stephanie Younger is a successful real estate agent and business owner in the Los Angeles area. Even before she had children, she knew she wanted to find a career that would allow her to pursue her passion while also enable flexibility in her personal life. She found real estate and a desire to create a business from scratch. She is the epitome of a MotherJumper, jumping back into her business after children. In this episode, Stephanie takes us on her journey from event planner to business owner - with real-life examples of what it takes and hard-hitting advice that we can all use to lessen the guilt and focus on a plan. For more on the amazing work Stephanie does, visit her website and follow her on IG: stephanie.younger and FB:stephaniemyounger.

Sandra is probably one of the nicest people you will ever meet. A mother of four, she stops to give hugs and a smile and positive vibes to everyone she meets. So when she wanted to open a health and wellness spot in her LA neighborhood with an emphasis on women, everyone knew it would be amazing. Today, Mamai is a calming oasis that offers innovative pilates, accupunture, massage and small class exercise options to all. Sandra had a vision and she has brought it to life - while managing a busy life at home. Hear her story and visit her spot when you really need a sanctuary from every day life. For more information, visit: https://www.mamaiwellness.com/ IG: @mamaiwellness FB: @mamaiwellness1

Gina Lamanna has always loved working in fashion – and when it came time to find her next chapter, she took the road less traveled and carved a path were she could stay in the industry on her own terms. Before she had children, Gina managed a busy boutique on Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, but she soon realized her schedule and lifestyle would not be ideal for motherhood. So she opened her own boutique in her backhouse where she curates a fantastic line-up of contemporary brands. Now, Spool Boutique is a fashion hotspot for women not only in LA but across the Country. Her pieces are must haves and she empowers women to feel and look their best in everything they do. Check out all of the amazing pieces at https://shopspool.com/ and shop her IG page: https://www.instagram.com/spool_boutique/.

Andrea is no stranger to the fast-paced world of the fashion industry! In her previous life, she was a co-founder and President of Rock and Republic jeans. Life was all work and travel, which she loved. But then came baby and the need to forge a new path as a mother, one that would give her the opportunity to create a line of swimwear and be able to be with her daughter on her own terms. Check out this episode and get inspired by Andrea's story of passion, focus and empowerment. And check out her amazing new line Swiminista - suits that are made from recycled materials and are designed to pull you in and fit just right. I am a big fan. For more on the line, visit her website at: www.swiminista.com. and IG: @swiminista.

Karen Cook recently launched a very cool family-focused retreat company that brings together her love of producing events and connecting people. In her previous profession, Karen worked as a graphic designer, but she knew deep down there was something else she was meant to do. When she moved to LA, she was a mom to an 18-month old and she struggled to find inviting opportunities for parents and children to jointly have fun. She was inspired to fill that void, so she launched The Wyldflower Collective, where she started with pop-up events and now produces weekend-long retreats (that offer supervised kids clubs!!!) Visit her website: https://thewyldflowerco.com/cambria and follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewyldflowerco/ and Facebook:www.facebook.com/thewyldflowerco.

Jaimee Seabury found a love for retail and home design early on … so she carved out a career path where she would be immersed in a place that would bring her joy. After following her passion through various furniture retail brands, she landed a job working with Shabby Chic and moved to Los Angeles. When she became pregnant with her first son, she knew she wanted to continue on with Shabby Chic after maternity leave. Working with her boss, Jaimee created a schedule and work environment that would enable her to continue in her role and be an active mother the way she wanted it to be. Now with two boys, she continues living her passion and has managed to find a happy balance between her work life and mom life.

Our first MotherJumper, Pamelyn Rocco, left her marketing and PR business to become a full-time mom to her first little girl. While pregnant with her second child, she launched her event design and production business Bashery and Co. in Los Angeles. Pam took her love of creativity, décor and fun and started a company that could marry her passion with her desire to forge a new path in her life. In its 3rd year, Bashery has become a mainstay in events across the country and Pam has found a joy and balance in her life as a mother and business owner. For more on Bashery, check out the website at https://www.basheryandco.com/. You can also follow Pam on Instagram:@basheryandco and Facebook: BasheryandCo.