These moms may be in the public light, but they’re moms doing the real work of raising kids.
Photo by Ralph Palumbo
Kate Casey
Comedian/Host/Author | www.loveandknuckles.com
Married to: Dan
Kids: Mia, 9, Jack, 7, Hayes, 5, Sutton, 3, and Caroline, 9 months
Lives in: Newport Beach
Podcast: “Reality Life with Kate Casey” (since 2016)
In a nutshell: “Philadelphia suburbs born and raised, college in Washington, D.C. Worked in government and then ran my own public relations firm media consulting for global law firms. After the birth of my first child I began writing television recaps, which led to writing a book and for various media outlets. Two years ago I started a podcast, which is now one of iTunes’ highest-rated shows in the TV & Film category.”
How would you describe your podcast? “My show is called ’Reality Life with Kate Casey’ podcast. I have been called the Diane Sawyer of reality television. Every Friday I interview reality stars of the past and present, and leading directors and producers of your favorite reality shows and documentaries. In addition each week I ask two different guests to dissect an episode of a reality television show for your enjoyment. My podcast is essentially like a weekly standup act. I write new material every week. The beauty of it is you can hear it from the luxury of your car, on a workout or at the nail salon. You don’t have to get a babysitter and an Uber for a night at the comedy club. In fact more comedians are realizing the value of a podcast.”
What inspired you to delve into the lives of reality show stars? “I consider myself a reality television anthropologist. I saw an opening for a show that featured more in-depth interviews with people who appear one-dimensional on television shows, and for hilarious recaps of shows from people of all walks of life. You can walk into any bar across America and find plenty of people who have an opinion about ‘The Bachelor,’ ‘Survivor’ or one of ‘The Real Housewives’ franchises.”
Who’s your favorite interview? “It’s too hard to say just one interview has been my favorite. I have liked almost everyone I have interviewed. I highly recommend my episode with the producer of ‘Surreal Life’ and ‘Rock of Love,’ and my interview with Donnie Wahlberg.”
How much has your podcast grown? “I have almost 6 million total downloads.”
You’re also a standup comic? “I started only two years ago! I made a New Year’s resolution to try an open mic night. I did a three-minute set the first week of February and by May I was opening at the Irvine Improv. It’s been a whirlwind, but I think I have had enough ridiculous life situations that have given me plenty of material.”
What has been your favorite standup memory? “I performed at The Ice House in Pasadena. Before my set I sat in the green room surrounded by photos of comedy giants. Talk about an out-of-body experience!”
With five kids, how do you manage all you do? “Full disclosure: I only sleep about five hours. I think I am pretty good at multitasking. I work everywhere and anywhere. If I am in the parking lot of the kids’ school I am likely on my laptop researching shows, booking guests or watching episodes.”
Have there been any challenges? “The challenge is always in the booking. I have been really lucky getting some amazing guests.”
What have you learned about being a parent? “Comparison is the thief of joy. Children crave structure. I work hard to raise curious children who want to be global citizens. They need to love their siblings above all.”
Any advice you can offer for other working moms or moms looking to build their career? “Find a job that doesn’t feel like a job. If you love something you will make time for it.”
Photo by Christine Cheng
Briana Vartanian
hilanthropist | loveforlola.org
Married to: James
Kids: Lola, 12, Sebastian, 8, Wilhelmina, 6, Georgiana and Theodora, 14 months
Lives in: Newport Coast
Brand: Love for Lola Leggings
In a nutshell: Full-time mother of five, fashion Influencer and Phelan-McDermid syndrome advocate
How did Love for Lola leggings get started? “It’s been a whirlwind. The Love for Lola brand started three years ago after I approached Goldsheep clothing with an idea to collaborate on a legging to raise awareness for my daughter’s rare genetic disease. That initial design, with my signature pink hearts, sold out within a few hours and quickly became an Internet sensation around the world. The positive feedback and momentum was incredible, and allowed us to make a second legging, called ‘The Phelanthropist.’ And from there, we just kept moving forward with more orders. In February, I launched my children’s line of ‘minis’ to follow the adult leggings. I am currently working on my third design. All proceeds from the leggings are donated to the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation.”
