The Mom Salon

Episode 3 of our Mother’s Day series brings a fresh, uplifting conversation with a dynamic duo you’ll instantly love, a principal and a first-grade teacher who have taken their shared passion beyond the classroom and into the vibrant world of farmers markets.Now working side by side in a whole new way as they build an online community dedicated to discovering and sharing the very best local markets. Each weekend, they explore, taste, and report back with everything you’d want to know that you may otherwise miss !But this episode goes deeper than market finds. Woven throughout is their honest, evolving journey through motherhood—raising older children, navigating shifting identities, and redefining purpose while staying rooted in career and other emerging passions. Their story is one of friendship, reinvention, and finding joy in new seasons of life.It’s a feel-good, inspiring conversation full of warmth, laughter, and practical inspiration,perfect for anyone craving connection, community, and a reminder that it’s never too late to grow something new.

This week in our Mother’s Day series, we’re joined by Ashley, founder of Hot Tommies and a mom who proves it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.After years of building and scaling her community running Business Socialistas, Ashley found herself at a crossroads. What once fueled her no longer filled her cup and she made the brave decision to pivot. In her 40s, she stepped into the unknown and launched a completely new venture: a heated vest brand designed with both function, confidence, and fashionable in mind.In this episode, Ashley opens up about what it really feels like to outgrow something you once loved, the emotional weight of closing a meaningful chapter, and the courage it takes to trust your path...even when it’s unclear. We talk about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, identity shifts beyond motherhood, and listening to that inner voice that tells you when it’s time for something new.This conversation is for any mom navigating change, questioning what’s next, or learning to trust herself again. Or even the mom who can't see past the diapers and spit up right now. Ashley’s story is a reminder that pivots aren’t failures, they’re often the beginning of something even more aligned.Tune in and be inspired to embrace your own evolution.

This Mother’s Day series brings together women in different stages and seasons of motherhood, creating space for stories that deserve to be heard.In this powerful first episode, we sit down with a 63-year-old mother of three grown sons for a deeply emotional conversation that doesn’t shy away from the full picture, the good, the hard, and the messy. She reflects on her early years of motherhood with raw honesty, sharing what she wishes she knew, what shaped her, and what ultimately carried her through.Her perspective offers something every mom needs: reassurance that the hard days won’t last forever, permission to feel all of it, and hope that even in the chaos, you’re doing way better than you think.Whether you’re in the thick of early motherhood or looking back on the journey, this episode will shift your perspective, soften your self-judgment, and remind you that every phase has meaning. Because sometimes, hearing “you’ll get through this” from someone who truly has and would give anything up in life to go back just for even a moment… makes all the difference.Get your tissues ready.......

We like to say we don’t care what people think and most of the time, we really don’t. But what about those moments when something we say gets taken the wrong way, or someone’s opinion suddenly hits a little too close? In today's episode we are getting real about the balance between confidence and sensitivity, especially as moms. We’re unpacking why we really don’t care… and the moments when we actually do...

This episode is for every mom who has ever woken up, looked in the mirror, and thought, okay… is this hormones or is this just my life now?  We’re talking periods, bloating, breakouts, mood swings, exhaustion, all of it. One week we feel glowy and confident and productive, and the next week we’re pale, puffy, irrationally irritated, and wondering why our jeans suddenly feel disrespectful. And somehow in the middle of that we’re expected to be calm, patient, and emotionally stable for our kids. and.....It’s a lot.We’re also being honest about the things we do to feel better. The “maybe I just need a tan.” The mascara therapy. The “if I lose five pounds I’ll feel normal again” spiral. The quick fixes we know aren’t always great but feel like something we can control. And can we talk about nursing? Because yes.....it’s beautiful. It’s bonding. It’s sacred. And also… my boobs after multiple kids? Not the same. No one prepares you for loving your body and grieving it at the exact same time.And the truth is, underneath all of it, we’re just trying to hold it together. We want to feel strong and feminine and attractive, not bloated and invisible. We want to show up as the best version of ourselves for our families without completely losing ourselves in the process. So we’re talking hormones, menopause eventually coming for all of us, body changes, confidence, and what actually helps versus what just temporarily distracts us. It’s real, it’s unfiltered, and it’s the conversation we all need but don’t always say out loud.

In this episode of The Mom Salon, we’re breaking down personality types Type A, Type B, Z and all the gray areas in between and talking about how becoming a mom can totally flip the script. Were you always the organized, color-coded calendar mom? Or the go-with-the-flow, “we’ll figure it out” type… until kids forced you to pick a lane?With a therapist’s perspective and the kind of talk that happens in a hairdresser’s chair, we explore how stress, responsibility, and mental load can push Type B moms into Type A habits (and vice versa), how our personalities show up in parenting, partnerships, and friendships, and why there’s no “right” way to be wired as a mom.If you’ve ever wondered why you feel more controlling, more chill, or just different than you used to, this episode will make you feel seen, validated, and maybe laugh a little at how motherhood rewires us all.

