Lyss Stern is the founder and CEO of Divalysscious Moms, a national, NYC-based marketing and event company with a database of millions of mothers and mompreneurs. Lyss can often be seen offering her parenting expertise on programs including NBC’s Today Show and CBS’s This Morning. Lyss’s book Motherhood is a B#tch! recently released- and it’s the perfect summer read! This book tells it like it is and helps you get back to the stylish, stiletto-wearing woman who prided herself on living the fabulous life. Motherhood is a B#tch! is the modern mom’s bible for dealing with the day-to-day chaos with style and grace. It’s written for the stressed out working mom and the stay-at-home mom, who have sacrificed their lives, careers, bodies, and sanity to become moms. Get reading Beyond moms, and check out Lyss Stern below!
What makes you a Beyond Mom?
I am honored to be a Beyond Mom! Thank you for including me with all these amazing and inspiring women. I am a woman who is continually growing to become a better version of myself. I want to be a great example for my three beautiful children to learn from, so that they can grow to be the independent and compassionate adults and parents that I know they will be.
What are the parts of you that have grown and expanded since becoming a Mom?
I would have to say judgement! I will not judge another mother, no matter what! We are all doing the best we can and sometimes that means juggling 101 balls at once trying not to let one drop. When you first become a mom, it’s extremely easy to begin to criticize other women for their parenting methods or how put together ‘she’ is or isn’t; it really comes down to the fact that motherhood isn’t a science and every women is doing the best she can. At some point hard decisions will be made and whether or not someone approves shouldn’t matter. As long as you are properly caring for your kids and making sure they’re both happy and healthy, nothing else should matter.
Can you share a collaboration/success story with another woman; what helped the collaboration become successful?
I actually collaborated on my new book, Motherhood Is A B#tch 10 Steps to Regaining Your Sanity, Sexiness, and Inner Diva, with the amazing author and my dear friend Sheryl Berk! She was so wonderful to work with and I was honored to write alongside a New York Times best-selling author, as well as a certified #divalysscious mom! She too has taken it upon herself to pursue her dreams and passions, while being fully involved in her kid’s life. She even took it one step further, and has written multiple books inspired by her daughter. Sheryl is incredible, and with her insight and experience, she added so much to the book. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.
What relationships help you stay connected to yourself?
I try to stay connected to my group of friends as much as possible. There is nothing like the support of other moms and women in general, to help you stay grounded and laughing. Laughter these days is most important! It’s so important to take some time to sit back and laugh, with a glass of wine, surrounded by the people that love and care for you.
Do you have a ‘Beyond’ dream that you are pursuing?
Being the founder of Divalysscious Moms and seeing it blossom into the amazing network that it is continues to be a dream in itself! The opportunity to bring such a fabulous (#FabULyss) and supportive group of women together online and offline after thirteen years is a dream come true. We are also working on some exciting new projects so stay tuned!
What wellness activity can you not live without?
Walking! I try and walk as much as possible. There is always a pair of flats and or sneakers in my work bag; the stilettos have to come off at some point! It really helps me to stop and collect my thoughts. It’s such a great activity that allows me to take a mental breather, while helping my body unwind with some light exercise.
What is one thing you do daily that balances you?
I take a much needed ten minute #MTO (#MommyTimeOut) each and every day! I try and take a bubble bath every night before bed. Remember the commercial, Calgon Take Me Away?! Baths are a major key to unwinding after a whirlwind day! It’s so nice to soak in a nice warm bath, with a good book or magazine and just take some time for yourself. Especially because it helps lead to a good night’s sleep.
How does style influence the way you stay feeling ‘Beyond’? Who is currently your favorite designer?
Style allows you to express yourself in a way like no other. Even if you wake up not feeling like the strong mother and woman you are, it’s as easy as putting on a great outfit to help boost your confidence. Style is an outlet for me to tap into my personality and inner sexiness. Even though your feet might disagree, I think there’s nothing better than slipping on your favorite pair of stilettos to help you take on the day and a great lip gloss with a pop of color. It helps remind me of how strong I am and that despite all the different facets of life, I will never lose sight of who I am: a Divalysscious mom.
My current favorite designer is Donna Karan for Urban Zen. She understands a woman’s body. I grew up wearing DKNY, so it’s a natural progression for me. The pieces are so easy to mix and match day to night. You can go from athleisure to glam or office. I love the beautiful fabrications and they are most sensual. You feel like a woman!
Favorite Local Spots that Embody The Beyond Mom:
Everything about Central Park!
Beyond Cocktails and/or Food:
Rose and the B#tchitini of course 🙂
Beyond Workout:
Exhale (Core Fusion) and Flywheel
Beyond Shopping:
Zara and Bergdorf Goodman
