BALANCING WORK LIFE & MOM LIFE WITH CHRISTINE LEBLANC
We caught up with Christine Leblanc from LIFE&COLOUR about movement, and balancing work life with being a new mom.
Christine! The whole team at A La Ligne knows that our founder Katie is obsessed with the work you do. For those in our audience that have never met you, where can they find your company here in Vancouver?
CF: I’m the co founder and creative director of LIFE&COLOUR salon in Chinatown; in particular Hogans Alley right here in downtown Vancouver.
On top of being an amazing entrepreneur we also know that you just celebrated your 2nd Mother's Day! How has becoming a mom changed your outlook on life?
CF: It’s been a big transformation. I still have ideas and drive to continue to be entrepreneurial but i just don’t quite have time on my side. It’s been challenging for me to slow down, and be present.
I’m literally stepping back behind the chair and working on shoots this week. I’d be lying if I said I don’t have a lot of anxiety around juggling it all. But I honestly can not explain how much I love my son Lion. No words.
Prior to pregnancy you were doing 1-1 Pilates sessions with Katie. Can you tell us how developing this practice affected your experience in pregnancy?
CF: My experience carrying a baby was pretty amazing. I was able to continue movement with Katie all the way up to 2 weeks before my due date. She helped pin point some weaknesses so those aches and pain were much more manageable. Also helped me relax into things , release the grip a bit.
What were some of the benefits you noticed in your 4th trimester having been consistent with your Pilates training?
CF: Honestly my labour was so empowering. I truly felt so connected to my body and knew where to send all my breath. Both my healing and recovery were fairly fast, Katie made me wait the full 6 weeks to see her but I felt ready for gentle movement around 4 weeks!
Do you have any advice for newly pregnant individuals about creating a movement program as they lead into this experience?
CF: I’m such an advocate of this connected practice. I can not say enough amazing things.
It was incredibly valuable to have nurturing movement to help harness my body in both states of power and ease. Katie guided me trust my body, and breathe (I forget to do that sometimes).
Who would play you in a movie?
Cate Blanchett (Oscar please)
Guilty Netflix pleasure?
Love is Blind
A hobby that you would low-key love to do for a living?
Paint
If you could eat one meal forever what would it be?
Pasta
Something you are thankful for?
Spring/new life!