The Happy Mom Conference, presented by Land of Mom, found its footing in Downtown Los Angeles yesterday. Taking over a sprawling studio in the Fashion District, the fledgling Summit owned the natural light and airy feel of the Skyline Loft, transforming it into a unified theme that somehow whispered ‘Boss Mom.’
This Mom Conference actually lived up to its name
The doors opened at 9am, offering the first few attendees a view of open space and dazzling white. Often used as a Photo Studio, the Skyline Loft features white pillars and wall to wall windows, each allowing the ample Southern California sun to seep in. The affect was remarkable, yet somehow soothing, and the organizers used it well. Staff and speakers alike mostly donned white, either in their logo’d T’s or in their outfit choice. White chairs decorated with gift bags completed the look, surrounded by muted vendors and comfortable couches.
A Mom Conference that REALLY was all about Moms!
The start of the Summit began a bit late, due to registration and general mingling. We were all moms there, and it seemed that many of us were enjoying the kid-free, me-only moment to its fullest. After the almost prerequisite meditation, the first panel took the stage – and set the tone for the entire Conference.
This first panel encompassed a group of Postpartum Professionals; a Celebrated OB/GYN, a Pilates instructor and even a Parenting Coach – all moderated by the hysterical and raw Jill Simonian, author and founder of the FAB mom (Focused after birth.) As you can expect, this expert panel delved deep into the ins and outs of postpartum issues, from PPD to Diastasis, prolapse to stress, exercise to self-mothering. It was eye-opening, engaging and worth the price of admission alone. I have linked to each of the participants above. Their bios read like the who’s who in business and their ventures are nothing less than inspiring. Look them up!
Motherhood and Business can go hand in hand
The rest of the Happy Mom Conference followed the same line – groups of astounding women who’ve overcome and built themselves into successful Mompreneurs. There were tales of failures, mistakes and determination, each flavored with the participants unique and stand alone experience, yet held together with a common thread – motherhood. It was inspiring, encouraging and sometimes intimidating.
One of the keynote speakers, Lilit Caradanian, was all of the above, plus some. Finding fame as a make-up artist, Lilit has gathered over 1 million followers on Instagram, built a successful career, found motherhood and launched a beauty brand awarded make-up line, Elcie Cosmetics. Her story was one of hard work and determination, a story that echoes the tales of countless business women – yet it was the way she wove the narrative that made you sit up and take notice. This woman was driven. There is no other word for it. She knew what she wanted in life and she went after it with single minded zeal. Her schedule, even before she found love and motherhood, smacks as insane. Now? Just imagining it makes me exhausted. While there was an approachability in the other guest speakers, Lilit had something else… that spark of ‘more’ that can’t be bottled, sold or taught. Yet listening to her made me feel, even for a moment, that perhaps that ‘more’ could be found, if I wanted it enough. Intimidating? Oh yeah….
Yet that was what this mom conference was all about – stretching borders, knocking on your own walls and finding that piece of yourself that is more than ‘just a mom.’ We were business owners or soon to be and all of us were seeking the knowledge these talented women possessed. Bringing forth women who have made it and are still making it, despite marriages and toddlers, school schedules and sleepless nights meant everything.
What did I get out of it?
I made contacts, gathered cards, networked and learned. One of the guest speakers, Hilary Hartling, is a Branding Expert, and her talk showed it. Her presentation was only 30 minutes long, yet it delivered a bucket full of knowledge with a promise for more on her website, HilaryHartling.com. I’m looking into the workshops now.
All in all, The Happy Mom Conference was a rousing success, one that sent me out the door motivated and encouraged.
I can’t wait to see what Land of Mom comes up with next!
What about you?
Have you attended a business conference, a mom conference or a bloggers conference? Which one? What did you take away? Was it worth it to you? Would you go again? Leave a comment below – I would love to talk!
Join the conversation!