The Always Busy Mama: Beauty in the Busy

Ok, first things first; where does the business/brand name come from? What was the inspiration for choosing it?

The Always Busy Mama was born out of my real, everyday life as a full-time working mom juggling a demanding career, raising two little ones, an husband with an demanding job, and rediscovering my creative identity. The name honors the women who are always doing everything for everyone—but still deserve something beautiful and meaningful for themselves. It’s a reminder that even in the chaos, we deserve to feel seen, empowered, and put together.

What inspired you to start the brand/go into business?

My journey began after I experienced postpartum depression following the birth of my first child. I was searching for something that felt like me again—something creative, grounding, and fulfilling. I returned to a childhood love of jewelry-making and quickly realized that it wasn’t just therapeutic—it was transformational. What started as a personal outlet became a way to help other busy women feel beautiful, connected, and empowered. I’ve since grown the brand to include meaningful gemstone designs, permanent jewelry, and even a collection created alongside my 4-year-old daughter, Olivia. It’s a business rooted in love, self-expression, and resilience.

How would you describe your style or aesthetic?

My style is best described as timeless with meaning. I focus on dainty, elegant gemstone and chain jewelry that blends everyday wearability with deeper personal significance. Each piece is crafted using sterling silver, 14k gold-filled metals, and natural AA/AAA-grade gemstones, ensuring lasting quality and beauty. The aesthetic is clean, intentional, and versatile—designed for women who want to feel effortlessly put together while honoring their story. Whether it’s a bracelet that marks a milestone or a necklace that serves as a daily reminder of strength, every piece is made to carry meaning in the most stylish way.

Did you always have a passion for this industry?

Can I say… no? Not exactly. I didn’t grow up dreaming of working in the jewelry industry—but I’ve always had a deep love for creating and working with my hands. Jewelry-making came into my life at a time when I needed something grounding and joyful. I quickly fell in love with the process, the intention behind every design, and how personal jewelry can be. So while the industry wasn’t the dream, the act of creating something meaningful always was.

Who/What has inspired your career in this field?

My husband, my daughter, and one of my closest friends have all played huge roles in shaping my journey. My husband has supported every late-night idea and helped me carve out time to chase this dream. My daughter, Olivia, inspires my creativity daily—especially as she’s started designing with me. And my friend, Kara, who believed in this brand before it had a name, reminded me that there’s power in starting small. They’re all part of my “why”—and the reason I show up for this business with heart and intention every day.

What is the greatest reward of running your own business?

As a Type A personality, success is deeply rewarding—but I’m not just talking about revenue. The greatest reward is walking down the street and seeing someone wearing my jewelry… or being stopped at a restaurant by someone asking, “Are you The Always Busy Mama?” It’s those moments of connection and recognition that remind me I’ve built something real—something that matters to people beyond just a purchase.

What’s been the greatest challenge?

The biggest challenge has been managing it all—being a full-time corporate professional, a mom, and a business owner while trying to build a brand that feels authentically me. Operations are my comfort zone; that’s what I do for a living. But branding? Storytelling? That part has stretched me the most. Learning how to express the heart of my business visually and emotionally has been a challenge, but also a huge area of growth.

What is currently inspiring you creatively?

Right now, I’m feeling inspired by all things Mother’s Day and summer. I’m leaning into meaningful gifting—pieces that symbolize motherhood, connection, and self-love. I’m also working on a beach-inspired collection that I’m launching with my identical twin sister, Abby, which has been such a fun and personal project. The colors, textures, and energy of summer are pushing me in new creative directions I’m so excited about.

How has the sites and scenes of New England played into your brand?

If I’m being honest—not much. My brand is more inspired by the energy of motherhood, meaningful moments, and emotional connection than by place. However, being based in New England has connected me with an amazing network of makers and women who value craftsmanship, community, and intention—and that has definitely shaped how I build my business.

What is your New England or Coastal Happy Place?

While I’m based in New England now, my coastal happy place will always be Grand Haven, Michigan—the town where I was born and raised, and where most of my family still lives. It’s a beautiful spot nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, with crystal blue water and soft quartz sand beaches that take your breath away. It’s more than a destination—it’s home, memory, and meaning all rolled into one.

My Perfect Day in that place would be:

Waking up early to go fishing on the lake with my dad, grabbing coffee from Jumpin’ Java, and strolling the downtown shops. I’d stop by to see my grandparents, then spend the afternoon by the beach or pool sunbathing and laughing with my sisters, nieces, and nephews. The day would end with a picnic dinner on the sand with a Pronto Pup and a sunset that always seems to outdo itself—followed, of course, by ice cream. Pure joy.

Do you have a Dream Project, Product or Collaboration?

Yes! I’d love to collaborate with Kendra Scott. I’ve often been told that The Always Busy Mama is like a higher-quality version of her brand—not because her products aren’t beautiful, but because I use solid, lasting materials like sterling silver, 14k gold-filled metals, and AA/AAA-grade gemstones, rather than plated or vermeil pieces.

A dream collaboration would be creating a limited-edition capsule that celebrates motherhood, milestones, and self-love—offering timeless, elevated designs for women who want their jewelry to carry personal meaning and stand the test of time.

I could also see collaborating with mom-focused brands or gifting companies to create intention-driven pieces for new moms, entrepreneurs, or women in transitional seasons of life. The possibilities are endless when the heart of the brand is all about connection, empowerment, and story-driven design.

Where do you see the brand in 5 years?

In five years, I see The Always Busy Mama as a nationally recognized jewelry brand, with thoughtfully curated pieces carried in boutiques across the U.S. I envision having a small, light-filled studio space where a trusted team supports production, helping maintain the high quality of craftsmanship my customers know and love—so I can focus more on design, creativity, and community.

By then, my daughter Olivia will be 9 going on 10, and if she continues to show interest, I’d love to keep nurturing her creativity and building her presence within the brand. Watching her grow alongside this business is one of the greatest joys of my journey.

I also see the permanent jewelry side of my brand evolving into something even more intentional—focusing less on vendor events and more on milestone-driven experiences like weddings, bachelorette parties, girls’ nights, and private events. These intimate, connection-filled moments align so naturally with what The Always Busy Mama stands for: celebrating meaningful moments, honoring connection, and creating memories that last.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received came from my gramps (grandfather). After I graduated college during the recession in 2009 and struggled to find work, he told me:

“You have to start somewhere.”

He told me to walk into businesses and offer to do anything, even clean the toilets—because once people see who you are and what you’re capable of, they’ll find a place for you. He wasn’t wrong. That advice not only helped me start my career, but it’s shaped how I approach business: with humility, grit, and belief in what I bring to the table.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“I’ve got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.”
– Larry Bird

As a former athlete, this quote hits home for me. People are often surprised when they meet me and find out I used to be a Division I volleyball player—but that mindset, that work ethic, and that internal drive to show up and give my all? That’s stayed with me through every chapter of life.

Whether it was navigating postpartum depression, building my business from the ground up, balancing a corporate career, or learning how to be a mom, wife, corporate employee, and maker at the same time—I’ve leaned into this mentality. I may not always know the outcome, but I know if I give it everything I have, things will find their way.