How to Raise Conscious Kids to Be Conscious Leaders with Lavender Morantz

My guest today is Lavender Morantz - Bestselling author, international TEDx speaker, successful business woman and proud mama to two spirited daughters. 

During her 20 year career, Lavender has founded multiple start-ups. She’s also a certified nutrition and wellness specialist who educates children and families about the importance of the mind, body, and soul connection. One way she does this is through her latest project which is a collection of children’s books she wrote and illustrated, called Conscious Kids.

Some of the topics we cover include:

Perfection paralysis
What defines a lifestyle brand
Knowing when to take a step back
Why it's important to know your area of genius
How to become a TEDx speaker
The power of resiliency
How to raise conscious kids

𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘆 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 - 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮’𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟰𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀.
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Transcript

Joelly Goodson : 0:10

Hi I'm Joelly, your Branding Badass. Welcome to another edition of Branding Matters. My guest today is Lavender Morantz - Bestselling author, international TEDx speaker, successful businesswoman and proud mama to two spirited daughters. During her 20 year career, Lavender has founded multiple startup businesses. She's also a certified nutrition and wellness specialist who educates children and families about the importance of the mind body and soul connection. One way she does this is through her latest project, which is a collection of children's books, she wrote an illustrated called Conscious Kids. I invited Lavender to be a guest on my show today to talk about what it means to have a lifestyle brand. I wanted to learn how she helps others develop strong brands of their own. And I was curious to hear about her Conscious Kids books and how they're helping to shape the next generation of business leaders. Branding Matters is brought to you by GENUMARK - one of North America's most trusted merch makers for over 40 years. Did you know branded merch is one of the best ways to create brand awarenes? It's true! From promotional products, custom uniforms and clothing, to sports co branding, web stores and warehousing. GENUMARK is your number one partner for creating brand awareness. And being ISO certified, You can rest assured, ethical sourcing and sustainability are front and center. If you're looking for help with your next project, email brandingmatters@genumark.com. That's Branding Matters at G.E.N.U.M.A.R.K.com. And now on with our show. Lavender, welcome to Branding Matters!

Lavender Morantz: 1:49

Thank you. It's so awesome to be here.

Joelly Goodson : 1:51

It's so great to see you. It's been so long. Where are you right now?

Lavender Morantz: 1:55

Yeah, I'm in Toronto.

Joelly Goodson : 1:57

I'm in Toronto. Okay. And you're in your home office,

Lavender Morantz: 1:59

home office.

Joelly Goodson : 2:00

Very cool. Before we get into it, I just want to give the audience a little background between us because it's so funny. Like we've known each other trying to think about it. I mean, I think we've known each other. I don't know, I want to say almost 20 years. I don't know if that seems about right.

Lavender Morantz: 2:15

It's pretty close.

Joelly Goodson : 2:17

I think when I met you, you were either No, you weren't married yet. So you were single, I don't even know if I was pregnant. It was like, you know, and then we both went through marriage, kids divorce, you know, and we would, we would I love the fact that like we met and I am from my perspective, anything anyway, I think we had like a bit of a connection right away. And so when I go to Toronto, we'd get together and have our lunches. And it was just like, we would talk about stuff like we were all girlfriends. Is that how you felt? Or is that just 100?

Lavender Morantz: 2:46

Yeah, it's mutual. Yeah. Yeah, like a longstanding friendship. I'm so grateful to know you and to be able to watch your career and your parenting journey and all the things I'm just Yeah, it's very cool.

Joelly Goodson : 2:58

Right back at you. I mean, it's just so funny. So I love that we're here today. You know, one of the best things I love about having a podcast because I can get to interview whoever I want, right? So I was really excited to have you on today, just because same thing with you. I've been following your journey from way back to today and all the ups and downs. So this is great. And I think you're gonna help a lot of people. So that's ultimately what this this podcast is about is to help other people. So I want to start off by talking about something that was pretty major in your life. And when you were 23 you were diagnosed with cancer. So what kind of cancer was it? And then how did that whole experience change your life?

Lavender Morantz: 3:38

It's so funny. I was just having this conversation recently. So I had melanoma skin cancer, kind of came out of left field, I had a mole that kind of looked a little off and I went to three different dermatologists who all turned me away saying it didn't meet their criteria, and it looks normal. And finally with the third one is like, dude, remove this. I don't care what it takes, like biopsy this shit, pardon the French Am I

Joelly Goodson : 4:01

yeah, we're adults here.

Lavender Morantz: 4:05

And he did and sure enough, it was melanoma and he passed me on to a plastic surgeon who specialized in melanoma. And she was like, I've got surgery prep for you, let's go. And so it was like, boom, and I'm so grateful that I followed my intuition, and my inner knowing there and now looking back and understanding kind of kind of my human design and how I operate and it's like, it's no wonder that that's how it all panned out. And it was just another layer in reinforcing you know, trusting your gut and advocating for your own health and wellness because it's your responsibility and nobody else's Yeah.

Joelly Goodson : 4:41

100% So, I mean, you're, you're not the standard, or I don't know standard but typical skin cancer because you're dark right like You're like me like dark skin, dark hair. Maybe your skin isn't dark but your dark hair. Do you mind me asking where it was so in your body? Yeah.

Lavender Morantz: 4:57

So I have a really big scar on the inside. I have my right arm. So it's not even something that gets like a ton of sun exposure. But what I think it was was a combination of, you know, chemicals in sunscreen, and it was tanning beds. tendrils. She No way.

Joelly Goodson : 5:12

Yeah, you know, I'm just guilty honestly I used to I mean, I use the term I was Tana Rexach back in the day, right? I used to have like a tin foil thing. And yeah, I mean, we all were back in those days and BB oil and you know, all that stuff. And I never really did tanning beds. But you know, what's crazy is that, so my gym, like a gym where you go to work out to be healthy. They've tanning beds there. Yeah.

