Meet Maggie McAlister, a writer and creative director based in Los Angeles, California. And boy has she been able to spin what seems like a tragedy into a refreshing time to enhance and focus on yourself.
Yes we know, divorce can be messy. It can be all things painful, disastrous, and unnerving. That’s why when we come across someone who can help to inspire us along the journey, we just HAVE TO find out how and share her with the rest of our moms here.
Maggie is mom to a wonderful little boy named Julian who is seven. You can only wonder how she juggles her role as a single mother and establishing herself at Smashbox Cosmetics, a beauty brand that many of us are already so familiar with. And yet, she exudes the calm, collected, positive side of an inspirational single mother that many of us wished we could be!
The truth is, like many of us, Maggie was also struggling in her first year when she started working at Smashbox before her divorce was finalized.
I was already depleted, and my first year was enormously stressful. I took great care of my son and excelled at work… but completely neglected myself!
Maggie McAlister on her experience after divorce.
(Honestly, we couldn’t tell! She looks great in every photo!)
We had to get to know her better and here is our exclusive with Maggie McAlister, this week’s Inspirational Single Mother.
Tell us about yourself, your hobbies, what do you love doing?
Maggie: I love good books, bad TV, throwing dinner parties, playing the piano, hot yoga and anything with an ocean view.
I started working at Smashbox shortly before my divorce was finalized. Once I started practicing and prioritizing self-care, my life changed for the better.
What inspired you to do what you do (briefly describe what makes Maggie McAlister)?
Maggie: I created @thesinglemommakeover to inspire other working single moms to live their best lives. Getting divorced doesn’t have to be bleak! Obviously it takes some time to work through heartbreak and regain your footing, but thereafter, you can focus on yourself in a whole new way–and come back better than ever.
Surprisingly, being a single mom has really boosted my confidence. It’s not always easy to juggle everything, but I’m so proud of the way I manage it on my own!
Maggie McAlister
Any tips on juggling or managing your schedule and your children?
Maggie: I do a lot of things in short intervals. 15-minute workouts, 10-minute meditations, 5-minute vinaigrette… anything quick is easier to squeeze in. In terms of organization, I make lists on my phone, put reminders in my calendar and try to minimize clutter at home so I can breathe and think.
What is the one value or lesson you can take away from becoming a single mom?
Maggie: Surprisingly, being a single mom has really boosted my confidence. It’s not always easy to juggle everything, but I’m so proud of the way I manage it on my own!
Any advice for other single moms?
Maggie: Prioritize sleep above all. Everything is easier when you’ve had enough rest. Also, work through whatever is holding you back emotionally so you can give your children the best possible version of you. They’re only little for a short while and you don’t want to miss a moment!
One question we had to get out of Maggie by the end of the interview… and something many of us are really trying to figure out for ourselves – What are your self-care tips?
Here they are directly from the stunning, ever-so-stylish, Maggie McAlister.
- Work out at home. For single moms, it can be hard to get to the gym or an exercise class. Luckily, there are loads of videos and trainers online. I really like dance, yoga and barre programs. YouTube has tons of them for free!
- Figure out what makes your skin glow. Avoiding dairy most of the time and using Drunk Elephant serums makes a huge difference for me.
- Meal-prep strategically. I used to joylessly prepare what I thought I *should* eat instead of finding nutritious recipes I’m actually excited about. The more you can do on Sundays, the easier it is to nourish yourself throughout the week.
- Ditch furniture and artwork that remind you of your ex immediately! Google feng shui and learn how to keep good energy flowing. I buy inexpensive fresh flowers on my weekly grocery run and place them around my apartment for bright, cheerful vibes.
For more inspiration on living your best life with Maggie McAlister, follow @thesinglemommakeover on Instagram!