FLY MOMMIE BLOG
Karen Brailsford dishes about fashion, soul , motherhood and her favorite things
by QUINKENZO
January 26, 2018
Tell us a little about yourself?
My Instagram (@iamkarenbrailsford) bio pretty much sums it up: Writer. Editor. Intuitive Creator. Spiritual Practitioner. Mama. Delighted by all things synchronistic, magical and miraculous.
What excites you most about Motherhood?
I love witnessing how my daughter, Amandla, is standing in her own truth and following her powerful creative muses — and is being recognized for doing so. Recently, while conducting a christening at the Agape International Spiritual Center, the founding minister, Reverend Michael Bernard Beckwith, stated that it’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child. He then added, “It also takes a child to raise a village.” I find this so very profound because I do believe that our children are our greatest teachers. Certainly, my daughter is mine.
What is the one most important thing you hope to teach your daughter?
To listen to and trust one’s own inner guidance.
What are some of your favorite things? Think Oprah lol.
Hummingbirds. Rainbows. Sunflowers. The bible my mom gave me when I moved to Los Angeles 24 years ago. Popcorn. My iPhone. The Shazam App. The Pain Perdu dish at my favorite French café. A few vintage garments I’ve acquired over the years, including a James Galanos dress from the Sixties.
What or who inspires you?
A good song (anything by Earth, Wind and Fire) and poetry—Langston Hughes, Mary Oliver and the Sufi poet Hafiz.
How would you describe your style?
Classic. Feminine. (I love dresses.)
What’s one of your proudest mommie moments?
This past New Year’s Eve, while out celebrating with her friends, Amandla sent me a series of text thanking me for having given her a spiritual foundation. A few years ago as she accepted the first ever Young, Gifted + Black award from Black Girls Rock, I found myself barely able to hold back the tears. There’s a photograph from that night of her standing with Shonda Rhimes and Rihanna — and they appear to be completely engrossed in whatever she was sharing with them that night. Amazing!
What’s your favorite recipe to cook for your family?
Macaroni and cheese, and candied yams, because Amandla loves them— and because I make these dishes exactly the way my own mother, who died the year before Amandla was born, did. Both are simple recipes (the best kind!) and yet they taste so good and give so much pleasure.
What makes your soul happy?
Music! Dancing! Being in the flow: When I follow my intuition and something magical happens. Which is practically every day!
Now tell us, what’s in your purse Fly Mommie?
Marc Jacobs cat-eye sunglasses. A somewhat tattered Louis Vuitton wallet (it’s 25 years old). Baby Lips balm. doTERRA On Guard beadlets. A toothbrush and mini toothpaste. Oral B Glide floss. A stick of Black Radiance lipstick — No. 5124. Maybelline BROWdrama.
What advice would you give your 18 year old self?
This thing called life is meant to be celebrated at every chance, so do so as often as you can! Keep making art. Let go of regrets. Be gentle and kind with yourself. Be grateful for everything. Let go and let God. Trust.
After feelings of self-doubt, fear or feeling downright depleted, how do you find your way back to center?
I truly believe that the answer to every problem can be found in the stillness. I focus on the breathe, I meditate and pray regularly, I journal daily.
Macaroni and cheese, and candied yams, because Amandla loves them— and because I make these dishes exactly the way my own mother, who died the year before Amandla was born, did. Both are simple recipes (the best kind!) and yet they taste so good and give so much pleasure.
What makes your soul happy?
Music! Dancing! Being in the flow: When I follow my intuition and something magical happens. Which is practically every day!
Now tell us, what’s in your purse Fly Mommie?
Marc Jacobs cat-eye sunglasses. A somewhat tattered Louis Vuitton wallet (it’s 25 years old). Baby Lips balm. doTERRA On Guard beadlets. A toothbrush and mini toothpaste. Oral B Glide floss. A stick of Black Radiance lipstick — No. 5124. Maybelline BROWdrama.
What advice would you give your 18 year old self?
This thing called life is meant to be celebrated at every chance, so do so as often as you can! Keep making art. Let go of regrets. Be gentle and kind with yourself. Be grateful for everything. Let go and let God. Trust.
After feelings of self-doubt, fear or feeling downright depleted, how do you find your way back to center?
I truly believe that the answer to every problem can be found in the stillness. I focus on the breathe, I meditate and pray regularly, I journal daily.
Do you have a mantra?
I have a few go-to’s but what’s been coming to me lately, when I first wake up in the morning and then again when I fall asleep at night is, “All is well.” I breathe in these words slowly and deliberately. I also love, “We have come for such a time as this!” I have found this especially reassuring when watching the news.
What are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about my connection to Spirit, and to my friends and family, and the arts.
Do you belong to or donate your time to any charitable/philanthropic organizations and if so, which ones?
I am a licensed spiritual practitioner at the Agape International Spiritual Center in Culver City, CA.
Why you’re a QUINKENZO FLY MOMMIE…
Karen and I have known each other since our kids were itty bitty but it took social media to connect us deeper as mommies, women and spiritual beings. It’s been such a joy watching her uplift, nurture and support her beautiful daughter, Amandla, on her journey to live her best life, authentically, in this crazy entertainment industry.
I am just naturally drawn to moms who I see raising their kids’ spirits. And the way you know that is both mom and child will glow from the inside out. Moms who raise their kids to be good people, compassionate, progressive-thinking, conscious kids… because our world desperately needs them. And Karen is pretty damn fly for doing just that.
Continue to Glow Up mama!