WE'RE BACK!!!We took a little post Thanksgiving and holiday hiatus and were refreshed recharged and ready to bring you new exciting episodes this year!In this weeks episode we catch up and rehash the holidays as busy moms. We also dive into our dreams and goals with the mom salon episodes we have coming down the pike. As always, lots of laughs, moments of forgetfulness, and all things we know moms can relate to. We're excited to be back !

In this week’s episode, we’re catching up on life lately and talking openly about the pressure that starts to build as the holidays get closer. We break down how to stay centered when the season feels demanding, and why choosing contentment over comparison can change the entire tone of this time of year. We also share the birthday and holiday traditions we do with our kids, the simple ones that create consistency and connection without adding stress. It’s a real, honest conversation about finding steadiness during a season that asks a lot of moms.

This week, we’re getting all in our feelings — about motherhood, the holidays, and the tender space of realizing we’re done having babies… even when part of us never truly feels done. We talk about the mix of nostalgia and acceptance that comes with closing that chapter, and how the holidays can stir it all up — the gratitude, the chaos, the longing, and the love. We share what it’s like to wish we could go back and mother our older kids with the wisdom and calm we have now, while learning to lean into who we’re becoming in this next season of motherhood. It’s real, emotional, and exactly what so many of us are feeling right now.

This week on The Mom Salon, we’re diving into what really happens after you set a boundary. Following up on last week's episode, we’re exploring the emotional aftermath—yes, the guilt may show up, but so do peace, confidence, and a deep sense of empowerment.We’re unpacking how holding your ground can feel uncomfortable at first, but ultimately creates the space for healthier relationships and a more grounded version of yourself. It’s not just about drawing lines—it’s about choosing peace for you and your family.

Yes, we repeat, boundaries are a healthy part of a relationship. But just simply knowing that does not make it easier to confidently implement them AND stand by them. Join us as we dive into part 1 of this talk and keep listening as we carry you through holiday season so you too can dare we say ENJOY the months ahead!

✨ New episode is live - she's back!Leah is back from her kid-free trip to Rome with her husband—and today we’re talking all about it. From the excitement of exploring a new city to the reality of leaving her kids behind, she’s sharing what the experience was actually like.We dive into the anxiety that comes with traveling as a mom, the guilt that often sneaks in, and the unexpected lessons she learned along the way. Whether you’ve taken a trip without your kids or you’re just thinking about it, you’ll relate to the mix of emotions that come with stepping away from motherhood for a little while.

Join us on this week's episode as we unpack (no pun intended) our girl Leah prepping for her trip to Rome with ..drum roll.. ONLY her husband, Jeff! Their first ever week long european trip and NO kids. We dive into all the anxiety that comes with prepping for a trip like this while working to real time calm Leah's nerves. We also shed light on how personal a decision travel like this is and how there is no right answer just what is best for you!So whether you are always chasing the next kid free trip or haven't embarked on one yet- this week is a must listen!

This week, Leah and I are diving into a topic that so many moms wrestle with: what does it actually look like to practice contentment in motherhood?We unpack:💭 The difference between happiness and contentment🤔 How easy it is to slip into comparison and “keeping up with the Joneses”🫶 Our own honest stories of learning (and re-learning) contentment💡 Tips, encouragement, and little mindset shifts that can make motherhood feel lighterWe also talk about what it’s really like to navigate mom cliques and the ways they can impact how we feel in this season of life.If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could just feel content where you are, this one’s for you. Tune in and know you’re not alone. 💗

We all have them — the toxic people in our lives. The ones who drain us, push our boundaries, and sometimes even sneak their way into conversations in front of our kids. In this episode, we aren’t here to help you call anyone out — we’re here to help you call yourself UP.Together, we unpack what it actually looks like to set higher standards, create realistic boundaries, and walk into situations with a plan (instead of panic). We’ll also talk about how to protect your kids from that toxicity — starting with what we do and don’t say in front of them.This conversation is for anyone who’s tired of letting toxic people dictate their energy and is ready to protect their peace instead. Boundaries aren’t selfish — they’re survival.