Lavender Morantz: 5:39

Yeah. And I mean, it's insane. Yeah, I mean, I don't know if the technology has changed over the years. But the things that we do for aesthetics and vanity and I know, it's just wild to me, but it's also a cool position to be in now as a mom to be able to kind of pass on that was done so that our kids don't have to hit the same speed bumps, for example, and can learn from our lesson that hopefully through Yeah.

Joelly Goodson : 6:03

Because, you know, example, yeah, your kids are still young, wait till they get a little bit older. And then it's almost like they go against you. But it's you're absolutely right. I agree with you. So how did that experience changed your life?

Lavender Morantz: 6:13

Yeah, that was a huge, like, the catalyst like I wrote an article, I don't know, maybe over a decade ago now that that's entitled cancer saved my life, because I truly believe that it did. And while I understand that's not the case, for everyone who has a diagnosis like that, for me, cancer did save my life, it brought into crystal clear clarity, all the things that I was doing currently that weren't serving me and all the things that I truly, truly desired, and the kick in the pants to go and do them and have the life that, you know, I envisioned for myself. And it was like the great clarifier of like, you know, there was like before cancer and after cancer in my life. So, you know, choosing in alignment with my values, my deepest desires, my sole purpose, all of those things, right.

Joelly Goodson : 7:01

And melanoma, I mean, that's the most serious of the skin cancers. I know guy in particular, he died and it spreads super fast. I mean, I think he ignored it like you were so smart, because I think he ignored it. And then when it was too late, and like within I think two months he died. Yeah,

Lavender Morantz: 7:15

I have goosebumps, it's devastating. And my my surgeon was like, You're lucky that you caught this because if this had gone another six months, there wouldn't be an in between step because melanoma is not something that you typically treat with chemo or radiation because it's too fast spreading like think about a nicotine patch, what's on your skin is in your blood like this, and 26 seconds or less. So imagine the same thing for cancer that starts in your skin. It's your largest organ, and it spreads, you know, spreads quickly. And, you know, it also pushed me to really overhaul my lifestyle and be more mindful and conscious about what I'm feeding my body and putting on my skin and exposing myself to in terms of chemicals and stuff to an environment and all that stuff.

Joelly Goodson : 7:59

That was really the impetus that set you on a trajectory for the way you are today. And you're you're very health conscious and mindful of all those things. So that was really what started it. I want to fast forward a little bit. Thank you for sharing that, first of all, because I never knew that story. So I appreciate you sharing that it makes a lot of sense now based on what you're passionate about today, right, obviously. So you're a single mom, you describe it as with two spirited daughters, which I love the word spirited, I going to use that word, you share custody of your older daughter with your ex, but you have custody of your younger daughter 100% of the time. Yeah, so I'm a single mom, I have two boys, I share custody, I was sharing custody with both of them, we're going back 5050 And then I have one of them full time, but he seizes that whenever he wants. And then the other ones 18 And he just does whatever he wants. So having, I mean literally from birth, you had her 100% of time. And you and I talked about this a little bit when we when I got together in Toronto, you're also a business owner. You're a TEDx speaker, I want to talk more about that you're a certified nutrition and wellness specialist and now Best Selling Author add to that list. Yay. Here are where they do they do the snap today. Okay, so how the hell do you do it all and do so? Well? I just want to say as well.

Lavender Morantz: 9:19

Yeah, that's a good question. And I mean, I also feel like there's a difference between perception and reality. Like you know, people see the highlight reel and it's like a hot frickin maths behind the scenes, like, the hot mess is the accurate picture. Like, you know, I just I'm very big on following what I'm passionate about. I'm very heart led as an entrepreneur, I've had a number of businesses and you know, I just the the books, for example, have been on my heart for like the better part of a decade. And the pandemic was the real like shove off the cliff to be like, Okay, now is the time like watching what's been happening to our children and stuff. So like when I feel really strongly about something and I'm really invested in whatever it is. That is I put everything I have into it. And you too. Yeah, exactly. Which I think is why we connect so well. And yeah, you met be when she was just a little nugget. Like I was like bottle and everything when we're at the restaurant together, right? Yeah, I know. So

Joelly Goodson : 10:17

I'm no reprieve like you, you know wasn't like you could hand her off to her dad every other week like that in itself.

Lavender Morantz: 10:23

But I mean, you know, it's a lot of work. But I'm also I'm grateful for it because she's such a special little person. Like, I know, I say spirited daughters, but they're all the esses they're sassy. Spicy, you know? Yeah, a lot. But it's also like, I feel like it's it's such an important role. And like, I feel like they're just a gift in every way. And yes, it's difficult a lot of the time. But that doesn't change the fact that I truly believe that they were here to unlock something in each other, like those little souls were meant to be part of my life. And I see that in new ways all the time. But it's a really cool journey as both a parent you know, birth and babies and as an entrepreneur birthing ideas and books and whatever else. They go well together.

Joelly Goodson : 11:06

Well, I have no doubt. I mean, you can I'm sure you can imagine your life without them. And you know, you say about the hot mess. But lavender, I mean, every time I see you, and again, I agree with you social media, it's that highlight reel, but you know you You're a beautiful person, you're smart, you have so much going for you. And I know you have a lot of people who do follow you and admire you. So do you ever fall apart? And do you ever think like, you can't go on? Have you ever had those days where you're just like, I can't do this anymore? And you know, how do you can share it? Can you share some of those? Because Are you human?

