Motherhood will never be perfect—and the sooner we let go of that expectation, the more things fall into place.

Dawn Hilarczyk knows this well. As the COO of Borghese, a philanthropist, and a mother of three, she’s built a thriving career while embracing the messy moments of motherhood.

According to Dawn, she can be her best self at home and at work by practicing self-care and setting clear boundaries. We discussed how she encourages her team to find their own balance while also tapping into her mission to help children through her nonprofit, Thoughtful Threads of the Heart.

Dawn’s story reminds us that when we free ourselves from the pressure of perfection, we can extend grace to ourselves and concentrate on what truly matters.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Building a successful career in the beauty industry: Hear about Dawn’s unconventional journey from makeup artist to COO and how creativity, mentorship, and resilience played a major role in her success.
• The importance of mentorship and supporting women in the workplace: Dawn explains how she champions women in their careers, particularly mothers, and the importance of modeling work-life integration.
• Philanthropy and community impact: Learn about Dawn’s nonprofit, Thoughtful Threads of the Heart, and how it’s making a difference in the lives of children and families in need.
• How to prioritize self-forgiveness and let go of ‘mom guilt’: Dawn opens up about her experience with the “mommy wars” and why it’s crucial for working moms to be kinder to themselves and each other.
• Quality over quantity in parenting: Quality interactions foster a deep, emotional connection with your children. Be present in those critical moments that your children will remember.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Meet Dawn Hilarczyk
(03:05) Becoming COO of Borghese
(07:10) Being fully present at home and at work
(09:39) The importance of carving out personal time
(11:27) Skincare routine for busy moms
(14:34) Supporting women and mothers in the workplace
(18:51) The advocacy of Thoughtful Threads of the Heart
(23:03) How to forgive yourself and learn to say no
(27:52) How to silence the gremlins in your head
(31:25) That “one moment” from Dawn’s perspective
(34:02) The most important 9 minutes of your child’s day