“You don’t need to be there every minute of your kids’ life for them to know they’re loved.”
Read that sentence again. And again. Okay, just one more time.
When I read that on Laura Scott’s blog post about being a working mom, it instantly resonated with me—hey, I’m a working mom! My daughter has attended daycare, is currently in a before- and after-school care program, and my family babysits her all the time—all of which allow me to juggle my career, a social life, and self-care. Even though I know time apart is important, the mom guilt constantly creeps in. But reading Laura’s posts on the importance of finding a village (and using that village!) was so important for me; it never hurts to be reminded that my daughter is loved and well cared for, even if I’m not there every hour of her life.
So that’s why I’m happy this week’s Healthy Her Way feature is Laura Scott of A Little Bit of Lacquer. Because of posts like that (and so many others), it’s clear that Laura is a mom who gets it. Plenty of moms on the internet are at the harsh end of pointed fingers for not doing enough for their kids, for not being there enough, for having other priorities too. Laura, on the other hand, is open about the fact that she does do a lot besides parent her three daughters. Of course, she’s more than just a mom (aren’t we all?)—she’s a graduate of Harvard Medical School, a dermatology resident specializing in skin of color, a wife, and a blogger. To say that she’s got a lot to juggle is an understatement.
Laura started her blog in her second year of med school to hold herself accountable for the interests she had outside of medicine (and constant second-year studying). Today, it helps pay the bills that come with being a med school graduate and mom of three. She regularly posts about being a working mom, her interests both professional and personal, and how she and her husband, Nathan—who’s also a Harvard Med grad because of course—make it work.
Reading Laura’s blog and scrolling her ‘gram, you get the sense that she won’t lead you astray with her recommendations. You won’t find any Flat Tummy Tea or appetite-suppressing lollipops here. Instead, she works with brands that actually meet her needs and those of her followers. She shares details about her working mom style and how to look put together when you’re feeling anything but (polished nails, well-fitting clothes, and good shoes are her top three tips). And, ever the doctor, she regularly posts skincare tips, dermatology issues to watch out for, and advice that will help us all stay safe in the sun.
If I haven’t convinced you to follow her religiously until the end of time, check out her responses below: She’s totally badass. She’s #blackgirlmagic embodied. She’s definitely one of my favorite finds, and I’m really excited to feature her this week.
A Day in the Life
What does your daily routine look like?
Wake up between 5 and 5:30, take care of emails and maybe some studying, get ready from 6 to 6:30, then wake up the girls and get them dressed and fed. We’re out of the house by 7:20, drop them off at daycare, then head to work to be in by 8. In clinic it depends on the day, but I can be seeing general adult dermatology, pediatric dermatology, or be doing skin cancer surgeries and reconstructions.
I love the variety of things we do every day! Most days I’m done by 5:30 or 6, pick up the girls, and relax. I either cook something easy or order takeout, my husband usually gets home shortly after, and we play with the girls and just catch up on our days. The girls are in bed by 9, then we usually stay up until 11 or so working on various projects, catching up on Netflix, and spending time together!
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?
Self-care is such a hot topic right now and I feel like everyone thinks it should mean some fancy green juice and hot yoga—but neither of those are my kind of thing! Self-care is whatever fills your cup! So for me it’s getting down on the ground and playing with my kids, indulging in a good movie and delicious takeout, and getting to spend quality alone time with my husband.
How do you stay inspired?
I’m incredibly lucky in that so much of my inspiration literally gets sent to me daily. Every day I get messages from young women all over the world who share how my life has impacted them. So many of them started school again after having a child, or decided to push through and apply for a new program, or just keep working hard knowing that what they want in life is attainable. It’s those messages that really push me and remind me not only of how blessed I am but how important it is that I keep going!
Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.
Loving Lately…
What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?
I am obsessed with Dove Beauty Bars—old news for any dermatologist since we always recommend their sensitive skin bar to most of our patients, but I’ve recently discovered their scented bars and the Go Fresh Revive beauty bar is my current obsession!
What are your favorite apps?
On the fun side, I’d say the app Snug—it lets you plan your IG feed to see how your pictures will fit and play around with the look. It definitely helps in planning a cohesive gallery! On the work side, I’d say Evernote. I use it for all my notes and ideas and screenshots and even saving receipts, and the best part is it’s searchable!
Whose Instagram is on your radar?
Oh my goodness it’s impossible to pick one! I love the IG community and surround myself with inspiring accounts! I think my two favorites right now are @travelnoire for constantly inspiring me to travel and empowering women of color to do so, and @thehomeedit. Literally every single one of their pictures makes me want to organize my house—another form of self-care for me: cleaning!
What are you reading, watching, or listening to?
Laura IRL
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Ramblings. Anyone who watches my Instagram stories would know about my ramblings!
What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?
Madam C. J. Walker—often cited as the first female self-made millionaire in the U.S. and one of the most successful African-American business owners ever
What superpower would you like to have?
Move at superhuman speeds—like Quicksilver!
What’s your coffee order?
Blonde roast with cream and sugar: cheap and it’s the roast with most caffeine!
Follow Laura on Instagram and read (every single post on) her blog, A Little Bit of Lacquer.