Lavender Morantz: 11:37

So human? Yes. So it's interesting, because the more I've learned about myself, the more I've learned how to be in a place of inspiration. And then when I'm not how to take a step back. And you know, I was just saying to a really good friend of mine this week, like last week, I felt awful, the energy felt heavy, my body felt heavy, like, my brain wasn't working, I wasn't feeling inspired. And that, you know, like, I'm, I'm building a course right now. And I was responsible to like, fill out all of these things for content. And I was like, Nope, I'm shutting it down. And I'm giving myself a little bit of grace. And I'm going to go do something I love because when I'm lit up, that's when the inspiration comes, that's when it feels easy. That's when the ideas come, that's when I'm in my best physical, mental, spiritual state. And then I've learned to operate from that place. And if I'm not there, and if I'm meeting resistance, to not be hard on myself about it, to give myself the space to take that step back. And to have a crap day, or to have an integration day, sometimes like the big ideas hit and you're like, Oh, my goodness, I need to do all the things right now with bla bla bla, no, write it down, give yourself a day or two to process and then go do it. But it wasn't always that way. Like I operated out of masculine energy, a lot of the time, which I think a lot of women entrepreneurs can connect with, it's like the expectation is, go and do and be and have all the time. And it's exhausting.

Joelly Goodson : 13:03

But who puts it let me ask you a question. Who do you think puts that expectation? Do you think you put on yourself?

Lavender Morantz: 13:07

I think it's a combo. I think that it's it's very much driven by society, but it's up to you whether you accept it or not. Because I

Joelly Goodson : 13:13

you know, I've heard you say, really, you're you're hard on yourself. I'm my worst critic. Like I'm the hardest on myself. Yes, you know, and it's hard. So are you someone who I mean, do you do everything yourself? Or do you ask for help? And are you okay with having people help you? Or are you a control freak? Because I am. I say that because, like I'm a total control freak. And I find it so hard to have get people help me, but I

Lavender Morantz: 13:35

need it right. I don't take it personally, I'm a bit of both. I think I've gotten a lot better at asking for help. I think part of that is like, you know, perfection paralysis, like we expected done a certain way. And, you know, do we let go of control to let someone else do it in a way that maybe isn't the way we would have done it. I've definitely gotten a lot better at asking for help, and also clearing the crap off my plate that isn't my area of genius. I hired an assistant for the first time in my life and she's literally like the most amazing person and she made it okay to ask for help and to delegate and to you know, yeah, I think it's Darren Hardy that says if you can't delegate you're like operating from ego because you think you can do it better.

Joelly Goodson : 14:18

Yeah, yeah. You know what, I totally agree with you I mean, oh, I finally say one thing I have some people helping me now with this podcast because I do it all right, I mean I from the editing to the talent to the producing to the everything, and it just got too much and so I was able because I was sponsored able to get some help and I think the key is is like you said earlier is finding people that were that's maybe not your expertise, but it's them and then letting them just go like carry run with it. Right. So would that be some advice that you would give them to some wisdom other entrepreneurs listening today like know when to

Lavender Morantz: 14:56

Yeah, and also to it's like, think about the menial If you're doing that, and then think about what you think that your value your worth is or like what your hourly rate should be. So like, I don't know, pick a number out of the sky, whatever you think you're worth, would you pay someone to do something menial that amount of money per hour? Probably not. So take those things that aren't worth your value, and have someone come and help you do that, not to devalue those other roles. It's just like, I think that as entrepreneurs, you have a very specific area of genius. And the more you can stay in that area and not get like pulled down by those other things that just keep you busy. The more you're able to serve, whoever it is you're serving.

Joelly Goodson : 15:41

Yeah, yeah. 100% know that I was gonna interrupt you, which I have a bad habit of doing. Because when you said that, do you ever read the book? You can do it all, but not the same damn time by Roman Newstead?

Lavender Morantz: 15:52

Oh, I did not. And I'm also an inherent interrupter. So I

Joelly Goodson : 15:58

you know, it's podcasting has helped me so much as far as like keeping my mouth closed and my ears open. But it just, you know, again, you triggered that. So she wrote this book, and it's called, you can have it all, just not at the same damn time. And she talked exactly what you just said is like, know what your worth is. And make sure that, you know, she talks about things like hiring a cleaning lady, because if you if you charge, let's say normally, whatever, $200 an hour, and then you're going to spend two hours cleaning your house. Is it really worth $400 To clean your house? Or would it be better off? You're spending time making money and hiring someone else to do those things? Yeah. So she's also

Lavender Morantz: 16:34

it's not just the amount that you would pay yourself. It's what you're not able to do if you're spending your time and energy doing that, too. It's, it's that and you know,

Joelly Goodson : 16:44

yeah, no, absolutely. I love that. No, that's great. So I want to go back. So when I mentioned all the things that you do, one of the things was TEDx speaker, which I find really amazing. It's funny, I read in Forbes recently that the number one fear of the average person is public speaking, even above death. Yeah. And so tell me about how you got to become a TEDx speaker. And were you ever scared of public speaking?

Lavender Morantz: 17:06

Oh, my God, I have such a good story for you. So I took a public speaking course in college. And it that was me, I was like, deathly afraid I was so nervous, I'm like, I'm gonna mess it up. I'm so monotone, like, I'm going to be like bla bla, bla bla. And so I invited my brother, my younger brother, he's three years younger than me to sit in class with me the day that I had to present. So that I at least had someone I felt was like, on my side, and like cheering me on, and like, just let me relax just enough that I. And here we are, like, decades later. And it's like, it's basically the meat of what I do, which is insane to me, but also really cool. Do you love it? I do. Yeah, I feel like that's, that's where I connect with people truly. And I'm just like, I'm gonna shout it from the rooftops person, when it's like, There's something so important to say, I just, I want to Yeah, and I'm really grateful that I've had opportunities to get more comfortable with it. Because I do feel like it's, it's a very powerful way to connect, you know, heart to heart with people.

Joelly Goodson : 18:09

100%. So what inspired you to take that course? How many years ago? Did you say?

