Hi there! My name is Carrie Colbert. At 40 years old, I am a new mom, a business woman, and a color lover! After an 18-year career in the energy industry as an engineering and finance executive, I “retired” a couple years ago to take on a new business challenge. I now run CarrieColbert.com - an online platform dedicated to empowering women to live, think, and dress with more color.
What do you love most about being a mom?
It’s funny… Because of the path my life had taken, I had resigned myself to not having kids. It’s not that I didn’t want to have a baby necessarily. Life circumstances just hadn’t worked out that way.
But life is full of surprises! Surprises of the best kind, obviously.
Since I am unexpectedly a mother and since she will be my only child, I think I marvel at every little thing she does – perhaps even more so than is typical. Truly, I marvel each and every day as she changes and grows and learns and develops her personality.
So, to answer your question, I think what I love most is watching her learn and grow. The sense of pride I have for her and the love I have for her know no bounds!
How has motherhood changed you?
Oh so many ways!
It’s softened me. It’s given me greater purpose. It’s changed my perspective. It’s opened my heart wide open.
Most importantly, having Elle has taught me a love like no other!
Tell us about your mini squad.
Elle Esther Hogan was born June 12, 2017. So, she’s almost eight months old.
She is quite simply joy personified! She is my sunshine, the light of my life, the love of my life.
Elle is the happiest baby ever! Her happy heart shines through in all she does. Such a blessing.
I joke that since she was a surprise and knew we could only handle so much, she makes things as easy as possible on us. She sleeps well, she smiles nonstop, and she is just generally a pleasant, happy baby.
Did you breastfeed? If so, how did it affect your wardrobe choices?
We tried to go the breastfeeding route, but despite every effort (trust me – every effort… lactation consultant, supplements, nutrition, etc.), it just didn’t work. Without getting into TMI territory, I’ll just say it was supply issues. This was initially unsettling to me, as I thought it was critical / essential / mandatory / best to breastfeed.
But you know what I learned? Everyone’s journey is different. What your baby needs most is unending supplies of love. And obviously your baby needs milk – in whatever form ends up working best for all concerned.
Has your personal style changed since becoming a mom? How would you describe your #momstyle?
Hmmm… good question!
My style has remained colorful. But I guess I’d say that practicality wins out more often than it used to. Now, I don’t mean sloppy or casual when I say “practical.” We now have lots of chic options for our #momstyle.
Big thanks to Morgan for curating so many wonderful options for us moms!
Tell us why you chose these Buru BWL pieces? How do they work with your mommy lifestyle?
Well, as I mentioned above, practicality is important. Each of these pieces had features that make them very mom-friendly. The tunic has a zippered slit, while the leopard joggers have an elastic waist. Both are great throw on and go pieces!
And while they are neutrals (yes, leopard is a neutral in my book!), that’s okay in my colorful book, because it allows me to mix and match various colorful accessories!
As you can see here, I went with red and pink accents this time. Tis the season of love and red and pink!
Take 20% off with code: COLORFULCARRIE
Tell us about your website. What’s its story or history?
CarrieColbert.com is an online platform where our mission is to empower women to live, think, and dress with more color. Indeed, we believe that color has the power to directly impact the soul. We create content and curate products that capture the fun, colorful side of luxury living.
What is your favorite aspect about running your own business? What is your least favorite?
First, I find that I thrive at the intersection of business strategy and creativity. And I love that I get to marry those two now. Given my extensive business background, I bring that perspective to my creative business. Looking at my creative business from a strategic business perspective definitely is both what I enjoy and one thing that differentiates us in the crowded online space. At the root of myself, I have this interesting juxtaposition of being a numbers nerd and a creative idea generator.
Second, the other part of running my own business that I love the most? Doing it with people I love! I’m blessed with an amazing team of women. They are extremely skilled and talented in their respective roles, plus they are just all around great people who make me smile and laugh each day. Each person’s skill set is unique and complementary to the team. We all fit together like pieces of a team.
What does Motherly mean to You?
Unconditional love and care and nurturing
In one word how would you describe yourself in all the roles you play?
Mother: Amazed
Business Owner: Passionate
Friend: Loyal
Can you share a few of your favorite mommy moments?
Bedtime Story: We have a Bible story book that our nanny and her family gave Elle for Christmas. We read a story from that each night, say our prayers.
Lullaby: You Are My Sunshine.
My granny sang that song to me when I was young, so it’s very special to sing that to Elle now. Plus, we have had the great privilege of having her (my granny, Elle’s great granny) sing the same lullaby to her and rock her to sleep.
Children’s Brands: Obsessed with Hanna Andersonn at the moment. Her clothes are colorful, modern, and on trend for kids, yet still kid appropriate. So many great brands though! Thankfully baby clothes are less expensive than clothes for mama. Ha.
What is the one thing you wish you would have known before becoming a mom?
I didn’t know how quickly things would change.
A personal story… When she was born and we got home from the hospital, those baby blues hit and I found myself crying. I thought to myself, “What have I gotten myself into? This is going to be my life now… No sleep, exhaustion, no time to take care of myself” etc, etc. As a new mother at age 40, you have to understand I had 40 years of getting all the sleep I wanted and doing whatever I wanted when I wanted!
But little did I know how quickly things would change… Soon, she was smiling. Soon, we got past the difficult phase of adjustments. Soon, she got over some painful gas issues she had at birth. Soon, we figured out what formula / feeding plan worked for her. Heck - at seven weeks old, Elle even started sleeping through the night. See – God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. ;)
So, those were all good changes that eased the newborn exhaustion. However, on the flip side, I also didn’t know how quickly things would change. I guess I thought the baby phase would last longer. But now I look at my sweet girl and I already no longer see a newborn. I see a girl who is changing day by day. I see a girl who is learning new things every day. I see a girl who is crawling and waving and trying to walk. I see a girl who is developing her own personality.
All good changes, but changes nevertheless. It’s bittersweet.
Mamas – snuggle those babies. Let some other things go. They’ll never be little again. They need you, they want you. You will never regret the time spent getting to know your newborn baby.
