Brit Stueven: Gathering Mothers Together

Did you think of yourself as a creative kid?

Oh, yeah. When I was super young, I had 11 imaginary friends. I was relentless about them, too. My mom’s friend had to bring extra chairs to one of my birthday parties because all of my “real” friends were sitting on the fake ones. It was a disaster.

In elementary school, I was the president, communications director, cook, mail lady, judge for every single extracurricular competition, AND a very active member of a club for 42 women that, again, only existed in my imagination. I was busy.

In middle school, my birthday parties and sleepovers were always focused on some sort of creative endeavor. From making Thirteen Magazine and putting on fashion shows to filming dance routines and Real World episodes, everyone in that basement was yet again…busy.

(Photo by Xin & Xin Photography)

What does creativity look like for you these days?

These days, there are no more imaginary people running around (Or so I think? Ha!), but there is also no shortage of creative projects. I seem to always be working on something that involves writing, designing, planning, or gathering.

If I’m not chipping away at my next Substack newsletter or trying to spread the word about my first book, I’m working on some sort of event or gathering. When I’m not on my laptop, I’m following my five-year-old son’s lead on his OWN imaginative pursuits, dancing while I cook/clean (and sometimes posting spontaneous Reels of said dancing), or making up a song on the piano.

Then, while folding laundry, driving, or building castles and roads with Magnetiles, I’m daydreaming about starting a podcast, planning a retreat, and being cloned four times so I can do all the things.

How did motherhood change your creative practice?

It slowed it down and sped it up, all at once. (Motherhood is really good at bringing dualities like that to life, am I right?) It has certainly given me less time to conquer my millions of ideas, but it’s given me an awesome sense of urgency in the pockets of time that I *do* get.

I’ve actually woven the topic of motherhood into a lot of my work. In February 2022, I created Mama Be Present, a blog/community with joy prompts for toddler moms. Then, a little over a year later, I put those prompts into a book called Mama Be Present: 40 Simple Yet Magical Ways to Find Joy in The Toddler Days. I turned my book launch into a dinner party/night out/workshop/experience for 100 moms that was SO fun, I’m now creating my second event, Moms on the Mic, which is an evening with speakers, comedy, open mic, and more.

In short, motherhood has made me want to live harder and seize as many moments as I possibly can. If it’s taught me anything, it’s that time. truly. flies.

(Photo by Alyson McClaran)

When do you feel most creative?

I used to feel most creative late at night, but over the years, I’ve become way more of a morning dreamer/creator. Give me a slow morning with strong coffee, nowhere to be, no real pants to put on, and a chance to hide from humans, and I’ll be bursting with possibility and ideas. Sooo, basically, once a month on a Saturday. HA! Kidding. Sort of.

These days, thanks to full-time kindergarten, when I return from drop-off to a silent house to myself, THAT is when my creative brain lights up. THAT is when the cranking commences.

(Photo by Xin & Xin Photography)

Who would you love to collaborate with? What’s a dream project for you?

I actually just sent a follow-up email to Iliza Shlesinger, asking if she’d get coffee with me when she comes to Denver for her Hard Feelings Tour. Total long shot. I know.

I interviewed her in 2009 when I was working ’n’ writing for a startup called examiner.com and she was on Last Comic Standing. I think it’d be fun to do a follow-up interview of sorts, but only this time, talk mamahood in the raw.

And since we’re on the topic of DREAM projects, let’s throw in her headlining a future Moms on the Mic event. And after that event, let’s turn it into a retreat where aspiring speakers, writers, and comedians get to learn from some of the best (Let’s definitely invite Amy Poehler and Tina Fey!) — and at the end, there’s a big ‘ol SHOW. Then, a dance party. Then, the biggest slumber party the world has ever seen. We’re talking 4,000 moms with sleeping bags (but definitely NOT sleeping!) at a music venue.

(Photo by Alyson McClaran)

What do you do when you feel burnt out or filled with doubt?

I subconsciously wait till I’m about to explode, then, I call my mom crying, and she oh-so-tough-lovingly tells me to slow down or [insert that thing she always knows I need here]. She’s great at putting me in my place and giving me permission to pause something or straight up let it go. Journaling to God is immensely helpful, too. And exercising. Endorphins for the win!

What’s your favorite super easy creative practice to do when you’re looking for fresh ideas?

Changing my input. So, driving a new route. Taking a walk. Sitting in a different seat. Going somewhere new. Listening to new music. (No WONDER I’m bursting with inspiration when I travel!)

OR simply sitting still and daydreaming. Some of the world’s most innovative ideas have popped into the brains of people like Einstein and J.K. Rowling while they were staring off into space.

What would you bring to a favorites party?

I’d bring a vintage bottle of uninterrupted sleep, Vuori joggers (Wearing a pink pair right now!), Soma pajama pants, one of those super soft throw blankets from Costco, and my floral “B” monogrammed coffee mug by Starla Halfmann.

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Brit Stueven

is a Denver-based author and adoptive mama of a 5-year-old boy. She’s a multi-passionate leader, speaker, and “joy connector” with 20 years of combined experience in journalism, marketing, online communities, and entrepreneurship. You can find her on Instagram via @britstueven or @mamabepresent, receive biweekly musings on waiting, courage, and creating via Moon Pollen, her Substack newsletter, or get the full download at britstueven.com.

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Hi! I’m Heidi. Writer. Editor. Mother. I’m interviewing 100 creative mothers, because I believe the more we see other mothers making beauty and meaning in small moments, the more we will be inspired to make our own kind of art, whatever that may look like during this intense season of life. Support the project by sharing with a friend.