Empowered Beauty with Taylor McKay Smith

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.This week I’m thrilled to be joined by Taylor Mckay Smith, a mother, model, and doula, for a powerful conversation about beauty, resilience, and reclaiming the narrative of womanhood.In this extended conversation, Taylor reflects on how her experiences in modeling and motherhood have reshaped her understanding of beauty. She candidly discusses the pressures of the fashion industry's external gaze, sharing that her first modeling job was for a wrinkle campaign at just 15 years old. We also explore how social media influences cultural expectations around beauty and self-worth, and the intentional ways Taylor protects her well-being online.Taylor reflects on the lessons she’s carried forward from her own upbringing, and what she’s chosen to unlearn. She also opens up about her long journey to receiving an endometriosis diagnosis; the struggle to be heard, the relief of being believed, and the healing path she’s found since.This is a tender conversation about redefining beauty, trusting your inner wisdom, and standing firmly in your truth.Taylor McKay Smith is a Canadian model and photographer. She is also a trained birth doula, wellness counselor and passionate women’s health advocate. Based in Los Angeles, she cherishes time in nature with her husband and children.Taylor has spoken at events like the Path to Parenthood Summit on body image during pregnancy and postpartum, and co-hosted Elevate Women’s Health Pregnancy Roundtable. She recently co-created Haven for Moms, a pop-up sanctuary supporting mothers affected by the LA wildfires.Taylor is also the co-host of The Mother Circle podcast, launching soon. Across all her work, Taylor remains dedicated to redefining how we support, see, and celebrate women and mothers.Join us for an extended, intimate conversation with Taylor McKay Smith available exclusively to Behind Closed Doors subscribers where Taylor shares candid insights into her journey, offering a deeper look at the experiences and lessons that have shaped her path. Subscribers also receive access to additional content, including personal reflections from me as a women’s health educator, mentor, and doula.Your subscription supports the heart of this work, covering production costs and helping sustain meaningful, independent content for a growing community. If you value honest storytelling and perspectives that often go unheard, I invite you to join us at keelysemler.substack.com.6:10 The transformation of Taylor’s understanding of beauty11:03 Balancing the fashion industry’s external gaze with internal beauty13:54 Commenting on someone else’s body16:29 “Bouncing back”18:07 Discernment24:12 Protecting your well-being while engaging with social media26:05 Mom burnout28:09 Embracing and unlearning: Mothering is an inside job40:25 Surrendering control and befriending fear47:55 Identity and purpose after motherhood49:24 Haven for Moms55:05 Endometriosis: from diagnosis to treatment, mixing holistic and medical1:01:07 Motherlands and mothering is for everyoneMOTHERLANDS: Independent Study in Reproductive Health 20% off code MOTHERLANDSPODFree Support Meetings for Caregivers and DoulasJoin our community to connect, reflect, and replenish. Sign up hereFree Group Meetings for New or Expecting ParentsPrepare for early parenthood and build strong support systems. Register hereFall 2025 Women's Retreat in CaliforniaExperience a small, intimate gathering focused on deep rest, nourishment, and connection in the heart of nature. Spaces are limited—join the waitlistConnect with Taylor McKay SmithConnect with Taylor & The Mother Circle PodcastWomen’s Reproductive Health Training & MentorshipFollow our Host, Keely Semler on IGFollow Motherlands on IGYour paid subscription sustains The Motherlands Podcast, covering essential costs like editing and production. It directly supports my work as a full-time doula, educator, and mentor, enabling me to continue offering valuable resources to families.If a paid subscription isn't feasible right now, you can still make a meaningful impact by:Leaving a review on AppleSubscribing to the Motherlands SubstackFollowing us on YouTubeSharing the podcast with others. Every bit of support matters. Thank you for being part of this community; your presence truly means the world.Partnership & Collaboration OpportunitiesBring your brand to life on The Motherlands Podcast. We welcome partnerships, collaborations, and advertising opportunities that align with our mission to support, uplift, and empower women and families, as well as celebrate the art of mothering and caregiving. Let’s connect and explore how we can work together. Email [email protected] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe