Carolyn Turkington, co-founder of the truth-telling brand The MomBabes, Best Selling Author, Inclusive Educator, Speaker, Autism Advocate and Mom to the coolest kid in town! “Coffee in one hand and confidence in the other!”
If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?
Slow down. I have always been someone who is “busy” and a go, go, go gal! I love the hustle and always have three, four, and five projects happening simultaneously. I have learned now that “busy isn’t a badge of honour,” and the beauty is in slowing down and being more intentional. It led me to start a meditation practice (the key word is practice), self-compassion and enjoying the more everyday moments I would have taken for granted before.
When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and what made you start?
I love to learn, so I wanted to be in a career where I could constantly be in that environment. Teaching is my greatest gift, and I believe it’s my superpower. Every child deserves to have the same opportunity to learn, and I love to help all children understand that learning can be fun and there is so much joy in learning something new. Everyone has a story, and I feel so grateful that I have the gift of teaching children with disabilities who teach me every day that everyone’s story is worth listening to.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business?
My greatest influence has been building our business, The MomBabes, on our dad’s legacy and continuing to brave our own legacy for our children through writing and sharing our own stories. We help moms write their stories, and together we have built a community where every mom is welcomed, supported and celebrated. What is your number one business goal to accomplish this year? Share our stories with as many mothers as possible. Whether that is through selling books, speaking on stage or having moms join our MomBabes Motherhood Anthologies, we want moms to brave their legacy every day!
What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?
Well, I have to admit, I’m not motivated every day, laundry and dishes definitely pile up daily, but with a hot cup of coffee, I can conquer anything. All jokes aside, there are a lot of things that can motivate me, but I think beyond hot coffee, a great 90’s playlist and alone time, I would have to say community. Being in community, serving and loving in community motivates me. My son was diagnosed with Autism almost a year ago, and I wasn’t sure what would lay ahead for us. Like every mother, we all wonder, question, fear and hope that our child’s future is all that we dreamed it would be and that they are included in whatever community they choose. I know this may not always be the case for my son, so I am motivated, inspired and quite literally on a mission to ensure my son has an inclusive community where he can show up exactly how he wants to and is not only welcomed but celebrated. I advocate for autism awareness, and I’m passionate about autism acceptance.