Lavender Morantz: 18:14

This was just before my cancer diagnosis, which is hilarious, like, in my early 20s? Yeah. It was just so why did you take it like, what was it was just part of the curriculum for I was doing a fashion business course. Yeah. And it was just it was part of it, I guess, because we're presenting and like, yeah, I ended up going into buying after that. I just feel like in general, as a person, it's good to have something like that, especially if it's something you're scared of, especially to just, you know, feel the fear and do it scared anyway. Because there's so many lessons in life where we've done stuff like that, and powerful things. And shifts happen. Yeah,

Joelly Goodson : 18:49

I think it's actually a great skill. You know, my son was very much into theater when he was younger, he started he I mean, he he gets a thrill from being in public, right? He gets up, I remember when he was a true story. And we talked about this, I had him on my podcast, and he actually talked about this. When he was I'm gonna say 12, maybe 11. And I remember he was in Charlie Brown or something. And he got off the stage. And he's just, like, huge smile. And he goes, I don't know what it is. But I just have this feeling when I'm up on stage, and he just loves it. And we talked about Yeah, but the thing I was gonna say is we talked about theater. And the good thing about that is, especially theater is I think it helps you it's a transferable skill, because when you're in business, and you're doing presentations, whether it's presentation to boardroom or to recliner, whoever, I think that's a really important skill to have is how to be able to get up and command a room and give a presentation. Right. So I think everybody should take a speech quarter on what was it called? Like, do you remember like, I want to say speech course. But I don't know.

Lavender Morantz: 19:45

I think it was just called public speaking.

Joelly Goodson : 19:47

Yeah, I think it's so great for everybody to do. So tell me about TEDx. Because that's impressive. How did you become a TEDx speaker?

Lavender Morantz: 19:55

Oh, man, that was wild and no and not the traditional route. Don't want to parts to this story. And here's I'm gonna start in the middle with like kind of the TED talk coming about, I got asked to do that talk seven days before hitting the stage. That's not normally what's supposed to happen. So one of the chapters here in Toronto, a speaker had dropped out. And they didn't have time to do the traditional, like, normally you apply, and they review your material. And then you go through a series of like, interviews, basically. And then you have to like stand on the red dot and practice and you have your talk has to be between 12 and 18 minutes. And like, there's all these criteria for me, it was not like that, it was just like, here you go, you're going on on stage, like, they did review my material to make sure that it was aligned and stay on time. But I didn't have any of the practice that didn't have any of that. And it was just because some another speaker who I literally met the like week before, was like, Oh, I know somebody who is perfect for this spot. And I mean, I'm so grateful for that. And what's hilarious is, so this was in August of 2018. And in April of 2018, I had gone on a trip by myself after a breakup, and had this wild download sitting on the beach, where it's like, this whole talk came together, and I had nowhere to give it no clue kind of where it came from. But this, like shell for this talk came together. And I remember putting it in my notes on my phone and just tucking it away for like a rainy day. Like, I don't even know what it was for. And then when the TED Talk opportunity came around, I was like, yeah, actually, I do have a talk for that. And it was just like, bang, bang, bang seven days later on the stage. Yeah, it was wild

Joelly Goodson : 21:34

easing. And I heard and I watched it, by the way on YouTube, and it was excellent kudos to that. So would you have any advice? I mean, the way it happened to you seemed like it was very serendipitous. If someone wanted to become a TED talker, what advice would you

Lavender Morantz: 21:46

give, so I actually I get asked that often, most recently, like, Oh, we got to have calls all the time with people interested in the process. And interested in my experience, I think getting really clear on your area of expertise, or like a specific idea. There's also a really great ebook called Talk like Ted. And it kind of gives you the framework of the magic formula that works for something like a TED talk. I think it's just great to read and to get into that stuff. Anyway, I think getting clear on your area of expertise, I watch a bunch of TED Talks. It depends on kind of what your style what your creative style is, though, too, right? Because for me, like, for example, when I was reading my books, I actually didn't look at any other material because they didn't want it to influence mine. But I mean, it helps with something like a TED talk, where there is a formula to kind of get acquainted with the ones that are the most highly viewed there's one called grit that I absolutely love. I highly recommend watching that one podcast called Grit as well. Yeah, I mean, it might be the same. I'm not sure. Okay. It's very powerful TED Talk. It was like 11 minutes. 12 minutes, I think. And, yeah, she was incredible. But yeah, I mean, I think just having like a really unique and connection worthy topic, I think helps, too.

Joelly Goodson : 22:58

Yeah. And be yourself. You know, I think the best. The best TED Talks that I've seen are when people are really themselves and I seen somewhere you can tell it's, it seems like an act, right? It's like they're up on stage. And yeah, so

Unknown: 23:11

yeah, but I think that's taken you might as well be you. Right, exactly.

Joelly Goodson : 23:15

And I think that's probably true. You know, for everything, just be yourself is the best advice. So I we talk a lot about or I've talked a lot about badass. And you know, I call myself the branding badass. And when I think about badass is because people ask me like, so what's about us? Why do you consider yourself a badass to me, when I think of a badass, I always say, You know what, someone who's come across adversity and who gets knocked down over and over and over and over and over again, but always seems to manage to get back up and, and isn't entitled, and really is self starter and self made and doesn't rely on anybody except themselves to get what they want out of life, right? If you want something. So you, my darling are a badass when I think about us knowing what I know, all the things that you've experienced, since I've known you, you're so resilient, and you always seem to come up better than before. And I think, you know, you talk about your cancer, and then you've had other health scares, and, you know, divorce and breakups and things in your life not to make a crier. Buddy, I mean, it's made you better, stronger version of yourself, I think because of that. So I'm curious to know, where do you get your resiliency from? Yeah,

Lavender Morantz: 24:21

well, that's a huge compliment. So thank you. But yeah, it's wild to look back at like the battlefield that came before here. I think I do inherently have a generally positive mindset and outlook on life. And in my heart, I believe that it's supposed to be good. And if it's not good, then you're not kind of there yet. And that's okay. And it's not always going to be good. Like, I feel like, you know, that was the whole purpose of my TED talk is that the struggle and the times when it's not good and not perfect. Those are the things that build you. It's not when it's easy, like, anybody can do it when it's easy, right? Yeah. You know, can you handle that polarity? And that duality that life is gonna throw at you. Because some of the best times in my life have also been some of the most difficult times in my life, you know? Sure, it can be and both

Joelly Goodson : 25:09

have you always been resilient? Like even as a kid or was that something? Yeah. Yeah.

