Mom To MORE

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by guest Melani Lust, the award-winning visionary artist behind Melani Lust Photography. Originally from San Diego, Melani came to New York to pursue dance and was accepted into the prestigious Alvin Ailey School of Dance. After dancing both commercially and Off-Broadway, she realized show business was not for her.  Melani went to NYU to major in Math and interned one summer in Finance where she realized she was bored out of her mind. She went back to NYU and changed her major to Art History, receiving both her BA and MA. Melani worked at Sotheby’s in 19th century European paintings, which marked the beginning of her artistic journey and development of her uniquely artistic eye as a future award-winning wedding photographer. Melani is a mom of 3 and raised her kids in Westport, Connecticut. She is also passionate about environmental causes and hopes to dedicate more of her time to philanthropy in the future. Join Sharon and Melani as they discuss the power of slow growth, embracing imperfections and the art of delegation.  Melani’s journey reminds us that success doesn’t happen overnight. Her story is a testament that building something meaningful takes time and patience. It is possible to start small while the children are young, grow your business, passion or hobby as your kids grow, and as you are welcoming more ‘me time’ into your schedule. No dream is too big or too small, and with determination, anything is possible! [00:00] Introduction. [00:51] Melani’s background and her reasoning for being a SAHM. [05:24] The “birth’ of Melani Lust Photography and creating a career that allowed for staying home with the kids.  [09:36] How Melani got into wedding photography. [11:14] Jumping in, even when not feeling fully confident. [13:11] How Melani has refined her eye over time [17:14] Melani discusses her favorite place to shoot, and why. [18:35] Prioritizing, the art of delegation and setting boundaries.  [20:06] The impact that working had on Melani’s children [20:41] Dedicating more time to philanthropic work.  [23:50] Where to find Melani and Melani Lust Photography Learn more about Melani Lust and Melani Lust Photography: Website: https://melanilustphotography.com/ Instagram: @melanilustphotography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelaniLustPhotography   Looking for more? Follow along @momtomore on Instagram and Tiktok. Keep an eye out for episode #5 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Myra Glazer, family matriarch and forever teacher who got her first paying job at the age of 50. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by guest Alison Bruhn, the mom of the mother-daughter duo who founded The Style That Binds Us -  the original next-generation women’s media company and community. Alison is a national style and image consultant based in New York City with clients across the country. Alison reinvented herself in her 50s when she studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and later co-founded The Style That Binds Us with her daughter, Delia Folk. The purpose of her work is to empower women through creating a visual brand and transforming their style to ignite a new path of confidence and independence.  Alison's expertise is frequently called upon by top-tier publications including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Forbes, HuffPost, Bustle, Well+Good, Elle, Condé Nast Traveler, People, InStyle, The Everygirl, Brides, Southern Bride & more, as well as public speaking engagements & podcast interviews.  Join Sharon and Alison as they discuss overcoming societal expectations, embracing change and the importance of growth and learning at all ages. Alison overcame her fear of other people’s opinions of an appropriate career and followed her own unique interests.  Her story shows us that it's never too late to pursue your passions, take risks and create a new path forward.  [00:00] Introduction [02:02] Alison’s background and her reasoning for being a SAHM [05:44] The benefits of women's intuition and what sparked Alison’s reinvention [09:15] Pursuing personal fulfillment through fashion.  [11:21] Rediscovering forgotten passions. [16:30] New business endeavors and tips on building a core professional wardrobe.  [18:58] Pushing the envelope and having the courage to try new things.   [22:14] The many skills you have to offer as a mom. [22:56] Life over 40 and having each other’s backs.  [28:19] Alison shares style tips. [32:11] Staying busy and surrounding yourself with friends of different ages. [37:11] Where to find Alison and The Style That Binds Us.   Learn more about The Style That Binds Us: Website: https://thestylethatbindsus.com/ Instagram: @thestylethatbindsus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestylethatbindsus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFVuT_XmJMPPnrK7rjGbIw Looking for more? Follow along @momtomore on Instagram and Tiktok. Keep an eye out for episode #4 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Melani Lust, world renowned wedding and editorial photographer. