Kendra Elyse: On Modeling Self Care for Our Children

June 11, 2023

As a mom of two, model and yoga and breath work teacher, Kendra Elyse shares with us the importance of setting boundaries and embracing self care as she models for her children how they can do the same. Her life lessons on being present give all of us a useful tool to carry us through the toughest challenges of motherhood.

Kendra, tell us about you:

I’m a 35 year old mama of two, my son who is 14 and my 8 year old daughter. I’ve been a cosmetologist for 17 years and a lifestyle model/modeling coach, yoga and breath work teacher. I love food and going out to dinner is my absolute favorite thing to do! I love and am passionate about wellness, yoga and singing.

I believe in empowering and sharing ways to evolve as a whole being so that we leave a ripple effect in the world.

What was the most unexpected part of your own motherhood journey?

Learning that each stage your children grow through calls forth a new level of surrender and new version of yourself.

How does Matrescence’s Mission to “mother the mother” resonate with you as a mom? In your career?

The mission statement speaks volumes when it comes to creating space to make yourself a priority: mind, body and spirit and having a community to support moms through it.

What is the best thing you learned about parenting and who did you learn it from?

The best thing I learned was to do your best and when you learn to be present you accept that your flaws are spaces of opportunity to love deeper.

What do you think is the most challenging aspect of being a mom, and how do you manage it?

Being able to balance between time with your child and personal time without guilt. I manage it by giving myself little moments of self care: mind, body and soul each day. I also set boundaries and communicate to my child what those boundaries are and how they can have their personal time and safe space. I implement a lot of breath work and mindfulness. And I space out my morning for soul and body connection and my nights to wind down to whatever I feel called to do. I learned from my mother and friends around me.

How has motherhood changed you as a person, and what have you learned from the experience?

Motherhood has shown my true love, resilience, and strength. It has also given me the ability to see beyond the surface level. A mothers love is indescribable and powerful and it has shown me courage. I am a better person each day because my children mirror how to love all aspects of self, and I try to do the same for them.