Moms take on many different forms. From the waitress at the coffee shop to the minivan mom at the park to the executive in the boardroom, we can all be Hot Moms according to Jessica Denay, author of The Hot Mom's Handbook. It is in the attitude, not the size or situation a person has. Dot Moms meet Hot Moms in a recent interview with this California author.
Christine Hohlbaum: Jessica, you have quite an amazing background. Tell us more about yourself.
Jessica Denay: I'm a 31-year-old single mom who grew up in Nutley, New Jersey. My career started as a high school teacher and counselor for troubled teens. When the school I taught at shut down for lack of funding, I went into Manhattan and began teaching privately for young performers on Broadway and young professional athletes. I started working with Keely and Pierce Brosnan's son in 1998 during the filming of The Thomas Crown Affair. An incredible experience, with them I traveled the world and met some legendary people. I relocated to Los Angeles and continued working for the family as a tutor part-time until recently when my friends and I decided to turn HotMomsClub into a company.
I was married to actor Bryan Dattilo (Lucas on “Days of Our Lives”). He's a great dad, and we work very hard to create a solid healthy happy environment for our son despite being apart.
Christine: Your new release The Hot Mom's Handbook centers on helping mothers regain their power. Do you think mothers today are powerless?
Jessica: I believe mothers are the most powerful force in the universe. This book helps moms tap into that power. It's a gentle reminder of everything we already know as women but gets lost somehow in the demands of motherhood.
Christine: I noticed there are quite a few famous people quoted in your book. How did you go about collecting the ideas/quotes?
Jessica: All of the incredible moms who contributed to the book have inspired me in some way. I have learned and continue to learn from all of them. I simply asked them to lend stories, advice or quotes, and they did! My editor and I went through and fit them into the chapters. It is truly an eclectic group. You have wisdom from all ages, races and occupations; you have the 81-year-old hot mom who tells us the secrets to keeping a marriage hot after 60 years; you have the surfer mom, the belly dancing legend, a comedian, authors, athletes, experts, my mom, and celebrities from Kelly Preston and Kathie Lee Gifford to Cher! There is truly someone for everyone to connect to.
Christine: How can I get a copy of The Hot Mom's Handbook?
Jessica: The book is out in stores as of April 17 and is available on amazon.com.
Christine: What does being a Hot Mom really mean?
Jessica: A Hot Mom is confident and empowered. You can be a Hot Mom at 25 or 90, a size two or size 22, stay at home mom or working mom, it has nothing to do with age, race, size or situation. It's your attitude, your confidence. A Hot Mom recognizes that motherhood broadens and expands her. She's not merely "just a mom." A Hot Mom knows that taking care of her spirit, her sexuality, herself -- is important for the well being of her children, for it is only when you find your center and balance that you can be the best value to them. You are the example. There is a Hot Mom in EVERY mom, you might just have to wake her up!!
Christine: Women are often told by society that they should be this way or that. How does The Hot Mom's Handbook treat the topic of sexuality and motherhood differently than, say, your typical women's magazine?
Jessica: Your sexuality is huge part of you as a human being, as a woman! Yes, you are still a woman after you have children. We all have hectic days when we only have enough time to shave one leg. It goes beyond the upkeep. The key is remembering that your inner siren still needs attention, that nurturing your relationship, to your body, you partner, is glue of your family. You are modeling healthy relationship for your children.
I think the biggest difference between what HotMomsClub is saying and what magazines have been saying is that for so long people were afraid to condone doing things for you, that if you weren't doing for your children 24/7 then your were a "bad" mother, a "good mother" is a martyr and thinks only of her kids.
We argue that doing things for you, nurturing your spirit, your soul, your relationships make you a BETTER mom, for it is when you are centered that you can be the best mom and best example. Doing for others and not taking any time for yourself builds resentment. You need to recharge your batteries, fill your bucket, make your light bright. Whether it's pedicures or bubble baths, date night or hikes, it is crucial that you put yourself on your to-do list (your partner too!)
Christine: Your Web site includes an online magazine. What types of topics do you cover?
Jessica: We cover everything mom-related. Each month centers around a specific theme. We have Beauty, Style, Relationships, Parenting (of course!), Fitness and Health, Sex and Astrology. Monthly, we feature hot products, "Moms That Rock," moms who are making a difference, HotmomPrenuers, celebrity mom interviews, and much more.
Christine: A component of your work involves charities. What does Have More Compassion have to do with being a Hot Mom?
Jessica: Have More Compassion: these words say it all. This is the charity based on our acronym. The Hot Moms Club is committed to helping battered single and struggling moms. With the help of incredible sponsors like Paul Mitchell and Stila, we provide make-overs for the mom in shelters struggling to get back on their feet. We talk and encourage them. Last year Britney Spears donated her pregnancy clothes to Have More Compassion. It is the part of our company that we are excited to expand and grow!
Christine: That is great! How do I start a Hot Moms Club in my area?
Jessica: Gather your friends, do things with your kids, or make a moms’ night out. If you already have a moms group, rename yourselves the HotMomsClub. It's funny how people actually become their labels. Join our site and search for moms in your area and check events. It's up to you to stay connected.
Christine: You are involved in a film project called Groomed. Can you reveal what it's about? Are you in the film or did you write the screenplay?
Jessica: Groomed is a romantic comedy I wrote years ago. It's silly, slap stick comedy, a mixture of Meet the Parents, My Best Friend’s Wedding and Wedding Crashers. It was optioned this year and is slated to move into production this summer. We already have two great actors attached, and we'll begin casting soon!
Christine: Hmmm…maybe there’s a DotMom out there who is ready for the transformation to a Hot Mom in Hollywood!? Thank you for your time, Jessica. Best of luck in all your projects!
Jessica: Thank you!
this kind of topic lends itself to a good review, because when it comes to hot things can be interpreted in many ways, sometimes comic, sometimes seriously, in order to thank them for sharing the information!
Posted by: viagra online | April 14, 2010 at 03:49 PM
Hey, thanks for posting this wonderful interview here. I got the answer and some suggestion to some of my problems.
Thanks
Posted by: Generic viagra | March 05, 2010 at 01:33 AM
Christine, wonderful interview! Jessica, your online magazine is fabulous. I was impressed to see so many interesting women/mothers participating. Can't wait to read the book.
Posted by: LauriJon | April 30, 2006 at 02:50 AM
I completely agree with this philosophy. It's sad that many mothers abandon their personal goals and fulfillments to live their lives through their children. When their children grow up and leave, they have almost nothing left of themselves.
Posted by: Michelle | April 29, 2006 at 04:09 PM
Okay - what does it say about me that what I really got out of this interview was that you got to meet Pierce Brosnan...
Posted by: Maria | April 28, 2006 at 04:34 PM