Back-to-school season hits different when you're a mom. How are we already in August? It is a question we ask ourselves daily. One minute you're packing lunchboxes and checking supply lists… the next you're crying in the Target parking lot wondering how your baby is already starting kindergarten or walking into middle school, perhaps? In this episode, we get honest about all of it—the prep, the pressure, the weird sadness that comes with changing seasons, and the joy of watching our kids grow right in front of us. We’re sharing our go-to tips, real-life hacks, and reminders that you’re not the only one feeling all the things right now. Because this season? It’s a lot. And you don’t have to carry it alone.🎧 Season 2 of The Mom Salon starts now!

We expect ourselves to just know how to do this motherhood thing—as if instinct alone should carry us through every tantrum, milestone, and hard conversation.But here’s the truth no one says out loud enough: every time your child enters a new phase, you do too.In this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to be “new” again and again throughout motherhood—and how to let go of the pressure to get it right the first time.You’re not failing. You’re not behind. You’re just learning alongside them. And that’s not weakness—that’s love in action.So if you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I should know how to handle this by now…” —this episode is for you.Press play, take a deep breath, and remember: we’re all new here.

We weren’t planning to talk about mom rage that day… but once we opened the door, there was no closing it. This episode felt like a deep exhale.We’re talking about those moments when everything builds up and you go from “I’m fine” to “I’m going to lose it” in two seconds. And how most of us don’t even realize how much we’re holding in.If you’ve ever scared yourself (or your kids) with how mad you got or felt the guilt that comes after you are so not alone!This episode is honest. It’s raw. And it might be exactly what you need to hear today.

In this episode,we sit down for a real, relatable chat about how hard change can be—for us as adults, and for our kids.We open up about the emotional rollercoaster of transitions, the unexpected ways our own traits show up in our children, and the deep challenge of watching our kids struggle with things like anxiety, fear, or new experiences.It’s honest, a little messy, and full of moments that will make you nod along and feel a little less alone.If you’ve ever thought, “Why is this so hard?” or wondered how to support your child through big feelings while navigating your own, this episode is for you.

Let's be honest....our kids are the loves of our lives and the reason our jaws clench sometimes. In this one, we're saying all the things you think but don't always say outloud- like why the sound of snack bags opening makes us irrationally angry, or how asking "can I have a snack?" after not eating dinner should be a punishable offense. It's OK- our kids annoy the heck out of us sometimes. Doesn't mean we love them any less! Just means we're moms.. with ears, nerves, and a very short fuse by bedtime. Hit a play for a funny, real talk episode that'll have you laughing and nodding the whole way through.

Marriage doesn’t just “change” after kids—it evolves, unravels, and reinvents itself over and over again.In this episode, we’re walking through the real stages of marriage through motherhood—from the pre-baby honeymoon phase, to the roommate vibes of the baby years, to school-age co-managing, and the slow, quiet choice to either reconnect or grow apart.We’re talking resentment, emotional capacity, calendar chaos, and the little moments where you suddenly realize:“Wait… when’s the last time we even talked about us?”Whether you’re in the thick of toddler tantrums, realizing your partner feels like a coworker, or you’ve found your way back to each other—this one’s for you.💬 Listener confessions included.Real talk only.Let’s go there.

The school year is almost over—and if you're hanging on by a thread, you're not alone. 😅 In this episode, we're talking about the chaos of the last two weeks of school, sharing survival tips, and helping you set the stage for a summer that doesn’t drain your soul. Grab your coffee (or wine—no judgment), hit play, and let's get through this together. 💛FInd us on on instagram @TheMomSalon_Pod*Don't forget to shop your next weekly grocery delivery with @ Fresh Direct and use our code "TheMomSalon50" at checkout for your $50 off your first order*

What happens when you’re an OG influencer used to showing up online—but postpartum anxiety hits you like a truck, and no one sees it?In this episode, I sit down with Julia Dzafic a longtime lifestyle blogger and local influencer, to talk about what reallywent on behind the scenes after becoming a mom.We cover: How she kept posting while silently battling undiagnosed postpartum anxietyWhat finally led her to seek help and start medicationThe guilt, the healing, and what feeling like herself again really looks likeWhy comparison online is crushing moms and how to stay in your own damn laneWhat she wishes more people would say out loudIf you’ve ever felt like you were falling apart while everyone else looked fine—this one’s for you.🎧 Listen in and remember: you’re not doing it wrong. It’s just hard. And help is a strength, not a weakness.

