From Sheryl Sandberg to Marissa Mayer, women are not sacrificing themselves for their kids like they used to. Why? If you ask me, a confident and happy woman makes a better mother. And whatever it takes to get there should be done. But as a mother myself, I know how hard it is to maintain a sense of style, run a successful business and to feel like an okay parent all at the same time.
Women who are flawlessly manifesting this enchanting trifecta are the new wonder women of our times and they are my idols. So I got to wondering how they actually do it all and have it all. Is it really possible? Are they hiding something? Do they secretly never floss? I hope to answer these questions and to give the rest of us moms motivation to stay true to ourselves, live fulfilling lives and love our families as much as ever through interviews with moms who are already doing it.
If you know a woman who fits this mold, please share her info with me on Twitter @metromomclub
Wonder Mom #3: Lara Wiesenthal
After training as a classical pianist and cellist and spending the better part of the 90s as an architecture student and techno DJ in New York City's infamous club scene, Lara Wiesenthal co-founded ACTIVAIRE; a company that curates musical identities for global brands. Since its inception in 1999, ACTIVAIRE's soundscapes have been heard in over 40 countries around the world and clients have included Uniqlo, Coach, and Diesel. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband Adesh Deosaran and somehow manages to keep her finger on the pulse of the music scene while simultaneously raising their two little boys Eero (9) and Aalto (7).
How did ACTIVAIRE come into being and how did you know it was the idea to run with?
I founded Activaire the same year that I graduated from Pratt Institute with a BArch. I worked as an architect while I was in school, and when I finished school I wanted to combine my degree with my passion for music and technology. It was simply the project that I was the most interested in working on.
How long was it until you turned a profit?
ACTIVAIRE became profitable after 6 years when we were able to secure national contracts.
How has having children transformed your lifestyle?
I have less time for everything, which has forced me to speed up.
A few words to describe your personal sense of style?
Futuristic with a preppy twist.
How do you find time to get ready and maintain your style?
I have maniacally calculated exactly the number of outfits and clothing items that I need for work, evenings and weekends. I shop quarterly, in advance of each season. I only keep the items for the current season in my closet, so I always have an excellent outfit ready to go.
Where do you get your energy?
I created a business based on my main interests and strongest capabilities, so I have energy for work because I'm passionate about it. I also drink coffee at all times of day, and I make sure to sleep-in one day per week.
What is your spirit animal or dream super power?
I would love to be a Time Lord.
What inspires you? (other than your children)
I am most inspired by music. I love to imagine the creative and collaborative process when I hear new bands. People have been coming together since the dawn of time to play music together, but somehow it is always new and different. I think that playing music is one of the greatest things that humans do together.
Any words that you live by? (a quote or your own)
Identify and pursue your passion.
What is your favorite thing to do with your children?
I love playing board games with my kids because the lightly competitive setting fosters the best and funniest conversations.
How do you balance family and work?
My husband Adesh and I are partners at ACTIVAIRE; we were in Studio together at Pratt, and we've always worked really well as a team. It became easier to balance work and family when the kids were of school age because the work week became more traditionally structured.
What do you do to relax?
I DJ as a hobby and I like to work on new mixes.
What time do you get up and go to bed on a typical day?
I wake up at 5:30am most days, and I'm usually asleep by 10pm.
What do you typically eat for breakfast?
Every morning my husband Adesh makes an intense coconut water and kale based fruit shake with powders like Macca and Lucuma. I am completely at his mercy.
Coffee, tea, wine, tequila, or other (please specify)?
Coffee, Pellegrino, Earl Grey, and Champagne, in that order.
What is something that you struggle with fitting in to your lifestyle and how do you deal with it? i.e. Do you make time for ALL of your yearly medical maintenance check-ups and dental cleanings? Or are you running on a 3 year old contact prescription and can't even find time to floss let alone go to the dentist?
Exercise is the hardest thing for me, because I'd rather spend time with the kids or work on a new idea.
Any advice for new moms, or moms who are struggling to make it all work?
Let go of striving for perfection and everything will normalize in about 5 years.