Josephine’s Creative Career Moms: Tanya Birl-Torres

Tanya in a photoshoot for Broadwayworld.com

This month I am so excited to feature Tanya Birl-Torres, a talented Broadway dancer and new mother. Tanya’s story is honest, inspiring and very close to my heart, as we grew up together. Motherhood can be a rollercoaster ride, with many ups and downs, but it’s stories like these and connections with other mothers, close friends and family that help to keep us grounded and sometimes inspire us to keep going. Tanya gave me some insight into the strong mother-models that she’s looked up to in her life and after hearing Tanya’s story, I hope that you are as inspired as I was.

Ok, so let’s hear your story. How did you make it to Broadway?

Broadway was never something that I sought after directly. I made my Broadway debut in Finian's Rainbow in 2009. To clarify, when you say Broadway, it is referring to a small block of theaters lining the very famous street in New York City. My debut came after many years of touring the US and the world performing in other Musicals. I was introduced to musical theater more indirectly. I was studying at the Alvin Ailey Dance School in New York City and I was focusing very intensely on a career in modern dance. During a ballet class one day, I received a call from my mom that someone from the Lion King was inquiring about my availability (I had auditioned over a year previously in New York and never heard anything back). They had an opening on the national tour and told me that it was between me and two other women. After a week of waiting anxiously, casting called me and told me to pack my bags. I got the job. That phone call changed my life and introduced me to the world of musical theater, and in turn, Broadway. 

Did you always dream of becoming a Broadway dancer?

Funny enough, No. Broadway was never really on my radar.  I did grow up singing in church and watching a lot of musicals like West Side Story and The Sound of Music at home with my family.

Is it every dancer’s dream come true?

It is a dream come true for many people and is something that is so sought after and admired. For me, it was a real sense of accomplishment.

Tanya and her Beautiful Family on the High Line in NYC

When did you decide it was time to start a family?

I had told my husband Wilson that we could start a family once I had done three Broadway shows. We got married during my Broadway debut and the second (Memphis) came a few months later and the third (How To Succeed in Business) came six months after that. It was a lot faster than I had thought! When How To Succeed closed after a year and a half; we saw a window of opportunity in between our next projects to give it a try. We did, and the rest is history.

Opening Night of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (six-and-a-half months pregnant)

What’s it like being pregnant in this field? What were some of the challenges?

I had a blast being pregnant in this industry. I was very fortunate and was cast in the Broadway revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Scarlett Johansson while I was a few months pregnant. The show is about family and fertility and they saw my character as a welcome addition. I grew with the show (and my costumes) and ended the run of the production 8 1/2 months pregnant. It was a play, so I didn't have to dance at all; I did a lot of walking and acting. It was a real gift. The biggest challenge was walking up a flight of stairs for every entrance of the show. To be honest, I kept on doing everything I did before I was pregnant (except the occasional glass of wine) and never felt more beautiful or capable. It was post pregnancy that was jammed packed with lessons and breakdowns/breakthroughs.

Can you describe a typical workday? What’s it like now that you have a little one?

A typical workday (let’s say a Tuesday) would be waking up with Noemi around 7:30am, reading some books and getting ready for the day. We have breakfast and then walk the dog. We take Noemi to daycare for a few hours so that we can get some things done. I go to yoga at 9:30 am in the neighborhood and run errands. My husband will practice (he's the percussionist for Les Mis on Broadway) and then he will pick her up at 1:00 pm. We then come home for her nap and I get started on dinner. We eat and then get ready to leave for work. The babysitter comes around 5:00 pm and I leave the house at 5:15pm. We both return from our shows at 10:30pm. We then have a snack, watch some recorded TV and head to bed around midnight. 

Current show: On the Town 

If you could use one word to describe your life as a mom and a dancer what would it be?

One word to explain my life as a mom and dancer is Balance. As tired and exhausted as I am at the end of each day, I get to be with Noemi all day (except for two show days) and then go into Times Square and release the stress of the day by dancing, laughing, singing and letting loose for a living. It definitely takes a village to make things run smoothly, but I feel like two years in, we are finally finding the balance of it all. I always say that I am a better mom when I am a working mom, so for where I am right now, I feel extremely fulfilled.