Your leggings have garnered a celebrity following? “My efforts to help raise awareness for Phelan-McDermid syndrome catapulted to the next level when I reached out to celebrities like country music star Dustin Lynch and Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough to take part in the Phelan Lucky campaign to raise awareness for PMSF. … Using social media as my main platform, the leggings became a global movement for rare diseases with people posting pictures wearing the pants in all corners of the world—including Australia, Thailand, Dubai, Mexico and across the U.S. The leggings have been featured in international media stories, along with the local press.”
What inspired you to develop the brand the way you did? “I’ve always been active and played sports most of my life. I attended Texas Tech University on a softball scholarship and have always had a desire to incorporate a fun product that was sporty and functional with a purpose. My daughter, Lola, and I exercise daily and the leggings were a perfect fit for her needs. Lola has hypotonia [decreased muscle tone] and walking and regular exercise is key for her to develop muscle and keep her healthy. She loves to run and travel to new places and the leggings give her the confidence to conquer all odds.”
Describe your work as a special needs advocate. “Lola was first diagnosed with autism at 14 months old and after genetic testing we found the primary cause for her global delays, hypotonia and non-verbal traits as Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Shortly after this diagnosis, she was featured in a CNN story. At the time even autism was not as accepted and there was a need to raise awareness. The article shined a light on knowing the symptoms and getting a second opinion. … I have served as a fundraising chair for The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Gala. I’ve actively done races and attend summits for Global Genes.”
With five kids, how do you manage all this? “It’s never boring managing a special needs teenager, twin babies and two active children. I am constantly on the go, and travel across the OC every day—from St. Margaret’s Episcopal School to Corona del Mar Middle School and all the activities in between. Our days are packed with club soccer, golf tournaments, Ardent Academy for Gifted Youth, taekwondo and swim team. I’m beyond lucky to have these children and be their mom. It’s the hardest job in the world but it’s also the most rewarding.”
Any advice you can offer for other moms looking to make a difference? “Being an advocate and fighting for my daughter is hard work, but if I don’t do it, what will be accomplished? Lola’s condition is rare and needs attention. In order to do that, you need to think outside the box. If you want to make a difference you need to stand out and get people talking. I have to work extra hard to bring critical awareness to this worthy cause. There are many organizations and causes that need attention, including Phelan-McDermid syndrome.”
Kenna Florie
Entrepreneur | www.beekshop.com
Married to: Brett
Kids: Stone (daughter), 7, Port (son), 5
Lives in: Newport Beach
Company: Co-owns Beek footwear in Newport Beach with Birgit Klett
Background: “I was previously the VP of sales and marketing for Quiksilver Women’s, head of marketing for Roxy. I also owned my own marketing agency before launching Beek with my co-founder.”
How was Beek born and how has it evolved? “Beek was born out of a conversation between Birgit and I over a glass of wine. We were friends at Quiksilver (she was the VP of global design for Roxy footwear). We were venting about how we can’t find beautiful, feminine all-leather footwear that is also comfortable. They don’t exist! What started as a small collection of just six sandals has now evolved into a full collection of more than 25 sandal styles and 12 closed-toe shoes.”
How does your footwear stand apart? “Our shoes are different in that they are made from the highest quality leather (in the upper and the sole) and they all have a molded arch for all-day comfort. It truly is a ‘beauty meets comfort’ brand. We launched Beek in 2014.”
Your footwear has developed quite the following. What celebs wear your shoes? “We are so happy that women are responding to this trend. Comfort does not need to be ugly. You can look stylish and also travel the world in our shoes. Some of my favorite recent celeb sightings are: Julia Roberts, Margot Robbie, Naomi Watts and Lily Aldridge.”
There’s also a charitable component to your business? “We are both moms and we wanted to focus on giving back in a way that was very meaningful to both of us. We are working (and have been since the launch of Beek), with the Second Harvest Food Bank in Orange County to help feed children. For every pair of shoes we sell, we donate a day’s worth of meals to the Child Hunger program.”
