Jamie O’Banion seemingly does it all. She’s the founder and CEO of Dallas-based skincare brand BeautyBio, a member of the Children’s Cancer Fund Advisory Board and a mom to three. While O’Banion, 38, appears to keep everything in perfect balance, she’ll be the first to tell you that doing it all doesn’t come easy.
She lives by her calendar and has learned that it’s OK to feel like a super CEO one day and a supermom the next. O’Banion lives in Dallas with her husband, Melbourne, and three children: Benton, Aubrey and Gracie.
DFWChild: What’s your superpower as a mom?
Jamie O’Banion: Providing support, while encouraging our children to take risks.
C: Who do you see as a superhero mom?
JO: My mother. As a mother of six, including one child with special needs, she made every one of her children feel like an only child. She’s endlessly encouraging and taught me that I can do hard things.
C: What’s the best advice you’ve received from a fellow mom?
JO: For mothers who work outside of the home, there are some days you feel like a terrific mother and some days you feel incredible at your job. Those usually aren’t on the same day—and that’s OK.
C: Is there a motto or golden rule you live by?
JO: Instead of saying, “Have a great day,” when we drop the kids off at school, we say, “Make it a great day.” The slight reframing reminds our kids that they are ultimately in charge of the outcome of their day, no matter what it brings.
C: What important lessons are you teaching your kids?
JO: You only truly fail when you don’t try. We tell our children that they can do anything they want in life, if they work hard and stay close to the Lord.
C: What’s the best lesson you’ve learned in your life’s journey thus far?
JO: Assume the good.
C: From the moment you became a mother until now, how have you evolved as a person?
JO: I’ve learned more about leadership by being a mother than through any other life experience. It helps you understand what motivates people, challenges them, and ultimately, how to guide them toward achieving their dreams.
C: Tell us about your parenting style.
JO: I love the book Parenting with Love and Logic. It focuses on allowing children to feel comfortable failing early, learning to pivot, picking themselves up and refining their path forward. I also love Mindset by Carol Dweck, which is about teaching your children a growth versus fixed mindset.
C: Do you have a strategy for juggling work and life?
JO: Yes. I program time with my children into my calendar, just as I would a board meeting. If you aren’t deliberate with prioritizing family time, as you would with other commitments, it’s a challenge to make it happen.
C: How do you stay grounded?
JO: My faith and family are the greatest blessings; everything else is an incremental bonus.
C: What do you want your legacy to be?
JO: Someone who led by example, empowered others and served those around her.
Children’s Health, AT&T Discovery District and DFWChild Magazine join forces to celebrate SUPER MOMS leading up to Mother’s Day.
From patient mothers and health care heroes to everyday working moms, we’re proud to celebrate the #SuperMoms who help defend and protect kids.
For more information visit redballoonleague.com.
Image courtesy of Jamie O’Banion.
