xoNecole's Moms Who Inspire series highlights modern-day moms mastering all the tasks on their plate, from day to day responsibilities to ensuring their children are kind, educated and well-rounded human beings. Each mother describes their inspiration, their health and wellness routine, and how they maintain their sense of selves while being the superwoman we all know and love.
<p>"I never really ate bad before becoming a mom, but motherhood made me more cautious about what I was putting in my body and what I was feeding my son."</p><p>26-year-old boutique owner <a href="https://www.instagram.com/torydene/" target="_blank">Tory Dene</a> is often surrounded by men. By day, she is a custom clothier in men's suits and by night, she tends to her son, 20-month-old Asher. But don't be fooled, Tory was taught by her mother to be a woman who rules her household. "My mother taught me to eat clean. We didn't eat a lot of fast food growing up, and my mom works out religiously to this day. So, I just followed in her footsteps. She's 50 and looks amazing!"</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODc2NDcwOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNDEyNTQ3MX0.Ic3kCfkBtc-NFWPAMAVfFCOq4T02JtywkP1PKbUQqpc/img.jpg?width=980" id="092b6" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="94d9c0cc84bb9a8cd3f1167a977eda0c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Tory Dene/Instagram</small></p><p>Tory may also co-own the Atlanta women's boutique <a href="https://www.shop-fetch.com/" target="_blank">Shop Fetch</a>, but whenever she has time, Tory and Asher are usually outdoors living an active lifestyle. Even as a toddler, Asher already enjoys basketball with his mom and Tory plans to teach him some of the sports she played as a child, including soccer and softball.</p><p>Below Tory shares how careful planning and organization allow her to have relaxed mornings, work more productively, and keep an overall healthy lifestyle.</p>
<p class=""><em>To keep up with Tory and Asher, follow her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/torydene/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</em></p>
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Tory Dene/Instagram
On what motherhood means to her:
<p>"Being a mother wasn't planned. But when I found out I was going to be a mom, I instantly fell in love with my baby. Motherhood is not pretty at all. I don't get any privacy, I don't get much rest, and most of my days are filled with, 'Stop, don't do that'… but I wouldn't change a thing. He makes me want to be better and he keeps me on my toes."</p>On how her mother inspired her fitness routine:
<p>"My mom is my fitness inspiration. She doesn't eat any fried foods or sweets and she works out religiously. She raised my sister and me on home-cooked meals. We didn't eat out much, but when we did it was quality meals. I also love the fact that she's not only healthy physically, but also healthy mentally. My mom meditates every morning."</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODc2NDczMC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NDM3NjAwMH0.3aKxM3T_t41wZvAtHOiB4LwYS7PCt7Bpktg1DqL9fwE/img.jpg?width=980" id="f4020" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="05e96030a1c074103c9ddd5582fd9e04" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Tory Dene/Instagram
On what a typical day looks like:
<p>"Because I make sure everything I need is prepared the night before, my mornings are pretty relaxed. After I pick my son up from school, I spend time with him inside practicing the alphabet or outside playing basketball. When we come inside for the evening, I go back to working until I fall asleep."</p>On how her son changed her wellness routine:
<p>"I take my son outside every day so he can maintain an active lifestyle, and when I workout at home he'll try and mock what I do. It's the cutest thing! He loves basketball so much. We have a little hoop at the house so his dad and I can play with him inside to keep him constantly active."</p>On preserving the characteristics of the woman she was before becoming a mother:
<p>"I'm a mother, but I still like to get out and enjoy my social life. I like to plan my work and social life so I don't give one aspect too much or too little time. I'm still young and I like to hang out with my girls and my man from time to time."</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODc2NDcxMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNTIyNTIxMX0.4ANh8DGvPnERPjddD6irRIsPON4wUSVr3L8m7V4L51k/img.jpg?width=980" id="d0236" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e530a6bbb7cafe7444c2ad726a3f6478" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Tory Dene/Instagram
On practicing self-care:
<p>"As with most mothers, I try to get a decent amount of rest (and that rarely happens). I like spending time with others, but it's also important for me to have my alone time to just unwind and 'get to know me' again. I work out about four times a week and maintain a decent diet. I'm human so I do have my cheat days… I love wings!"</p>On the greatest lesson motherhood has taught her:
<p>"Before becoming a mom I wasn't patient, and then I became the mother of a stubborn son. Needless to say, my son is now teaching me patience. I also tend to panic, and having a toddler doesn't ease the feeling. Just like other toddlers, Asher gets into everything!"</p>
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