Julianna Rowell

This mom’s superpower is to act with love before all ELSE.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

We are just a happy little trio, most days! Christopher and I are coming up on our

fifth anniversary. What I have learned to appreciate is that we naturally share a base-

line, which makes the highs and the lows easier to bounce back from and land on

our feet together.

Henry is the most incredible little sweet soul. He is very cautious but is not afraid

of adventure, he just makes sure to always calculate the risk. We are very blessed to have both grandparents in town, too.

We have two outdoor cats that we adopted from the Silverton Cat Rescue Barn Program. When they came to us as feral one-year-olds, they were hissing quite intensely but we taught them that they were in a safe place and to know this is home. Now they literally are the sweetest cuddlers, and they think I’m their real mom.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

I sincerely never had a proper agenda around children. I knew I wanted to be

a mom the moment I found out I was pregnant. I was 37 and Chris was 35, so

it was the perfect surprise we didn’t know we wanted and wow, did the whole world look and feel different immediately.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat?

So many Goldfish crackers. For the first two years I would find racecars in the pocket of every jacket I put on.

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.)?

Stop getting regular mani/pedis.

In what way is your child like you? How are they different?

Henry is like me by being observant and using his imagination to solve problems. We differ in the way that he’s such an “instructions manual guy,” just like his dad…they go to the manual immediately and start. I always skip that part.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say…

“Do you have your backpack?”

What are you enjoying the most about parenting right now?

He still wants my input and opinion and needs my help; I know that won’t last forever so I am holding it dear.

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?

It’s hard. I really try to prioritize being present for Henry, so choosing that over cleaning the car or straightening my hair, etc. happens more than it probably should. Handling the timing and the balance is hard, but actively managing my anxiety and the pressures of being a mom is my most crucial.

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

I have in recent years volunteered as a side-walker at Horses of Hope which is an amazing equine therapy non-profit. My heart is very close to that organization, and I hope to return there shortly.

What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom?

Boundaries. When and how to not take things personally.

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

I am very excited that The Elsinore Theatre, the non-profit I work for, was just awarded the Business of The Year by Salem Chamber. I am very proud to be a part of that team.

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

I would like to see my landscape vision for our property come to life, as it has such great potential.

Also, I have been buying and selling vintage clothing for 25 years now, and my vision is to take it to the next level, creating an active and successful online presence for my showroom W.D.W.C. @whenduexworldscollide.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

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

My parents gave me truly unconditional love. They were such great examples of that, and I am proud I can do the same.

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

All you have to say is PNW, baby. I am so blessed to have grown up around lakes, mountains and the beach.

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

Very recently, I participated in a school year-end field day.

What is something you will never do again?

Eat eel.

Which good habit do you wish you started earlier?

Using my Outlook calendar for everything.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids?

I would love for my child to master an instrument.

What is the quality you like most about yourself?

My confidence. I have always known who I am and what I want.

What’s your superpower?

I act with love first before any other emotion.

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

Hula hooping

Tell us something about you that would surprise people who don’t know you.

That I was born in a tiny town with a population of 7,000.

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?

I am one hundred percent cleaning in peace and catching up on Bravo.

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

My imagination and business ideas.

What keeps you sane?

A trip to the grocery store, alone.

What is your least/most favorite household chore?

Cleaning the bathroom. Shocker.

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

That giant bar of Tony’s Chocolonely, the one with the orange wrapper.

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

Nature and gardening really ground me and remind me of how intricate the world is, which gives me the energy and appreciation to hold myself to a greater standard.

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

Eat an oyster.

They say that everyone has a book in them. What’s the title of your book?

From One Retail Junkie To Another

Listen to mom.

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

Motherhood is what I expected, only better. What surprised me the most is how intuitive it is. You just know what to do. What your baby is saying with their blurb at 9 months.

Do current events shape how you parent, and if so, how?

I kind of think of myself as a 90s mom. I’m not going to stress out about trends or certain ingredients, I just think that all things in moderation is an important foundation to keep.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today?

My mother, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, my mother-in-law, and close friends’ moms.

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

From my aunt, passed along from my grandmother, who said, “Remember, everything he is doing right now is as important to him as a new car or new job is to you.” That really stayed with me in times where my patience could be tried.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is.

Learn where you can get your me time and don’t expect it just to happen. Ask for the time and space from your partner or anyone who will listen.

What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now?

Find a community to interact with. They don’t have to be exactly like you or be your best friends but you need people.

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MOM’s favorite…

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Triamanos

…words to live by: Let’s make it a great day!

…place to find some peace & quiet: At my studio for vintage clothing, merchandising, taking photos, doing inventory.

…binge-worthy podcast: SmartLess

…way to get out of making dinner: “Do you guys want to go to the park and have a picnic tonight?”

…inspirational quote: “Dream so big that you make small-minded people uncomfortable.”

…time-saving digital tool: Phone timer

…book: The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma

MOMs love local…

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

…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Piper’s Boutique

…coffee spot: Northwest Bagels

…spot to get a good workout: My mom and I love hitting aquatic aerobics classes together.

…hair salon: Essence Salon Studio

…restaurant to take the kids: Minto Island Growers

…restaurants for a date night: Lively Station

…take-out: Lanxang Lao Thai Cuisine

…meetup spot for happy hour: The Archive

…boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Furbish

…local park where kids can let off steam: Bush Park

…event in your community: Elsinore Theatre’s monthly free movie for adults with IDD and their care givers. The whole afternoon is filled with amazing people, good energy and a lot of smiles.

…any other local places you love: Habitat for Humanity, Sewell Sweets