Creativity & Parenthood

Meet Lacey Watts: A very cool, very creative human.  I met Lacey years ago when she worked for Suite 1521, which hosted members-only trunk show events in NYC.  Lacey has an incredible eye for color and style.  She recently launched her own business focusing on style curation and creative direction.  She's also a mother to two beautiful children-I was lucky enough to catch up with her and share some of her family with our Palomita community! 

Q: Can you talk a little about your family background and culture- What was your upbringing like?

A: My family is from Jamaica and I would say my upbringing was not very conventional. I wasn’t raised by my biological parents and my household as a child was very strict and structured — I didn't really get to do much or explore as a kid. When I was around 14 years old, I moved into my biological mother’s house and it was the complete opposite. I think both experiences shaped me and created a balance within me that I’m not sure would be the case if things were different.

Q: How old are your girls and what are they most into?

A: My oldest, Madison, is 15 and has been into dance since she was like 3 years old and is still a part of a dance team today. She also loves traveling, baking, and entrepreneurship. Irie is 12 months old and is a little explorer! She’s into everything! Walking and waving hi to everyone. She loves books, music, and to dance as well.

Q: Do you have family traditions that are important to you or experiences that you want to pass along to your kids?

A: My mom used to take my youngest brother and I to the movies once or twice a month, which was something I always loved and looked forward to doing. I think it cultivated a love for film in me, so I started doing that with Madi when she was younger up until the pandemic. Hopefully now that things are sort of normal again we can continue the tradition and include Irie as well! Aside from that, I didn’t really have many traditions growing up, so I would like to establish a few of my own.

Q: You just recently started your own business. Can you share more? 

A: Yes! My business partners and I founded MVP Creative Group, we specialize in fashion styling consulting, creative direction and photo production. We are building our portfolio, which is exciting and hopefully more cool projects to come this year and beyond. Aside from that, I do have a regular 9-5.

Q: How do you balance work life and being a new mom?

A: I don’t think I know how to do that lol Is that even in the cards for us? I work from home which is a blessing because I don't have to commute every day and I get to be with my baby. It's also very challenging to do with an active 12 month old, but I try my best and that’s all you can really do.

Q: What’s a typical day in your life look like?

A: Sometimes my day feels like one big blur lol. I wake up around 6:30/7am, nurse Irie, feed my pets, do our morning routine and then check my emails and start work at 9am. Throughout the day, I nurse/feed Irie and try to fit in play and reading time with her. I also try to feed myself if I can remember or have time to lol. When I’m finished with work for the day, I make or order dinner, do our evening routine then lights out!

Q: How has your style evolved since becoming a mom?

A: Well, since Irie, it has changed in the sense that I had to temporarily put 90% of my clothes into storage. Sadly, I have very limited wardrobe options right now and I also don’t have time to shop these days. I’m definitely repeating outfits which was never a thing for me before lol I’m not happy about it but I keep telling myself it’s temporary and I will get back to my happy place soon! 

Q: How has parenthood impacted your creativity?

A: I feel like I'm personally in a creative rut right now. I'm always in mommy mode or too busy with other life things. I don't even have the capacity to think of being creative unless it’s something to do with the kids or my job directly, and even then I feel like I don't get to tap into my full potential. The things I would normally do to get inspired, I don't have the time for, but I'm hoping when Irie’s a little older, that will change. 

Q: Any parenthood / business advice that has worked for you?

A: I always tell myself to take it one day at a time. Some days are going to be great and some days might not be so great, but every day is an opportunity to start fresh and I find that to be a blessing. 

Q: Self care or wellness practices that you do for yourself?

A: Right now, my self care looks like my once a month nail appointment – it’s the only time that I have a solid two hours to myself!

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do as a family?

A: Saturday morning walks at the park and of course eating together :)

Q: What excites you the most about motherhood right now?

A: Seeing both of my girls evolve and blossom into themselves and being able to be there for them in every moment. 

Q: What are your fears about raising kids in today’s social climate?

A: I think them being exposed to a lot before they’re emotionally and mentally ready to. When I was growing up things were more controlled by parents to some degree, right? Whether it was what you allowed your kids to watch or listen to or even what they ate, but now with social media I fear kids are growing up so fast and are exposed to so much at a young age. I don’t think they have the mental and emotional capacity to take it all in and process correctly because they’re still developing. I mean, if a lot of us adults are struggling, then what do you think is happening to our kids? 

Q: What’s something that your younger self needed to hear that wasn’t said?

A: So many things! But if I was told that I can do anything, so don’t be afraid to try and take risks, I think that would’ve made a big difference.