Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucy Riles.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In the ten short years of marriage and eight years of parenthood, my husband Tommy and I have endured a lot…
This all started 8.5 years ago when our first born needed life-saving open heart surgery at three days old. While in the CTICU at Children’s Hospital, Tommy started a blog called Life of Dad so we could update family and friends on our daughter’s progress. HERE is a video of us sharing our story on The Ellen Show… As our daughter’s health improved, Life of Dad’s content began to expand into relatable content for Dads and a place for dads to connect and share the adventure of fatherhood. My husband’s “baby” Life of Dad (pun intended) now has over 2 million followers since those days at Children’s Hospital. Life of Dad also won a Silver Cannes Lion for their Cheerio Challenge brand campaign and was rated one of the “Top Parenting Influencers” by Forbes magazine.
So after being a SAHM for six years that resulted in five pregnancies (2 losses, a medically fragile child with special needs and two healthy kids), I emerged from the trenches of motherhood to start Life of Mom about 2.5 years ago. I was passionate about creating a space where moms could go to be celebrated and supported without judgment. Life of Mom now has over 230K followers and continues to grow by the day.
Tommy and I recently started a Facebook LIVE show called “Date Night” that generates 13-25K views & 700-1000+ comments per episode. “Date Night” takes place in our living room where I can often be seen found folding laundry during the show. People love the raw, real, sometimes bickering side of a married couple as we cover all relationship and parenting topics! Also worth noting, Tommy and I recently celebrated our 10yr wedding anniversary in a castle in Scotland because well… the first ten years put us through the wringer and we survived!!
Other facts to point out:
-Tommy is the Audience Warm-up guy for The Ellen Show and has been for 14 years.
-I am the youngest of 12 kids (no multiples, same parents and yes we are Catholic) born and raised on the south side of Chicago.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
-I lost my best friend, my mom three months before becoming a mom for the first time. My daughter’s due date turned out to be my mom’s birthday. I named her Barbara after my mom.
-20 weeks into my first pregnancy with Barbara, she was diagnosed with a serious congenital heart defect. A few doctors at the time recommended terminating the pregnancy… but her heart rate was strong, and as long as she was fighting, we were going to fight for her.
-At three days old, Barbara was born full term but needed open heart surgery. Later that night, she flatlined in front of Tom and me three times as the doctors and nurses at CHLA brought her back. It was a very dark and devastating time.
-Between our 2nd and 3rd child, we experienced a stillborn loss of our son Scotland. This past summer we took his ashes to Scotland and released over a Summit in Edinburgh.
-Our oldest daughter has ADHD, Autism and many social/emotional challenges… but she is a fighter and has been since birth! She is constantly breaking down barriers and limitations, and Tom and I could not be prouder!
My advice for young women is this…
– Life doesn’t get easier. You just get stronger.
-everyone grieves differently so respect your partner’s process.
-think of a teepee when it comes to marriage… lean into one another to provide support like the strong, solid beams of a teepee
-Have HOPE. Hope to stand for “Hold On, Pain Ends.”
Please tell us about Life of Mom
Tom and my greatest achievements are our children; Barbara, Tommy, and Katie. They have taught us more about life and resilience and strength than any other person or thing. Tom often says regarding our oldest, “Barbara is the strongest person I know.” It’s true.
We are also very proud of our communities of parents at Life of Mom and Life of Dad. Parents come together all over the world to support and celebrate the adventure of Fatherhood and Motherhood. The fact that we created those platforms is pretty fantastic.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
There will never be a “right” time to start a family. There will always be a reason to wait… but life is unexpected… so are children.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lifeofmom.com
- Email: lucy@lifeofmom.com
- Instagram: @lifeofmomofficial
- Facebook: @lifeofmom
- Twitter: @lifeofmomuncut
- Other: lifeofmomshop.com
Image Credit:
Kathy Schuh Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