Who or what inspires you to keep at it and follow your dreams?

I have some extremely strong women in my life that are thriving at being a mother and a top notch career woman. I also grew up with a mom that was very present, but worked full-time for most of our childhood. It was important to see that it is quality not quantity of time that matters. It taught me a great sense of work ethic and passion for family and career.

Finally, can you offer other career moms, especially ones in a demanding field like this, some survival tips?

Take everything moment to moment. Be where you are. If it's a moment of silence while you are washing a dish, revel in it. If it's accomplishing a difficult task at work, use it to amaze yourself at how much we women and mothers can handle. I also try to be present when I am with Noemi. When things get hectic and I feel some guilt for being away, I think about how I spent my time with her that day and it always puts me at ease.

Josephine’s Creative Career Moms: Heather Coughlin of Calluna Studios

Photo Credit: Tracy Allison, Edits by Jennifer Moher 

I've decided to do a feature for Josephine’s Creative Career Moms series once a month. I’m planning to highlight amazing mothers who have followed their dreams and developed creative careers.

This month I am so excited to introduce Heather Coughlin of Calluna Studios. I featured Heather back in April on Parent Life Network, and can't wait for you to read more about her inspirational journey as a mother turned photographer.

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

Heather and I go way back, she has literally been our “family photographer” for the past four years, capturing some of the biggest moments in our life. Heather shot our engagement, wedding, maternity and, most recently, newborn photos, all of which are incredible examples of her beautiful work. Her soft, bright and whimsical style makes you want to re-live the moments she captures in her romantic photos. It is this simplistic beauty comes through in her story as well.

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

Even though we kind of know each other already, can you tell me a bit about you and your company?

I sure can! My story is very archetypal, mom with a camera type. I got a Canon Rebel before the birth of my youngest son. When I first photographed him I was blown away at how well I could express myself through a viewfinder. That's when my addiction began. A short time later, I began offering portrait sessions aimed towards families with babies and young children, and my business was born! 

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

When did you start the company? Can you describe its beginnings for me?

My business began shortly after the birth of my youngest child, back in 2007/2008. It was a slow progression at the beginning, having two young children and starting a business was tricky. Finding balance between work and family life was difficult. Once I found a happy median, it all felt so right. 

What made you decide to take the chance and start your own business?

My husband used to run a large store that I helped manage. We were both working 50-60 hours a week and I found it quite stressful putting in hours like that. I couldn't imagine us both working those hours while raising a family. I wanted to watch my kids grow, I wanted to be home more and make my own hours. It was risky to start my business when I did, but it all worked out wonderfully! 

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

How would you describe a typical workday?

Ha! Nothing about my work schedule is typical! I wake up, have breakfast with my family, get the kids off to school, exercise and begin my day. Sometimes it begins with checking my email and social media for new inquiries and questions from clients, and sometimes it begins with heading out for an early morning portrait session. Occasionally my workday doesn't begin until four in the afternoon, when I finally get a few minutes to myself to edit or answer messages. 

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

What is it like being a mom and an entrepreneur? What are some of the challenges?

I love it! I have so much freedom; I'm home with them all the time. On nice summer days when they want to go to the beach, I can take a break and we go! It becomes challenging during these busy summer months when my workload is heavy. I have to focus more and be careful that I don't neglect the business, or my family. Quite often I spend my evenings and nights working because I've made the decision to spend the day doing what the boys want and I wouldn't have it any other way!

What inspires your work?

Beautiful light. Emotional interactions. Subtle touches. Honest and unassuming moments... I could literally go on forever here.

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

Has photography always been a part of your life?

Funny you ask! As a child I loved looking through photo albums lying around my parents home and still do! I loved the idea of photography, but didn't pursue it even as a hobby until later in life. Now I can't imagine life without photography!

Did you always consider Photography a business venture?

No not at all! I actually wanted to become a veterinarian, or a supermodel... But didn't every 12-year-old girl?

How would you describe your style?

I am a very simple photographer. For me, it's all about connections. Not complicated posing and intense compositions. I focus on what's in front of me and translating that in honest and unexpected ways. 

