Maria Velve is a makeup artist, green beauty expert, and mom of two with a service-based and product-based business. She focuses on helping women transition to green, non-toxic beauty products while supporting clean, Canadian, female-owned brands. Maria is passionate about teaching women not only how to look good but also how to feel good about what they put on their skin.
I have pushed boundaries my whole life. Whether it was my curfew when I was a teen or crossing Russia with a backpack by train in the middle of winter, I have quite a list of interesting experiences from around the world. My belief about life has always been that it should be experienced to its fullest. I truly believe that there are no limits, except the limits I set for myself.
From surviving the Thailand tsunami floating in a ferry boat to going back to university at nine months pregnant to start my master’s program, I took all challenges head-on, never faltering. But of all the challenges, nothing could have prepared me for motherhood. It is hands-down the toughest experience I’ve ever had to live through.
The hardest part of it all and one that no one prepares you for is breaking up with yourself. Ending the long-term relationship with the person that you have become up to the point when you decide to become a mother. If you are an adventurous free-spirit like me, you know what I’m talking about. The free bird that was me had to be caged. Life wasn’t about her anymore.
After my first son was born, I sat idly on the sofa for months counting the minutes when he would wake from his nap. I went days without showering. I lived on coffee and chocolate. If I was depressed, I didn’t know it. But a little spark inside me told me I wanted more than feedings and diapers. That this wasn’t it for me. I loved my baby, but it became apparent that I had to save myself first in order to be a good mom to him.
The last eight years have been about finding balance and I continue to grow both as a mother and a woman. My boys are now eight and six, and I dream of the day that they’ll be able to carry their own big packs and join their adventurous mom on a trip to Southeast Asia.
Connect with Maria:
Website: www.greenbeautyexpert.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenbeautycurator/