Lavender Morantz: 25:15

I'm a Leo. So like, I think I came out fighting.

Joelly Goodson : 25:18

Oh, yeah. Do you? So do you consider yourself an optimist?

Lavender Morantz: 25:22

Definitely. And an opportunist? I think, too, because I feel like opportunity is all of your preparation meeting that perfect timing. So like, I think I'm both for sure. Well, there's

Joelly Goodson : 25:32

a famous saying, you know, the harder I work, the luckier I am. Isn't that right? Yeah. So I know, but I mean, I absolutely agree with that. I heard somebody interviewed recently, and I can't think of who it was. But she said this quote, which I thought was so interesting, and they asked her about being an optimist, and she said, I choose to be an optimist, because it just makes life better. 100%. And I just thought, yeah, that's totally me too. You know? Absolutely.

Lavender Morantz: 25:57

You totally are, you're just like always, like sparkly, shiny, happy.

Joelly Goodson : 26:00

But like you, you know, full disclosure here, I sit with my therapist sometimes. And we go through all my stresses, and I'm, like, bawling my eyes out. And she, you know, it's worst, the worst thing someone can say to you is like, wow, how do you do it? And they, you know, they do and then you like, and then you start thinking, you start crying? And then But then I sort of laugh? And I'm like, Yeah, but I'll say something positive. I'm like, Yeah, but you know what, I got so many good things. And I tried to really focus on that Glenn. And

Lavender Morantz: 26:27

Doyle said to him, we're human, we're meant to do hard things, you were built to do hard things. Yeah, you know, and also, it can be easy to and I feel like sometimes we make things harder for ourselves, you know, our subconscious crap gets in the way our trauma gets in the way. We've got habits and cycles that don't serve us. And I think part of lightening that load in therapy helps all those things help is to look at the way that we get in our own way and and make it more difficult so that you don't have to continue to do that.

Joelly Goodson : 26:56

Yeah. Oh, I totally agree so much. Okay, so Wow, I feel like we could just like grab a glass of wine and keep going. But I want I want to talk is called branding matters. So I do want to talk a little bit about branding. You know, it's interesting, I was thinking about when I invited you to come on, because when I look at everything that you've done, and all the different things, I was thinking about lifestyle brands, and so I looked up in Wikipedia what lifestyle brand means and aleist. And I'm going to this is a quote, a lifestyle brand is a brand that attempts to embody the values, aspirations, interests, attitudes, or opinions of a group of a culture for marketing purposes. lifestyle brands, seek to inspire, guide and motivate people with the goal of making their products contribute to the definition of the consumers way of life. Sounds familiar? Yes, it? Would you consider yourself a lifestyle brand?

Lavender Morantz: 27:47

Yes, is the short answer. But I think, ultimately, no matter what you're selling, what your business is, what the product or services, what people are really buying is you. So even from a young age, it's like, you're a kid, you want a bicycle, you have to sell your parents on why you deserve that bicycle. So I feel like everyone is essentially a lifestyle brand, some intentionally, some not. But the people who really truly do it well and embody it do exactly that they are walking their talk, they're leading with integrity, both to self and outwardly, they are who they say they are, and the things they offer are that tip,

Joelly Goodson : 28:27

right. But I guess a lifestyle brand versus a product brand. Whereas you know, when you because you also sell products, right? So and I think a lot of lifestyle brands. So when I think of lifestyle brands, I mean, I think of like Jillian Harris or Gwyneth Paltrow, right? I mean, they're, and you hear that term a lot these days, like, oh, they have a lifestyle brand. And they do sell products, but everything like because you have you know, you have your books, and you have your products and you have your coaching and you have your TED Talks. And you know, you have all the things that you do, but it's all under the same umbrella. Together, right? Yeah, exactly under that same theme. So for someone out there who is listening, and they might be struggling trying to create a lifestyle brand or who has a lifestyle brand, but really isn't figuring it out. What advice would you have for them? Yeah, I

Lavender Morantz: 29:14

mean, I think that the two biggest components are is it aligned with your values, I believe very deeply in the energetics of business, there is a frequency that you and your product and or service is operating at that is going to attract to it someone or something at the same frequency. So if you are not getting the type of client or job or income or whatever, whatever is not aligned, something's blocking you you're feeling stuck. I would come back to your frequency and your energy and where are you at because we can only attract where we are. So for example, with a lifestyle brand, maybe some of the things you're offering are because you felt like you needed the money but it's not truly aligned with who you are and what you believe in or maybe you are scraping the bottom of the barrel trying to convince clients to work with you, but they're not your ideal client, people are gonna feel that energy, you know, whether you say it out loud or not, it's like, Have you ever posted on social media and you're just in like, the shittiest mood on the plan, and you're like, Well, I'm gonna post because I have to post, I'm just gonna get this out here because I thought it was gonna do and I'm gonna do it, blah, blah, blah, and you post and it's like crickets. But then there's this time that you post something on social media. And it's like, You are fired up you are feeling it, you are like, totally in like the best vibe ever. Like I have goosebumps even saying it because I know what it feels like. And then all of a sudden, it's like, it wasn't even anything special. But it was like, everybody's paying attention and liking and commenting and sharing. That is the difference with energy when you're aligned when you're not aligned. And so the same shit happens in your business. By building connection. You're also building trust, and a high integrity person brand lifestyle brand, will use that in a positive way to help their people. Right?

