One of my favorite things about moving to Charlotte – re-connecting with this week’s Smarty Mom! She is not only a smart, savvy businesswomen– she is an AMAZING mother and friend! She always looks gorgeous and carries herself with such grace. She walks in a room and everyone wants to be her friend. She has the most amazing energy. When you read more about her you will see what I am talking about. I feel so lucky to have her in my life. Smarties, let me introduce you to Caranna O’Melveny.
Caranna’s Mommy Stats:
Married to: Charlie for 14 years.
Children: Kyle (6) & Ryan (3) on March 1st (tear)
Occupation: Sales for Carefree Carpets and Executive Stylist for La Senorita Jolie
Neighborhood: Windwood Circle
Hometown: Mount Pleasant, SC
Years in Charlotte: 19 years
You are a mom of two boys, running businesses and being a wife. How do you manage it all (and look FABulous all the time)? What is your secret to staying organized?
Ha! Organization is something that I used to be excellent at, however with a husband, two boys and two jobs, I honestly just have to do the best I can to hold it all together! I do put all important dates/schedules, information, contacts immediately in my phone, otherwise I would be lost. And I try to not let things pile up, like the mail, the laundry, or the chores.
Tell me a little bit about your businesses.
I am an independent sales person for a local, full service flooring company, Carefree Carpets. I got into flooring about 8 years ago and found out that I really liked helping people improve the look and feel of their home. Most people have no idea where to begin, that’s where I come in. I’ve been so fortunate to be able to work while still having the time to raise my boys. That’s invaluable to me! I meet with clients during school/preschool hours, or in the evenings or on weekends.
My other business is being a personal stylist for La Senorita Jolie, which I’m sure many Smarty Pants moms are aware of. We are a locally owned women’s clothing and accessories company. I started with LSJ about 2 years ago when I was invited to a trunk show and really liked the casual style of the clothing, and met the owner, Jennifer Dixon. I’ve always loved clothes and fashion, so I decided, hey, I can do this! It’s been a great 2 years, and it was one of the best decisions getting started with LSJ.
What is your favorite thing about Carefree Carpets/LSJ?
The best thing about both of my businesses is having the flexibility to be with my family and not miss out on my boys’ childhood years. That’s a huge blessing!
What advice would you give a new/existing homeowner about installing new flooring in their house?
Choose a material that suits your lifestyle and the style of your home. Try to simplify the flooring and make it flow well. Having more continuity, for example all hardwoods on the first floor, is going to make your house feel larger.
What is trending with flooring/carpet styles these days?
The wide plank hardwoods are classic, and subtle patterned carpets give a more updated look.
Carpet or hardwood?
People ask that often, but I sell both. People are putting hard surface down a lot, but keeping carpet in bedrooms for comfort.
What fashion advice do you have for the Spring?
Lots of color, especially pinks and blues, and wide leg, comfy pants are coming back!
What are two things you could not live without in your closet?
Jeans, jeans, jeans and layering pieces.
Shoes or bags/purses?
Um, both!
What is your favorite thing about being a mommy?
The snuggles.
What is the most important lesson you have learned since becoming a mommy?
To be patient, listen and just love them.
What advice do you have for new mommies?
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. We all have tried a million different things, some work, some don’t. Do what’s best for you, not what it says to do in the last book you read.
SUV or Mini Van?
SUV for sure. My 1998 Toyota Landcruiser is still kicking!
Last thing you cooked.
Stuffed Peppers, which I kind of made up.
– 1lb ground turkey
– 1 red onion
– 2 carrots
– 1 can tomato paste
– Salt, garlic pepper, a little smoked paprika,
Cut off the tops of the peppers, clean them out, out meat mixture inside, top with cheese and bake at 350 for 20-30 min. It was pretty good!
Favorite Activities with your children: The park, the library, the pool
Favorite activities without your children: Pedicure, yoga, shopping
Favorite kind of Girls Night Out/Girls Night in: Dinner out with a few good friends, catching up, a couple cocktails and then home.
Favorite restaurant: Any sushi place. I want to try CO in Park Rd. Shopping center
Favorite date night: Said sushi place & a movie
Celebrity Crush: Ryan Gosling
Guilty Pleasure: Us Weekly magazine and the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills oh, and doughnuts.
Name one thing you could not live without. Besides my family? Probably my phone, everything is in that darn thing! It’s a love/hate relationship.
