Creative moms have a unique ability to think outside the box when solving problems. These local moms are finding ways to stay creative while balancing work and parenting, and sharing their artistic talents with their communities. These women are well worth recognizing this Mother’s Day!
Here are our creative moms in their own words:
Describe your artistry:
LE: Family, maternity, and newborn photography. When I feel my work is stagnant, I love looking to other artists for inspiration to try something new.
LL: I make earrings, bracelets, and necklaces using new beads and repurposing broken and vintage jewelry. I’ve been fortunate to have my jewelry in silent auctions and three boutiques.
ADT: I offer customized hair services to a multicultural clientele and Japanese head spa experiences designed to give guests more than just a beauty appointment. My work is centered around helping people feel restored, confident, and cared for — creating a space where moms and professionals can truly pause and recharge. I enhance the beauty of every woman to wear her crown proudly!
KF: My first novel, The Ghostmom’s Guide to the Afterlife, will be published in 2027. It tells the story of a parenting book author who dies when she is swept away by a rogue wave and decides to stay on earth to continue parenting her children — writing a book to advise other ghost moms along the way. I’m also the author of When Mystical Creatures Attack! and a graphic novel.
CL: We’re a home-based bakery best known for our mochi donuts. We also make artisanal cookies, brownies, croffles, pastries, and just recently, ice cream! We offer Asian-inspired flavors along with familiar favorites.
AS: I’ve been a family and wedding photographer for the past 20 years. When we moved to Monterey, I created an Instagram page called The Monterey Bucket List, which started as a way to document our lives and turned into managing social media for local restaurants. I love pushing my creative limits and trying something new.
OA: What I love most about ballroom dancing is how two people can move together and make it look effortless. I dance Smooth and Latin, and I’m happiest when the audience can see we’re actually enjoying it together.
How do you stay creative in your daily life:
LE: I work on my photography every day, but when I feel my work is stagnant, I look to other artists for inspiration. Putting that time into my schedule — after the kids go to bed — isn’t easy, but it keeps my creativity growing. It really is a muscle and needs to be worked!
LL: I try to look at the ordinary in a new light. A passion of mine is taking something broken and unwanted and breathing new life into it.
ADT:Staying creative comes from balancing motherhood, homeschooling, and entrepreneurship — these roles constantly ask me to be present, adaptable, and imaginative. Some of my best ideas come from slowing down with my kids, noticing small details, and remembering how important it is to create meaningful moments.
KF:For many years, I dedicated an hour a day to writing or art — it didn’t matter what I created. That daily practice kept the flame alive. Now that my kids are older, I can go away for a few days, stay at a friend’s house, and work nonstop on a novel. Projects move much faster this way!
CL: Fashion is my background, and I believe you can truly express yourself through your outfit and accessories. Fashion also plays a key role in how I create flavors and decor for my mochi donuts — just like fashion, I love trying unexpected combinations that ultimately become some of my best sellers.
AS: I love documenting our lives and photographing family memories. I love playing outside on a hike or at the beach and seeing the world through my kids’ eyes. I hope to inspire other young families to get out and enjoy this community to the fullest.
OA: I dance with new people, even if it’s awkward — going to social dance nights and asking beginners or dancers from different styles to partner with me. Once a week I do a “bad idea” run: dancing my routine backwards, with the wrong partner role, or to the wrong music. It forces my brain to solve problems differently and usually gives me one killer new detail.
How does creativity help you as a parent:
LE: Creativity helps me see the beauty in small moments we often miss in the day-to-day. Being a photographer has trained me to notice what most moms — including me — can easily overlook.
LL: Art and creativity help me think outside the box when working with my 33-year-old son, who is autistic and has Down syndrome. He loves repetitive activities, so I really have to be creative to challenge him. Art is the basis to expand your mind and be open to possibilities.
ADT:Creativity helps me stay present and flexible. Motherhood rarely follows a perfect plan, and creativity allows me to approach each day with curiosity instead of pressure. When my children see me building a business and expressing passion for what I do, I hope it shows them it’s okay to explore who they are and follow what inspires them.
KF:Kids do and say such silly, hilarious, insightful things — I take notes and put those moments into books. Motherhood also brings up big questions: What does it mean to be a good parent? When we love our kids so much, how do we let go? I was able to explore many of these questions in my novel about a mom who becomes a ghost.
CL: Creativity is the glue that keeps things interesting, fun, and exciting. I always tell my kids, “There’s no wrong in art.” I have a set of sassy, strong twin girls, a sports-addicted oldest son, and a youngest who will bust out a dance move at any given moment — you can imagine the art displayed throughout our home!
AS: I’m definitely a creative and silly parent and I thrive on that. I want to see my kids giggle and always remember me that way. Life is meant to be well-loved — and I love to document it all.
OA: Kids copy what they see. When you stay creative, you model that it’s okay to try new things, laugh at mistakes, and express yourself. A quick living room salsa with your kids — no perfect steps, just fun — teaches them teamwork, listening, and joy in movement, way better than any lecture.
What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with other moms:
LE: Remember that whatever phase is challenging you will pass, and you’ll grow along with it. Not only do we get a chance to shape tiny humans — we get a chance to reshape ourselves.
LL: Dream big and believe in yourself.
ADT:Western society may make you think you are limited as a mother, but in truth it is because you are a mother that you are limitless! Don’t give up on your dreams, do what works for your family, compare yourself to no one, and have faith in God’s timing. It all works out better than you could imagine!
KF:Don’t worry about what you produce during the time you dedicate to art. Your only obligation is to “show up” to the page — then see what happens. Dedicating time to the process keeps your creativity alive, and that can nourish you through all the challenges of motherhood.
CL: Go for it! You deserve to shine. Let your heart pour into your creative work and you will attract the best clients.
AS: Parenting is so hard by yourself. When we moved to Monterey three years ago, I was determined to connect and be part of this community. You get what you put in. Join a church, volunteer, talk to other moms wherever you go. Don’t just live here — thrive here!
OA: A 60-second kitchen dance party while dinner is cooking, turning a tantrum into a goofy slow-motion tango, or just putting on music and moving together instead of scrolling — those little things keep you feeling like you, not just Mom, and show your kids that joy and play don’t have to wait for the weekend.
We hope you enjoyed meeting these creative moms and found some inspiration to follow your creative passions!
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