With two kids, how do you manage all this? “Honestly, with an amazing support system and a humbling approach to asking for help. My husband is very involved in the raising of our children and it is truly a team approach in our family. He carries as much of a load as I do. We also have an amazing nanny who has been with our family since Stone was 2 months old. She is a part of the family and we couldn’t do it without her. And I’ve had to really learn how to ask for help—something that doesn’t always come naturally. I have friends who are so gracious and supportive with helping out with the kids and opening their homes. The power of women is pretty amazing.”
Have there been any challenges? “Ha! Yes, of course. I get nanny and stay-at-home-mom jealousy just like most working moms do! But I also love that my kids are seeing me work hard and create something awesome. They are both so proud of me (even at their young age) and that inspires me.”
What have you learned about being a parent? “How to create balance for myself. How to love myself even with all my inadequacies and faults. And I’ve definitely learned to laugh at myself!”
Any advice you can offer for other working moms or moms looking to become entrepreneurs? “Just do it! You can talk yourself out of anything … don’t let yourself (or anyone else for that matter) tell you you can’t do it. The balance will come. And your kids will love you through the entire process. Just make sure that they know that they come first. That doesn’t mean you are going to make it to every soccer practice but it does mean that when you walk through the door that your full attention is on them and that you are so happy to be there with them. Oh, and best advice I’ve been given: If you have to get on your phone at home for work, take it in the other room.”
Photograph by Ashley Burns Photography
Audrina Patridge
TV Personality/Swimwear Designer | www.preyswim.com
Relationship status: Single
Kids: Kirra, 2
Lives in: Orange County
Projects: “The Hills: New Beginnings” and Prey Swim
What keeps you busy these days? “Between being a full-time mama, filming ‘The Hills,’ and working on my swim line Prey Swim, I keep very busy. I have mastered the fine art of multitasking!”
Have there been any challenges? “There are new challenges every day that test and teach me, and I try to view them as an opportunity to grow and learn.”
How have you overcome these? “I have learned how to find balance and prioritize my responsibilities. Otherwise, it’s so easy to become scatterbrained and I am not able to focus or give 100 percent to each task. I sit down and make a list every night of what I need to accomplish the next day before I even think about getting into bed.”
How did it happen that you became part of “The Hills” and how did that impact your life? “I was laying out by the pool of The Villas at Park La Brea in Los Angeles, and as producer Adam DiVello was scouting the apartment complex, he approached me about the show. I started filming within two weeks! It was one of those magical cases of being in the right place at the right time.”
How did your life change when your daughter was born? “When Kirra was born, I felt like I finally had a purpose. She is such an angel and I’m so blessed to have her. Being a mother will always be my number one priority over anything else. It has led me to look at people and situations so differently than I did before.”
What have you learned about being a parent? “You can never truly be prepared for parenthood, but your natural maternal instincts that you never realized you had kick in and suddenly you just understand! Being a parent definitely tests your patience, but you also become a master at multitasking and have an answer for all the “why questions” (Google also helps!). However, the world also becomes a much scarier place because you become so protective of your child.”
Any advice you can offer for other working moms or moms looking to build their career? “Just because you have a baby doesn’t mean your life has to stop. You learn how to balance, adapt and change to find a new normal and make it all work. I bring my daughter to work with me sometimes, and dinners when appropriate. These are learning experiences for her as well, and this exposure has taught her how to behave and interact with adults. I try to schedule all my appointments within specific time frames and consolidate work commitments as much as possible. That way, when I’m spending time with Kirra, I can give her my full attention and we can enjoy our special time together.”
How do you balance your private home life with your daughter with all the public attention that comes with being a public figure? How challenging is this? “Living out of LA has helped a lot. The paparazzi are much crazier up there! So far, people have been pretty respectful when I’m out with my daughter. However, once the show airs this summer, I’m sure things will change a bit. I try my best to live the most normal life I can, and I want Kirra to grow up doing normal kid activities and not having to hide out from the spotlight.”
What are your keys to success for balancing parenting and a demanding career? “The most helpful thing I do is make a list every day and prioritize my most important tasks. My family has been so immensely helpful with Kirra, especially when there are last-minute filming responsibilities or business trips. Kirra and I also go to church every Sunday, which is very important to me.”
By Jessica Peralta
