Mother/Hustler
In xoNecole's series Mother/Hustler, we sit down with influential mom bosses who open up about the ups and downs of motherhood, as well as how they kill it in their respective industries, all while keeping their sanity and being intentional about self-care.
Between creating content for her audience of more than 290K followers, planning a wedding, traveling the world, and breastfeeding a five-month-old baby at the same damn time, there is no doubt that Jade Kendle is a whole superhero in these streets. For this new mom and veteran hustler, her only kryptonite is self-neglect, a nemesis that she's battled with since giving birth to her daughter Sarai in July.
In an exclusive interview with xoNecole, Jade shared, "I know it's especially tough to take care of ourselves as moms but I truly believe that my daughter requires the best me. I'm not my best [if I'm] super tired or without having 10 minutes in the morning and night to tend to my skin or brush my hair." She explained, "Believe me, those newborn days had me skipping my wellness routines and it was not cute."
Despite the whirlwind chaos of being a full-time mother/hustler, Jade has one helluva support system that helps her keep her eye on the bag, even in her worst moments. The content creator shared that having an accountability partner, her twin, fellow mogul mommy and business partner, Simone Kendle has been key in helping her find and keep her balance as a mompreneur.
She told xoNecole, "I called her mid-breakdown the other day, [and] she said, 'This the shit they talk about, Jade. Being a working mom is hard! It's easy to be proud of yourself when everything is going right. It's these moments where things are out of whack that really shows how hard this mompreneur life is. But guess what? You can do this and It's going to be OK.'"
Along with prioritizing her self-care and saying 'no' to things that don't bring her joy, this is how Jade Kendle manages running a business while figuring out motherhood at the same damn time:
How do you handle moments when you feel overwhelmed?
I have to walk away and find a quiet spot to breathe! Sometimes feeling overwhelmed is just in our heads and, for me, changing my environment, even if it's a bathroom (laughs), makes a world of difference!
What’s the hardest part of your day?
The moments where I have to hop on a call or film and Sarai just won't comply. Whether that's her being super fussy because she's tired or wanting to take for-ev-er to nurse. Those moments I feel my anxiety build and are the moments where being a working new mom is a challenge. But short-lived, thankfully!
When do you feel most productive?
Jade Kendle on Instagram: “It doesn’t matter if there’s options. The difference is you. No one can do what YOU do, like you. Find calm in that. Keep creating & keep…”First thing in the morning, Sarai and I will wake up, play, and nurse. Once she's down for her first nap, my workday begins! I take full advantage of her nap times to do all work-related things so when she is awake, I can give her my attention. She's actually napping right now [as we speak]!
"First thing in the morning, Sarai and I will wake up, play, and nurse. Once she's down for her first nap, my workday begins! I take full advantage of her nap times to do all work-related things so when she is awake, I can give her my attention."
What is your favorite way to spend “me time”?
I love going to the spa! Getting a facial or massage is my jam. I force myself to go at least once a month since even getting to the nail salon regularly is a stretch. For me, that massage or moment in the steam room gives me that hard reset my body and mind need.
What is your advice for dealing with mom guilt?
Whew, that's a tough one. Honestly, I don't have that figured out. My best bet is that I'll always have it in some capacity because I'm a working woman. I just know that I do it all for her. I want my daughter to see me living a life I love and one where I can be passionate about my work and be there for her, too.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
You NEED a team!
What is the most important lesson you want your kid(s) to learn from you?
You decide. You decide who you are, you decide what you do. You decide when to go right or left. Life is about choices–don't let ANYONE or anything convince you that your instinct or innate desire/passion is wrong.
Why was it important to you to be an entrepreneur even though some people may think that a 9-5 offers more stability?
I had to recognize that what I want my life to look like didn't match what many 9-5ers lives look like. I felt so many conflicts–even in school–with strict routines and expectations. I knew I would either struggle to get up every day, which at times, I did. Or, I would have to walk a very different path. I'm so glad I chose a different path!
"I had to recognize that what I want my life to look like didn't match what many 9-5ers lives look like. I felt so many conflicts–even in school–with strict routines and expectations. I knew I would either struggle to get up every day, which at times, I did. Or, I would have to walk a very different path."
How has being a mother helped you become a better entrepreneur (or vice versa)?
Jade Kendle on Instagram: “We did a really cute thing today! It involved hot apple cider, a hay ride, and great #fall weather. Oh, and LOTS of pun-kins! 🎃(That’s how…”Motherhood has taught me such a great lesson in prioritizing. From work to personal. Who do I really want to surround myself with? What projects do I really want to do? My life revolves around my family now, not work. That was a huge shift for me!
What advice do you have for moms who are looking to start their business but haven’t taken a step out on faith yet?
If you don't do it for you, do it for your baby. Do you want them to grow up seeing you work a job you hate or what dedication to your passion looks like?
Do you think it’s important to keep your personal and professional life separate? Why or why not?
For me, the personal and professional life is so intertwined! It works for me and what I do. I think everyone has to make that decision for themselves.
What advice do you have when it comes to time management as a mogul mommy?
Take advantage of a sleep schedule (laughs). That's all I got, so far!
What tips do you have for financial planning, both professionally and for your family?
Whew, that's a whole convo in itself! I would say in very general terms, PLAN PLAN PLAN!
To learn more about Jade, follow her on Instagram @lipstickncurls!
Featured image by Instagram/@lipstickncurls.
ALSO ON XONECOLE