written by: Black Glamour Mom | Filed Under: Motherhood | 0
Hi Glams!
Today, as part of our BGM Chats With Series, we’re chatting with Tamara Capel-Wilson, a mom who not only keeps it glam, but also owns the online little girl’s boutique Blu Mitten Girls. This series was designed to introduce our readers to moms who are killing it, not only when it comes to their roles as mommy, but also as career women, mompreneurs, wives, sisters and a little bit of everything else mixed in-between. In a short, Q&A style interview, we will touch on topics that will fuel responses that will motivate, cause you to think twice and hopefully share with your inner “Mommy Circle.” As you know, a big reason why I created this space was to champion us as black moms, who by the way, also happen to be Glam Moms!
So Tamara, what do you love most about being a mom?
The fact that I am raising a little person. I love every little aspect of the word mommy. The fact that I have to jump up everyday and be the best that I can be. Everything that I do, everything that I say, this little girl is watching me. What I’m teaching her, I can see it reflected everyday. I’m her role model and I have to say that I’ve been a great role model for my child.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a mom?
That I want this perfect planned out instructional book about being a mom. It doesn’t exist. Every little thing I dissect and try to make sure I’m doing the best thing for her. What we know is that there is no pamphlet or booklet to give me that. Having hard conversations with my daughter and being the bad guy can be tough. As moms we don’t have this perfect guide. You wing it, it’s about trial and error.
How important was it for you to remain stylish, both during your pregnancy and post-delivery?
Oh my gosh! So during my pregnancy I thought hard before buying maternity clothes. But when it got down to what the pants and waist line were saying it became a must. I couldn’t reform to traditional maternity wear. I rocked all of the big, cute shirts that I could. I struggled a little after I had her. It wasn’t about me anymore, it was all about her. I was toting around the car seat and stroller. I put me at the end. However, about six months in I had to get it together. My husband knew it wasn’t me. I realized I could still do me, but in a more comfy casual way. It took me a minute to put on heels. It made me feel better once I started to get back dressed. I’m a firm believer that if you aren’t feeling good, you can’t give the best to your child. I learned that I needed to get myself dressed first, and then I would get her dressed.
How has becoming a mom changed you?
I don’t wear as many heels as I used to wear! Don’t get me wrong, I still do when I feel the need to. As far as changing me, I make sure that my words are right. She’s listening and watching me. She’s made me a better person socially. I have to always be aware of my outside. I’m an introvert, but my child made me come out of that. She is very extroverted. Her personality is through the roof! Momma can’t be quiet. She’s brought me out of that shell. She taught me to be a better me. I learn through her. Kids are the most human people, which really does make you learn a lot about yourself!
What are your Fav “Me Time” activities?
Ooh, I spend a lot of time with myself. I live in Chicago, I’m out and about with myself. I go to art galleries, I go to restaurants. I will have a nice meal with a glass of wine. I have to have it. It’s not negotiable. I’m going to sit and have dinner, I’m going to brainstorm and strategize about my business. I will do nice dinners. I am an “Ambiance Snob.” I like to pull out things that inspire me. I’m doing the Art Institute, The Modern Contemporary Gallery in Chicago. Small and big galleries are my thing. Anything that I can pull inspiration from. Being at home, having the house to myself, lighting a candle and I may even throw on some music. I take the time for myself. I happen to enjoy my thoughts. I love my candles, I’m addicted to Diptyque candles. Sometimes you have to just leave and get the time alone if you can’t do it inside of your own home.
What are your two favorite things to do with your daughter?
I like introducing her to Art. It’s my thing that I’ve introduced to her. She can go and point out different artists. I keep in mind that she’s only eight-years-old. We will do a weekend at American Girl and also do lunch. We will sit and chit chat. With us living in Chicago, we can really make a day out of things by going into the city: We will take an Uber, shop and do dinner.
Did Motherhood make you more confident, how so?
It did make me more confident. It gives you super powers. I am raising a child! When I hear the word “mommy” “momma”, I say to myself that I am that! It definitely made me more confident. You are like the best thing since sliced bread. Our children look at us like these super heroes. You can’t really explain it. But you have this little person who looks up to you for every little thing so you have to perform. You have to be the best you can be. You have this person that is rooting for you. An eight-year-old that’s giving you support. It just puts it in a different light.
Tell me a little about your brand, Blu Mitten?
It’s funny because I was always obsessed with little kid’s clothes. When I had a daughter it was non-stop. Every little thing was super cute to me. I’ve always been in the fashion industry, but when it came to children’s clothing I was apprehensive at first. Having a little girl and shopping for her, it made we want to try this out. I also wanted to pay homage to Michigan. My older sister and I started the brand focusing on girls, and thinking that maybe later we would dip into boy’s fashion. The brand is really about being a mini version of mom. It’s on trend for less. Everything is affordable. Nothing is more than $70. When you buy it, wear it. For Blu Mitten it’s about just wearing the clothes and having fun with it. We wanted to keep it affordable for moms. The Luxe look for less. It’s only online. We do Pop-Up parties throughout the year. We will do one in Detroit for the Holiday and will also have some other events taking place in Detroit.
How do you balance being a mother and having your own brand?
I bring her along with me as part of the process. I’ve brought her to buying trips. I made a birthday trip around a buying trip to L.A. Bringing her along shows her what it looks like to be an entrepreneur. She helps me pick out merchandise. I include her in every little thing that I do. I have to be creative about my day. It’s hard. sometimes. Balance is not easy, but you have to make it fun. Kids want to have fun. The support system is definitely needed.
If you could give one piece of Glam Mommy Advice, what would it be?
Keep it cute, keep it comfy. Find your comfort level and be you. You don’t have to wear stilettos every day. Get yourself dressed first. Get yourself ready first. Get up an hour early if you need to. If you can get yourself together first, I guarantee that you will walk out the door with a little more confidence.
Top Three Fave Designers?
I love Calvin Klein’s new collection, I am a huge fan of the latest collection right now. I’ve been really into cute, fashionable sneakers. I love my Comme Des Garcons sneakers. You can throw them on with jeans and a cute top. I also love jewelry, I love me some gems. I also love to mix vintage with modern. Vintage can be from any designer. I like to mix and match.
Must-Have Beauty Products?
I love Laura Mercier for color, their Candle Glow Foundation is really nice! For my lip Color, I love Nudes. I try to do more color, but I still go back to my nudes. I like YSL and Laura Mercier for my nudes. MAC has really great lip colors. I have sensitive skin and I like Cetaphyl. You will find lots of great things at Walgreens! I keep it simple: Mascara, brows, a little lip and blush and I’m out the door.
Glams, hoping that you enjoyed our chat with Tamara! Do be sure to check out all of the cute pieces that she has for the Mini Style Mavens over at Blu Mitten and be sure to follow her on the Gram, @blumittengirls.
Chat Soon,
Michelle (BlackGlamourMom)
*Images provided by Tamara*
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