Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Kingwood?
I am originally from League City and honestly have never left the Houston area. I attended college at the University of Houston and met my husband after while working at NASA in Clear Lake. He was raised here in Kingwood and had always wanted to move back, so we ended up renovating our forever home and moved to Kingwood in 2013.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Never in my life did I think I would have three little ones, but it’s funny how God has a completely different plan for you. We welcomed our first baby boy in 2013, followed by our daughter in 2015, and son in 2016. When we had our last baby, we were those crazy people with three under three. But somehow we’ve survived the first few years and officially are out of diapers. You moms out there know how monumental that is! Right now our kids are 5 yo, 4 yo, and 3 yo with the last one officially being my husband’s mini-me.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I am a closet book hoarder. Like seriously buy books in hopes that “one day” I will read them. On my nightstand, I currently have 7 books stacked up. Some are work related, some are for fun, and my devotional I try my best to read on the rare chance I get some alone time.
What is your go-to activity for yourself for pampering or for fun?
I’m all about self-care and love a good at-home spa routine that typically includes a mask, an infrared sauna session, and my favorite body oil. For fun, I love to hang out with girlfriends over some good food and drinks. Preferably on a patio with some bistro lighting.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
When all three kids would still nap, it was rather difficult getting them all three to down around the same time. Unless I drove them around for about 15 minutes through Kingwood and transfer them once they all fell asleep. Yup…. All summer long after lunch I would drive them around to hopefully have a few moments of silence and consistent naps across all three. Hey…. Sometimes you just have to do what works for you!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
Ever since leaving NASA in 2013, I’ve explored my entrepreneurial side through owning my own photography business and now being a Pilates + Wellness Studio owner. I enjoy being creative, helping others achieve their goals, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices and healing. I started my Pilates journey in 2014 and every day seem to fall more and more in love with mindful movement. It has helped me heal through my last two pregnancies, been my therapy during stressful times of motherhood, and made me a stronger woman mentally, physically, and emotionally. Pilates is a method of movements that you can do throughout your life, well into your 80’s! And I strive to be the 80-year-old woman still rocking a teaser.
Vessel Pilates welcomes you to come to try a class, and don’t worry you can bring your little one and drop them off while you work out in our VP Kids Club!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Over the course of our 6 years living in Kingwood, I have met so many amazing, kind-hearted, supportive people who have encouraged and continue to encourage me along this journey. Between trusting me as their Pilates teacher, being there when times are stressful, helping me in the studio late at night when they could be at home relaxing, and believing in the mission behind Vessel and working together towards building a community of supportive women focused on healing through movement, nutrition, and self-care. Words cannot even describe the amount of gratitude I feel for our community and those who have helped us along the way.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
Oh goodness! This is the million dollar question! After opening our studio a few weeks ago, we are transitioning into our new norm and learning just how much goes into juggling motherhood and running a business. It’s obviously been very different for us from when I did wedding photography and taught Pilates out of my home studio. I think the biggest obstacle so far has been the amount of time I’m up at the studio versus being at home taking care of our home and family. Cleaning, cooking, and doing laundry has been pushed down the priority task list, but between my husband and now Blonde Pantry meals, we are getting better about managing our household chores and preparing healthy meals for our family. Another thing that helps me tremendously is having a calendar of events on our fridge and utilizing the Asana App to organize and keep track of my many to-do’s. Being present where I’m at, either with work or with my family, is something I continue to work on daily. That coupled with prayer + meditation, much needed mindful movement, and taking care of my health to make sure I’m filling my vessel has been the ultimate key in maintaining my sanity. Motherhood alone is a juggling act…. But the best thing you can do is love your children hard and still follow the path God has for you. Trust in Him and yourself.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
To enjoy all the uninterrupted sleep! I look forward to the day I’ll be able to get a full deep 8-hour sleep in…
What is your proudest mommy moment?
I have so many! Besides the days they each made me a new mom, I feel very blessed with how my kids have turned out thus far and they continue to amaze and surprise me daily. I think between the three of them, my proudest moments are when I get to see their personalities shine. Little glimpses of who they are and what makes them tick. Each is so unique and special.
Greatest gift about being a mom?
Hearing them say “I love you.” Getting hugs and kisses for no reason. Holding them in your arms, snuggling on the couch, and having family tickle fights in bed. Watching them play, starting family traditions together, and celebrating life together. The saying is true about your children being your hearts beating outside of your chest.
Best mom hack that makes mommin’ easier?
Not necessarily a mom hack, but good ol’ fashion coffee. I’m not sure what it is, but there is nothing sweeter than a fresh hot cup of coffee in the mornings to get you going.
What’s your favorite part about what you do?
My favorite part about being a mom is sharing my passions with my kids and showing them what being healthy and happy looks like. My favorite part about owning Vessel Pilates is helping others have more awareness of their bodies, achieving their personal goals, and encouraging others to make their health a priority. Building a community that is supportive, non-judgmental, and welcoming is a core value and huge part of our mission. If I can help my family and others in the community learn ways they can improve their health and wellbeing, then I’m doing what I am meant to do. 
Vessel Pilates
21 N MAIN ST. KINGWOOD, TX 77339
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