Fashion Stylist Christina Schoon on Setting Boundaries and Taking a Break From the To-Do List
Christina Schoon and her daughter
At Forge & Finish, we create distinctive handcrafted metal designs for the modern woman. As part of our dedication to the inspiring women we know and love, we’re celebrating the working moms in our creative community in a series of interviews. Next up in our series, we’re hearing from fashion stylist Christina Schoon.
What was the pivotal moment that inspired you to launch your own business?
Coming from a corporate environment run by mostly men and selling meat for 10 years came this idea that men were easier to work with. Mind you, I was in my early 20s and looking back I can see I was pretty naive. When I had a baby four and a half years ago I realized (later than I should have) that women are warriors. I wanted to surround myself with them — to support them and seek out women-run businesses. Oh and I love fashion and am good at styling too I guess! So three years ago, I started styling fashion photoshoots after having dabbled in modeling and styling food for years.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced running your own business and how did you overcome it?
I’m still learning and consider myself new to the industry. The ability to be open and vulnerable with your abilities and where you can use some guidance is important, but it can be hard to admit. I’ve been very nervous before photoshoots or wondered if the client would like what I've created. It can be scary! Good music playing and being very warm, positive, and humble always helps.
How did becoming a mama change your approach to your work life?
Priorities. Going through childbirth/postpartum life/the early months and years of becoming a mom gets your head straight. You realize what is important and what isn’t. You don’t say yes to things that get in the way of your family life just to get ahead in business. This pandemic made those priorities even clearer. I’ve said no to many gigs that didn’t feel safe with the pandemic — in an effort to keep my family safe and healthy.
Is there a particular way you structure your day or week to accomplish your career goals and balance having a family? Do you have any time-saving hacks that you’ve incorporated into your daily life?
Before my daughter was in preschool, it was havoc. My husband and I both work from home and would essentially ‘tag’ each other in to be the parent throughout the day so the other could work. With my daughter in school, I'm much more productive. I wake up an hour before her so I can be showered and dressed for the day and have breakfast and lunch ready. Also, putting on real clothes! It changes your mentality and gets you moving. Not getting that hour headstart really throws off my entire day and productivity.
What have been your biggest challenges in the transition to being a working mama? How have you navigated them?
Unfortunately, I used to judge my mom for being a stay-at-home mom, thinking wouldn’t she want more? Obviously now I can see how wrong that judgment was. It’s a ton of work — some might say too much. My biggest challenge has been the recognition of how much work it is to shop, plan and prepare meals, cook, clean and work while trying to find a way to do it without getting burnt out or resentful. Days of laziness and forgetting the to-do list help. Procrastinating a little never hurt anyone, just your mountain of laundry.
“You can do as much or as little as you want. You can do any of it. All of it. None of it. There’s no pressure to be anything or do anything other than what feels right. ”
How have your notions of what it means to be a mother changed since becoming one?
How freaking strong mamas are. It’s unbelievable, really — to see their strength and how much they manage physically and emotionally without much complaint. There’s a knowing nod when you hold the door open for a new mom pushing a stroller or you see a mom carrying their kid underarm like a football while screaming down the street. It has helped me to believe I am the strongest person I know — and I hope every mama feels that way about themselves.
What do you do to make time for yourself and recharge? Do you have any tricks for getting shut-eye when you need it most?
Doing my nails and watching Sex and the City alone is my recharge power move. Nothing feels better than that. Usually, after my daughter’s bedtime, my husband and I watch something together and chill out, but if I’m really struggling I’ll say I need that solo time to regroup.
What are some of your non-negotiables as a working mom?
Saying “no” more often without fear of sounding difficult to work with or not interested. It is important to set boundaries.
What do you want your kids to take away from watching their mom work and grow their business?
You can do as much or as little as you want. You can do any of it. All of it. None of it. There’s no pressure to be anything or do anything other than what feels right.
What’s your support system like? How has community been important to you as a mom?
My mom and mother-in-law are wonderful though they aren’t local most of the time. The pandemic was very hard not having a ton of support or any ability to really take a break. My cousin is close by and she has been amazing if I needed someone to watch my daughter. It is important to me to invest a lot of love, time, and energy into the close friendships I maintain. To still be a friend, sister, confidant, and not just a mom is something I find hugely necessary.
“Your physical and mental health are more important than making sure your kids get homemade applesauce in-between Zoom calls.”