Mel and Ali
Our Birthing Story
Basically, we are long lost curly haired soul sisters, who didn't know how much we needed each other until we met! Rewind to a little over 4 years ago and our sons were lucky enough to be in the same Preschool class. It didn't take long for them to become best buds and after a few play dates, we knew we had been destined to meet and become friends.
Shortly after we began spending time together even when our kids weren't around. Doing all the things we loved together! Working out, brunch-ing, shopping, concerts, cleaning out each others closets, cooking and meal prep - you name it. This is how CbusMamatribe was born! We've always known that being a Mother is the best and most important job in the world. But it is also hard, and scary, and sometimes as a mom, you just feel alone. We were able to recognize early on that in order to survive this crazy ride, we had to make time for ourselves, and furthermore, NOT feel guilty about it. It can be a hard thing to do when being pulled in so many directions, when people need and want you all the time - but lets be real, it is imperative for our sanity!
We realized that there was a need, a want, a desire from moms just like us. Neighbors, parents from school or work , the gym, people in our community and city that maybe need just a little push sometimes to take that step for themselves. Our hope is to offer that platform! A place, a short moment in time, when we can forget about the to do list, the crazy drop off and pick up schedule, laundry, etc, where we can just be us and hold true to ourselves.
This Is Us...
Mel
Hi everyone! Mel here of Mel & Ali and Cbusmamatribe. Hard to top the amazing accomplishments that my dear friend has experienced in her life, I’ve never danced with Brittany Spears and certainly not an Olympian but I am ME and exactly where I need to be!
I am an Ohio girl, from a small town north of Cleveland on Lake Erie, that most people have only heard about due to the massive amounts of snow they receive each winter. In high school I lived in beautiful Tucson, Arizona and got to experience life in the Southwest. It’s still a very special place to me and I miss the mountain views and the desert every day.
I’ve lived in Columbus since I moved here for college (18 years ago) and have made a wonderful life here with my husband and our children. (Which btw...to my husband, your support and love to me, fuels me each and every day) I spent many years working in the hospitality and special event industry, and planned over 200 weddings for happy couples. It was a job that I loved and no day was the same! But it was a demanding job with lots of late nights and weekends. When our second son was born, it was time for my priorities to adjust and I took on the roll as a stay at home mom. A place I thought I would never be, but now one that I would never change. It’s hard! Some days I laugh and there are days that I have cried, but nothing can make me regret the “time” that I have raising my kids. I couldn’t have done this whole stay at home mom thing without the support of many other mamas in my corner (you know who you are)
Nowadays, when I’m not running kids around every which way, you’ll probably find me at my Crossfit gym or brunching with Ali. Starting our path with the Mamatribe has had a wonderful beginning - thank you for allowing us to share our journey with all of you!
Ali
I absolutely hate talking/writing about myself but Mel is making me (🤣🤣🤣 kidding) so here it goes...
I was born and raised in NYC and followed my dreams of performing to LA, then followed my heart and found my way to Columbus with my husband, Blaine. We are both former Olympians in gymnastics and now own Integrity Athletics.
I’m a professional dancer and have performed on broadway, film and tv and with various musical artists such as Britney Spears, Michael Jackson and Tony Bennett. Currently I enjoy teaching young dancers to tell a story through their movement and not just do the steps.
My life motto is “profitez de le vie” which means take advantage of life, live life to its fullest, and I try to do that no matter what! (I have it tattooed on my wrist as a constant reminder) I consider my biggest accomplishment my kids, they are everything to me. ❤
Everyone is always shocked that I went from NY to LA to Columbus and while it took me a while to find my tribe I absolutely love Columbus and the life long friends I’ve made here!!!
Photo Gallery
