If there’s anyone to aspire to, it would be Yael. Co-founder of Fuck Cancer and Motherlucker, she’s charming, bright, and stunning to boot! Her confidence makes you want to stand a little taller, be a little better, own your sh*t, and do what’s right. Recently, while in LA, I swung by her and her husband, Scooter Braun’s home, to chat about her work in the cancer space, the Insta Pot, and why she doesn’t really care about music—ironically enough. @yael @letsfcancer @motherlucker_
If life were a song?
That would assume I know anything about music or the name of ANY song for that matter. Best kept secret—crazy I know, considering Scott’s job! It’s hilarious, he’s always so annoyed, as I won’t even remember to turn music on in the house. I enjoy it of course, but it doesn’t play a significant role in my life. Even if we’re having a party, Scott will have to remind me to turn on music. Food on the other hand, I got!
On your support system:
Both my parents and Scott’s parents live in the neighborhood, which was always my dream. It’s incredibly important for us to have a strong support system. The idea that we can raise children alone is to some extent absurd. There’s a reason that every other culture in history uses the tribe or communal approach to raising babies. Not only do we need it, but they need it too. They learn different things from different people. It’s incredibly lonely to try to raise children by yourself—I’m beyond grateful to have support.
On Motherlucker:
About 2 years ago, I began Motherlucker while I was on maternity leave. At the time, everything I was reading was either glitter-washed-pinterest-mom or super dark, and I was craving to connect to more authentic stories that accepted the highs, lows, and ridiculousness of motherhood. When I began, I wrote about having miscarried, which no one talked about and it’s such a common thing! Once I put it out there, so many women I knew opened up and it was because I gave them a safe space to do so. Motherlucker became the digital version of that, where women could express whatever was on their mind in regards to motherhood or raising up their relationships in a nonjudgmental space. Today Motherlucker has moms contributing from all walks of life—with young kids, older kids, special needs, adopted—all with different and beautiful experiences that rounds out the voice and perspective of Motherlucker.
On Fuck Cancer:
I started Fuck Cancer when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, nearly 10 years ago. Similar to Motherlucker, it was born out of a need for an authentic and vulnerable conversation around a really emotionally charged topic. At the time, I found the cancer space to be either daisies + daffodils or super dark. There was nothing that infused a sense of humor, and if you loose your sense of humor than you’ve really lost it all. Plus, no one was talking to the youth and the importance of early detection—a really necessary part of the fight. At first I looked around to join other efforts, but because of my age and what I thought needed to be done, I didn’t fit into anybody’s plan. They only wanted my money, of which I had none. So, I started Fuck Cancer. Then, about 5 years ago, we merged with another organization called Fuck Cancer, which is our experiential & fund raising arm—my now co-founder Jules, is one of the most amazing women I know. It’s funny, we’re both Jewish girls from Canada who started separate charities named Fuck Cancer after our moms got sick. For the longest time people would confuse us, but they did events and we did campaigns. When we first met it was super tense, but I proposed that we join forces. Jules wasn’t as keen on the idea, so we stayed in touch for a few years, until we found a way to make it work. I’m so happy that we did!
On self-care:
The kids always roll with me! It’s the best thing that I do for my sanity. If we travel, they come, if we go out, they come. In fact Jagger came with us on tour for 3 weeks! I never want to have to say no to things because of my kids, but I don’t want to leave my kids either, because it’s time that we’ll never get back. This way I figure I still get to be part of these incredible experiences that I’d be sad to miss, but I also don’t have to miss my kids growing up.
On meeting Scott:
We met through mutual friends—he tricked me into our first date—and within a few hours he said we were going to spend our lives together. There’s no one like him. He’s wonderful, charismatic, and kind. We’re a great fit. I always say that I want to punch him in the face and kiss him at the same time, which I think is the sign of a healthy relationship. We push each other to do better/be better and sometimes that frustrates us, but we’re always on the same team and have a lot of fun.
Do you think it’s important for kids to see their mom working?
Yes and no. I think it’s important for kids to see their mom happy and fulfilled, whatever that means. For some women that means working and for others it’s not.
Exercise?
I used to, but haven’t for a minute because I tore my ligament about a year ago. I went too hard postpartum with all the relaxant in my system. Eventually it will heal and I’ll be able to workout again, but let this be a word to the wise—ease into working-out after having a baby, there’s no rush! We always think that everything should go right back to normal, but it took 9 months to make the baby and it’ll probably take about 9 months to unwind it. So chill the f*ck out for a second.
Food!
Eating is carbs to me—lots of carbs. I love food! This is partly why I like to work out, because I’m never not going to eat something. Ever since I was three years old I loved cooking. I try my best to be balanced, knowing that there are times that we’re going to be decadent and the rest of the time I figure it’s best not to eat like a frat boy.
Cooking?
Depends on who I’m cooking for…my husband loves braised beef short ribs or I have girlfriends that are vegan and want Buddha Bowls. I’m also a huge fan of the Instant Pot. It’s like a slow cooker, but is a pressure cooker, which means dinner is ready in 20 min. It’s so quick, easy, and healthy. I give them as gifts all the time.
Beauty Routine?
Always wash your face! Every morning and every night to get your makeup and the day off of you. Followed by a good serum, moisturizer, and an eye cream that’s right for your skin. Using an eye cream is new for me, as it recently came to my attention that I’m not 21 anymore! And lastly, sunscreen! This is a must, no matter the weather. I apply it to my face all year around and in the summer to my body. I also tend to avoid drinking a lot of alcohol or coffee, which are both dehydrating.
Any advice?
For young or new moms, find your tribe of women with kids around the same age, that are going through the same experience as you. I don’t think we can over value this, as it’s absolutely changed my experience as a mom. When I first became a mom, I was lonely, sad, and didn’t know what the hell I was doing. None of my friends had kids, their lives were all the same and mine was suddenly upside down. Once I made really good mommy friends—some of which are still my best friends and I think will be for the rest of my life—everything changed for the better.
