Meet Cari Fund | Writer, Toxic Parenting Awareness

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cari Fund and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cari, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
From the moment I became a mom, I only knew this immediate, effortless and indestructible love. The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is to be the parent that I never had. I’ve worked hard to break the cycle of my toxic upbringing and childhood experiences to end the generational trauma with me.

My passion is to help other cycle breakers turn their pain into power and shift into positive parenting practices. I hope to inspire women and mothers to increase their emotional intelligence, create better human beings and future generations to come.

Through my journey to self-love, self-awareness and forgiveness, I became the woman and mother that my kids deserve. Raising strong, compassionate and passionate human beings to change the world in their way. That’s my legacy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was born in West Virginia and grew up on a horse ranch. I’ve received a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition & Foods from West Virginia University. I worked in the beauty industry in New York City for over a decade, building brands, working behind the scenes, and even developing and selling my own skincare line. Recently I worked in corporate social media management for six years with clients in beauty, fashion, and restaurants. I’ve published two titles, Fake Perfect Me (2010) and For Internal Use Only (2012), and have always loved words.

I currently live in Miami Beach with my husband, two dogs and I’m a full-time recovering helicopter mom to my daughter and son navigating what I call ‘Trophy Mom’ life in Miami. It is not a Trophy wife that has kids. Trophy Moms believe in giving motherhood their all! For the past eight years, I’ve worked incredibly hard to juggle it all. Last summer I started writing again. I’m writing my first non-fiction book; the book I believe I was born to write and have launched my social media platform to focus on Toxic Parenting Awareness. I love my community!

It has not always been an easy path. I’m learning that limitations are most often in our minds. Our greatest threat is not outside of us, but within. We must believe that we are worthy of success and the hard work will pay off. Also, being a full-time mother, I’m learning that I can make myself and my dreams a priority in my life and that it doesn’t take away from my love for my family.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so much to do, see and eat in Miami! First, we would check into the Faena hotel. The Living Room for dinner, cocktails and live music that can absolutely transport you into another era. The hotel offers a variety of delicious restaurants, spa experience and beach clubs. We would definitely grab a few workouts at Barrys Bootcamp Miami Beach with the ultimate instructor Derek Degrazio. His 9:30 am class will redefine your limits. A stop at IGK salon in the Design District for the perfect blowout. Then we would grab a coffee at the Rosetta Bakery stand or ice cream at Kith to stroll and shop. The week would be full of culinary experiences like brunch at Sadelle’s in Coconut Grove, dinner at Pastis and checking out the Wynwood Walls, sushi at Blue Ribbon and of course dinner at Queen. Queen offers delicious food, vibrant entertainment and the decor is just WOW. To wind down our week, we would visit the Carillon Wellness spa for a session in their Somadome meditation pod and a massage followed by a walk along the beach.

But… let’s not forget I have two small children! So, there would be lot’s of park playdates, visits to the Poppet Project art studio and the Frost museum.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, my husband is my rock. We have a love at first sight kind of story and together we’ve created the family I’ve always dreamed of. Any wounds from my past have been bandaged by my children. Small scars that are only visible to me and my reminder to do better.

Also, I’m learning to lean into women and that I don’t just have to give, but I can receive. I’m evolving and I’m learning that I don’t have to do it all by myself. I’m connecting. I’m trusting. I’m asking for help and guidance. I’m allowing others to support me. With working on my own energy, I find myself connecting to many amazing, positive, strong, brave and smart women. I’m grateful for so many mentors in my life this past year.

Miami has a super empowering community and is full of mentors! Huge thanks to my dear friend and Author Zack Bush for inspiring me to share my story. Tiffany April Levy who held space for me and introduced me to restorative yoga that kickstarted my healing journey. She is a gem! Tas Ferreira, an amazing functional medicine doctor that taught me that our physical, mental and spiritual parts are all connected, and must all be treated to live a truly healthy and joyful life. Marine Selenee, a family constellation therapist, showed me in one session how to break the cycle of my generational trauma. My book coach in New York City, Richelle Fredson, held my hand and guided me to create the best book proposal for my story. She is a book proposal whisperer. Lastly, Author and Motivational Speaker, Gabby Bernstein. Her 21-day Manifesting Challenge kickstarted a whole new way of thinking and creating for me. Her book, Super Attractor, is a must read!

Website: cari.fund

Instagram: cari.fund

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carifundauthor/

Image Credits
@theloving.lens