Brittney Bryant

With three kids and her own business, life for this mom can be chaotic… and filled with joy.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

It’s myself and the three kids plus Jay’s boyfriend (a bonus kid). We have two dogs, two cats, a hamster, a blue-tongued skink, an African gray and a handful of rotating conures (Jay breeds them). It’s pretty chaotic!

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours?

I like to take my 18-year-old out to breakfast regularly to touch base. The younger two love to rough-

house so we have a lot of fun wrestling and playing around at night before we start the bedtime routine.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

I didn’t know until I had my oldest. I fell so deeply in love with him that I had two more further down the road.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments.

I have proud moments all the time. Every time my children are affectionate and clearly feel safe and nurtured, I feel proud. Every time I figure out another little life hack (ways to more efficiently prep dinner or some other shortcut to the daily routine) I feel like I’ve unlocked a level.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments.

Literally anytime I lose my cool with my kids. They don’t deserve to be spoken to with anything but love and respect. Of course, we’re all human and overwhelm can get the best of me. But I always apologize and make sure they know that my tone was not okay and they deserve better.

What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do (skip showers, go to a drive through coffee in your pjs, etc.)?

After the pandemic, I let go of a lot of the expectations/rules that I thought we had to adhere to. For example, I don’t make the littles get dressed on the weekends if they don’t want to. PJs all day, because frankly, that’s what I prefer too.

In what way are your children like you? How are they different?

My oldest is very curious, intellectual and loves to explore information. I always had a thirst for new information or experiences, but I was pretty immature in my teens, whereas he’s very responsible and mature. My 10-year-old has the most tender heart and is so nurturing to animals, similar to me at that age. And the youngest is basically my little clone when I was her age.

What are you enjoying the most about parenting right now? I’m so obsessed with watching these humans develop their inner and outer worlds. It’s incredible. I was prepared for the teen years to be the most difficult, but it turns out they just keep getting better and better, more themselves, more unique and incredibly amazing.

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks?

Balance is definitely difficult. I have cut corners on the way I prepare meals, opting to go with quick meals like pasta or serving just veggie trays at dinner rather than preparing a veggie side. The house is often messy, but it’s full of love and laughter. I maintain a regular strength training schedule, as health is a priority for me. And the daily routines (morning and evening routines, including reading stories and snuggles) are also a top priority.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home.

As a small business owner, I’m basically always at the shop during my kid’s school hours or during any special events. I like to participate in fundraisers through Treefort, such as the SVDP Food for Fashion event in the fall.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent.

Honestly, getting my store located downtown was so daunting. But overcoming my fear of asking for help and letting my amazing community support me through the move was a huge moment of growth and gratitude for me.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years?

I’d like to grow my business and find more opportunities to be involved in the community, especially for families with kids.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today?

I grew up in a divorced household. Money was tight and I often disliked my clothing. I find joy in dressing my kids today in quality clothing. This is what drew me to opening Treefort. Also, my mother worked a lot, so I really try to be present with my children.

Where did you grow up, and how did it influence you?

I grew up in Central California so had to learn about layering for adverse weather after moving to Oregon. It was always sunny, aside from a little fog, where I grew up. Honestly, I think I’ve grown more as a human and mother in the last 10 years in Oregon than in the decades I spent in California. I unlearned a lot of the competitiveness I grew up with. The level of positivity and support here is unmatched.

What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you?

My mother instilled a work ethic. You show up when you say and keep your word, adhering to schedules and making work/school a priority.

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

I love new experiences and literally want to try everything at least once. I think the last time I did something new was wakeboarding in Portland summer 2024. The previous summer I tried a hang gliding lesson, too.

If you could instantly have one new skill (i.e. foreign language, musical talent, eyes in the back of your head, etc.), what would it be?

I wish I could speed read. Jay has naturally been a speed reader since first grade, and I’ve always been envious of how quickly and coherently he can absorb information. It will serve him well in college.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal?

Multitasking. I’m constantly juggling three to 10 things at a time.

It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know,

it never happens). What do you do?

Frantic cleaning. If there are no kids or pets to tend to, I’d take the opportunity to deep clean the house or organize a closet/drawer that’s been neglected.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)?

Just fear overall. I worry immensely about my children’s futures and of course mom-guilt. If I wasn’t my best self for them, I am riddled with guilt.

What is your least/most favorite household chore?

I hateeeeee laundry. It just never ends. My favorite is probably making dinner. That is a new skill and favorite of mine.

What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?)

Cheese

What is your greatest extravagance?

I have cut out any extravagance. I divorced two years ago and had to really cut back on any extras. I feel like it’s actually served me well in some ways. I am very thoughtful about purchases and it’s more in line with what kind of consumer I’d like to be. I limit my consumption to things I really need.

Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better?

Humanity in general. I want to be better, reach higher, become more thoughtful, positive, supportive and kind to heal the hearts around me. No one gets to adulthood unscathed. We all have trauma to greater or lesser degrees, we all hurt. I think community and connection are the most valuable asset we can offer.

Listen to mom.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom?

Put down the parenting books. Especially if they make you feel like you’re doing it wrong. Or at least be sure to only pick out the parts that fit with your individual relationship and don’t read it as gospel. There is no “right way” or one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. So any advice or guides should be taken with a grain of salt.

What message would you like to share with other moms?

As long as you love your kids, you’re probably doing a great job. Mom guilt often gets the best of me but then I remember, the simple fact that I have feelings of guilt when I don’t show up as my best self, proves that I’m actually a good, loving mother.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most?

I didn’t realize there was a giant part of my heart and my emotional experience that would have never been unlocked without my kids. I feel deeper, and my heart is so tender because of them. I think I learned to love myself through my love for them.

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MOM’s favorite...

Tell us about your favorite...

...family game: Jumping on the trampoline to our playlist of silly songs.

...words to live by: There are no rules as long as you lead with love.

...place to find some peace & quiet: Hiking/walking the trails in the NW neighborhoods or nearby forest land.

...binge-worthy TV: Underdogs on AppleTV

...way to get out of making dinner: Leftovers, or anything in the air fryer

...time-saving app, digital tool: My phone calendar and notes app

MOMs love local...

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite...

...shop to pick up a gift for friend: Seoul Sisters, Plant Posse, House of Azalea

...coffee spot: Greenhouse

...spot to get a workout: Burn Bootcamp

...hair salon: Honeycomb

...restaurant to take the kids: Old Spaghetti Factory

...restaurant for a date night: Castor

...take-out, food truck or quick bite: Common Fields

...meetup spot for happy hour: Snug Bar

...boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: The Clothes Tree, Restyle

...local park where kids can let off steam: MLK Park or Avery Park

...event in your community: Sage Concert Series