Will the real Kaila please stand up? It’s been said that every seven years we change. Within the last seven years, A LOT has changed in my life. However, certain things have always stayed true as I’ve aged.
I’ve always been an introverted dreamer thinking about what the future holds and imagining a world of possibilities, even some outlandish things. Eventually, those dreams became a reality. After spending ten years working in education, having my son awakened the dreamer in me, and I started to pursue a new career direction back into the world of design.
This also led me on the journey to entrepreneurship. I’ve been building my brand and web design business from scratch for the last two years, working with many dedicated and motivated entrepreneurs along the way. When not working, I also spend my time volunteering (albeit modified due to COVID), sharing Bible truths with others. It’s genuinely fulfilling work and part of a lifelong goal to help others be their best and experience the best in life.
You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup
I imagine soaking in a bubble bath while sipping mimosas, dinners out, and Somerset shopping sprees when I think of self-care. Most of that was me before being a Mom and COVID. When it comes to quality self-care, it seems like there’s never enough time. I grab a snatch here or there, watching a little TV to unwind or playing puzzle apps on my phone – so addictive.
But I’ve learned that self-care is so much more than what you do; it’s also about how you treat yourself. Caring for my mental and physical health has been the most significant change for me. I’ve made it a goal to eat healthier, set boundaries between work and personal life, and do the inner mindset work to develop a more positive outlook on life.
Mama Mama Mama
It was August 2018 when I earned my official title as Boy Mom after delivering my son Nathan via emergency C-section. I affectionately call my baby boy Nato, though it took some time to develop the perfect nickname for him. Apparently, on the night he was born, there were storms and a tornado watch – as I got to know his personality and how much of a little ball of energy he was, like a tornado, Nato just fit. My son was the ignition, sparking my passion and focus on finding a career that fit my personality, allowing me to help others and, most importantly, be as involved in his life as possible.
Hometown Hero
I was born and raised in Detroit, though I didn’t always appreciate it here growing up. In 2008 during the recession, I wrote about my beloved city, believing that it would make a comeback one day, and it did! I love that Detroit has been an underdog for so long but has consistently made strides to become a more vibrant place to live, work, and play.
I’m incredibly proud of how downtown has shaped up. On one of my last visits downtown, pre-COVID, I stood in shock as my husband and I casually walked up and down Woodward and its side streets to various restaurants, bars, and confectioneries with ease. A homeless man even serenaded us; he had a pretty good voice.
I also loved going down to the festivals at Hart Plaza on warm summer nights, people-watching and having fun with friends. While my outings routine hasn’t yet returned to normal, I will make the trek from the burbs to Southwest Detroit for fare from Detroit 75 Kitchen or to the Westside to Jamaican Pot for some delicious Jerk Chicken, or even head to Mudgie’s for their summer lobster roll specials. There are many new spots I’d love to try and old standbys to visit again.
Speaking to the Working Mama
Because I’m a mom who works, it’s crucial for me to highlight the joys, struggles, and fights working mamas face. For centuries, many women have made it look easy to be a mother in a traditional household. But within the last century, many mothers have been forced to, or by choice, work outside the home. Whether working in corporate or as an entrepreneur, both deal with internal and external pressures, people who don’t always understand or empathize with the weight of carrying both roles, or the guilt that comes from choosing one role over the other. It’s time to peel back the layers and uncover what’s going in the world of the working mom.
