We’re celebrating real-life SweetMamas! Whether she’s a famous face or the mom in your playgroup, check back weekly to discover her Sweetest Things, as well as her tips on raising them fabulous.
SweetMama We Love: Kristy Jahn-Smith
Hometown: Lethbridge, Alberta
Mom to: Cadence (3) and baby number two on the way!
Also known as: Founder of www.RockyMountainKid.com
SM: Tell us a bit about your business.
Rocky Mountain Kid was born in 2008. It started when I was looking for high quality sunglasses for my new baby and could not find a retailer to order from in Canada. After that I was looking for swim diapers online and again had to buy from a US retailer.
I found myself wondering why there was not an easier way to get some of these items in Canada. I saw a gap in the market and started RMK to fill it. Rocky Mountain Kid combines my love of kids and the outdoors, bringing to market some quality clothing and accessories, that make playing outside a bit more comfortable.
SM: What’s your secret to raising them fabulous?
Well I hope we are. We try to give Cadence as many opportunities as we can. That means taking time to sit down and make crafts, prepare the most nutritious meals, travel, read, meet new people, getting involved in gymnastics, teaching her to ski, and just basically giving ourselves over to this little person who changed our lives forever.
Also I think talking to her, REALLY talking to her, has been so important. She blew me away recently by telling me that her stuffed monkey had a "prehensile tail". Prehensile is not even a word in my vocabulary, and she is two!
SM: What’s been your biggest challenge in balancing motherhood and the other parts of yourself (work, writing, etc.)?
Some days I don't manage that well. It can be complicated. Sometimes I have to remind myself to shut down the computer and take care of what really counts - my daughter. I also think I can be more successful in business if I take time out for me too.
I think that going out for a run, or just puttering about in the yard rather than focusing on the endless tasks on my desk make me a happier person with better ideas and more energy to tackle the things I have to do. My business suffers sometimes because I put the live people in my life first. I work hard to maintain a professional facade, but I think my life is as hectic as any mother's no matter what kind of work they are in.
SM: Knowing what you know now, what’s the one thing you wish you could tell all new moms or moms-to-be?
Take it easy on yourself. Kids are messy, they require lots of time and patience and they are hilarious and so worth it. Life is never going to be the same, and it's a good thing.
What is the one item you can’t live without for yourself?
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Gardeners Dream Cream -- this hand cream is amazing. A great cure for winter skin. Also the best way to moisturize moms hands after lots of diaper changes and other work.
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What is the one item you can’t live without for your children?
Want to be considered as SweetMama We Love? Email us at SMWL@sweetspot.ca