Tahiti Hernandez, Singer/Song Writer

Tahiti, is who I wish I was raised by hands down.  If I was raised by her, maybe I would have been blessed with vocal range, rhythm, and swag.  And we all know a little bit of swag in this day of age goes a long way.  You could easily hate Tahiti for what she has going for her, but she is not one you can hate on even if you try.  She's too down to earth, hilarious, and a tomboy at heart. With an album on the way with her sisters called The Lylas and a network reality TV deal sealed, it's no surprise the boys who didn't talk to her in high school are missile kicking each other in the face.  The Lylas has already gained worldwide attention on their own and they are doing it organically.  Being a singer and song writer their whole lives, The Lylas is most deserving of their new accomplishments.  Their brother, Bruno Mars, could easily tweet his 15 million followers introducing The Lylas, but Tahiti makes it clear that that is not what they want.  They want to gain respect on their own, in their own right, with their own voice and win the audience one step at a time.  And for Tahiti, this means all the meanwhile, being a single mom to two boys.

Young, carefree, funny, and incredibly loving, Tahiti is the queen of her boys' worlds.  Both of them, trying to compete for her attention, ran around making it almost impossible to get a shot of the three of them.  That was until, the music came on. Nyjah and Zyah, both turned to their mom with idolizing eyes, anticipating the moves as she sang and lead the boys into a dance.  Not a single ipad, tv, or any sort of gadgets in sight, the boys showed off their dance moves, rode quads and bikes, jumped on their beds and played with their bunny.  Their mom not only looked over them, but joined in on the fun.      Being away from the boys while recording in LA, has made Tahiti make sure she gets out and plays every moment she has with the boys.  Her boys are her priority, and her success means nothing without them.  

A rare refreshing sight to see at the end was the boys' dad picking the kids up for the weekend, while all of them engaged in the conversation as a family.  So is Tahiti a mom that really is having her cake and eating it too?  We certainly think so, and this really is the point of this blog, to really go and get it.  To live the dream, to make it happen and using your kids not as a set back but a drive to success.

Name:     Tahiti Lovenote Hernandez

Something about yourself nobody really knows: I'm a clean freak.                                                

Obsessed with: Bikinis, Shoes, Clothes, and chocolate.

 Guilty Pleasures: Mani-Pedis. ;)

How has motherhood changed you and inspire you?

 I can't explain how much motherhood changed me. It gave Love a whole new meaning. When I look into my children's eyes I get inspired to do better and be better.  I now feel like I was put on this earth to be a mother, and now everything I do, I do it for my boys. 

Music runs in your family, can you tell us about how you were raised?  How do you in still that in your boys?                                                                                          

Growing Up Elvis movies and the Sound of Music were my kind of Cartoons. My family had a show In Waikiki called the Lovenote's ( hints my middle name) where my entire family sang Doo Wop and took you on a musical history journey. We grew up all around music there was no getting away from it.  My boys are seriously musically blessed and I can see it already. My oldest son Nyjah who's 3 will pick up any instrument and its like he knows exactly how to use it. They both love to sing and love being on stage. My mom gives them voice lessons here and there and they can copy notes and are so excited to learn. I couldn't be more proud.

 Your sons have awesome names.  What do they mean and how did you guys pick them?                                                                                                                                

My first son Nyjah Music was inspired by a young skater Nyjah Huston. Nyjah Huston was a cute kid with dreads who turned into a pro skater at a young age and to me that was inspiring. As for his middle name well "Music" in my family is everything. ;) My second son Zyah Rhythm. Zyah means Loyal believer and when I was pregnant with him I already knew he was going to be an amazing kid. With Zyah I couldn't have gave that kid a better middle name. He definitely lives up to his middle name Rhythm, cause I can promise you that kid would win any dance battle. He's got better moves them me. 

You and the boys dad are no longer together, but maintain a good friendship.  That's awesome and I know that doesn't happen often. How does this affect your kids?

 Their father and I have a cool relationship. I believe if the children see Mommy and Daddy smiling then there's no reason to be unhappy. I look at it this way, my kids not only have one loving home but two loving homes. Now that's a lot of love. We do family outings and its great. It really shows the kids that every things OK and were all still happy. He's a great dad and the kids adore him. 

 I am so excited for your show, your album, and everything that's going on with you and your sisters.  At this point in life, at this very moment, can you describe in one word what you're feeling?? Okay, maybe a few words, alright a paragraph.  SPILL THE BEANS!!        

