Ok, here’s the deal. I’m not a mom, not even close to being a mom, BUT if I were a mom, I’d want to be a dope ass mom (aka Andrea Levoff). While I do have nephews and a niece, I can’t speak to being a mother, but I can see that, at times, it can be stressful and a lot of work (totally worth it, I know, but a lot of work). However, Andrea, 34, makes it look like SO. MUCH. FUN. This woman is HILARIOUS, and she honestly makes motherhood look pretty damn fantastic. She’s not only a writer, performer, comedian, and speaker, but most recently launched a web series aptly named Dope Ass Mom, and you guys, I promise, you’ll practically be peeing yourself laughing while watching. I was so excited to get to ask Andrea about her life, her kids, what inspires her, and so much more. Keep on reading…
What’s the backstory with Dope Ass Mom? How did it come about? P.S. Love the name Dope Ass Mom!
Dope Ass Mom was a process that evolved over time. I started doing stand up here in Chicago and talking about my kids and life to rooms full of 20 something dudes.. it just wasn’t my scene or really working with my schedule as a mom. I knew I loved to create and be funny but also had a deep desire to be of service. My hope is that Dope Ass Mom makes people laugh, and brings levity to a complicated thing such as a parenting.
Have you always enjoyed writing/creating/performing? If not, when did these become passions of yours and why/how?
I have always enjoyed writing, creating and performing but haven’t always given myself permission to do so. It was my dream as a child to be a comedian. I would watch Saturday Night Live and make up skits for my parents and friends. Then I ” grew up,” got a real job, and sort of stopped creating as much.
What inspires you?
What inspires me for my work is everyday life. I like taking the mundane and twisting it around, looking at it in a different way. I think inspiration is everywhere. I like to try new things and get out of my comfort zone. I am also inspired by anyone living life on their own terms and taking creative risks. Anyone who is authentic is super inspiring to me.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Most challenging?
The most rewarding part of my job is feeling the connection and community that naturally happens when we share a part of ourselves. The most challenging part for me is staying organized as I work from home; you know, I get distracted by all the things that need to be cleaned before I can create. Pushing past that resistance can be a challenge!
I’m all about not taking life too seriously, and it seems that’s a big part of your message – what advice would you give to someone (not just a new mom, but really anyone) as they start a new phase of life/new career/new anything?
Gosh that is one of my biggest messages, I think! In my opinion that is total freedom! My advice to someone starting out would be to listen to their inner wisdom and don’t be afraid to act on it. Motherhood, along with any new phase is life, is a perfect time for reinvention.. a great time for a rebirth! I think it’s easy to get tripped up during these times of change and upheaval and forget there are so many gifts in them.
Tell us about your kids (ages/interests/funniest things they’ve ever done).
My kids are 4 and 6. They are high energy freaks of nature. Anna (my 6 year old) favorite thing to do is humiliate me in public. She has never met a stranger and she will strike up conversation with anyone. Max is a little more reserved and currently has an obsession with mini coopers. I told him I would buy him one if he would use the potty. He might be the first four year old to have his own car.
What will we find in your web series? What’s it all about?
I think my web series is primarily for entertainment.. I guess there might be a ” tip” or two in there but any parent knows putting kids to bed can be a total horror show. It’s not so much about how to deal with the kids, but how to deal with yourself while you are going through this experience of parenting. I will cover potty training and how to keep your cool in future episodes.
You talk about how at one point you barely remembered who you were before you had your first baby – what steps did you take to get back to the person you once were? Are you that person again, just now with two little ones in tow?
Gosh, yes. Becoming a mother has been such a profound experience for me in many ways. Especially in the beginning, it’s all about the baby and meeting its needs. It’s so easy to give up self-care and get lost in the role of a mother. When my daughter turned one and I finally had some time to start focusing on myself again, it was hard to pinpoint who that person even was. So many things had changed, not in a bad way, but undeniably things were different. For me it was a process of remembering… a slow evolution of learning and growing and choosing to see my setbacks as opportunities.
What motto/quote do you always try to live by?
I am a quote-aholic so I will give you two of my faves!
” Live! Life’s a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!” a Rosalind Russell from one of my favorite movies, ” Auntie Mame”
” We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” T.S Eliot
Follow Andrea on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Thanks, Andrea!!