I’m excited to introduce Angie Allison to you all. Some of you may know her already, as she owns Bellies and Babies, a prenatal/postpartum massage, yoga and postpartum care support business here in the heart of the Queen City. I first met Angie during my first pregnancy, when I visited her for a few prenatal massages. It was heaven. Let’s get to know Angie a little more.
SmartyMom: Angie Allison
Married to: Jonathan Allison
Children: Austin 16, Owen 10 and Scarlett 4
Years in Charlotte: 7
Originally from: Camden, NJ
Occupation: Business Owner, Bellies and Babies
How did you come to start Bellies and Babies? My 1st two pregnancies were physically demanding but doctors said I just had to tough it out till end of pregnancy. When I came across an ad for prenatal massage I knew immediately I needed a career change.
What advice do you have for first-time pregnant moms-to-be? Make sure you take care of yourself and not just the pregnancy. Nap when it’s needed and YES it is okay to complain when pregnant. You’re making a person and that takes a lot of work. If you can complain about your boss, you can complain about your pregnancy.
What advice do you have for first-time newbie mommies? Have a sitter waiting on the sidelines. When moms say they don’t have time to shower, it’s the truth. The biggest piece of advice though would have to be make a plan. Spell out between you and your birth partner who will do what and when, so that you work as a team and not just survive as exhausted parents. Unless your birth partner can read minds, they don’t know that maybe you expect them to change diapers after you feed so that you can clean up.
How do you balance it all? I don’t. It takes a village. My husband and I tackle most of life as a team and without his help and support I think I would implode at this point.. I was a single mother of two for a while so really do appreciate his want to help and take it when it’s offered. At the office, I have someone I call my Super Megan who really has gotten great at speaking my mind’s language and gets it all done. Not sure how though…must be her super powers. I also have an extremely supportive family which also includes my husband’s family who is ready to do what they can to keep our lives from going
bananas.
Favorite place to eat with your family? To be honest….the fear of my 4 year old becoming possessed during a meal in public, (which has happened many times so sorry I apologize to anyone who may been witness to the category 5 meltdown) IF we eat out, we really enjoy Fern or Zoe’s
Kitchen.
Favorite activity to do with your family/kids? We have mini dance parties at home or with our neighbors and their kids or we spend our time playing hide and seek outside which is really comical with a 4 year old because she only has one hiding place or when inside, thinks that a couch pillow
is plenty of coverage for their slightly larger than tiny pillow bodies.
What’s your ideal date night? No kids. I don’t care what we do or eat or drink. I could be sitting at home in my living room. As long as I know that someone else is responsible for keeping my kids alive somewhere that I am not for a while, I’m pretty stinking happy. If we do go out, we love a place called 22 in Plaza-Midwood. They have craft beer, wine and lots of great local art.
Something most people don’t know about you? hmmm, I’m not sure what crazy thing about myself I want to reveal. My very first
job was performing as different characters at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. My mom took me for what’s considered a cattle call audition and I got it. I spent the next few years through high school playing characters like Pluto, White Rabbit, and Prince John then moved into face characters like Princess Jasmine and Esmeralda. I loved it and went on to perform in the Spectro Magic parade and shows. It was pretty awesome.
Minivan or SUV? SUV all the way. If anyone happens to have a Range Rover just sitting around, you know who to call. No offense to minivan drivers around the world but I just can’t ever see myself driving one. I have heard they’re great though.
Favorite Smarty phone app? The Pinterest app. Does that one count? If not, my alarm app. I know it sounds terrible and please don’t tell my 10 year old, but I have to set my alarm to remind me that I have to get out the door or I will be in danger of getting caught up in whatever project I’m working on and lose track of time.
I could not live without…My husband and donuts. He really keeps me grateful and grounded. When he’s at work, donuts seem to do the trick 🙂
