The Washington, DC area is full of amazing moms: working moms, stay-at-home moms, single moms, moms of multiples, foster moms, adoptive moms, etc. We want to highlight some of those moms! Each month we will feature one special mom as the mom of the month. Know a fellow amazing local mom here? Nominate them here!
Meet Lauren Johnson: June Mom of the Month
Lauren Johnson-Oji is a communications executive, entrepreneur, and Momager. She lives in Bowie, MD and is married to Finance Executive, Elo Oji, with whom she shares two energetic boys, Greysen (7) and Carsen (5). Lauren is the proud graduate of Hampton University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology; and George Washington University where she received her Master’s degree in Publishing.
Professionally, Lauren is the Assistant Communications Director for Election Security at the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally she manages her son’s modeling and acting careers, and is testing prototypes for her upcoming mommy swimsuit line, a subsidiary of her popular blog, MummyChic.
When Lauren isn’t working, she enjoys Sunday brunches with her girls, weekend getaways with her hubby, and going to the beach with her boys.
Here is our Q&A with Lauren:
Can you share your self-care routine?
My self-care routine! This took me years to establish as I struggled with putting myself first once I became a mother. However, now that I’ve prioritized me, my self-care routine is mandatory. For starters, I take two candlelit baths a week with a glass of champagne. I’m a Cancer, so the water is my safe space and my baths help center me after a long day. My nighttime skincare routine is also a major part of my self-care. I was recently introduced to the 10 step Korean skincare routine, and it’s EVERYTHING. It’s skin-changing for us mommies that aren’t getting eight hours of sleep.
Lastly, my self-care is asking for help. I’ve learned that when I’m stressed and overwhelmed, I give my family half of me, and I’m doing a disservice to all of us if I don’t create an environment where they get the whole me. So I ask for help. Asking for help with my kids when I need a break or am in a bind, hiring a cleaning service to keep my home fresh because I don’t have the capacity, and ordering pre made meals without feeling guilty. Over the past two years, I’ve put myself first and made my self care non-negotiable. I’m a better mommy because of it.
What is your favorite part about being a boy mama?
My favorite part about being a boy mama is the 24/7 security service I receive from my protective little Kings. They’re literally always checking on me and ensuring I’m ok, and it’s the sweetest gesture I didn’t know I needed. I grew up as the only girl of four and I desperately craved having a daughter to share special moments in life with. However, when that didn’t happen I realized what a blessing it was to have two little boys. They’re filled with endless love and make motherhood ten times sweeter. Boys are also a ton of fun! They keep me young!
How do you juggle all that you do?
I juggle it all by not juggling it all. I’ve realized moms never really have balance in our lives. Instead of trying to juggle it all, I manage my time so that I can dedicate all my attention to my focus at that time. I work really hard at submitting my deliverables at work during my 9-5 time frame, so that from 5:30-10:30 I can dedicate my full attention to my family. As mentioned, I also ask for help. I learned the hard way that I simply can’t do it all without some help, which has honestly been my saving grace in this wild journey called motherhood.
Do you know an amazing mom that would be a great mom of the month?Nominate them here!
