Recently, I had an experience that I wanted to share with you. I am creating a whole business centered around inspiring mamas to find and follow our passions. I talk a lot about following your dreams even especially after your name changes to mama. So, I just wanted to share a little something to let you know that I’m not just talking it, I’m putting my words to practice in my own life.
Talk It
One day, while my daughter napped, I got a phone call. It was from a modeling agency I had auditioned for years ago. They only represent body parts. I auditioned my hands. They’d called me a couple times about jobs but this was the first in a long time. It was also the first since I have been at home with the kids. It wasn’t easy to make it work. But it all worked out. My mom came out for a visit and stayed with the kids while mama went to work. They got time with grandma and I got a chance to do something cool. I was on a two day modeling job for Essie nails. The images will bee seen internationally.
I wasn’t allowed to take any pictures myself as the colors they used on my nails aren’t released yet. They are for the fall/winter season.
Modeling has been a part of me for a while. I started as a teen in modeling school and small jobs here and there. I stopped, ironically, shortly after moving to LA. Agencies wanted me to be smaller and smaller. I was a 4. They were crazy!
I had just let it all go until a few years ago. People have always complemented my hands so I found an agency that represented hand models and went for it.
It obviously paid off. That’s just one of my dreams/passions though. This business is another. It’s a heart business for me. I couldn’t be more passionate about it. I really want moms to find something they’re passionate about and find away to go for it.
I think it’s really important for us to have something that’s just for us. It certainly doesn’t have to e modeling or a business. It could be anything the brings you a little more happy.
What’s that thing for you? 

51 Comments on Not Just Lip Service

  1. Oh yes! It’s definitely important to have something for yourself. I’m a stay-at-home Mom and adore being home with my little girl. But I did find that I lost a piece of my identity when I left my corporate job. Since starting my business, I’ve got that little piece of me back!

  2. Congratulations on this fabulous opportunity. It is amazing how in the right time, you were called to model. I know that I got laid off and I wanted to do something to take my mind off my own issue so I started blogging. Writing wasn’t always my strong point but the more I practice the better I became. Always follow your dreams even if one person says no or you don’t get noticed right away. I am a firm believer that God will bless you in HIS time and it might not be the same schedule that you are on.

  3. Congrats on the modeling gig! Hand modeling is the type of job almost anyone would love to have for the day. Cooking is one of my things. It’s enjoyable, and hopefully others enjoy the final dishes.

  4. The thing that I do for me? I write my blog. I love sharing, I love meeting deadlines and I love meeting new people. I am so glad that you found something to make YOU happy!

  6. That’s really great that you did that.It is always nice to find something that you can do that is a little bit different to the daily grind.

  8. I totally agree that you need to find things for yourself. Man, that gets so hard as you have kids and get busy in their lives though. I need to work on this more!

  11. Good for you! I love that you followed your dream, and are encouraging other moms to do the same. Can’t wait to see the pics when they’re released!

  12. this is so true – as mothers it’s SO important to have something that’s just for you. For me that is horse riding, and I do all sorts of logistics juggling to make it happen.
    xxx

  13. It’s great that you found a way to make modeling work for you. I am very passionate about my blog, it’s something that makes me feel happy and successful.

  14. I grew up in a home where my mother had her own thing, so did my grandmother and so do I. I am all for it and think everyone needs to have something to add value to their life. Everyones version of what is valuable to them. Life doesnt stop just because you get married, have a kid or even hit a certain age.

  20. That’s so cool! You must have beautiful hands. I always think of David Duchonvy in Zoolander when I think of hand models. 😉

  22. For me its writing and education! I love the two and have been going for the things I want lately– its not just mamas that get sidetracked by life.

    I love that you are doing the new business, but as someone that doesn’t have kiddos herself, I have a hard time finding motivating groups of women with great business advice that aren’t just aimed at mothers. I don’t know if moms are just getting better at organizing and using their voices for good, but I keep coming across women leading motivational groups, but just for moms.

  23. Congrats, that’s so amazing! I have a hard time finding time for myself or having my “own” thing! But I have recently been going to the gym after work and it’s an amazing relaxing me myself and I time lol

  25. Yay for you and finding that happiness. We do need that thing and I’m on a journey to find it right now in life.

  26. Writing is my passion and doing it for a living has made me a much happier person. It’s great to make money doing something you love@!

  27. It is hard to find that balance and also, not forget who/what we are. I can relate about the transition. Congratulations on an amazing opportunity.

  32. How cool! You’ll have to make sure to share when you are allowed to so everyone can check them out… which sounds really weird since it’s your hands HA!

  35. Even when you were working full time, I sensed this entrepreneurial spirit about you. I’m glad you’re following your dreams, C!

    • Thanks, Liz! That made me smile. It feels like I’ve “known” you forever! 🙂

  37. That’s awesome and congrats, very important topic! While I’m not a mom yet, I believe it’s important for mommas to be doing something they are passionate about aside from caring for their families!

  43. My mom has been telling me the same thing. Being a mom is wonderful, but you can loose yourself easily. If you nurture that passion within yourself, you will be a better mom, a better friend, and it’ll feed your self respect.

  45. That’s great that you got to model your hands! My thing is health & fitness. I’ve lost over half my body weight (130 lbs) so I love to help other people lose weight and get healthy too.

  46. Your business sounds intriguing! I look forward to learning more. I find a lot of fulfillment in making connections with people that developement into mutual help in each other’s endeavours whether it be work, parenting or hobbies.

  47. Not a mom, yet but I see how some women lose themselves as they do become one. Thanks for sharing your story moms do have a right to kept their own identity as well and have fun/passion and SUPER COOL on the Essie gig thats HUGE!Plese show us the ad when you are able so excited for the fun color and I hope they gave you some to keep 🙂

  49. No kids here, but if we ever did have them, I would want to continue teaching night classes at the community college or have a small private practice. Not work all the time, but enough that I was still using my 9 year degree, to have some adult time and to exercise my brain!

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