Tell us a bit about your skincare journey, from your teens through your thirties?

“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs with my skin over the years. Acne runs in my family, so I dealt with that over my teenage years. I’ve always been prone to congestion and textured skin, but it wasn’t until I reached my mid-thirties where I felt like I gained control and finally found what worked for me.”

“I switched over to use all Marie Veronique skincare items and really saw an incredible change—they’ve been some of the only topical products that have worked for me. Along with that, I’m pretty serious about my water intake and eating enough water-dense foods throughout my day, so I also feel like that plays a part in my skin’s consistency. Plus, now I'm taking HyaCera daily for another boost from the inside-out.”

“I think I will always have skin that requires a little more work. I’ve never been (and will probably never be!) that person who only uses soap with a sprinkle of water and somehow has glowing skin. I still struggle with it and that’s okay.”

How do you feel about the natural occurrence of fine lines and wrinkles?

“I think about it a little bit now that I’m getting older and noticing some changes. I think everyone is entitled to embrace aging however they’d like. But something I heard a while back was around how aging is a privilege and that really stuck with me. If we’re lucky enough to be on the planet long enough to have our bodies show the time and moments we’ve enjoyed, there’s so much beauty in that.”

“It doesn’t mean it doesn’t come without its challenges, especially in the world we live in with all of the messaging around youth, but being here, alive, and with our loved ones feels like a true gift.”

Since starting HyaCera, what changes have you noticed?

“I noticed how it felt, first and foremost. It felt like there was more elasticity after taking HyaCera—more bounce if that makes sense. And it did appear to be a bit dewier before I put any of the serums and oils on! It’s a subtle difference that feels like it’s coming from the inside—akin to the highly coveted pregnancy glow.”

Would you suggest HyaCera to others?

“Yes, I love that HyaCera feels super easy to incorporate in a morning routine and that you can actually see the benefits. Not only do I see a difference, but I love that HyaCera’s results are clinically proven.*† Consistency is so key for my skincare habits—and all of my wellness habits—and Ritual's subscription service also helps ensure that I never run out."

You now have two beautiful children. Did you always know you wanted to be a mother?

“No, I didn’t actually. When I got pregnant with my daughter, it was a total (albeit incredible) surprise. It was through having her I really understood and experienced the beauty and meaning that exists in being a parent.”

How has your identity shifted since becoming a mother, and going from 1 to 2 children?

“I would say the shift from one to two has probably changed things the most. While having my daughter really opened me up to new growth and change, having my son has shed a new perspective on how I spend my time outside of the home, what values I want to uphold, and the sanctity of the beauty in the human experience.”

What excites you about motherhood right now?

“I think the understanding that I’m in the driver’s seat and hold the keys to breaking cycles. That’s powerful and I am at a point in my life where I’m doing the work there. Also, just reliving the little kid experience through my son’s eyes brings me so much joy.”

What makes you most nervous?

“I think parenting in an age where there is so much rapid change with technology that pulls us further away from connectedness, the threat climate change imposes at a collective level, and of course, the fear of repeating negative cycles or approaches in parenting.”

What was your own upbringing like?

“I grew up in New Mexico, but moved around a bit before landing permanently here in California. As a child I was pretty adaptable and had plenty of random interests, although I wish more of those would have stuck. I remember playing outside and enjoying sweet summers—coming home when the street lights came on. There was a lot of freedom in the way I was parented.”

Are there things from your upbringing—and your husband's upbringing—that you're consciously trying to incorporate into your parenting?

“I want to make sure our kids feel supported, directed, and heard. Creating space for them to feel confident, share emotions, and be the best version of themselves while also enforcing healthy boundaries. I think these are the takeaways from our experiences that we want to make sure we incorporate.”

When did the idea of writing and journalism as a career goal first enter your life?

“It’s kind of cliché, but I do remember having an interest in writing as a kid. I recall seeing the headlines on my mom’s magazines and wondering how people came up with them. Reading and writing were always my favorites in school—don’t talk to me about math! I followed a pretty traditional route and studied journalism in school, while simultaneously working and interning at the same time. I love storytelling as a vessel for connection."

How would you describe your work as a writer?

“Since transitioning out of a full-time writer/editor role, I’ve really been able to focus on areas that really interest me. I’ve always been fascinated by design, fashion, and culture—and the elements of my writing embrace this, but are genuinely centered on topics I feel excited about and that’s refreshing!”

You are also a shop owner. Tell us a little bit about NOOMOON and your goal with it.

“I opened NOOMOON last year with the intention of challenging the way secondhand clothing felt and was presented—and that offered a place for style-driven brands and items.”

“Part of it was spawned out of my own love for secondhand and being a mindful shopper from an ecological perspective while also combining my love for fashion and design. Kids grow out of clothing so quickly that it can feel like you’re constantly discarding pieces, so I wanted to offer a solution for that.”

How has it been juggling two kids—and two career paths?

“It’s a lot! I feel like life has been busier than ever.”

Do you have any creative practices or rituals to get you inspired and also to keep you centered?

“Since having my son, it’s been tougher to incorporate my go-to rituals as much as I’d like. I still love a good tarot pull everyday, a journal entry when I have time, and breathing practices. I feel most alignment when I’m doing these things along with moving my body/staying active. For me, those are the most long-term tools to stay inspired and focused.”

If you want to try out Ritual for yourself, head over to Ritual.com/Mother-25 for 25% off your first month!

If you don’t like Ritual within the first 30 days, your first order is on them.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

†Based on a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on 63 women and men ages 26 to 64 years old.