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by guests Shawnee Knight and Tina Kramer, founders of the non-profit Filling In The Blanks which fights childhood hunger by providing children in need with meals on the weekends.  In 2013, Knight and Kramer created Filling In The Blanks, which has now expanded to include over 100 sites, including schools, after school programs, and camps throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties and has delivered over 2 million weekend meals to children in low income households. These two multidimensional moms created something so essential in their extended community, and they now serve an extraordinary 5,500 kids a week. Join Sharon, Shawnee and Tina as they discuss taking the first step, the importance of asking questions, moving forward with your vision, and not taking “No” for an answer.  Shawnee and Tina are true visionaries, whose passion, determination, and ability to rally the community have led to the success of Filling in the Blanks. Their dedication to their mission and their ability to overcome challenges make them an inspiration to other stay-at-home moms looking to make a difference. [00:00] Introduction [01:45] Shawnee and Tina’s background and the Importance of being Stay-at-home-moms [03:16] How Shawnee and Tina met and the beginning of their nonprofit journey. [05:01] The beginning of Filling in the Blanks and the challenges faced during the growth of the organization. [08:24] The importance of asking questions and the education and learning involved when considering your next act [14:10] Shawnee and Tina discuss the struggles they faced in their journey and how they pushed through them. [16:55] Plans for growth, engaging new schools, the importance of community support and upcoming events. [22:50] Shawnee and Tina share their personal definitions of "MORE" and provide advice to other moms. [28:02] Where to find Filling in the Blanks online. Learn more about Filling in the Blanks: Website: https://www.fillingintheblanks.org/ Instagram: @filling_blanks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FillingintheBlanks1/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FillingintheblanksOrgNewCanaan Looking for more? Follow along @momtomore on Instagram and Tiktok. Keep an eye out for episode #3 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Alison Bruhn, co-founder of The Style That Binds Us. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥

In the debut episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by guest Ellen Friedlander. Originally from Upstate New York, Ellen has lived a life of creativity, movement and reinvention. She has lived in numerous cities across the United States, as well as fifteen years abroad in Hong Kong where she raised her two children. After moving back to the States with her kids and becoming an empty-nester, Ellen moved to Los Angeles in order to pursue her lifelong dream of being an artist. Ellen’s career has seen international success as a result of her unwavering commitment to her craft and her community. Join Sharon and Ellen as they discuss the many rewards of motherhood, the importance of finding time everyday to do what you love, being resilient when starting something new, and finding your MORE. Ellen's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passion, kickstart a previous career or chart an entirely new path.  As a stay-at-home mom, you can find a way to make your dreams a reality. It will take time, effort and an unwavering belief in yourself and your ultimate goal, but in the end, it’s so worth it.   [00:00] Introduction [01:45] Ellen’s background and how Sharon and Ellen met. [03:08]When and how Ellen realized photography was her passion and how that passion tied into motherhood. [05:22] Why motherhood is so rewarding, the valuable skills you gain as a stay-at-home mom, and how those skills will set up Future You.  [10:17] Life in Hong Kong and how that influenced Ellen’s work, Ellen’s “extended frame series” and finding your passion. [15:14] Doing what you love everyday, exuding your passion and being resilient when starting something new. [19:50] Sharon and Ellen touch on some powerful quotes of Ellen’s regarding her work. [21:49] Pushing through personal doubts to find your voice and overcoming judgment. [26:45] Curiosity, community, and unwavering positivity and Ellen’s “MORE.” [30:28] Where to find Ellen online.   Recommended books: Brené Brown: Atlas Of The Heart Elizabeth Gilbert: Big Magic Richard Templar: The Rules Of Life Twyla Tharp: The Creative Habit   Where to find Ellen Friedlander: Instagram: @emfphoto59 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063961600555&sk=about https://www.ellenfriedlanderphotography.com/ Ellen’s Candid Frame Series: https://www.ibarionex.net/thecandidframe/2020/1/20/the-candid-frame-499-ellen-friedlander Looking for more? Follow along @momtomore on Instagram and Tiktok.  Keep an eye out for episode #2 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Shawnee Knight and Tina Kramer founders of the non-profit Fillin in the Blanks. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