As Mother’s Day draws near, we could not be more excited to be able to share this fun interview with Mellick Mama Beatrice! Co-founder and COO of Beachmate, wife to Jeff… Beatrice wears so many hats day in and day out, but one of the ones that resonates most is Mom! Read on to hear some deets about working motherhood straight from her!
What’s something you never thought you’d do before you became a mom?
Everything! Anything! It's nonstop. You really never take a break, whether it's physically caring for and being with your children, or worrying about them, what they're doing, scheduling for them, etc. It's just an amazing gift we are given and certainly a struggle as well - and it’s so hard to always be on! - but at the same time, when the kids see you and scream “Mommy!” it's just the greatest thing ever. Also, side note… I am surprised how tired you can be and still somehow manage to function!
What are your favorite activities with your kids?
Honestly, it sounds so simple, but I love to do everything! All the time! I'm the type of mom that tries to make the most of everyday experiences, whether it’s going to the grocery story for fun, or heading to Target on Sunday morning, playing in the backyard, running around, staying active outside… you name it!
How do you create work/life balance as a working mom?
Challengingly. I think that's probably one of the hardest things that I struggle with as a mother. I was a stay-at-home-mom completely for the first two children, but I’m not anymore. And I have that guilt all the time, but at the same time, I'm lucky in the sense that this is our own company and we are all in, for better or worse. The whole family is part of our company. When it comes to balance, honestly, it’s almost like I have different sides of my brain - there’s the work side and then the Mellick side. I focus on Beachmate; then, I focus on the children. I recognize that there’s not a whole lot of time for me, but that'll come next! We are all busy but happy, and the kids know what is at stake. Ultimately, Jeff and I are super proud to show them that we are working together and are successful. And as for balance…? If someone could tell me the answer, a lot of people (especially women experiencing mom guilt!) would be happier!
Who is your role model?
My mom has always been a great role model to me. She has always worked and owned her own businesses - decorator, realtor, and so on! She sews, she cooks. She can do everything! She’s a great inspiration to me; as a mother, I try to be like that as well. I try anything, and it results in me taking on too much all of the time (oops!).
What is something you hope to pass on to the kids?
My love for new experiences! I’m always up for an adventure, and I hope that we can give that to our kids as well. We love traveling with them (not that we can go anywhere major with so many little people), even when it’s just to Jeff’s dad’s house in Rhode Island. I love that the kids are so enthusiastic about travel and exploration... we love doing stuff with them and taking them places!
If you could change something about the world today, what would it be?
If I could change one thing, it would be this total sense that everything is of such a high level of self-importance… this culture of immediate gratification. I see people so worried about getting this or that at an exact moment that they miss the actual moment! That’s incredibly sad.
If you had one piece of advice to parents, what would it be?
Every day is a new experience, and you have to wake up not really knowing what might happen. It is both fun and exciting! You get to see everything through the eyes of your children, and every day is a new and different experience for them, which makes it better as a mom (less Groundhog Day!). That said, it's important to have patience - remember it takes a lot of time to mold these little people.
Absolutely loved this interview and cannot wait to chat with Beatrice again sometime soon about the brand. Any other topics you'd find most interesting?? Tell us over on Instagram!
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Beachmate is an all-in-one stackable storage system that consolidates all your beach products in one easy-to-pack bag. There is a place for everything, giving you hands-free convenience in a stylish way that you simply carry over your shoulder. The Beachmate is complete with durable buckets, shovels and a soft cooler, contained in a tote bag with plenty of storage pockets. With all of its multi-functional pieces and our unique, thoughtful design, Beachmate is the essential family beach bag that will totally change the way you beach.