Reinventing Your Life Through the Lens of Motherhood With Visual Artist Ellen Friedlander

In the debut episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by guest Ellen Friedlander. Originally from Upstate New York, Ellen has lived a life of creativity, movement and reinvention. She has lived in numerous cities across the United States, as well as fifteen years abroad in Hong Kong where she raised her two children. After moving back to the States with her kids and becoming an empty-nester, Ellen moved to Los Angeles in order to pursue her lifelong dream of being an artist. Ellen’s career has seen international success as a result of her unwavering commitment to her craft and her community.

Join Sharon and Ellen as they discuss the many rewards of motherhood, the importance of finding time everyday to do what you love, being resilient when starting something new, and finding your MORE.

Ellen's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passion, kickstart a previous career or chart an entirely new path.  As a stay-at-home mom, you can find a way to make your dreams a reality. It will take time, effort and an unwavering belief in yourself and your ultimate goal, but in the end, it’s so worth it.

[00:00] Introduction

[01:45] Ellen’s background and how Sharon and Ellen met.

[03:08]When and how Ellen realized photography was her passion and how that passion tied into motherhood.

[05:22] Why motherhood is so rewarding, the valuable skills you gain as a stay-at-home mom, and how those skills will set up Future You. 

[10:17] Life in Hong Kong and how that influenced Ellen’s work, Ellen’s “extended frame series” and finding your passion.

[15:14] Doing what you love everyday, exuding your passion and being resilient when starting something new.

[19:50] Sharon and Ellen touch on some powerful quotes of Ellen’s regarding her work.

[21:49] Pushing through personal doubts to find your voice and overcoming judgment.

[26:45] Curiosity, community, and unwavering positivity and Ellen’s “MORE.”

[30:28] Where to find Ellen online.

Recommended books:

Brené Brown: Atlas Of The Heart

Elizabeth Gilbert: Big Magic

Richard Templar: The Rules Of Life

Twyla Tharp: The Creative Habit

Where to find Ellen Friedlander:

Instagram: @emfphoto59

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063961600555&sk=about

https://www.ellenfriedlanderphotography.com/

Ellen’s Candid Frame Series: https://www.ibarionex.net/thecandidframe/2020/1/20/the-candid-frame-499-ellen-friedlander

Looking for more? Follow along @momtomore on Instagram and Tiktok.