“Mommy Talk” is series of interviews between ESSENCE’s own ChicBusyMom and everyday mothers doing extraordinary things.
CHIC BUSY MOM: Your son Aden recently turned one. How has this first year of motherhood been for you?
TAMERA MOWRY: It has been wow, that’s the first word I can think of, and such a blessing. I’m so grateful to have be chosen to be a mom. Children are from God and are a passage through you. I have had some of the most blissful days as well as some challenging in my life. But as a result, it has molded me into the person I am today. As I teach my son, he teaches me. You learn so much about yourself when you become a mom.
CHIC BUSY MOM: What’s the one thing about motherhood that you know now that you wish someone would have told you about before your son was born?
MOWRY: I have been lucky to have friends be honest with me from the beginning, including my sister. For example, how long it was going to take to feel like yourself again. I didn’t realize it would take as long as it did. There is a juggle of embracing the new you and your new body. Some people are blessed to bounce back and some people have to adjust to their new self. You have to accept that change and lose yourself in it. It feels good to see a little of your sexy self back. Now that’s he’s 15 months, I can balance my focus and spend a little more time on myself.
CHIC BUSY MOM: You’ve been in the entertainment business all your lives, what made you decide to become entrepreneurs with your Need products for moms?
MOWRY: My sister and I have naturally always wanted to build a brand together but we wanted to make sure it was true and authentic to us. We always wanted to help and encourage people in life. Our products help moms find all natural products that are more affordable for moms and babies.
CHIC BUSY MOM: What’s your product development process like? Where do you get inspiration?
MOWRY: We brainstorm and honestly we look for a need that’s out there. That’s how Milky came about.
CHIC BUSY MOM: How do you and your husband find time to focus on each other with what I presume are hectic schedules?
MOWRY: It’s hard to find time for yourselves because we both work a lot. We have decided to have date night at least once or twice a month. We sometimes spend time talking about the baby but that’s ok, too.
CHIC BUSY MOM: I have this term I use called #mommyfail which is basically when we drop the ball as a mom. It doesn’t make us bad mothers just real ones with a lot on our plates. For example, forgetting to send your kids with a permission slip for a school trip is a #mommyfail. Have you had a #mommyfail that you can laugh about now?
MOWRY: I used to leave my diaper bag home all the time and you know newborns, they have blow outs all the time. I’ve had to borrow diapers from other moms. So embarrassing.
CHIC BUSY MOM: If we spilled your pocketbook out right now on the table, what would we find?
MOWRY: Lip gloss, iPhone, Passport because my husband travels the world so you never know, and my pocket photo album of Aedan’s newborn photos.
CHIC BUSY MOM: What is your ‘go-to’ tech accessory at the moment and why?
MOWRY: iPhone or iPad because a lot of my business is through email or phone. You need to have this at the ready.
CHIC BUSY MOM: What are your favorite mommy and kid apps right now?
MOWRY: PBS Kids.
CHIC BUSY MOM: When you are in a pinch for dinner, what is your quick fix that saves the day for your family?
MOWRY: Pre-packaged grilled or baked fish from Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. I make it with steamed kale in vegetable or chicken broth, and my husband loves mashed sweet potatoes or rosemary baked potatoes.
CHIC BUSY MOM: If you could take a family vacation right now, where would you want to go?
MOWRY: We went to Hawaii and I love it because it has something for everyone. We also enjoy Walt Disney World.
CHIC BUSY MOM: What ‘me time’ activity keeps you refreshed and gives you peace of mind as a mom?
MOWRY: I’m into watching my TIVO’d shows like Downton Abbey. I sit down, have a glass of wine and watch my shows.
CHIC BUSY MOM: What tips would you give to other new moms?
MOWRY: It’s ok not to feel 100% prepared. I don’t think you always are, just be confident as you go and know we are naturally equipped for this. Our mommy instincts are a gift from God and I know mine haven’t ever steered me wrong. Also, try to sleep when the baby sleeps. You are going to be physically and mentally exhausted. Ask your husband to pick up some of those chores and let the dishes wait. You can arrange to have a friend come over to help you clean or spend the money to hire someone just so you can get used to the rhythm. Lastly, be kind to yourself, relax and try to breathe through it all. It’s ok to have a moment and let yourself feel. Just go outside and scream…it’s OK!
CHIC BUSY MOM: Lastly, give us a few things on your bucket list.
MOWRY: I really try to live my life to the fullest and do what I want to do right now but to answer your question:
1. I’ve always wanted to produce a feature film
2. Go to Antarctica and see a place that’s pretty much untouched and that no one really sees
3. Take a Hip Hop class
4. Buy a horse