I've been flying back and fourth to try and finish this album and Its been tough so I'm finally making the move to get this done. WE TV will be documenting this whole experience as us 4 sisters make the move and get into this industry. Its going to be a journey cause were 4 sisters in different places in our lives but wanting to reach the same goal. For me juggling being a mom, and trying to finish an album, rehearsals, etc.. its going to be tough.

Your sister, Jamie Kailani has kids.  Do you guys bond a little more now that you have kids?  How does it feel, first experiencing being an auntie, and then being a mother to your own kids.

 My sister Jamie is an amazing mother and I always looked up to her. We are actually very close and she's the one I can confide in when I'm having motherly issues. She's the sister I go to when my kids, and baby daddy drive me bananas. 

      

 You are such a stylin mama.  Can you share with us some of your beauty secrets?  What can you not leave the house without?                                                                                                    

Being from Hawaii we're blessed that no makeup and slippers is normal. Don't get me wrong I love getting dressed up. But when you become a mother comfort but still cute is KEY! All moms need to invest in good pair of converse or toms, some cute hats, beanies and a fly pair of shades and your good to go! 

 

 If it wasn't music, is there anything else you see yourself doing?                                                     

I'm addicted to painting my nails, so I think I would like to be a manicurist.  

How is having two boys back to back? I give you so much credit!!!                                                                                                                      

Having my kids a year apart was a breeze.. NOT! It was hard work but every day that goes by it gets easier and easier. I birthed not only brothers but best friends. I watched there eyes meet as two baby boys and now life long pals. All the sleepless nights are worth it. 

What do you most want to teach your boys in life?                                                                            

Be yourself, follow your dreams and always be their for one another. When life knocks you down, help each other up. And always remind each other how much you're loved. 

Alyssa Ferguson, Swimsuit Designer

Alyssa often refers to people as "Earth Angels" but having to get to know her this past year, I found that that perhaps, she is the biggest Earth Angel of them all.  I met Alyssa while vending at the local markets.  She was then pregnant, with her crochet swimsuit line, A Love Story by Alyssa Ferguson, just taking off.  I couldn't believe the commitment and passion that came out of her.  She explained she hand makes and designs every suit, and that she wanted to build a solid business so later on being a single mother, her and her baby did not have to struggle.

 I think what people love about Alyssa is that what you see is what you get.  She is a free spirit as she is a deep lover, a self proclaimed gypsy, wild dreamer and a nurturer, and a total babe.  No stranger to the camera, Alyssa has modeled, surfed and traveled around the world and hopes to give back the same to her baby boy one day.  There was no question where we would shoot her.  Lanikai, known to be the closest place to heaven, a beach where she grew up on and can be seen sewing her suits with her baby Mikala by her side.  Mikala, now 8 months is beautiful and healthy and most definitely well fed by mama.  Watching them together playing in the sand, and the waves, was truly like watching a lioness and  her cub, an unbreakable bond magnified by trust and exalt.  With her swimsuit line, on the rise thats gained a worldwide following now, Alyssa is certain she is on the right path.  She empowers us as a woman, a single mother, and that whatever endurance it took for her, she is living proof of succeeding in what it is you believe in and never quitting until a brighter day comes.

I think, the biggest question is HOW do you maintain your business while looking after Mikala full time and by yourself?

I have no idea! I'm always crocheting even when I'm breastfeeding! He has a lot of fun helping me playing with the yarn, fringe strings, crochet hooks, tags, hangers. I can't live without my dirty chai tea lattes and green smoothies to help me get through the day. My business is just starting so hopefully it'll grow with Mikala cause Its all about multitasking and making the suits as fast as I can. I take him to all the photo shoots every single one which is fun cause their usually in a gorgeous nature setting! He loves being outside so I make the bikinis at the beach while he cruises ! However its so important for me to always put him first before A LOVE STORY!  Reading to him while I make the suits. The art of distraction is Key. I always bump classical music for him while I'm working on the computer like on my online store or BLOG or Pandora baby music and let him crawl around while putting girls in the suits at my house!

What values do you most want to teach Kala as he grows up? Do you believe in having routines?

