Meet Karissa Merrill | Public Figure

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

Hi Karissa, what inspires you?
I am inspired by the relationship between my son and I. My postpartum journey in 2020 inspired me to expand upon my husband and I’s business. I knew I wasn’t alone with my struggles, every mother goes their own hardships postpartum. So why did I feel so lonely and why do other mothers feel this loneliness too? Because theres a gap in the way society views motherhood, placing boundaries in motherhood support, and it’s wearing on us, Moms. In the climate of societal isolation we face today due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mothers face extra barriers to getting the support they need. Therefore I made it my mission to play my part in closing this gap, to overcome society’s boundaries.. I call my mission “Mommy Moments”. Through my instagram I provide an open and honest look into the everyday’s of motherhood, and matrescence – the process of becoming a mother. I’ve also partnered with Baptist Health South Florida, to bring my support into the medical world. The experiences my son and I share together always sparks inspiration to go deeper and expand ways to close the gap.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The idea for our business “Pursuing Your Purpose LLC”. flowed smoothly after my husband convinced me to get on board! The pandemic posed many challenges. We had to pivot to find new ways to get customers, ways to show trust with our business, and ways to service our clients without being physically present. Becoming a new mom in the pandemic was challenging. There was a constant worry if I was going to have to birth alone, without my husband or my doula. There was a constant fear of contracting covid. We quarantined for the month of October before my son was born to prevent my husband or myself from catching covid. This was needed because if I tested positive for covid, I would be forced to birth alone and my baby would be separated from me. Luckily I never caught covid, and I was able to have my husband and doula.

When my son was born, I fell instantly in love. My world was perfect, everything was perfect. A few days after taking my son home I faced breastfeeding problems, an infection and felt so lost. I was able to overcome the breastfeeding problems with the support of a lactation consultant, my husband and mother which helped me fight off my infection. The fear of going out and my son catching covid consumed me. The sleep deprivation, traumatic birth, breastfeeding problems, and colic took its toll on me. I was teetering on the edge nearing towards postpartum depression and anxiety. One day my mother called to say she couldn’t travel to come help with the baby because my sister contracted covid. I broke down crying and took a shower. I got out of the shower looked at my soaking wet hair, breasts leaking milk, c-section scar healing, squishy tummy, and looked myself in the eyes. I knew the only person to get me out of this mental space was myself. That moment I vowed to myself, I would help myself. I started meditating, listened to happy and calm music, got outside everyday, danced with my baby, let my husband know my needs, and got together with my friends and other moms. Everything changed, I became so happy and fulfilled again with all aspects of my life. I promised myself I would help other moms get out of the spot I was in and “Mommy Moments” blossomed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend were coming to visit and wanting to see Miami and its suburbia I would first start with a visit to Faena spa. We would spend some time at the beach in the comfy red loungers, followed with massages, facials and a rejuvenating time in the wet spa. We would then spend time shopping exploring Brickell City centre and the Frost museum. Perhaps we would stop to have dinner one night at The Forge. We would of course have to pay a visit to my friend Marie Manalo for some spiritual freshening and reiki. Barry Farms would surely make for a fun day, and of course theres nothing like home sweet home relaxing and just chit chatting!

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?
My son, who made me a mother, who is my inspiration. My husband for keeping my head up, for his tender care and love. My mother for answering my endless calls, supporting my motherhood journey. My friend Marie for reminding who I am, for loving me and my family, like family.

Website: https://pursuingpurpose.net

Instagram: karissa.merrill

Linkedin: Karissa Merrill

Image Credits
Professional photo belliesnbabies a product of t.y.e studios Lifestyle photos Carly Terenzio Photography