Meet Liz Carlile: Founder of Motherhood Unstressed

We had the good fortune of connecting with Liz Carlile and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Liz, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
Without a doubt, the most important thing I have done for my children is model integrity, self-love and discipline. As a busy mom and entrepreneur, life is hectic, but operating under survival mode isn’t the dream I had for my life, and certainly not for my children. I want them to see a mom that is present with her kids, that is happy, and that directly models self-love and self-respect for them. To achieve that, I have a daily self-care practice that is non-negotiable. It’s like brushing my teeth. But I also realize that most other moms are still operating under survival mode, especially during quarantine. They aren’t taking time for themselves every day, it’s more sporadic, and because they aren’t doing enough to fill their cups every single day, their spirits suffer. Instead of working out, journaling or meditating, they turn on the TV and reach for a glass of wine at the end of a long day. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, I can watch Food Network until my eyes bleed and my favorite wine is a good cabernet. The problem is when a mother uses TV and alcohol as an escape from herself and her life, which actually depletes her energy and happiness even more. I see it happening when I speak with them. They aren’t really with me in the conversation, they are worrying about the next thing they have to get done or feeling guilty about what they missed doing because of another demand in their busy schedules. It breaks me heart, because I understand firsthand the pain they are feeling, and how unnecessary it is. In 2017 with these realizations in mind, I began blogging under the name Motherhood Unstressed, about my transformation from martyr to a mother empowered. And how self-care became the key to my liberation. My blog posts were picked up by online magazines, and the responses I got from fellow moms encouraged me to keep writing and spreading this simple message: self-care isn’t selfish. When you nurture yourself first, you can actually be significantly more present and dynamic with your family and your work. In 2019, I was honored to take this message to the TEDx stage in Colorado Springs. At the end of my speech, I added that this truth isn’t just for moms, that anyone who has a demanding job or is a caretaker also needs to remember to fill their cup everyday. It promotes creativity at work, empathy with loved ones, and an overall sense of well-being and calm. Self-care is an essential part of living well, that most people don’t do consistently. It takes discipline and a commitment to a vision of a better life. That is why the Motherhood Unstressed podcast, blog and CBD line exists. They work together to help busy moms remember their divine presence, to love themselves, and to make their self-care a touchstone in their lives so that they can be fully present for the demands of motherhood and life. The positive ripple effect that this creates is immeasurable, and one their children will directly internalize.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began blogging as a creative outlet in 2017, but I never expected it to blossom the way it has. Almost immediately my blog posts were picked up by online magazines and I started to understand that my voice mattered. It was the response from readers that helped me understand that by sharing my art, I was actually healing myself and others. It was a feeling of pure joy and purpose. I wanted to scale my impact, so in 2018 I started the Motherhood Unstressed podcast as a way to reach even more people and share my message of self-care, holistic health and mindfulness. Every Monday I release an interview with an incredible guest and every Wednesday I release a short guided meditation for beginners looking to foster more inner peace and focus to their lives. In 2019 I graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition as a certified Health Coach. The show, the blog and the dietary theory education helped to expand my sense of mission and purpose and changed my life forever. I finally understood why I was here: to learn, create and help others, especially mothers, live their best lives with less stress. I knew that I wanted Motherhood Unstressed to be my career, so I created an organic CBD product line to help clients deal with stress and create enough revenue to leave my full-time position. It took nearly two years of building my brand to be able to leave my safe position, but I have never been happier. I encourage anyone reading this that when you feel the spark of something that lights you up, don’t ignore it. Rather, you should do everything in your power to bring more of that into your life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I always take visitors to my favorite places in Atlanta, from drinks at Park Tavern overlooking beautiful Piedmont Park, to Ladybird on the Beltline, and Ponce City Market for a fun shopping and dining experience. My favorite restaurants are St. Cecilia, The Optimist, and Umi in Buckhead. And if they are in a dancing mood, the fun and hilarity at Johnny’s Hideaway never disappoints.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so grateful for all of the incredible individuals who have supported me along the way, from brilliant podcast guests like Dr. Chelsea Drda to fellow moms and business owners like Jenni-Lee Sasson, Ashleigh Byrne, and Kim Crahan who inspire me with their dedication to health and self-care. Inspiration overflows when you choose to look for it.

Website: www.motherhoodunstressed.com
Instagram: instagram.com/motherhoodunstressed
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-carlile-920586b6/

Image Credits
Ben Wills
Israel Casas