Leaning Into Being

Motherhood will never be perfect—and the sooner we let go of that expectation, the more things fall into place.

Dawn Hilarczyk knows this well. As the COO of Borghese, a philanthropist, and a mother of three, she’s built a thriving career while embracing the messy moments of motherhood.

According to Dawn, she can be her best self at home and at work by practicing self-care and setting clear boundaries. We discussed how she encourages her team to find their own balance while also tapping into her mission to help children through her nonprofit, Thoughtful Threads of the Heart.

Dawn’s story reminds us that when we free ourselves from the pressure of perfection, we can extend grace to ourselves and concentrate on what truly matters.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Building a successful career in the beauty industry: Hear about Dawn’s unconventional journey from makeup artist to COO and how creativity, mentorship, and resilience played a major role in her success.
• The importance of mentorship and supporting women in the workplace: Dawn explains how she champions women in their careers, particularly mothers, and the importance of modeling work-life integration.
• Philanthropy and community impact: Learn about Dawn’s nonprofit, Thoughtful Threads of the Heart, and how it’s making a difference in the lives of children and families in need.
• How to prioritize self-forgiveness and let go of ‘mom guilt’: Dawn opens up about her experience with the “mommy wars” and why it’s crucial for working moms to be kinder to themselves and each other.
• Quality over quantity in parenting: Quality interactions foster a deep, emotional connection with your children. Be present in those critical moments that your children will remember.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Meet Dawn Hilarczyk
(03:05) Becoming COO of Borghese
(07:10) Being fully present at home and at work
(09:39) The importance of carving out personal time
(11:27) Skincare routine for busy moms
(14:34) Supporting women and mothers in the workplace
(18:51) The advocacy of Thoughtful Threads of the Heart
(23:03) How to forgive yourself and learn to say no
(27:52) How to silence the gremlins in your head
(31:25) That “one moment” from Dawn’s perspective
(34:02) The most important 9 minutes of your child’s day

Loving the podcast? Dive deeper into all things motherhood by downloading the Hello Mamas app! Join a powerful, inclusive community built for moms at every stage, from first steps to first days of school and beyond. Here, you’ll find real talk, resources, and support for all the ups and downs.

Special Intro Offer: For a short time, join Hello Mamas for just $2.99 a month or $15 for six months—a special offer for new members ready to jump in and start connecting. This introductory rate is available only to a limited number of moms, so don’t miss out!

Click here to download - http://apps.apple.com/us/app/hello-mamas-community/id6736908394?platform=iphone

Have you ever wondered how maintaining your professional identity can fuel your confidence as a mom?

What if embracing both roles could actually empower you in ways you never thought?

Meet Kanika Chadda-Gupta. She’s not just a mom; she's a woman's advocate, a journalist, and the creator of the podcast “That’s Total Mom Sense.” Kanika shares her journey from experiencing multiple miscarriages and challenging pregnancies to becoming a mother of three, all while accelerating her career and launching a successful podcast.

We talk with Kanika about how she navigated her role as a new mom, utilizing her maternity leave not just to bond with her baby but also to manage work tasks during NICU visits and delve into the world of talk therapy and supportive communities to combat postpartum depression. Her story emphasizes the positive impact that self-care, self-compassion, and building a supportive community around mothers can have when you lean into your own “mom sense.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why you should connect with your inner self daily: It’s so important to trust your inner voice, which will guide you through tough decisions in motherhood and your career. Start your day by connecting with yourself and practicing self-compassion
• Why community support is paramount for mental health: Finding supportive communities can be a lifeline. These communities can provide comfort, validation, and practical advice, helping you feel understood and uplifted.
• How to pursue your true calling with purposeful goals: Set clear, measurable goals aligned with your true calling. Celebrate your accomplishments, learn from your mistakes, and remember that patience and self-care are essential, especially when balancing multiple roles.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Meet Kanika Chadda-Gupta
(02:57) The importance of trusting your intuition
(06:41) How Kanika juggled motherhood and a new career
(08:17) Coping with postpartum depression
(12:00) The inspiration behind "That’s Total Mom Sense"
(17:38) How to redefine success and live with purpose
(23:24) Self-care and affirmations for moms
(25:21) Uplifting fellow women in media

Loving the podcast? Dive deeper into all things motherhood by downloading the Hello Mamas app! Join a powerful, inclusive community built for moms at every stage, from first steps to first days of school and beyond. Here, you’ll find real talk, resources, and support for all the ups and downs.

Special Intro Offer: For a short time, join Hello Mamas for just $2.99 a month or $15 for six months—a special offer for new members ready to jump in and start connecting. This introductory rate is available only to a limited number of moms, so don’t miss out!

Click here to download - http://apps.apple.com/us/app/hello-mamas-community/id6736908394?platform=iphone

As women, we’re constantly asked to do more and be more. And yet, there's incredible strength and wisdom in just "being."

Being present. Being Mama. Simply being you. 

This is Leaning into Being. A show brought to you by the Founders and Leaders of Hello Mamas and HeyMama. Erika Hanafin, mom, stepmom, CEO, and co-parent hosts alongside Amri Kibbler, mother, founder, and cancer survivor.

Each episode focuses on relatable situations, resources, and experiences to help you balance the beautiful chaos of motherhood and ambition. This show is designed for all mamas seeking community and connection in her definition of success. 

Allowing you to simply be…be your all so you can give your all, for all you care about.

Loving the podcast? Dive deeper into all things motherhood by downloading the Hello Mamas app! Join a powerful, inclusive community built for moms at every stage, from first steps to first days of school and beyond. Here, you’ll find real talk, resources, and support for all the ups and downs.

Special Intro Offer: For a short time, join Hello Mamas for just $2.99 a month or $15 for six months—a special offer for new members ready to jump in and start connecting. This introductory rate is available only to a limited number of moms, so don’t miss out!

Click here to download - http://apps.apple.com/us/app/hello-mamas-community/id6736908394?platform=iphone