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I don’t know about you, but I always knew, even as a child, that I wanted to be a mom. My dream was to grow up and have kids, create special family traditions, and be a very involved and loving mother. I had hoped that my journey to motherhood would be a smooth one. I knew that my mother experienced some difficulty conceiving my twin brother and me, but I was hopeful.
As an adult, when I entered into the career side of the mom-and-baby world, I quickly learned how much more common it is for people not to have the smoothest start to becoming a parent — getting pregnant and having a child. I’ve heard thousands of stories over the years from women about “becoming a mother.” Each one, like a fingerprint, has her own unique story. Today’s guest, Irina Reeves, is no exception. During our chat, I was inspired by her outlook on life and how she took her journey of becoming a mom and turned it into something beautiful.
Who is Irina Reeves?
Irina Reeves is a wife, mother to a beautiful baby girl, and the founder of OliviaR, a jewelry company that celebrates one-of-a-kind connections between loved ones.
Growing up in Russia, Irina was raised in a culture that encouraged very traditional family values: men went to work, and women became mothers and stayed home. But as a teenager in Moscow, Irina quickly recognized that her ambitions and interests often differed from those around her. She felt called to explore the world, travel, go to school, get a degree, have a career of her own, and one day become a mother. She knew she could do both – have a career and be a mom.
Irina first went to university in Moscow, then received her second master’s degree in London, and then pursued a third master’s degree in New York. It was in New York when she met her now husband, and her life’s direction became clear and began to unfold. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their 15-month-old daughter, Olivia.
The Story of OliviaR
OliviaR was born from a deeply personal place for Irina. Three years ago, Irina experienced the heartache of a miscarriage. Like many of us, she had never thought that her journey to parenthood would be anything but straightforward. She thought that getting pregnant was supposed to be simple and intuitive but was heartbroken when the start of her journey wasn’t. Irina said that when she had her miscarriage, she felt very alone. It was difficult for her to explain the pain and heartache that she was going through.
Upon doing research and reaching out to her community, Irina heard stories from many other women and parents who had experienced the same kind of loss. This left her feeling reassured and no longer isolated in her grief. Irina realized that—much like parenthood—the path to becoming a parent would be anything but linear. Through the solace of her community and the loving encouragement of her husband, Irina began to channel her grief into something beautiful and meaningful. Thus, OliviaR was founded as a tribute to the wonderful, chaotic, and beautiful journey to parenthood. Her brand celebrates the courage and strength it takes to navigate the inevitable challenges of being a parent, all while honoring the foundation of love families are built upon.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Irina about motherhood, honoring your parenting journey, enjoying the moments, and her jewelry company, OliviaR. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:
- Please tell us about you, your company, and your motherhood journey.
- What inspired you to start OliviaR?
- How did your journey to motherhood shape your brand?
- Tell us more about the mission, meaning, and passion behind OliviaR.
- How do you honor your motherhood journey, and how do you believe others can do the same?
- The phrase “enjoy every moment” can sometimes feel impossible or cliche when you are in the trenches of parenthood. How can we change that perception, and how do you suggest we truly enjoy the moments as parents?
- What are some of the challenges that you have faced on your journey, and how did you overcome them?
- Where do you draw your inspiration from when designing your jewelry?
- How do you juggle being a mother and a business owner?
- What are your goals for the future, both personally and professionally?
- What is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?
- What is one piece of advice you would offer to a new mom?
My Thoughts
While listening to Irina’s story, there were moments when my heart hurt for her and others when it swelled with pride. She has experienced highs and lows, as most of us have, but she has a refreshing outlook on life. From what I learned, Irina believes that we are given circumstances to learn and grow from, everything is meant to happen for a reason, and you are the perfect parent for your child. Your child chose you. She wants us all to continue to believe in ourselves, follow our hearts, and do what’s best for us and our families. Irina’s optimism and perseverance in turning challenges into triumphs are inspiring.
It’s evident that Irina and her company, OliviaR, understand that everyone’s journey to parenthood is unique. Whether you are celebrating the joy of a long-awaited pregnancy, remembering a loved one who may be far away, or simply cherishing the miracle of family, her jewelry is a tangible reminder of the love and hope that endures through it all. What a beautiful and special way to look down at your OliviaR piece as a reminder of that love and connection. Click here to commemorate your connection with your loved one by getting a piece and starting your OliviaR collection. You can even request a customized piece!
Irina’s Resources
Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat as well as OliviaR on Instagram @oliviarbyirina and order your special piece today! Cheers to your parenthood journey and enjoying the moment!
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