A few months ago, I was intrigued by an Instagram post of a new organization that celebrated mothers and encouraged them to share raw, honest stories about topics that are often encouraged to be kept private. Projects like this are ones I’m most passionate about, so I reached out to Eran immediately to find out how I could get on board; and I am so excited to be a contributor to their outstanding blog. I knew Eran would be the perfect woman to kick off my monthly Hustle Meets Heart Series, where I will be interviewing fabulous women that are rocking their businesses in the most inspiring ways!
Tell me a little about yourself (family life, hobbies, work, etc.):
I’m a married mom to a goofy, spunky, quirky 2-year old boy. I’m a part-time mom, and part-time photographer, and I run the blog community, the Good Mother Project. I also moonlight as a singer in an a cappella ensemble, and as the host of Sing-along Sound of Music in Canada (it’s a thing – really!)
Tell me more about your project (why did you start it, what are your dreams for its future)
The Good Mother Project originally began as a photography project. As a family photographer, I wanted to offer some “Mom & Me” mini photography sessions, as a fundraiser for the Pacific Post Partum Support Society, who helped me out immensely when I was struggling with postpartum depression after my son was born. As I started planning the event, women started telling me their stories about their struggles with ppd, and most of them really wanted to share their stories. I was already in the process of creating a website for the Good Mother Project, so I added a blog aspect to it, and suddenly the project exploded. Everywhere I turned, women wanted to write something and tell their stories as well. There’s huge vulnerability in sharing these stories, but the reward of community and camaraderie has been amazing. Each mother who has shared has done so so that another mother out there will feel less alone, and I love that.
In the future, I hope to continue to share more unique stories from mothers and continue to create this amazing community of moms. I would also love for the photography part of the project to expand to other cities, raising money for more organizations that help new mothers.
What made you decide now was the time to start this project?
I feel like it was never really a decision I made. It was just the universe stepping in and showing me the way. When I was planning the original photo sessions, I did a shout out on my personal Facebook page, looking for a couple of moms to come out that day and pose for photos with their kids for my promotional materials. I didn’t mention that the sessions would be a fundraiser for the postpartum society. But when I spoke to both moms at their session, they each told me stories of how they had struggled with prepartum depression and postpartum anxiety. And both wanted to share their stories. I knew then that something bigger was happening, and I needed to create a place where these stories could be told.
What has been your most difficult mommy struggle? How did you overcome it?
My most difficult mommy struggle has always been and continues to be, confidence. With so many opinions and information out there, I constantly forget that I am the expert on my child. I know him best. And so, I worry a lot. The postpartum depression didn’t help with that, but now that my son is two, my hormones seem to have finally leveled off! But I still struggle with knowing what is “right” or “wrong” to do. I still worry a lot. But I try to Google less and listen to my heart more.
Is there an article on your site that really speaks to you? If so, share the link and tell me what about it pulls at your heartstrings!
So many of the posts on our site have influenced me, mostly because I feel like these women have shown such bravery and vulnerability in sharing their stories. But probably the two that affected me the most were Katie Jameson’s story about losing her son after 22 days: http://
What does being balanced mean to you? How do you achieve balance?
This is a good question! I am constantly working on balance! Because my work life tends to have ebbs and flows, and because my husband travels for work a lot, our lives are constantly an act of balancing. Just when we think we’ve gotten used to a way of life, things change, and we have to re-balance. So, I’ve had to become really good at prioritizing. When I’m really busy, only the super important things get done, and I have to be okay with giant piles of laundry and eating dinner from the drive-thru. Sometimes it’s a hard adjustment, but we always make it work!
If you could give only one piece of advice to moms- what would it be?
Don’t feel like you need to go it alone. Ask for help. Take the help. Take time for yourself; You deserve it.
How can we help spread the word about The Good Mother Project?
Please keep sharing the stories we post, and please encourage readers to submit their stories! Our July theme is “Secrets” – we all have them, whether they are juicy, embarrassing, vulnerable, funny. We want to hear from you! Share your story here!
I’m a big Sex and the City fan. Which character do you think you are most like, and which woman do you wish you were a little more like if the two are different?!
I LOVE Sex & the City! But I had to ask my husband which character he thinks I’m most like ’cause I had no idea! He says a cross between Carrie & Charlotte. I think I can probably see myself in each of the characters, but he might be right about being closest to Carrie & Charlotte. I’m not sure that I’d wish to be more like any of them, even though I love them all! They each have their faults, and their quirks, but I always admired their loyalty to each other. 🙂
Thanks, Eran! To learn more about The Good Mother Project, you can stalk them on Instagram, follow them on Facebook, or tweet them on Twitter!
Check out my post here!
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Hey girl, hey! I'm Kim.
I'm a business coach determined to help female entrepreneurs run successful, profitable businesses that are not only stress-free, but fun. I'm passionate about finding ways to work smarter, not harder, so that I can spend time with her stud muffin and spunky, kind hearted daughters. I am a self-proclaimed organizational queen that is couldn't live without Lip Smackers chap stick, fresh flowers or dark chocolate. Real Simple Magazine is my guide to navigating life. My true obsession lies in branding; I am every business owners biggest cheerleader!
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