One of my favorite things about publishing Macaroni Kid Chicago Midtown is the chance to connect with other parents in our community. Often times these connections inspire us and remind us of the ability of one person to make a difference. It is with this in mind that I have launched a new article series called Parent with a Purpose. My hope is to introduce you to some amazing parents living right in our community who not only are doing unique and wonderful things but also deserve to have some attention brought to their mission.
I'm excited to introduce you to Lori Sapio, a local mom and photographer who is also doing great work supporting women and Planned Parenthood!
Please get to know this local mom a little better and find out how you can be a part of her purpose!
What is your MISSION/PURPOSE? What do you want to accomplish? I want my children to know it's ok to follow their passions in life. To dive in and take risks (I know I have), to know what it means to fail, to succeed, to live life and in the moment to the fullest.
What inspired/encouraged you towards this mission? Is there one specific moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do? I recently found a drawing from when I was 6, it said that I wanted to be a movie director when I grew up. I fell in love with photography freshman year of high school in art class. It has been my lifeblood since 1990. I'm also currently writing a memoir of sorts which may parlay into a screenplay where the future may lead to my dreams as a 6-year-old. I have led an interesting life as an adult which took me away from my lifeblood and led me back to it.
How did your life before children influence the parent you are today? What part do your children play in your current mission? I am the second of 5 girls, I am the second oldest of a combined 31 cousins. My sisters and friends had kids before me (I had my oldest at 35), I learned how I didn't want to parent. Some days are harder than others when I sense those behaviors creeping in, it's challenging. I never wanted to photograph kids and families, my passion was always fashion, fine art, music and glamour/beauty photography. I reopened my studio (this time for boudoir, Revival Pinups), three weeks after signing the lease I found out we were pregnant with Viola. Something clicked and I wanted to start photographing kids and families as well. Trying to get my children to do what I want them to in front of my camera can be stressful for me. I let them be and capture their insane and lovely personalities. It's helped me pull back and see kids for who they are through my lens. I let them be, I reign them in momentarily but I try not to force the image or the pose.
What lessons/values are you learning through this process? What lessons/values do you hope your kids are learning? Trying to juggle work Mom and home Mom and not fail miserably. It's a challenge. I want to spend as much time with my girls as I can doing fun things, but I also want to build my art and my client base. I love my children and I love my clients. There really isn't enough time in the day. My oldest understands more since she was in the studio with me every day from 10 days old to 10 months old. Oona hasn't really come with me in the studio for shoots, just to play. I hope my girls are learning that you can do it all, it's about finding the balance. You shouldn't have to sacrifice any part of yourself for another. Do what makes you happy and what makes your creativity blossom.
What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it? When it's nice out I force myself to take the girls to the park or for a walk for at least 30 minutes a day. I recently realized that I am turning 40 this year and need to change some things. I started working out again and eating healthier. Limiting wine (boo) and ice cream (triple boo). As I'm getting older, my body is hating me. I was getting massages monthly and was constantly yelled at by my masseuses that my body was crying (4 pregnancies in 4 years and zero self-care will do that to you). I'm also trying to sleep more but the majority of my work gets done when my girls are asleep. We also just got a puppy and I forgot how much more challenging they are than newborns....newborns at least sleep after being fed at 3AM. Puppy wants to play. I'm also pregnant again (my 5th pregnancy in 5 years), so bye bye sleep, LOL!
What can we do to support you and your purpose? If you like my work, refer me to a friend. Like my Facebook and Instagram. My work can be seen at www.loriksapio.com or www.revivalpinups.com.
Facebook - www.facebook.com/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/Lori_Sapio_
So inspiring to learn more about this local businesswoman and mom!
Macaroni Kid isn't the only one impressed by these local parents. I'm happy to be able to offer goodies from other Chicago local businesses to Lori to thank her for our work in the community. Thank you to these awesome sponsors for helping me recognize Lori and all of our Parents with a Purpose!
- A day pass from Purple Monkey Playroom
- $50 babysitting credit from Chime by Sittercity
- $50 credit for an in-home consultation or a spot in the Parent Cafe from Third Coast Birth
- A blow-dry with makeup touch-up from Chroma K8 Beautique
Do you know someone who fits the Parent with a Purpose bill? Maybe it's your neighbor, friend, child's teacher - send them our way! All you have to do is email me their name, email and why you think they're perfect for a Parent with a Purpose feature and I'll take it from there!
