I always say that a woman is reborn the day her child is born. The transformation from woman to mother is one of the most powerful experiences, which forever changes you and your perspective on life. After my son’s birth ten years ago, not only was I captivated by this intense new love for the first time, but I felt the gravity of responsibility for to this new little life. And in that responsibility, came a responsibility to myself, to be healthy, happy and strong, for me and for him. I am often reminded of the saying “Happy Mom, Happy Child.” I had struggled with eating disorders for most of my early adult life and after my son was born, I knew I had to get better. I dedicated the last decade to educating myself on all things things health and wellness and in March of 2020, I launched my business. I decided that sharing this knowledge, helping others find their path to holistic wellness was what I wanted to do. Through sharing my health tips, food knowledge and healthy recipes, my brand, Living with Ivey was born.

Deciding to put yourself out there and allow others to scrutinize you and your business can be downright terrifying, but I have learned that being uncomfortable is when real growth happens. The biggest lesson for me has been to push my boundaries and my comfort zone and it’s been amazing to see what unfolds.

Being in the health and wellness space comes with a certain stigma. We are held to this standard of what “health” looks like and are criticized when we’re not doing it perfectly. The truth is no one is perfect, no one makes the healthiest choices all of the time and that’s ok. Instead of sugar coating or trying to fit this mold, being myself is what has been most liberating. Defining MY parenting style and not doing it a certain way just because other moms do it that way, has been a powerful tool in building confidence. Parenting is the hardest job on the planet and no one gives you a manual, you have to look to yourself and trust your own judgement, which holds true for every aspect of life!

My closest girlfriends, my tribe.

My closest girlfriends, my tribe.

To always be kind and honest. Harder than it sounds! But that is what makes me feel my best and I think the universe recognizes that.

To just go for it, forget about what people might think and be confident in your strengths. You will never know what could have been if you don’t try, put yourself out there, and ask for the things you want. Do that and before you know it, you are manifesting your dreams.

I am a more patient MUTHA and a better wife when I make time for myself. I am fortunate to have a very supportive partner in my husband. We support each others’ individuality and needs and pick up the slack when the other needs a break. THAT is what partnership is to me.

Someone once told me that if a relationship isn’t feeding or nourishing you, get out of it. It’s taken me a long time to arrive at that, but focusing on my core relationships, the ones that really feed my soul is what makes me happy. Making time for what is important: the people I love, even if it means sending a quick text to a friend just letting them know I’m thinking of them, carving out time for my husband and carving out time to spend one on one with each of my children. I have 3 and it can be tough to fit that in, but I find I learn so much about them and their unique personalities when I make time to be with them one on one.