This month, we’re featuring Carol Starr Taylor, an entrepreneurial mom and founder of The Travelling Sisterhood.
Occupation: Inspirational speaker, life coach, event planner – wearer of many hats!
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Current town: Toronto
As mom’s, the pressure to be perfect is pretty all-consuming. But if we can’t put our own airplane mask on first before helping our children, how can we truly be the best version of ourselves?
Carol Starr Taylor (pictured, third from left) always knew that she wanted to be a mother. But as her kids grew, and so too did her career pursuits, she knew that the importance of keeping herself centred and feeling fulfilled as a person – one with an identity that transcended just “mom”- needed to become a priority.
Travel agent, entrepreneur, business woman, and mother to three boys, aged 13½, 17 and 20, Carol set up The Travelling Sisterhood one year ago. Through a combination of “schmoozing” events, expert-led workshops, and charitable projects, the Sisterhood aims to connect women and enrich their lives.
“I wanted a place for women where no one felt excluded,” says Carol. “Whether you’re a stay at home mom, a working mom, all ages, ethnicities, and demographics, you should have a place to connect.
“Your vibe attracts your tribe. And although I’ve worked in travel before, it’s really just a metaphor for sharing your journey.
“I truly believe that the more connected we are through technology and social media, the more alone people feel. I really want people to realise that they’re never alone. That they have the sisterhood and they have people who love and care about them.”
So is The Sisterhood just a fancy way of helping women to connect with others in their industry?
“The saying around here is social first, business second,” continues Carol. “From an entrepreneurial standpoint, nobody will do business if they don’t know or like you. A lot of people [at The Sisterhood] work in similar businesses, so it’s about making those personal connections where people actually get to know you. Then, once you have the love and trust and authentic relationships, business connections will happen.”
We sat down with the entrepreneurial mom, to find out exactly what motivates her, how she finds balance in her life, and most importantly, the guilty pleasures she couldn’t live without…
As a working mom, what unique struggles do you face?
Carol: As a working mom, the big struggle is to be everything to everybody. The key is to not lose yourself.
Can moms really “have it all”?
Carol: Yes. I think they can but I believe that women can do whatever they desire to do. It’s important to have support within your inner circle. Plus, it’s dependent on the ages of your children and the stage of the project you’re pursuing.
As a mom, is there one thing you would do differently?
Carol: Yep. In hindsight, I would have prioritized “soul care” because I think it helps as a mother to give your best to your kids.
As a career woman, is there one thing you would do differently?
Carol: Actually, no. I’ve carved out a life and a career doing what I love.
What is the best part of your job?
Carol: Creating an inspiring change in others. I love helping people develop. I’m able to do that through my various roles as well as my upcoming book.
What advice would you give to your kids about raising their own kids?
Carol: Always be there for them to love and support.
What do you want your kids to remember about you?
Carol: That nothing is impossible, whatever your dreams are.
How do you find balance in your life?
Carol: I don’t believe in balance but I do believe that I can do a few things to keep me feeling grounded.
Such as?
Carol: I try to feed myself motivation and inspiration every day. For me, I get it through my writing and from sharing my journey with the Sisterhood.
What one piece of advice would you pass on to every mom or woman who is struggling with motherhood?
Carol: Believe in yourself. You are magnificent!
Lightning Round!
Would you rather cook or do the dishes? Well, I’m creative, so I’d rather cook!
Lipstick or lip gloss? Definitely lip gloss.
Jeans or leggings? Leggings.
If you could master one thing, what would it be? Delegating. I’m sure a lot of people would like to master that too!
If you could have more time for one thing, what would it be? Travelling.
What is your proudest moment? The upcoming launch of my first book in October. ‘Life in Pieces: From Chaos to Clarity. Lies, Secrets & Finding Your Truth.’
What’s your guilty pleasure? Cakes. The chocolatier, the better.
What is your favourite moment during the day? The morning. It brings infinite possibility for the day.
What’s the last book you read? My own!
Yes, the story is really inspiring for people who want to do it once in their own life. I look forward to the time when I will be free from work and will get a chance to do all of this.