This week, we’re getting sentimental — in the best way. ✨You know those moments when you're rocking your toddler, watching your kids play, or folding another pile of laundry, and you suddenly feel a pang of this won’t last forever? That’s what we’re talking about.In this episode, we explore what it means to feel nostalgic for the moment you're still living. We share memories from our own childhoods, how they shape the way we mother today, and reflect on what it must feel like for moms who are a little further down the road — whose kids are growing up or already grown. How do they hold these memories? What do they wish they had known then?It’s tender, reflective, and full of heart. Relatable to any mom. Whether you're deep in the little years or starting to look back on them — this one’s for you. 💛4o

Double digits, baby! In our 10th episode of The Mom Salon, we dive into the raw and real of watching ourselves change—on the outside. From gray hairs to laugh lines, we're talking about what it means to truly see ourselves aging and how to embrace every wrinkle, roll, and reflection with love. This one’s for every mom who's ever paused in the mirror and wondered, “When did that happen?” Let’s talk beauty, identity, and growing older with grace (and maybe a good serum).

This week at the mom salon we're getting into all the things our husbands just don’t understand about motherhood (and probably never will). But here’s the deal: maybe they’re not meant to fully get it. In this episode, we talk about the mom stuff that flies over their heads, the mental load they don’t see, and how to stop chasing understanding and start asking for actual support. Funny, honest, and full of “YES, THAT!” moments.Tune in—you’ll feel seen, heard, and a little less alone.

We’re back from spring break & kicking this week off with an episode we recorded at the content studio that we will be hosting a live show from in May and the ultimate moms night out! Sharing all the details soon.In this episode, we are throwing it way back — to the days of dial-up internet, AIM away messages, and when your biggest online risk was accidentally chatting with a 40-year-old man in a Blink-182 chat room. 😳Remember your AIM screen name? Because we do… and it was probably something like x0xBabiiGrl4Evax0x. (No regrets, just vibes.)This week we’re talking about how the internet used to be — late ‘90s/early 2000s-style — and how it’s wildly different (and way more dangerous) for our kids today.From the innocence of the early internet to the minefield of Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok — we’re unpacking how the online world has changed big time and what that means for our kids' mental health and development. (Spoiler: it’s not great for their still-developing brains. 🧠⚠️)If you’re a mom who remembers the struggle of waiting for someone to get off the phone so you could log on — and now you’re navigating raising kids in an always-online world — this episode is for you.✨ It’s funny, eye-opening, and just the start of the conversations our generation of parents NEED to be having to see the changes we so desperately want for our children!

 The Mom Salon is back with a powerful new episode! This week, we’re breaking the ice with our first guest — our amazing friend Gina, a proud mom to an autistic child. In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we dive deep into Gina’s journey: from her mom intuition to the diagnosis, and all the ways we can show up and support moms raising children with special needs. This episode is filled with touching moments, insights, and stories that will resonate with so many. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it! Tune in now!

This week we're talking all about the transition when you add another baby to the family. We know this a personal decision for every family and that all experiences are truly unique. We dive into our own personal experiences. We highlight all the pros and cons of the age gaps, reasons we think that play into the challenges, and take a walk down memory lane with the WAVE of emotions that come during this time. Whether you are in this now, been there before, or may be in the future we hope you will feel a bit less alone in it. 

In this episode we're talking about when you hit the extracurricular stage of parenting- sports, classes, practices whatever it may be that your kid takes an interest in and ALLLLL that comes with such a commitment. The balancing act, the crazy parents, the joy, the challenges. Whether you are in this stage yet or not this episode will help you feel less alone because at some point as a parent this stage does come! Come have a laugh with us while talking about how to juggle it all.

Join us as we share our personal experiences on the topic of SAHM and working moms. The pros and cons of it all and of course some laughs along the way. Regardless of your official title in this season ALL moms are working! 

When the modern day "village" isn't anything like it was back in the day. Come listen to both our takes on this topic. We share our personal experiences on this episode diving deep into finding your people once you become a mom and give you the hope you need if friendships after baby have been challenging.Along with our take and practical tips there are LOTS of laughs along the way in this episode. Let us know if you have experienced anything you hear on today's episode. XO

In this heartfelt episode of The Mom Salon, we dive into the transformative journey of motherhood and explore how to embrace your evolving identity without losing yourself in the process. Hosted by Melissa & Leah, a therapist specializing in supporting moms & and a hair stylist, we discuss practical strategies and emotional insights for rediscovering your true self during the beautiful yet challenging experience of motherhood. Whether you’re navigating the early days of parenthood or adjusting to a new phase of life, this episode is all about finding balance, self-compassion, and the courage to honor the 'new you' that motherhood is helping you become. There's no bouncing back because it only gets better from here.

In this pilot episode you will hear the ins and outs of the mom salon, our why, and what you can expect from tuning in. Get a feel for who we are as individuals and as best friends with 9 kids between us. We will tell you why we're so passionate about helping other moms and why you shouldn't miss an appointment with us @ The Mom Salon! The place you come to laugh, learn, and recharge. XO Melissa & Leah