Joelly Goodson : 31:03

Yeah, that's what branding is all about is connection. In a nutshell. That's really what it is. So and what you said earlier about when people you know, when you share the same values that you make connections, and they're gonna want to do business with you. And not only that, but they're going to be your biggest brand advocates and tell everybody else do business. The best. Exactly, right. Yeah. No, I love that. Okay, so let's talk about your best selling books. First of all, seriously, congratulations. So you talked a little bit about the books have been inside you for so long. But really what and you said the pandemic was sort of the impetus for you writing them, but why are you to really go in and why three books?

Lavender Morantz: 31:40

Yeah. So the first book is I am and it's a collection of affirmation. This was the one that was like, on my heart, basically, since I had Winslow, my oldest daughter, who's almost 12. Now, so that one was the real like, push to, like, get it done. And when I started to see the damage that the pandemic was having on mental health for everyone, but specifically our kids, I was like, Okay, no, this is the time for these books. Because if we can help our kids set a really solid foundation for their own mind body soul connection, then they are going to have that foundation to fall back on for the rest of their lives, they're going to have a great connection to self. So like consciousness, for example, is your connection to your inner and outer world. And so then the other two books just kind of happened. The second one is today, I ate the rainbow. And this is around nutrition. This is like my whole life's work is around, you know, wellness. So just promoting healthy eating and choices for kids. And then the third one is feel better my love. And this is about big feelings and little bodies. And I started with the first two books. And while they were in production, I was like, hang on a second, I have a third one. And so my publisher was just like, we're gonna make it a set. And it makes sense because it's Mind Body Soul. So there was that element that was kind of missing. And again, just like the TED talk, it came to me and just a download and I was like, Okay, we're doing

Joelly Goodson : 33:02

it just can you tell a little bit about I am? What's it about?

Lavender Morantz: 33:05

Yeah, so I am is affirmations like, I am brave. I am strong. I did. I also did all the illustrations. So there really

Unknown: 33:13

isn't anything you can't do, by the way, like seriously.

Joelly Goodson : 33:18

No one, you really do the illustrations? Did you learn how to do that I've always your spare time, always painted

Lavender Morantz: 33:25

and I took Fine Art growing up and I just I hadn't been using it and the biggest nudge from inside me I have gotten through like my coaching and my mentors and stuff that the number one thing that kept screaming inside my head was paint with a capital capital exclamation mark bold, underlined, italics, like paints, you need to paint. And I just, I was overthinking it, and I couldn't figure out you know how to do it do I rent out a studio and do these big blah, blah, blah. And it just actually came together really naturally with the books. They're all watercolor paintings. And so I am is a collection of affirmations with a little watercolor feature for each one. And it's it's really to just instill self worth and our kids and their value like the power of the subconscious mind is huge and repeating something especially in your own voice is very, very powerful to your internal dialogue. And I don't know if you know this but between the ages of zero and seven is when our subconscious mind is fully programmed and our kids don't know how to reject something as not true in that time so they're accepting everything is true. So if we have the ability there's

Joelly Goodson : 34:30

still some adults by the way that do the same

Unknown: 34:34

right I believe it I believe

Lavender Morantz: 34:36

so I just think it's a very these are these books were made to be a very powerful tool in helping to positively program their subconscious mind with healthy beliefs, healthy habits, healthy perception of self and the ability to talk through big feelings as well instead of you know, they become part of our somatic than psychic body like literally our physical body if we aren't a able to move them through emotion is literally energy in motion. It's supposed to move through and not get stuck. Yeah. And so those three things together, I think are a very powerful way to teach her kiddos that.

Joelly Goodson : 35:13

Yeah, absolutely. What's the age range for these for this book? I wanted to I want to go into other ones. But first Yeah, age range. Yeah.

Lavender Morantz: 35:18

So they're good for anybody, essentially. But I think that the the most powerful time is between zero to I'd say, even up to 10. Zero at a time.

Joelly Goodson : 35:28

Okay. The reason I asked is because do you encourage parents to read them to their children and then have discussions? Or do you? Is it more for kids to, I guess, the older kids to read on their own? What would you recommend?

Lavender Morantz: 35:38

Yeah, they can. I do feel like it's a really great and simple tool for families to use together. So like my girls, like, it's pretty cool to be reading our own books. But my girls want to read them a bedtime every night together. And you know, we talk about them and like, something in their day will have happened or it's like something resonates even more deeply than but like, the messages get through. It's really cool to see what sticks and what lands and how they take it and process it. And then you can have a bigger conversation about it.

Joelly Goodson : 36:05

Yeah. I love that. Does Winslow read to your younger daughter? What's your younger daughter's name? Berkeley Berkeley? Does she read to Berkeley?

Lavender Morantz: 36:11

Yeah, she does. A lot very cute together. Yeah.

Joelly Goodson : 36:16

No, you don't want to take my boys to they're actually best friends. And it's great to see. But there was a stage where they used to like, kill each other. So yeah. Okay, so the next book.

Unknown: 36:27

The bickering is real.

Joelly Goodson : 36:28

Yeah. So the next one is called the day I ate the rainbow. Okay. And so tell us a bit about that.

Lavender Morantz: 36:35

Yeah. And it's just a collection of healthy fruits and veggies and just encouraging kids to really pay attention to how they're fueling their body and to purposefully choose like a spectrum of color, because there's different benefits to each color in the rainbow when they're consuming stuff. So I kept it strictly just plants, not because I encourage a plant based diet, but just because it's stuff that kids would recognize easily. And then you know, there's prompts like, you know, what did you eat today? That's a part of the rainbow.

