Mom To MORE® | Midlife Reinvention for Moms

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by guest Joan Hornig, Founder and CEO of Joan Hornig Jewelry - Philanthropy is Beautiful® and Pavé The Way® Joan began her career as a professional fundraiser for Harvard University and Columbia Business School before spending 19 years on Wall Street. Since 2003, Joan has combined her love of jewelry and design, business skills and experience with non-profit organizations as Founder and CEO of her philanthropically-driven companies, Joan Hornig Jewelry - Philanthropy is Beautiful® and Pavé The Way®. Philanthropy is Beautiful® is a unique social enterprise model that donates 100% of profits to each purchaser's charity of choice. Her goal is for every client to enjoy being a philanthropist and enable non-profits they care about to benefit. Both Joan's designs and social enterprise business model have been honored by non-profits, educational institutions and the media. Philanthropy is Beautiful® was named Social Enterprise Innovator of the Year by AI Global Media in 2023, marking the second year in a row receiving this award. All selected by customers, Joan's donations have raised millions of dollars and are spread among more than 1,000 nonprofits worldwide. Her jewelry designs are worn by numerous stars, business leaders and government officials including First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, Former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Oprah, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lopez. Joan's work continues to be a favorite gift from the US State Department to visiting dignitaries. Join Sharon and Joan as they discuss the power of women supporting women, conscious consumerism and the ability to make a difference through purchasing choices and the importance of believing in oneself. [00:00] Introduction. [00:32] Joan's background and her journey to becoming a stay-at-home mom [04:43] Joan's jewelry making journey and introduction to Bergdorf Goodman [10:53] The importance of support from other mothers and women [13:31] Joan's innate jewelry making skills and belief in herself [15:31] Testing new jewelry and the importance of jewelry as a form of self-expression [16:54] The inspiration behind Joan's jewelry [22:46] Philanthropy is Beautiful and empowering the purchaser [30:20] Pave the Way and the significance of the pieces [38:08] Joan's second act and empowering moms to pursue their passions. [40:37] What is so fun about jewelry and giving your kids wings [43:38] Lifelong learning and Joan's more [44:56] Where to find Joan and her jewelry online Learn more about Joan Horning and her work: Website: www.ptwjewelry.com Instagram: @pavethewayjewelry @joanhornig Tiktok: @pavethewayjewelry Looking for More? Join the Mom To MORE® Community and grab your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and now on Pinterest. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #52 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Gabi Garland, Domestic violence survivor and founder of Resilient Heart Media. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey welcomes Avril McClement, a mom, grandmother, and two-time HYROX World Champion who's proving that reinvention doesn't have an age limit. From motherhood to marathons and from the UK's National Health Service to the global fitness stage, Avril's journey is a masterclass in resilience and redefining what's possible after motherhood. Avril shares how she turned heartbreak, depression, and divorce into fuel for a new beginning, finding purpose, strength, and confidence through movement. Now in her 60s, she's breaking world records, inspiring women worldwide, and reminding us that it's never too late to rewrite your story. Tune in for a powerful conversation about courage, community, and midlife reinvention, and discover how age can be your greatest advantage in becoming your most authentic, unstoppable self. [00:00] Introduction [02:36] Motherhood, family, and finding deeper purpose [05:40] Lessons learned from early motherhood years [07:06] Starting over after loss and learning to let go [11:52] Overcoming depression and rediscovering hope again [14:55] Turning fitness into healing, strength, and empowerment [18:24] From marathons to HYROX world competitions [19:58] Breaking records and believing in what's possible [23:02] Lessons in reinvention, confidence, and self-belief [25:26] What "more" means to Avril today and beyond Meet my guest Avril McClement: Instagram: @savageat65 Looking for More? Join the Mom To MORE® Community and grab your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and now on Pinterest. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #50 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Lori Sugarman-Li, redefining invisible labor and author of Our Home Our Pride. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey welcomes Leah Steinkirch, counselor, creative, and COO of Prowess Project. Leah's path has taken her from counseling and corporate work to stay-at-home motherhood, side hustles, and now helping moms re-enter the workforce with flexible, meaningful careers. She shares how motherhood reshaped her trajectory, why she calls her career a "patchwork quilt," and how flexibility became her greatest strength. Leah also opens up about thriving as an introvert, the soft skills moms bring to the table, and the importance of boundaries. Tune in as Sharon and Leah explore transferable mom skills, re-entering the workforce, and how saying no can open the door to what really matters. Leah's journey is a reminder that creativity, courage, and impact can flourish in every season. [00:00] Introduction [01:39] Meet Leah Steinkirch [02:45] Choosing family life and the creative itch that wouldn't quit [04:49] A patchwork quilt career path before motherhood [07:00] Flexibility as a superpower [10:46] The spark that grew into Prowess Project [14:05] Thriving as an introvert in a world of visionaries [18:26] The overlooked soft skills moms bring to the workforce [22:30] Timing, boundaries, and the power of saying "no" [27:11] Redefining success from limits to secret strengths [28:23] Creating more impact Meet my guest Leah Steinkirch: Website: prowessproject.com Instagram: @prowessproject LinkedIn: Leah Steinkirch Signal Awards Vote Here: https://bit.ly/3VMjwlX Looking for More? Join the Mom To MORE® Community and grab your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and now on Pinterest. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #48 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon joined by Beth Stewart, CEO of Trewstar, placing outstanding candidates on corporate boards. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