I wanna teach Mikala to be open minded, spiritual, kind, compassionate, and to follow his dreams however big they may be. I wanna raise him to be a humanitarian and to never be afraid of traveling,, culture, poverty, or diversity. Personally I think routines are awesome we kinda just started one but its mainly around the weather cause if its sunny all day there's no way I'm taking him home cause its 12 and he needs a nap Ill just nurse him to sleep on the beach blanket under the umbrella right there cause I believe in fresh air and a natural setting is best to raise your baby angel. We are earths children and being connected to nature is how I want to raise him linking him with the sun and the moon. However I think having your baby on an organic food schedule is the way to go because it strengthens their immunity wherever they are in the world. Routines make your baby happy cause they know what to expect and feel cozy cozy! 

You grew up in Kailua, and raise your baby there too, is there anywhere else in the world you would be happy moving to?

I want to live in Bali with Mikala in my my Dad's house and design bikinis there and distribute them on the holidays when I go back to Hawaii to see my family. I want to raise him going to Balinese temple and us giving offerings every day to the Bali temples thanking Buddha with gratitude and peacefulness. I want him to surf Indo growing up and not be afraid of big waves. I'd move to Kauai's North Shore also in a heartbeat if I could and have an organic garden and just make suits at home practice yoga drink tea and bake chocolate chip cookies. Look for sunrise shells and surf all day with him would be the ultimate life! 

What did you most realize about yourself after having a baby?

Right before I had Mikala I was modeling in LA for American apparel living a really wild lifestyle. I had been traveling and surfing the world from when I was 18 so when I had Mikala my entire identity  changed and I wanted to go forth with my dream in becoming a bikini designer to embrace my talent and inner creativity. Inner beauty and peace comes from within. I realized how much I used to identify myself in how I looked but when you become a Mom your baby doesn't care what you look like they care if your happy, fun, loving, attentive, zen, stable, and nurturing so he made me stop focusing on the outside as much my inner side.

I know you pretty much live in bikinis, but has your style changed since you had Mikala?  Any fashion tips for new moms?  What's practical what's easy?

My style changed where I became a lot more earthy and boho. Black tops due to nursing and yeah everything I put on now I'm like is this going to be easy to nurse in or will this help cover him while I'm nursing. I don’t do the capes personally. I love Aden Anais bamboo cotton baby blankets and burp cloths. I just think your style should be embraced when you have a baby and you don’t have to feel like you have to conform to the stereotypical conservative Mom just cause you’re a Mom.  I think just having a few super cute staples is key so u can just throw it on knowing your gonna look cute. However if you know me all my friends are like "Lys you’ve been wearing that same outfit for like a whole week straight" cause that’s what happens when a hippie/gypsy becomes a mommy you don’t even care anymore! 

I saw you at 9 months pregnant, and then 2 months after giving birth and you were already BANGING. How did you do it?

I actually don't do much exercise but I am an active person.  I love surfing, yoga, hiking etc.  My house has a lot of stairs too so carrying baby stuff up and down the stairs all day with no daddy to help me carry stuff must come into play.  Being busy and not being able to sleep as much or eat as much as I want to and nursing has made me skinny but I don't deny myself anything. I personally prefer curves and think women are most beautiful with curves.  I love eating.  I am a modern day hippie though and and whatever I do eat is pretty healthy.  I love green smoothies, acai, sushi, and stay on a gluten free diet. 

You are definitely such an inspiration to moms and especially single moms...You've overcome some rough times.  What advice can you give or words you live by for other single moms?

Don’t compare your experience with any other families. Just cause I'm a single Mom doesn't mean your less than. Your bond with your baby will be so tight because it's better to have one solid parent than two who aren’t healthy or stable role models. I  went through my entire pregnancy without the biological father in the picture the birth and the last eight months I've done it all by myself ! Single Moms deserve more props than any other job in the world cause not having the emotional support through the hard times of parenting can drive a woman insane so the fact that my baby is happy and healthy makes me realize there are angels all around us. Being a single Mom takes a lot of strength and courage. You get a lot of judgement but I've traveled and seen the entire world so the key is to have an open mind and not take any criticism to heart or personal because no one would ever understand what being a single Mom is like unless they are or were one too! 

What can we expect from you or your label in the next year to come? Anything exciting you can tell us about?

I'm going to Bali this summer and I'm going to be getting suits manufactured and fringe handbags to match the suits! As Mikala gets older I'm going to be getting an official website and start distributing the suits to boutiques in HI. My suits are not only going to be crochet anymore there's going to be a lot more fringe and lace tye dye and lingerie like. 

 A Love Story can be purchased through Alyssa's etsy store for now.  

