My name is Karissa Pfeffer. I left my successful corporate finance role a year and a half ago with the only rationale of “this feels like I need to do this.” I later discovered I’m a Human Design Manigen, which made it all make sense—I’m not meant to do just one thing!
I am passionate about health and wellness. I have my yoga teacher certification and live a (mostly) clean and organic life. I LOVE cooking, moving my body, being in the company of powerful women, and being by a lake (especially THE lake—Lake Superior). I love to travel, especially to Europe.
I also LOVE Microsoft Excel and am good at analyzing data and strategic thinking. My inner geeky girl will surprise you.
My Acts of Self-Care
Since leaving my corporate job in 2023, I finally have more time to put myself first. It’s still a work in progress after twenty years of hustle and grind, but I’ve shifted my mindset to ambition and balance mode. You’ll find me walking outside rain, snow, or shine (I actually prefer a cold-weather walk). I also love a good sauna (and pronounce it SOW-NA!).
My biggest struggle is unlearning the guilt of taking time for myself. I used to only have thirty minutes a day, and now I’m working on embracing multiple acts of self-care daily. I know when I take care of myself, I can be my best version—but sometimes, that old “feeling bad” habit creeps in.
Family Life
My husband and I met in 2012. What was supposed to be a one-night stand turned into a long-distance relationship. After a year and a half, he moved to Michigan. We got engaged in Greece, married in Italy, and I got pregnant in France.
We always knew if we had kids, it would be just one. I was an “advanced maternal age” mom, giving birth right before I turned 36. Our daughter, Isley, was born two-and-a-half weeks late, and her strong will has never ceased! She’s my wild child, free spirit, and her imagination makes me smile daily.
I consider myself more of a “crunchy” mama, keeping a natural and organic home and way of life.
Back Where I Come From
I was born and raised in Marquette in the Upper Peninsula. I went to Michigan Tech and after graduation, I moved “downstate” to be with my college boyfriend. After we broke up, I moved to downtown Detroit before it became what it is now. After meeting my husband, we lived downtown until we had our daughter, then built a home in Grosse Pointe Park for her to start school.
You can still find us downtown every chance we get (when we can actually get a sitter). Some of my favorite restaurants are Shewolf (I LOVE the La Gricia), Vertical (get the short ribs!), and Barda. Supino’s is still our go-to pizza spot and our daughter’s favorite. I miss city life (and our rooftop view of downtown) but am slowly adjusting to the suburbs.
Motherhood: Being a Cycle Breaker
One of my defining moments in motherhood was clashing with my own mom over my parenting style. I grew up with spanking, yelling, and being told, “Don’t cry, or I’ll give you something to cry about.” Last year, my mom yelled at my daughter to stop crying, and I put up a major boundary.
I told her we don’t tell our kids not to cry. Kids have emotions and shouldn’t suppress them. That moment turned into a big fight, but I realized my job is to protect my daughter—not make her small.
My mom and I don’t see eye-to-eye on my parenting, and I don’t care anymore. I won’t keep my mouth shut just because “she’s my mom.” I’ve realized I’m the one living my life, and I don’t have to apologize for how I parent. I also want my daughter to know that just because someone is family, it doesn’t mean they get to treat you a certain way.
It Takes a Village
I was one of the first (and still the only) of my “downstate” friends to have a baby. My friends back home had kids before me, but distance makes it hard to have a strong community. I found Detroit Mom on Instagram right before COVID, and it gave me a sense of belonging and resources I didn’t have.
Detroit Mom helped me feel less alone in motherhood even virtually. Without family nearby, finding my own village has been essential. Moms often try to do everything alone, thinking, “I got this.” But then we do it all until we burn out and fall apart.
We aren’t meant to parent alone. Historically, social circles watched out for each other. I believe every mama needs a village—people who say, “I got YOU.” Community is crucial for overall well-being. In fact, being in a supportive community is proven to help longevity. So if for no other reason, find a village so you can live longer!
What Makes Me Unique to Detroit Mom
Funny story—I thought I applied to Detroit Mom years ago! I filled out my application the night of the deadline and never hit send. But 2025 Karissa is different from 2020 Karissa. I’m older, wiser, and put up with less crap.
I’ve done a lot of healing in the past few years, and now I can share my experiences with vulnerability—whether it’s trying to like my spouse again, having an epiphany about my childhood, or my new passion: helping women thrive through midlife.
My perimenopause expertise is something Detroit Mom desperately needs–for all the women currently going through it and the young moms who eventually will. I’m always an open book, and my kind, no-BS delivery builds trust and creates a safe space. That’s what I love about Detroit Mom—it’s an honest, no-fluff community.
I’m so excited to be here.