We're hitting rewind with this archive replay, featuring Alison Bruhn's inspiring reinvention and her journey to creating a bold new chapter in life. In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by guest Alison Bruhn, the mom of the mother-daughter duo who founded The Style That Binds Us - the original next-generation women's media company and community. Alison is a national style and image consultant based in New York City with clients across the country. Alison reinvented herself in her 50s when she studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and later co-founded The Style That Binds Us with her daughter, Delia Folk. The purpose of her work is to empower women through creating a visual brand and transforming their style to ignite a new path of confidence and independence. Alison's expertise is frequently called upon by top-tier publications including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Forbes, HuffPost, Bustle, Well+Good, Elle, Condé Nast Traveler, People, InStyle, The Everygirl, Brides, Southern Bride & more, as well as public speaking engagements & podcast interviews. Join Sharon and Alison as they discuss overcoming societal expectations, embracing change and the importance of growth and learning at all ages. Alison overcame her fear of other people's opinions of an appropriate career and followed her own unique interests. Her story shows us that it's never too late to pursue your passions, take risks and create a new path forward. [00:00] Introduction [02:02] Alison's background and her reasoning for being a SAHM [05:44] The benefits of women's intuition and what sparked Alison's reinvention [09:15] Pursuing personal fulfillment through fashion. [11:21] Rediscovering forgotten passions. [16:30] New business endeavors and tips on building a core professional wardrobe. [18:58] Pushing the envelope and having the courage to try new things. [22:14] The many skills you have to offer as a mom. [22:56] Life over 40 and having each other's backs. [28:19] Alison shares style tips. [32:11] Staying busy and surrounding yourself with friends of different ages. [37:11] Where to find Alison and The Style That Binds Us. Learn more about The Style That Binds Us: Website: https://thestylethatbindsus.com/ Instagram: @thestylethatbindsus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestylethatbindsus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFVuT_XmJMPPnrK7rjGbIw Looking for more? Follow along @sharonmaceywrites on Instagram and @momtomore on Tiktok. Keep an eye out for episode #46 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Kate Kennedy, Theologian, minister, and founder of an Atlanta school changing the future for kids experiencing homelessness. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey welcomes Terry Grahl—former interior designer turned nonprofit founder, who traded business success for a mission of hope and healing. As the visionary behind Enchanted Makeovers, Terry transforms shelters for women and children into sacred spaces filled with beauty, dignity, and self-worth. Terry's journey began not with a grand plan, but with a paintbrush—and a shelter visit that changed everything. Since founding Enchanted Makeovers in 2006, her work has been featured by People Magazine, HUD, and honored by Sheryl Crow at the MLB All-Star Game. But her most powerful tool remains love—woven into every cape, doll, and room she helps transform. Tune in as Sharon and Terry talk about creativity as a survival tool, listening to your inner child, and how motherhood prepared her for nonprofit leadership. Terry shares how the everyday skills of parenting—planning, organizing, showing up—laid the foundation for running a mission-driven organization. It's a conversation about real-life experience, small steps, and the unexpected ways our past prepares us for what's next. [00:00] Introduction [01:40] Meet Terry Grahl [04:07] Becoming a stay-at-home mom and why it was Terry's "best decision" [05:17] Growing up with homelessness and bullying [06:13] The abandoned house Terry's mother transformed into a home [07:48] The moment Terry walked into a shelter and how it changed everything [10:21] Terry's mission for dignity, hope, and healing [10:48] The Sacred Sewing Room and Capes for Kids [17:11] Mom skills that turned out to be leadership skills [21:54] From programs to picture books and what's next for Enchanted Makeovers Meet my guest Terry Grahl: Website: EnchantedMakeovers.org Instagram: @enchantedmakeovers Facebook: facebook.com/enchantedmakeovers Terry's books: The Little Porcupine and its Traveling Pillowcase The Little Bear Who Loved its Handmade Dolls The Little Bluebird Who Forgot it Could Fly Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Get your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com Keep an eye out for episode #44 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Kanika Chadda Gupta, Former CNN Journalist, CEO of Kronologie Agency and host of the top-rated podcast, That's Total Mom Sense. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey welcomes Cristan Crocker—a former actress turned stay-at-home mom turned celebrated documentary filmmaker and producer. Known for powerful projects like The Other F Word and Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie, Cristan is co-founder of Rare Bird Films, where she tells stories that unpack identity, challenge societal norms, and celebrate change. Cristan shares how raising twin boys and a third son in the Pacific Palisades shaped her creative lens, giving her new perspective, purpose, and persistence. Deeply committed to both family and filmmaking, she and her producing partner carved out space for storytelling during school hours—proving that big ideas can grow within the margins of busy mom life. Tune in as Sharon and Cristan dive into creative reinvention, parenting with purpose, building tiny but mighty teams, and the untold story of Barbie's real-life creator. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, Cristan reminds us: reinvention doesn't require reinvention overnight—it just takes one brave step at a time. [00:00] Introduction [01:39] Meet Cristan Crocker [02:15] Motherhood by surprise (twins!) and the NICU journey [05:22] Creating space for creativity while raising three boys [08:59] The power of collaboration and creative routines [13:00] Mom traits turned career skills [17:46] Behind the scenes of Tiny Shoulders [22:53] Using storytelling to raise compassionate, curious sons [28:10] Cristan's advice to moms thinking about what's next [33:55] Cristan's passion for local news and community storytelling Meet my guest Cristan Crocker: Instagram: @cristan4 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0188383/?ref_=fn_rvi_i_1 Tiny Shoulders, Rethinking Barbie: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=tiny+shoulders+rethinking+barbie The Other F Word documentary: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.caa9f7a2-a66f-673e-96e8-7530def02d63?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #42 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Deb Mallin, founder of Mighty Doodle. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