Joy Monahan, Surfer

Who more fitting to start off my interview series but Joy Monahan?  This World Champion Longboarder has recently become a mother and loving it.  I caught up with this natural beauty for a little playdate and an interview. Through her surfing, she has seen the world, enjoying a long successful surfing career which put her smile on the map.  However. she explains the thrill of motherhood as nothing she has experienced before, and "the ultimate."

 The first thing you will notice about Joy when you meet her is that she is incredibly humble...the way she hugs you makes you instantly trust her and her smile...well her smile is a novel on its own.  Everything about watching her and Jackson makes you want to scream in a pillow.  Jackson, is just so cute, uttering little words, showing off his tricks and running around a thousand miles per minute.  Joy on the other hand, has this understated elegance...a glow which made me wonder if it was  from the 45 minute surf she had before I got there or just something she never got rid of after pregnancy ..Either way she wears it all too well.

Here is what Joy had to say about motherhood, tips on a successful marriage, a creative drive she now possesses, and of course,  surfing.  At the very bottom are some photos Joy shared from her personal album.

How do you find raising Jackson in Hawaii, and is there anywhere else in the world you would raise him? 

I love being able to raise Jackson in Hawaii. The ocean is such a huge part of my life and to be able to share that with Jackson is really awesome.  Drew and I have been to Australia and we do love that country. We would joke that if we didn't live in America then we would definitely live down under, but we are pretty happy with where we are at right now.

How has motherhood inspired you?  Has it changed you?

Its funny, but I feel like I've gotten more creative since being a mother, probably because I've gotten cheaper too since I'd rather make things, than buy them. But, I really have enjoyed getting into sewing. I'm still a beginner but have made some simple bow ties and a blanket for Jackson and some of his friends. I also made Jackson's Halloween costumes for the last two years which has been really fun.

Jackson is a lot like Phe.  Typical boys going a thousand miles per minute.  Do you ever feel like your going crazy?  What do you do in those circumstances. 

Yes I definitely have some crazy moments since 'Action Jackson' never stops, but he really is a lot of fun and I try to enjoy those moments.  When things do get tough, though, I just have to remind myself that he is just a one year old so I try to extend my patience with him and not get so worked up by the situation. It also helps to be around family as often as I can so that there are more people to watch 'Action Jackson".

You come from a big family, and your sisters all now have children too, can you tell us what a typical Thanksgiving at your house is like? 

My husband would probably say chaotic and I'd probably say fun. When my whole family gets together there is usually at least three people trying to talk at once, which is totally normal to me, and when you throw in eight grandkids running around it gets pretty hectic.  We try our best to all get together at least once during the year and I really treasure those times. 

What lessons do you feel like your parents taught you that you will want to pass down to Jackson?

Now that I am a mother I've realized how much I took for granted growing up and how selfless my parents were and still are.  My parents instilled in me the importance of getting a higher education. They also taught me the importance of setting goals and working hard to achieve them. Most importantly they have shown me unconditional love and support in whatever my endeavors were.  I hope that Drew and I can teach Jackson those same things I've learned from my parents. 

Has the dynamic between you and your husband, Drew, changed now that you have Jackson?  Any tips you can give us on a happy marriage?

I think our marriage has gotten stronger and there is deeper love in our marriage that centers around Jackson. It really is crazy how your capacity to love increases when you become a mother. I think the best thing you can do for your child is to have a healthy, loving relationship with your partner.  Your child will learn so much--how to love, how to effectively communicate, how to be kind, and will also feel stability.  Its so amazing how much your child picks up just from your example (whether you are being a good example or a bad example).  As far as tips, since we live with my in-laws we are around family all the time so, every now and then Drew and I will take Jackson and just the three of us will hang out going to the park or beach or whatever. Also we try to escape and have a date night with just the two of us when we can, which works out great since we are living with Jackson's babysitters ;)

Where is a special place on the island you like taking Jackson to?

We like taking Jackson to the beach since he is a water baby. There is not a special place we go, but we like to keep it mellow so we like Kaimana's or Baby Makapu'u or even Pillers down the street from us. 

And last but not least, I understand Jackson comes first before anything, but when can we expect you to be back in the water competing?  Where does Surfing sit with you?  Is there anything else you have been passionate about lately?