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

What are your hopes for the future of this company?

That I continue to grow artistically and as an entrepreneur. I hope the business allows me to travel more. I love destination shoots!

Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin

Heather’s honesty and light-hearted humour really comes through in her work and her entrepreneurial story. You can hear more about her most recent photography and life stories on her blog at: https://callunastudios.wordpress.com/.

Josephine’s Creative Career Moms: Courtney Ryall & Loops for Days

Photography by Courtney Ryall 

After working with Parent Life Network on a piece about creative career moms, I’ve decided to do a series of features on this topic. The focus is on women, particularly mothers, who inspire us by pushing past physical, societal and psychological challenges in order to pursue their dreams.

This week I had the opportunity to speak with Courtney Ryall, owner of the colourful crochet company Loops for Days about her “nap-time hustle.” Courtney’s lovingly handmade flower crowns, cowls and beanies are absolutely adorable accessories inspired by and made with little ones in mind. Harlowe, Courtney’s daughter, was and still is the inspiration behind this budding new Canadian company.

First things first, can you tell me a bit about you and your company?

I am 28-year-old work from home mom. My first job is taking care of my 17-month-old daughter Harlowe. Loops for Days is my small handmade business where I crochet accessories for mostly babies and children, but also adults.

When did you start the company? Can you describe its beginnings for me?

I started Loops For Days in November 2014  by creating an Instagram and Facebook page, as well as and Etsy store.  At first I listed 3 items: 2 infinity scarves, the Lulu and the Stephanie, and the Gracie Headband (a warm headband with a large bow). In the beginning my customer base was almost all friends and family.  I spent the next few months growing through word of mouth and social media.

What made you decide to take the chance and start your own company?

People have often told me to start selling my crochet projects when I have given them as gifts or when they had seen the piece that my daughter was wearing. Crocheting is something that I do every night before bed while my husband and I unwind from the day.  It just seemed like a perfect way for me to continue creating while making a little bit of extra money on the side.

How would you describe a typical workday?

Everyday I do the "nap-time hustle". The only time that I have to work is when my daughter is sleeping! I try and get orders done during nap-time and early evening. Outside of the actual crocheting, I try to post on my various social media accounts daily.  This includes finding or creating content (I do mini photo shoots with my daughter in my various products 2-3 times a week). I also try and wedge out time for cross-promotion with other online shops that have a similar target audience. Before I go to bed, I will usually pack up finished orders so that they can be mailed the following day. Finally, I try and take time every week to create new items to add to my shop.  Even if it's a new take on an old piece, it helps me to keep the creative juices flowing. 

What is it like being a mom and an entrepreneur? What are some of the challenges? 

For me, it feels pretty normal now. I absolutely love that I get to include my daughter in what I do! The challenging part is that I only get so many hours in a day to complete actual orders.  My work takes time to create, so I can't realistically hold stock that is ready to ship.  Since everything is made to order, it is important to stay organized and keep within my promised turn around time. If Harlowe is teething, or refusing her naps, I am unable to work. This sometimes results in late nights if I need to get product out on time.

What inspires your work?

My daughter does! She is my total inspiration and without her I wouldn't have started Loops For Days. 

 Has crochet always been a part of your life? 

My grandmother has always crocheted. We always had her blankets (every child in the family gets at least one) and her house is filled with gorgeous intricate tables cloths. I started crocheting three years ago.

How did you learn to crochet and did you always consider it a business venture?  

I learned how to crochet using YouTube videos. I started super small, just learning the basic stitches.  Over time I taught myself to read simple patterns, followed by more complicated ones.  Eventually I was able to improvise on existing patterns and also create my own.

What are your hopes for the future of this company?

At the moment I am taking sewing lessons.  I am hoping to incorporate some sort of apparel to my shop.  I would like to combine crochet and sewing to offer something a little bit different.  I am also interested in expanding my photography knowledge.  I have so much fun with the creative side of the business; I would like to feel like I have a solid grasp of what my camera can do and create more elaborate photo shoots with my products. In addition to all of this I would love to develop a stand-alone website and blog. One thing at a time though!