Thank you for sharing your story with us and our readers.
Please tell us a little about yourself and what led you to creating Bliss’d Co.
Prior to starting Bliss’d, I worked in travel. I spent much of my 20s traveling and living abroad, in New Zealand followed by Spain. I loved it – until I didn’t. The business travel wore me out!
I had always wanted to have my own business. In my early 20s, I remember thinking, “I’m never going to have a 9 to 5.” The joke was on me with that one! I started Bliss’d in 2018 as a bath salt company while working a full-time job in travel. While self-care has always been at the root of Bliss’d, it wasn’t until I got pregnant and had my son in 2019 that I discovered my true why for Bliss’d – and then it took me another three years to get the wheels in motion for this current version (they say slow and steady wins the race, right?!)
Tell us about your journaling experience. When did you start and how has it benefited you?
The idea for my business was born during my first postpartum experience in 2019 when I experienced postpartum depression. At the suggestion of my therapist, I started journaling as an additional tool to help me (alongside medicine) and discovered I really loved journaling! Both helped immensely, and I like to say that my journaling practice stuck long after the medicine finished.
However, I couldn’t find an easy-to-use, inspirational 5-minute journal that could be used at any time of day (which is so important for a mom!) So I decided to create one – our first product, our “Time to Reflect Journal.” The journal is based on the format I used in 2019 (in blank journals) to help me start and maintain an effective journaling practice. I launched this journal in the fall of 2022.
While this journal was the catalyst for the launch of my business, I’m creating an entire line of easy-to-use and flexible journals, all designed to help moms live more joyful, fulfilling and connected lives.
Journaling has helped me so much in motherhood – and beyond! There are a few significant ways journaling has improved my life that I think a lot of moms will be able to relate to. I typically journal before I go to bed and I find that getting everything that’s in my head, out, helps me sleep better. It’s also helped me gain a better understanding of myself, my triggers and negative thought patterns, and rediscover myself post-motherhood by connecting me with my dreams and goals. By regularly writing down my gratitudes, big and small, I feel more fulfilled in my day-to-day life and find myself comparing my life to others much less. It’s such a relief!
Did you grow up in L.A.? Tell us a little about your growing up experiences. Fondest memories?
I’m originally from Chicago but have lived in Los Angeles for 11 years now. My heart is in both places! I love this city and have gone through a lot of life transitions while living here – met my now husband, had my two beautiful babies, bought our first condo and started my business, Bliss’d, a journaling company for moms.
My fondest memories from growing up are from the neighborhood I lived in. We lived on a cul-de-sac and all the neighborhood kids would be outside playing, riding our bikes and running around.
Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?
I don’t recall having a specific mentor growing up but I certainly do now. I admire and look up to anyone – especially fellows moms – who are following their dreams and building a life that works for them.
Best life advice you received growing up?
One piece of advice that stuck with me is to never stop learning. I was always encouraged to have a curious mind and to continuously seek knowledge. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning has opened doors to new opportunities and personal growth.
How old are you kids? Do you journal with them?
My kids are 2 and 4 years old. And yes, we do journal together, using our family gratitude journal about three times per week. It’s really cool to use my own product with my family. I believe in it so much, and now I get to see how it works in real time. My son often asks to use the journal, which is also really special.
How has parenthood changed you?
Before becoming a parent, I used to be a bit Type A you could say, striving for perfection in everything I did. Becoming a parent has shown me the beauty of embracing the unpredictable nature of life. Children are inherently spontaneous, and their needs and desires can change in an instant. As a result, I’ve learned to let go of my rigid expectations and go with the flow more often. I’ve become more patient, understanding that sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay.
Parenthood has also taught me the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. While I used to obsess over minor details, I now focus on the bigger picture and the well-being of my family. My priorities have shifted, and I find joy in spending quality time with my kids, nurturing their curiosity, and supporting their growth.
Parenthood has taught me that it’s okay to make mistakes and that life doesn’t always follow a straight, orderly path. Embracing the unpredictable journey of parenthood has made me more open-minded, patient, and compassionate, qualities I cherish through the adventure of raising children.
When not working, where will we find you?
Probably at a playground haha. L.A. has some very cool playgrounds! We have our favorites, but we also enjoy checking out new ones. During the summer, we like to go to the beach on the weekends; and now that my kids are older, I’d like to do more evening beach walks after school. I’ve also been trying to hike more (something I used to do pre-kids very often) so we’re enjoying going on “hikes” around Temescal Canyon Park.
If I’m not with my family, then I’m at a happy hour with my girlfriends. My friends and I are very loyal to our monthly happy hours and love experiencing all that L.A. has to offer on the happy hour front (a lot!).
What would you tell your middle school self?
I would tell her not to put so much emphasis on what other people might think; that the most important opinion to care about is your own. I focused so much on fitting in when I was growing up. I would tell her to follow her big dreams and that with hard work, focus and dedication, they can be achieved (they just might not look exactly as you thought).
Best advice on parenting you’ve received?
All the advice received, especially in the early days, can be so overwhelming. I would say that the best advice I received early on was to listen to my intuition – the mama instinct is strong and (often) accurate.
I recently read the book, “Hunt, Gather, Parent” by Michaeleen Doucleff and resonated with much of what was outlined in it. The tips offered are similar to Montessori, which is another parenting style I like and try to practice. But essentially, include your kids in the activities you want them to learn and embrace as they grow older (like helping with household chores). Not only do they learn these practices early on, they also think it’s fun to help and it’s bonding time, too. We are trying to do that more. So what this looks like is instead of stressing if dinner isn’t ready when the kids get home from school and having to find an activity to distract them while I finish, I involve them – setting the table, putting food on their plates, and age-appropriate cooking.
What are some of your favorite spots and activities in and around LA?
I have so many! In no particular order:
- Temescal Canyon for hikes (with friends or my husband) and nature time (with the kids)
- The beach, of course! In the summer we like to go to the beach by Annenberg Community Beach House because it’s the best of both – beach and splash pad/pool!
- Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica
- Spumoni Restaurant in Santa Monica
- Clark Street in Brentwood
- Pace in Laurel Canyon (a fave for girls dinners!)
- Fig (specifically, Fig at 5 p.m.) at the Fairmont in Santa Monica
- Wayfarers Chapel followed by brunch at Nelsons at Terranea (always feels like vacation)
- The canals in Venice
- Hot 8 Yoga
- Santa Monica Stairs
- Perspire Sauna Studio
