Fab Mom: Lauren Bailey
Lauren Bailey is the CEO and co-founder of Arizona-born Upward Projects, which is home to widely adored Valley restaurants including Postino WineCafé, Federal Pizza, Joyride Taco House, Windsor and Churn. And if you’re a fan, stay tuned: Five additional locations are currently in development.
Mom of: Blake, 7
Hometown: Ft. Wayne, IN
Favorite ways to spend family time in AZ: Hiking, fishing and eating in my favorite restaurants like Hana, Glai Baan, Hillstone and The Henry.
Your most rewarding motherhood moment: Hearing Blake say his first words after he was implanted with Cochlear Implants, and experiencing the incredible therapy provided by his therapist, Carla Zimmerman, and the team at Desert Voices.
Biggest challenge as a mom: Going with the flow…and being patient. My schedule is crazy, and he often seems to have a different plan than I do! He has shown me how great it is to just relax and enjoy the ride.
A mother who inspires you and why: Sherri Mitchell, co-founder and owner of All About People here in the Valley. She finds a way to love her family, be an incredible leader and support the community in a big way. She always has a positive attitude, no matter what life throws at her.
Best piece of advice for a new mom: Be kind to yourself and know this is a marathon, not a sprint. Every child is different, and your journey will be different than others also. Lean on your tribe when you need them – in all the ways.
Your biggest hope for your children: That the world embraces them as they are born and for their choices, that our communities see no color and see value in the path they take.
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day: Brunch at Rokerij with one of my besties, Ambre Kirk and her kids, and then a visit to the Fire Station #9 to see her husband and my boyfriend.