JOURNAL: Balancing Family and Fashion

Sometimes I can't decide if I'm living a full, satisfying life or a crazy double life. 

I work model fittings, runway shows, and photo shoots in between play dates and legos. 

Either way, I love it.

I love every aspect of being a mom and can't possibly imagine a life without the kids 

but some days finding balance is harder than other days. Both work and family can be demanding and kids don't understand the word "Later." For them, every moment counts.

In my world, family and fashion are so intertwined I couldn't possibly 

keep them as separated as other designers seem to. 

I design clothes I can wear while running between fittings and preschool.

 I almost never wear heels because then I can't keep up with the little ones and my morning hair /makeup routine takes 10 minutes tops..... I'm such a mom.

Some days I get frustrated that I'm not more productive, manage my time better, and more organized. But it's hard to be incredibly organized with 3 kids under 6 on 2 different schedules.

I just do what every parent does.... her best.

That doesn't mean I can't do better though.

I will always be my own worst critic and never totally satisfied with a given project. It pushes me forward and guarantees that I'm always learning. Yes, I'm hard on myself, but I use my frustrations as motivation. I'm constantly trying to find ways to balance my time better. I try to wake up before the kids to get some work done and stay up late every night. I work 7 days a week and can say I thoroughly enjoy when my head hits the pillow at night.

I want my cars and house spotless, work To-Do lists that take several pages, play dates scheduled nearly every day of the week, a husband I can't wait to see at night, and orders I can barely keep up with. I want these things.... and I'm a firm believer that if you want anything bad enough, you make it all work. You find balance by sheer determination and constant effort.

I feel like my priorities are where they should be. I love my family more than I can express. Without them, I wouldn't have the creative drive to do anything remotely artistic. I love work, and if it takes a few years longer to grow my business because I've enjoyed my kids childhood, I can live with that.... happily.

About Lisa

A little about me:

My name is Lisa Miller-Mecham. I have 3 kids under 6 between me and my amazing husband, who I married last summer. They are absolutely hilarious and most of the time while I am working they are working on their own projects alongside mine. I blame my kids for every creative bone in my body. I just think they are the coolest people in the world. I see them and they make me happy... and happiness inspires creativity.

Colorfest 2013

With everything that goes on in life, my kids always come first. I launched my accessory line, Reclaimed Wreckage back in 2008 to create a supplemental income so I could have more quality time with my son. I work late every night in our at-home studio overlooking the city. Each day I do my best to do something special that's just for the kids. We go to the library, a museum, a farm, or dedicate a solid 2 hours to building legos.

Playing in the sand on the lake in Heber, UT

I'm also in school finishing up my degree and own 2 businesses. LissMee Apparel is my dream-job and Reclaimed Wreckage ensures I never stop thinking outside the box. Between the two I have to be sure to balance my time to stay on top of everything. I love every photoshoot, sketch, draft, and email that goes into my work. 

Backstage before a runway show Oct. 2012

Life can get so busy and complicated that LissMee has really become a necessity. Between being a  hands-on mom and being a successful fashion designer, it's important to have a stylish, fashion-forward wardrobe that is also comfortable and easy to maintain. I design clothes for the real woman. The woman who balances an impossible schedule with her own ambitions. Who believes fashion doesn't have to be painful to be beautiful and that comfort and ease are key to effortless style.

Here is my little blog where I'll share my experience, my process, fashion news, and styling for the modern woman. Take a look around and I hope you enjoy my work as much as I do.