Unknown: 37:01

I love that. No, I

Joelly Goodson : 37:02

used to say to my kids, when they were I wish we had these books when my kids were little, because I used to say to my kids all the time when they were really, really little. And because I'm very much into health as well, right? I used to say, you know, the more colorful, the more colorful your plate, the better. Now, of course, I'm not talking about Froot Loops and things. Just, you know, and I would show them I'm like, you see that plate. It's all golden. There's no color there. That's because it's fried. And it's not healthy. And I would try to educate them. Right. So you'd have all nutrients. Yeah, right. So I 100% love that. Because it's so true. You know, if you see like greens and oranges and different colors on your plate, chances are it's really healthy. Yeah.

Lavender Morantz: 37:39

And we talk about that stuff a lot in my house. But what I realized, especially with like, just some of the stuff I post on Instagram, is that not all households have those conversations. So again, a really easy tool in that conversation doesn't have to be complicated.

Joelly Goodson : 37:52

Yeah, I love that. And then the third one, yeah, the third one

Lavender Morantz: 37:55

is called feel better my love's, and it's being able to have conversations about big feelings, and little bodies. And you know, I'm seeing it a lot with my seven year old Berkeley, where they're processing big stuff, and they don't always know how to have the conversation. And sometimes they feel like it's not okay to not be okay. So this book was really to encourage that wherever you are, whether it's good, bad, or ugly, or somewhere in between, that it's totally okay to feel that way. And I'm here to support you, and really just allowing them to sit with their feeling and not try to rush it or push it away and just allow it.

Joelly Goodson : 38:33

Yeah. You know, kids have been so affected by what's been going on. I mean, we all have, but you're absolutely right. I mean, you know, suicide, teen suicide is up on the app I have. I have a friend of mine, who is a adolescent pediatrician, and she specialized in eating disorders, and they've gone through the roof and kids have just this has affected them. It's such a negative way. As far as emotions go, do you think with the third book, and you talk about the fields and everything? Do you think that that's the biggest struggle right now for kids? Because they don't know how to express like their fears and everything that's just happened in the last three years?

Lavender Morantz: 39:11

Yeah, I mean, I think that that's a very meaningful question, because I feel like as adults, even adults have struggled over the last three years with being disconnected being isolated, being shamed and guilted. Being You know, manipulated and coerced and pushed around or whatever, whatever the case may be. Schools are open, schools are closed. We're wearing masks today. Now we're not wearing masks, whatever it is, it's just been an absolute gong show, but especially kids and I love that you honed in on that. As a mom, I like obviously, our kids don't have the same processing tools that we do as adults to know what to do with that. Like this is a Never before happened. life event that's going to obviously go down in history. And yes, people are like, Oh, well, kids are resilient and kids are that. But guess what, this is causing lifelong trauma for our children. Yeah. And so to be able to have those conversations in the home and To save space in a supportive environment, where they can actually talk about what that feels like for them, I think is an incredible way to be able to just help them move through process and understand on some level, at least, what is going on and what they can do with that, for what feels right for them to write and to be able to ask for what they need as well, it gives, it just opens that door. After having that conversation. I think that's so important for them. Because, you know, there's environments like school or friend groups where they couldn't have those conversations.

Joelly Goodson : 40:32

And kids, don't you know what kids don't even know what I mean, parents, adults don't even know sometimes what they're feeling, but kids don't know what they're feeling. So they might, you know, they might have this feeling inside. And they don't even know how to articulate what it is they're feeling, whether it's fear, or anxiousness or anything else. And so I think what you said about that's why I love that you did these books, because it gets the conversation going, and it gives them permission and maybe gives the adult you know, an opportunity to probe a little bit and help them figure out what those emotions are.

Lavender Morantz: 41:00

Exactly. That's exactly what they're meant to do. And like, they're very simple, and like cute and pretty. But the idea is, it's supposed to be a simple tool, because why make stuff more difficult than it needs to be like, come on? Yeah.

Joelly Goodson : 41:14

No, for sure. Absolutely. You know, it's funny, when I became Mom, it's hard to believe my son is going to be 19 Soon, but back in the day, one of my Yeah, I know, it's crazy. One of my goals, honestly, was I really wanted to have confident kids, because I felt that when a child is confident, they will not give into peer pressure, they will be able to stand up to things that they don't believe in, and it carries through all the way into adulthood. Right? So I was like, how do you how do you foster confidence in children? Right? And that was so I was on this sort of mission to figure that out with this book. I mean, I'm curious to know, do you equate conscious kid with being a confident kid

Lavender Morantz: 41:53

100%. And I feel like being a conscious kid or a conscious parent, a conscious person, it's really being plugged into your isness it's what makes you you, it's you know, your soul and connection to both your inner world and your outer world. And I feel like the more our kids are plugged into, who they truly are, not who we want them to be not who society says they should be, who they truly, truly are. And the more they feel supported in that conversation and that knowingness and that relationship, the more confident they will be in their outside world forever and ever and ever. And so that's what I mean, when I say, giving them that foundation. It's it's the foundation of being loved, accepted, cherished and worthy for exactly who you are, regardless of what that means to someone else.

Joelly Goodson : 42:41

Yeah, for sure. And also making the right choices. I say to my kids a lot. And again, I've said this, since they were toddlers, and even today is that soon as you leave the door, so as you leave the front door, I'm not there, right? I have no idea what you're doing. So I can tell you, like, don't do this, don't do this, don't do this. And don't do it. No, it's true. But I you know, if they were here, right now, they tell you what I would say to them, my role is your parent, is to educate you teach you be there for you. So you make the right choices. Right. And, and, and it's an internal thing. So they can go out into the world and see something that they know isn't right, or whatever else or their friend group. And they know because they're confident and what they believe that they won't fall into that. So it's making those choices,

