#MAKEITHAPPEN

The older generations may have suggested that you let go of your interests, hobbies, and passions once you become a mother—to focus completely and wholly on your children and assume just one identity: mom. Things are a little different today (and thank goodness for that). Because while being a mom is all-consuming—a blessing, a joy, and one of the hardest jobs in the world—it's also still you doing it. "You" is where it all starts, so don't forget about yourself.

Which brings us to one of the coolest moms we know: Elise Peterson. The artist, writer, and children's book illustrator is above all a storyteller, and with her podcast, COOL MOMS, she's created a space for mothers to talk about their interests—covering everything from self-care to spirituality, and why it's so important to prioritize your passions as a mom. Here, we chat with Elise on her interests, secret work weapons, and more—you'll see that she is, indeed, a very cool mom.