Kelsey Wheeler
Name: Kelsey Wheeler
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Profession: Founder, The iivy
Self-Description: East coast born, west coast living. A laid back girl’s girl. Nature enthusiast. Mother. Laughs a lot. Small obsession with lip balms.
Words to live by: Do good and be kind.
On health & wellness
What is something you changed in your life, to change your life for the better? Earlier this year I implemented journaling into my daily routine. The prompts allow me to set my intentions for the day, focus on the good that happened, and acknowledge what I learned that day. Over time, this has given me clarity on how I should spend my time, have gratitude towards all the things in my life I’m so lucky I have, and refine and edit my days to make them more productive and fulfilling. There are lots of variations of journals out there, and I think you have to find one that works for you. Here is the one I like.
What advice, inspiration, or motivation can you share to encourage someone to take care of their body, mind, or soul? There is a trend happening called a “dopamine menu”. The idea is to create a menu of activities that promote dopamine and therefore are mood enhancers. For example, the appetizer is something light that might take 5 minutes to turn your mood around, like being outside for 5 minutes, listening to a song, or calling a friend. Mains might be a longer activity like a workout, spending time on a passion project, or watching a movie. Take the time to make your lists of what excites you so it’s easy to reference when you need a mood shifter.
What is your favorite thing to do with your friends? Girl time is rare these days because of this season of life that I’m in, but when I do get to see my girls it’s usually catching up on life over dinner and drinks. I would absolutely love carving out a half day and doing one of those walks across the city where you stop for breakfast, walk to lunch, and end with a drink on the beach. Soon!
On business
Tell us about your business. When I was in my postpartum brain fog in 2023, I started listening to podcasts about self help, better living, how to make healthier and safer product choices, and how to have a growth mindset. I became infatuated with making healthy choices, making the most out of my life and my kids’ lives, learning how to make small adjustments to my daily routine for longterm effects, essentially I wanted to level up in every way. Because of that, I wanted to know more recommendations, tips, and advice from all kinds of perspectives. Mothers, business owners, artists, everyone. This is when The iivy was born. The iivy is delivering the latest recommendations from women of all kinds. The more we know, the more we grow.
Were you always interested in it or did you fall into it? I always knew I wanted to work for myself, and I knew I wanted it to be something online to allow myself the freedom to be anywhere, but no, it took me years to figure out my true passion. The night I thought of The iivy I was sitting on the couch with husband and it was a lightbulb moment, I immediately opened my laptop to jot down notes. I remember thinking, if I want to know all of this stuff, certainly other women can value from it to.
What is your favorite part of your work? Meeting YOU! I’m connecting with all of these incredible women who are so interesting and talented. They are sharing tips and resources on business, motherhood, wellness, and everything in between. I love this idea of a sisterhood, with women across the world who have entirely different perspectives, coming together to be part of this growing community.
On motherhood
What advice would you give a new mom who is going through it for the first time? Everything is temporary, the good and the bad. Soak in the good moments, and let go of the bad ones. As soon as you get used to a phase it will change, and somehow it keeps getting better.
Was motherhood something that came naturally to you or did it take some time to find your rhythm? Both. For my main responsibilities (nursing, sleep schedules, getting outside, keeping the baby alive) I think it came naturally, but learning to let go of my old life and change my lifestyle to fit this child took much longer. I think I struggled with my self identity for a while, maybe even until after my second was born when I started listening to self growth podcasts.
What is one product you'd recommend for a mom of a newborn, toddler, or teenager? For my kids birthday parties, I asked that there be no gifts because we have so much stuff. A good friend of mine came with a gift it was for me. It was so thoughtful - to think about the mother when everyone (even the mother) is thinking about the child. One time she gifted me a body set from Necessaire which made me feel human, and another time she gifted me a fresh baked loaf of bread from the farmers market with locally made almond butter and jam.
For those looking for gift recommendations for a newborn, I would recommend the shusher (my kids are 3 and 1 and we still use this, the battery lasts forever), books with a nice message inside, a Barefoot Dreams blanket, or this miracle swaddle. For a toddler, I would recommend a zoo membership, an aquarium membership, or some sort of sensory play, here are a few ideas: Young + Wild, and Friedman, Art of Dough, Sensationally OT.
Is there anything you'd want to say to women who are currently pregnant for the first time? You are going to surprise yourself with how much you can do all at once, all the time. Women are super heroes.
What is something you would tell a mom to start doing now to have as a keepsake later? I keep a note in my phone that has the months of the year listed out and each month I’ll write something in it about my boys. Things like.. something funny they did or said, the first movie they watched, activities we did or trips we went on. When I complete their photo album for the year, I will have a page in the back where I write a letter to them and share fun moments and milestones that happened throughout that year.
The full list of favorable mentions are linked below with a brief description.
What is the best type of gift to give, or a go-to one for you? Baked goods or something self care related (gift card for a facial or massage). I also try to keep a list in my phone so that when something pops up that is perfect for someone, I can remember it. What do you never leave the house without? A hair tie. At least three different types of lip products (currently I have Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick Balm, Dr. Pawpaw, City Beauty City Oil), a pen and notepad, a large water bottle, electrolytes, keys, phone, wallet, glasses. Random snacks, a diaper, and wipes. Current artist/playlist: I’m always in the mood for Chet Faker. Spotify created a “made for you” playlist based on Jamie xx which is fantastic, and I love to listen to In Rainbows or Dark Side of the Moon on a rainy, gloomy day. Podcast recommendation: The Skinny Confidential, Diary of a CEO, and Mel Robbins have been my three on rotation, recently. Book recommendation: Currently reading Excessively Obsessed by Natasha Oakley (Co-Founder of Monday Swimwear). Check out more ideas for books to read that women from the iivy recommended here. Hair/Makeup product: My hair is living for Oribe Shampoo & Conditioner right now. Tower 28 foundation has been my go to for a minute, because I love that it’s clean and good balance between full coverage and not too heavy. I’m slowly trying to swap out my makeup for cleaner options, so if you have any good brands or products that are clean I would love to hear it! Skincare product: PCA C-Quench Vitamin C serum. Spendy but worth it. Sunscreen everyday, I use Elta MD. Anything from Agent Nateur but I especially like their collagen powder. For a face cleanser, my dermatologist creates the best gentle face wash and I don’t think I will ever swap it out. Kids Brand: Because my boys go through so many clothes (getting dirty and growing fast) I typically shop at h&m and Zara. However, I do love brands like Sun Peony Coconut, By Billie, ZIGGY ZAZA, Rylee + Cru. Small business we should support: Check out this page of small businesses, recommended by the iivy community. Favorite store in another state/country: Carmel Bakery in Carmel by the Sea is up there on the list. A local one for me is Monsieur Marcel, at The Farmer’s Market at The Grove. It has a delicious deli counter, grocery aisles, and the cutest gifts and chocolates - a great place for a gift that is french themed.
Xx
Kelsey