I started competing again this past summer and did just a few contests.  It felt good to be out pushing myself again and I met some new talented surfers coming up in the ranks which was fun.  I realized how lucky I am when I get a chance to get out in the ocean, even if its for a quick 45 minute session. I also realized I can't be picky about waves or conditions since I just need to be grateful that someone (usually my grandma or mother-in-law) is able to help watch Jackson so I can get my ocean therapy in.  I think my drive for competing has subsided a little since becoming a mom, but I do enjoy some competition every now and then. :) I love surfing and can't wait for the day when Jackson and I can paddle out for a session together.

Oops I lied, there's one more question-- any plans to expand your family anytime soon?  Do you see yourself having a big family too?

We do hope to have more kids and we both come from a family of four, so we've always said four is a good number. But, I know things can change once you start having more so I guess we'll just wait and see. :)

What is Motherhood to You?

I have decided to take a spin on my blog and feature and interview different, inspiring mothers.  Motherhood is a bond, a feeling you can never replace with anything else and almost impossible to describe to someone unless you are one yourself.   What is motherhood to me? In a short version, it's an empowerment that brings an even more profound depth to life, an inner value for myself, an immense respect for the human body, mother nature, and my own parents. The trials and tribulation the sacrifices, the sudden change that 9 months can never quite prepare you for .  My body has a completely different function now..my eyes are there to watch my childs every move, legs for running after him,  and nipples are (fun) toys.   I know you will agree, you are not living for yourself anymore.  From that initial moment when milk fills your breasts, to the butterflies in your stomach when you spot your child's face in the crowd, to the elation of when you found out mom jeans were making a come back--Life has never been so good.


So I've said my part, now it's time to give other moms who never gave up, who've also been empowered by motherhood while juggling their passion, a VOICE.  Regardless of a mother's nationality or beliefs, single or married, working or taking a break, I know we can all learn from each other.  There always seems to be this underlining significant respect and sleepless bond with us mothers, through our commonality--I hope you enjoy exploring this with me. Welcome to Phe and Me.


I am so incredibly lucky to have my husband support me on this path and come along to photograph and capture the essence between the mother and the child.  I could not have made this happen without you.

Disney Aulani Resort

Last week we took a little family staycation trip to the Disney Aulani Resort.  Definitely better than expected and no shortage of fun there. I have recently just come to accept that the multi billion dollar Disney corporation is not going anywhere and that whether I like it or not, it is embedded in my child's brain, and most importantly-- IT MAKES HIM DAMN HAPPY!  So therefore, it is part of my life whether I like it or not and I have to get used to the ten dollar burnt hot dogs and the 45 minute wait to get a picture with Minnie.  But a picture is worth a lifetime! Shut up.

My sister always saids, "God! you can be such a pessimist!"  And yes she's right, maybe a little more today than ever but why am I taking it out on Disney?  Then why even do a post today?  Phe is taking an extra long nap.. Is it that I'm on anti bio tics and I can't have a glass of wine later on this evening?  Or could it be this crappy weather that keeps persisting or am I just really scared that the world is going to end?  Where should I spend my last 2 days on Earth with the  loves of my life?  Well, Phoenix would say the Disney Aulani Resort.

And I promise this will be positive from now if you haven't stopped reading already.  Disney Aulani is really really FUN!  I'm not being sarcastic either. It's basically Disney Land with out the rides, but the lazy river, two water slides (and one that's actually really tormenting) infinity jacuzzi, built in snorkeling cave, menehune water play area, and last but not least little to NO wait to get a photo with the characters TOTALLY make up for it.  Not sure what they were trying to achieve with their decor, but it's pretty dull. You would never know you are even in a Disney property if you didn't accidentally run into Goofy waist high in the pool .  We were also there on a Monday night, lucky enough to get to see the Starlit Hui which is like a luau without the food, but there is a tiki bar at least.  At the end of the show, the characters come out to put on a show and dance with you.  There's a lot of interaction and it's not very crowded so the children all get great seats unlike, a big auditorium at Disney land.

To wrap this up..I came up with a couple tips for your stay when booking Aulani.

1. Make sure you are there on the right nights. There are a lot of activities going on and if you are flexible, you want to be there for the Starlit Hui or the Pool Party.  The daily activity list can be found here on their website

2. The resort's direct number is extremely hard to find.  I found it while I was there.  Here it is.  Take it down don't lose it, save it to your sim card.  Disney Aulani Resort DIRECT NUMBER: 808-674-6200

3.  Don't go down the dark one person water slide.  It's a black hole, your worst nightmare and it gave us anxiety for a week straight.

*some resort images taken from yelp.