Good Mornings

In collaboration with goodhYOUman, we present you 'Good Mornings.'

Some days, we prefer to keep snoozing but like Brett Novek, the founder of the Los Angeles-based casual wear brand goodhYOUman, we have to get up and keep going. Guiltily, we are in the hustle mode of our lives; this means we wake up and check our emails, the news, and social media. Realistically, it is difficult to toss aside our gadgets as we begin our day and we are certain you feel the same way. But, it doesn't mean we cannot pursue a great morning with or without a phone in hand. In fact, it wakes us up and helps us strive to achieve the day's goals. 

Inevitably, we encounter bad mornings all the same. Brett explains, "I think the mornings are tough for people sometimes, and for me...in general. You have time to think about life and the meaning of it, which gets dangerous. If you put on some good music and get your heart rate up every morning, I guarantee a happier and more successful day. I’ve been listening to this podcast by Lewis Howes called the 'School of Greatness.' He has amazing guests on and a lot are successful entrepreneurs. Every single one of them stress how you must have a healthy body and mind to be truly successful. I couldn’t agree more." Thus, a hearty start and mindset is all it takes to get up and persist.

How Brett sums up the start of anything? "You’re going to mess up. It’s the best way to learn. We don’t 'fail,' we just experience. It’s how you deal with that experience that will define what happens next." 

Share in the comments as to how you start your [good] day! 

Blanket: Goodnight June

(Left) Shoes: Keds in Stone. 

 

Photography by Heather Hixon

Film Photography by Ian Gonzaga

Styling by Madeleine Chapman

Hair and Makeup by Sparkle Tafao

Layout Design and Lettering by Cristina Martinez

Goals for my Son

Motherhood is not easy, but there are few things in life that rise to this level of importance. It’s a (scary) high calling to bring a human into this world and be responsible for stewarding that soul.  I want so much to be a good mother and to raise my son in a loving, god-centered home and for him to grow into a strong, faithful man like his father.

Like many “boy mamas” out there, I want to be a fun, adventurous mother who plays outside, travels, explores and pushes my son to take risks.

I want to encourage creativity and self-expression and raise him in a home filled with music, art and literature. I want to celebrate joy in everyday moments and teach him how to love and serve others; how to give with a joyful heart. 

I want to be a mother who is intentional and present. I want to observe and be part of the curious gazes, the puzzled expressions, the belly laugh giggles. I realize that I won't be present for them all, but I can put my phone away, finish that email later, leave the dirty dishes for just a bit longer…I want to live in the now, and know that there is nowhere more important. With that, I also want to contend for time together and to stray from the "over-commitment trap."  

I am not a perfect mother. I never will be, and I'm okay with that. Motherhood is messy and unpredictable. It is also the most rewarding job out there. 

My hope is to embrace the challenges of motherhood with grace and to surround myself with other women who do "motherhood" well. 

Story by  Heather Hawkins   

Photography by Amanda Marie Lackey

As We Are: Richard Brancatisano

"When I was about 13, I had my first experience with depression. I think it stemmed from not having any close friends or people I could relate to. I felt like a fish out of water during school. Everything seemed dead inside. I felt hopeless and helpless. I'd never wish these feelings on even my worst enemy."

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISAAC STERLING   

CREATIVE DIRECTION BY LUCIA TRAN   

*"As We Are" is our new no-makeup portrait series. Learn more here