Moms We Love: Olivia Zapo
A CONVERSATION WITH OLIVIA ZAPO
INSTAGRAM @oliviazapostyle
Do you have a product or company you own that you would like us to share? If so, give us all the deets!
I have a YouTube channel that focuses on motherhood, fashion & style, and lifestyle content. Recently, I started a podcast with my husband where we talk unfiltered about our lives as both parents and a couple.
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC38AJkxglcpZ9k1CE7Tab-w
Zapo Chats Podcast: www.zapochats.buzzsprout.com/
Tell us a little but about yourself…
I’m originally from a small town outside Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to Southern California 7 years ago with my husband (we’re high school sweethearts) and out two small dogs. Now we have a full blown family with 2 human kiddos - although we still have our small dog kiddos too. In out free time (what is that?), we like to go to the beach, take family walks to the park, and host random dance parties and running contests throughout the house. I aim to have my content leave other women feeling less alone in life, hopefully normalizing some of the things we go through and ultimately showcasing all sides of womanhood: the beautiful, the tough, the chaotic, and every thing in between!
What are the other titles you give yourself besides mom?
Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Sister, Friend, Daughter, Blogger, Workout enthusiast, partner. So many hats us women wear!
How many children do you each have? Tell us a little bit about them.
2: Christian, 2.5 years, and Arlo, 7 months.Christian is our outgoing, fearless little man who is becoming more and more independent each day. “Christian do it” seems to be his favorite phrase these days! He’s active and wild yet super sweet. He loves all things trash truck related, playing soccer, visiting the beach, and has lately taken up an interest in trains and dinosaurs. He’s the pride and joy that made me a mama! Arlo is our newest addition and like his brother, he’s a wild one! But he’s our more sensitive, serious baby, and very vocal about his feelings! After a tough couple of months with colic, we’re enjoying the squishy and mellow stage he’s in now. He loves his brother and is hitting all of his milestones sooner than expected - keeping us on our toes all the way back to his 15 minute delivery. He had me in the hospital bed for only 4 minutes before he was born!
What was the inspiration or moment that inspired you both to start your YOUTUBE channel and IG?
I was in a brutal car accident in 2015 that left me unable to walk and in the hospital for a week. After recovering, I took on a “life is too short” perspective that leads me in everything I do! I had been watching YouTube (beauty & style videos) for years and always wanted to start a channel but was always afraid to put myself out there. After seeing how quickly things can be taken from you, I figured life is too short not to do the things we’ve always desired to do. My only regret is not starting it sooner!
What advice can you give our mom readers?
Be YOU! There are so many ways of going about motherhood: from sleep, food, toys, schooling - the list goes on and on. In my opinion, there’s no handbook or how-to that fits every child. Have confidence in you as a mother and the needs of your specific family, and do what works best for you regardless of what anyone says or thinks about it!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received on motherhood?
Don’t feel bad if your baby is crying in public, and don’t feel like you need to rush them out of wherever you’re at. You deserve to be at that store, restaurant, doctors office - wherever! - just as much as anyone else.
What is the biggest/loudest message you want other mothers to take away from your story/message?
There is always something to be grateful for! 2020 has been a tough year for all of us, but at the end of the day I’m thankful to be alive and grateful for all I have in life. As long as I have my family, our health, and a roof over my head, I have all I need (and more!). When life gets you down, take a step back and think about all of the amazing things you have to be grateful for.
As we are coming into the holiday season, and life gets even busier, do you have any self care practices you follow? If so can you share them with us?
Working out has saved my mental sanity throughout 2020! On top of that, I love getting my hair and nails done, doing a face mask and a hot bath at home, getting in a 10 minute meditation, or even just going for a walk around the neighborhood. Self care doesn’t have to entail pampering, it can be a quick breath of fresh air, a phone call to a friend, or a change of scenery - whatever helps you feel taken care of.
How can MOMSQUAD CLOTHING continue to support you during this journey of motherhood?
Keep making incredible clothing for us ladies to feel powerful in and giving us the platform to connect with one another - the community is needed now more than ever!