Lavender Morantz: 43:23

and they have an internal compass to do that with themselves. Yeah, and to have the confidence that they're going to be able to handle those situations, because we don't have control over whether there's going to be another pandemic or not, or what the world is throwing at us. The point is, do they have a stable foundation of self of self integrity and of how to operate in the world around them? That they feel comfortable? In any situation? Ideally? Yeah. And confident in themselves? Exactly. And I mean, you know, there's a difference between boundaries and stifling who your child is meant to be. And I think boundaries are healthy. And you know, I talked to my seven year old, we have a saying in our house that all emotions are welcomed, but all behaviors are not exactly we have to have some boundaries. And, you know, they also know that, you know, mom's rules are mom's views and boundaries are there to protect them. And then when they're an adult, they'll be able to have and create their own as well based on their beliefs and what they think is right, but ideally, we're setting the foundation that they have a confident entryway into those situations. Yeah,

Joelly Goodson : 44:24

for sure. And to go full circle you mentioned I think at the beginning when we were talking about lifestyle brand and personal brands, and I talk a lot about personal branding, and I have people on here and you know we share about personal brands and what it means and I think I said this You I think your personal brand starts in childhood, right? And I think it's it's everything that from when you're born, all the things that we just talked about, you're developing your personal brand to take you forward to when you're an adult and to business and everything else. At the end of the day. These kids are our future leaders. These are our future like CEOs and CMOs and founders. and everything else, right, this is the future generation. So that's why I brought you on because it starts a childhood.

Lavender Morantz: 45:06

Yeah, I mean, I would equate their personal brand with whatever their inner truth is, and whether they choose to use that for business or for branding or not, they're going to be very well equipped in the world as the result. So I think sometimes we impose our will on our kids unknowingly. By wanting, you know, obviously, we want the best for them. But I think it's the more plugged in they are to who they really are. And the more encouraged and supported they feel in that space. And like really embodying that without fear of being shamed, or guilted, or course corrected, if it's true to them. And like our job is a supporting role, right? Then the more plugged in, they're going to be to what makes them tick, what value they have in the world, in the workplace, in relationships and connection to others and humanity as a leader. And so leadership starts with us. So the more we are able to connect with who we truly are, and to embody that whether it's in business or leadership is even in the home, you know, where do they learn how to eat and what foods to fuel their body with it starts at home, all of it starts at home. So yeah, I definitely agree that that includes the potential for personal brand and for what they choose to do with their magical talents. Yeah, I

Joelly Goodson : 46:20

love that you, you said that so eloquently, we all do the best we can. And I don't know about you, but there's days where I feel like I'm failing miserably at being a parent and, and I'm not doing anything, right. And when my son, you know, they reach certain ages. And so I think it's also giving yourself grace. And I think as parents, we we want to do the best that we can and if we have tools and things like your book to help us but I also think it's important to like, give yourself grace. And it's okay, if we fail. And we mess up. Sometimes when I was really going through a lot in my life. And I was trying to juggle everything. I was really on edge. And I felt sometimes I took it out on my kids. And that was really hard. And so I think it's important, you know this another lesson, I had to apologize to my kids and say, Look, I'm really sorry, you know, I shouldn't have yelled at you like that that was wrong. Because I want them to be able to own their shit and apologize when they mess up. Because we're like you said earlier, we're humans and we make mistakes.

Lavender Morantz: 47:16

And that's exactly the point is the point is not perfection. I don't any at any point advocate for perfection at all. Life is messy. People are messy. We mess up. Our kids don't need a perfect parent, they need a real one because it gives them permission to be real, too. And I love how you just said, you know, you messed up and you owned it. I think it's more important for our kids to see us mess up and take responsibility for it. And apologize, acknowledge make it right, than to never see us mess up in the first place. Because that only teaches them that vicious perfection cycle, which is unrealistic. Yeah. Yeah. I love that. Yeah.

Joelly Goodson : 47:53

Wow. We've covered a lot today. And I say, you know, it's a really important conversation because of everything that's happened in the world today. So, you know, even though these are children's books, I think they're and I'm not surprised that they're Amazon bestsellers, because they are really important. And probably now more than ever. So before we go, I'm curious, like, what's next for lavender morass? Well, I'm

Lavender Morantz: 48:14

so glad Yeah. So I am going to be obviously continuing the journey with conscious kids. And I will be hosting a series of workshops and courses going forward, that can help parents, families, educators and caregivers support that consciousness journey and helping them better their relationship with their kids and their lives and also help raise conscious

Joelly Goodson : 48:35

kids. I love that. And is it going to be all online?

Lavender Morantz: 48:38

It will be online. Yeah.

Joelly Goodson : 48:39

Yeah. Amazing. Well, lavender is so great to see you and talk to you. And next time I'm in Toronto. I don't know when that's going to be but we need to catch up lunch.

Lavender Morantz: 48:49

100% we

Joelly Goodson : 48:51

overdo my day? No, it's so awesome seeing you. It's just like when we went for lunch. So if people want to learn more about you and what everything that you're doing, what's the best way for them to connect with

Lavender Morantz: 49:01

you all my social platforms are the same. It's at lavender Marantz and then I also have at lavender Marantz author for the books, and then my website is conscious. kids.ca That's great.

Joelly Goodson : 49:13

Well, this has been amazing. Thank you again, and we will definitely stay in touch. I hope and good luck with everything. Good luck with your book and with your webinars and all the other business ventures. I can't wait to see what you do next.

Lavender Morantz: 49:25

You're so sweet. It was so fun to be here with you. Thank you. Thank you.

Joelly Goodson : 49:28

Ah, you're very welcome. All right, we'll chat again soon. Okay. Okay. Bye, bye. And there you have it. Thank you so much for tuning in. I hope you enjoyed the conversation and maybe learned a few things to help you with your branding. This show is a work in progress. So please remember to rate and review on whatever platform you listen to podcasts. And if you'd like help creating brand awareness for your business, please reach out to me on any of the social platforms under you guessed it, Branding_Badass, I promise you I reply to all my messages. Branding Matters was produced, edited and hosted by Joelly Goodson also me. So thank you again and until next time, here's to all you badasses out there!