Meet A Mom Feature – Brooke
What lead you to open AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano?
I discovered AR Workshop almost 2 years ago. I grew up in the Home Decor Industry and have been a designer for almost 20 years. When my Dad walked into an AR, he immediately thought how perfect this would be for me and called me with his discovery. I often DIY gifts, and things in my home, and if clients had a need I could not find, I will try to create it myself. So AR was a match made in heaven for me, getting to combine my love of DIY and passion for design in one space.
I get to everyday help people create a piece of Home Decor out of raw materials. Often those people (mostly woman) leave feeling empowered. They may have never before used even a screwdriver and they leave with an item themselves used power tools to build. Often, they come with family and friends, and get to leave with a tangible memory of their experience in the Workshop.
How do you balance AR Workshop and being an amazing mom?
Being a single Mom of two, and a business owner the balance struggle has been real!! My oldest Madison(18), and she now works with me and will start Saddleback in the Fall. My Son Myles( 4) is just a giant fiery ball of energy and he is typically in the workshop with me every day. I have too very intentionally weekly be sure carve-out time every week that is not laptop and phone friendly so they can have all of mom’s attention. So, we frequent the beach or Disneyland – 2 very phone and laptop unfriendly places. And if I am honest it does not happen every week, so sometimes it’s just a dinner together at the table.
What is your favorite restaurant in South OC?
We love Sonny’s(San Clemente), and I have been going there since I was a teenager. Sonny’s = Family Traditions for 3 generations now
If you were to stay in southern California for a staycation, where would you go?
We love to hop on the train and take it to any local coastal town for a few days. And before it gets to “Hot” we enjoy Palm Springs.
What advice do you have for new moms that you wish someone had told you?
I wish someone told me no matter what you will never be prepared enough. So, let go of perfection, and live for the little moments that can organically happen when you regularly allow free unscheduled intentional time with your kids. Walk in the Grace God’s gifted us because it is freeing. And lastly, don’t forget to tell your kids you’re sorry when you should.
What do moms need to know about raising a teenager?
Teenagers are THE HARDEST ever to raise, and I really felt unprepared for this season. Like overwhelmingly unprepared. I recently jut realized through prayer that God did prepare me … with an incredible tribe of people to walk us through & support us. I don’t know what I would do without them.
What is your favorite item at AR Workshop to make?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE to make our Chunky Blankets.
Where can other South OC Moms find your AR Workshop?
We are in Marbella Plaza in San Juan Capistrano
AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano
31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Ste. B2
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675Call | 949-482-1362
Website | www.arworkshop.com/sanjuancapistrano
Facebook | www.facebook.com/arworkshopsanjuancapistrano
Instagram | www.instagram.com/arworkshopsanjuancapistrano
