Michele Little is surely One Chic Mama and she is doing everything she can, with her blog, to encourage moms everywhere to realize that amongst the chaos, diapers, and noise, motherhood doesn’t mean the end of style!

Michelle took an interest in fashion at an early age and has not stopped creating beautiful things since. Her home studio is the base for Mary Michele Apparel and Designs where she spends her days dreaming up designs and fabulous clothes. We found her to be one of the happiest and most fulfilled moms ever and we are inspired by her refreshing words and candid thoughts on the balance it takes to make mommyhood doable and stylish at the same time.

With a successful apparel and design business what made you decide to start blogging?   
Well, as a creative person, I can’t sit still for long and am always looking for exciting new adventures.  I first had the idea for One Chic Mama after I had my daughter, back in 2003.  After going through those first months of trying hard just to get a shower most days, much less leave the house looking pulled together or even stylish, I realized this is what happens when women have children.  And I thought about ways I could use my background in fashion to give moms some useful tips and information on beauty and style to help them keep it all together, and to remind themselves that just because you’ve become a mother doesn’t mean that you have to lose your sense of identity and style. 

How long have you been blogging at onechicmama? 
I started One Chic Mama in May of 2006. 
   

With two kids in tow, how much time do you spend writing posts, doing research and reading comments per day?
It really varies, depending on our daily schedules.  Several hours some days, one or two on others.  It’s hard to focus when my 4 month old is fussy and won’t nap, or when my 3 year old wants to play a game.  I’m always striving for that balance, where I can get done what I need to and still have plenty of time for the kids.  I feel so lucky to do what I do, and wouldn’t change a thing!

What other blogs do you read (work & pleasure)?
There are a lot I find interesting.  Let’s see, Mommies With Style to keep up with cool kid wear, Blogging Baby, Design Sponge, Chocolate & Zucchini, Hostess with the Mostess, Parent Hacks, Strollerderby, City Mama, Modern Mom, She Finds Mom, No Good For Me, DesignMom, Kiddley, oh, and the list goes on and on.

Where does your inspiration for writing come from? 
Primarily from my own experience.  If I have a challenge, or find a great new product that makes my life easier, I want to share it! 

How do you stay motivated?
I have to say that lately, I’ve found myself feeling very full of joy.  I love my family, and I love what I do (with the blog and with my design biz) and I’m happy that I can have the best of both worlds.  If I ever feel unmotivated, I just start surfing and see what all these other great bloggers are doing and it gets my juices flowing.  Or I receive some great new products to review and I think, wow, there are some amazing things happening out there, I want to share the information. 

Do you have blogging goals (like what you want to accomplish with your site)? 
I do.  I’m working on my strategy to grow the blog.  I have thought about having guest bloggers.  I’ve also thought about writing a book.  I’d like to host events, both locally and nationally, and get moms connected with a night out for pampering, or something like that.  Oh, yes, lots of ideas and not nearly enough time…

What is the most important thing that you want readers to take away after reading your posts?  I’d like for moms to remember who they are, and that if they spend just a few minutes each day on their appearance they’ll look and feel better, especially in those first few months of sleep deprivation and feeling frumpy.  I’d like for each woman to be reminded of what an awesome, amazing person she is and that she deserves to look and feel her best, and that it doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money to look good. 

When you take a break what is your favorite indulgence (m&m’s, hot bath, sitcoms etc)?
I love making a nice big mug of steaming English Breakfast tea and nibbling on Trader Joes’ chocolate chips, so that they melt in my mouth when I take a sip of tea.  I love feeling pampered by a soothing massage or facial.  And just taking a night off to go have dinner out with my husband.  Oh, and I love watching The Office, 30 Rock, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and House, and just chilling with a good glass of red wine.   

What is your favorite part of blogging eg) making friends, community building, getting heard etc.? 
Blogging has been a fascinating experience.  I like feeling in tune with what’s happening.  I like the community and network of blogging moms (we’re all so supportive of each other), and I enjoy passing on things that make my life a little easier, or things I think will help make other’s lives better.  It’s been much more rewarding than I anticipated, and I’m sticking with it!

Loveshakbaby is so glad to hear that she is sticking to it! And we encourage you to give Michele a shout and read her latest post about the need to help other women and the environment at the same time. Thanks, Michele!