Meet Later in Life Mom Jene Luciani


AGE: 41
RESIDENCE: Schenectady, NY 

I’m Jené Luciani, an internationally-renowned bestselling author of three books, bra guru, expert on many national shows including Today, Wendy and Dr. Oz, one of Woman’s World Magazine’s “Ultimate Experts,” brand ambassador for SOMA on QVC, TEDTalk speaker, and busy mom-of-4!  Www.JeneLuciani.com

 

Tell us about your path to parenthood.  I was married for 5 years, and my now ex-husband really wanted kids. But, I was on a mission – I had to get The Bra Book published first! (It’s now in 2nd edition). I ended up getting pregnant immediately and having a newborn baby and a book tour – at the same time! Talk about timing! She came with me to many appearances :) Fast forward 6 years and I’m divorced and in a new partnership, and about to release a new book called Get It!, that I co-authored with Jacqueline Laurita from NJ Housewives, and I am pregnant again with my son Kalen! I always joke that I need to stop writing books so I can stop having babies. J/K though, my kids are a blessing! Kalen is now 3 1/2. I’ve been blessed with two “bonus” kids from my current partner’s 1st marriage. Four kids under age 10 makes for one busy household!

How does motherhood influence your work?  It’s always influencing it. I’m always thinking about other moms like myself. How we take such little time for ourselves and we care for others, but forget about ourselves! Every segment pitch, article idea/book idea, is derived from this! How can women “put the oxygen masks on themselves before helping others.”

What was your inspiration to write The Bra Book?  I developed in my teenage years a breast deformity known as Tubular Breast Deformity.  It was a nightmare. I struggled with bras, and swimsuits and clothing in general! At age 21, I had a reconstruction and am now able to look and feel “normal,” but all those struggles truly inspired me to help other women, too. Women from all walks of life can relate to struggles with all-things bras and breast-related. I was able to use my platform and “voice” as a journalist, writer and TV personality, to do so. I really dug dip and got to the nitty gritty of the subject, and produced the most comprehensive guide to date! Now, the many women i meet through my work or my travels, inspire me to keep going.

What advice would you offer to multi-tasking, overwhelmed later in life moms? Take a deep breath, take a couple minutes each day to count your blessings, and then find something that brings you joy – whether it’s a 5-minute yoga ritual, a face mask while you’re watching TV at night, or a pumpkin spice latte. Just do that one thing regularly – you deserve it!!

Do you think it’s tough to balance parenting, a personal life and professional pursuits?  HELL YES, excuse my French, haha. At times, the scales tip one way or the other. My kids complain I’m “always on my phone,” and that breaks my heart. You just do the best you can! In my mind, I’m doing it all for them.

What do you do to practice self-care and de-stress? I give myself a spa day at least twice a year. It’s just what I need to recharge my batteries! I also read as much as possible, inspirational self-help books, and I try to take just two minutes each morning to set my intentions for the day and take three deep breaths! I also go to the gym and weight train, about 3 times a week, schedule permitting.

What do you see as the positives and challenges of having a child at age 35 or over? I loved that I had both my kids in my 30s. I was more mature and more skilled to deal with all the stresses that come with it! I was 38 when I had Kalen.  I worked out through my whole pregnancy and tried to take great care of myself. It definitely helped.

What do you most want to teach your children?  That life is a roller coaster but if you stay grounded and centered, focus on positivity and helping others, find something that you truly LOVE doing and surround yourself with good people, you can’t go wrong!

What have you learned from your children thus far? My children have taught me that life is about more than work and career and I have a far greater purpose on this earth. They have, at times, taught me to lighten up, and live in the moment.

Do you recall any particular words of wisdom from your own parents that you want to pass on to your kids? My mom always taught me to be myself. Be yourself and true to who you are and you can never go wrong. And no dream is too crazy! My dad dreamed of being a famous singer.. my mom said she named me a unique name so I’d be in the spotlight and everyone would know who I was. They felt I could accomplish anything I wanted. My mom would say “if you want something bad enough you can taste it, it’s yours.”

What words of wisdom would you like to share for someone contemplating later in life motherhood over age 35?  Go for it!!!! Age shouldn’t matter. As long as it won’t harm yourself or your child, you should do what’s in your heart. I believe that everyone who desires to be a parent should have that chance. I can’t imagine my life without my children. And nowadays, modern medicine is making it possible! Tamron Hall recently had a child at almost 50!!