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Cristy Stewart-Harfmann is one of those women you instantly want to become friends with. Her personality is infectious. She's kind, caring and brilliant. Take it from yours truly, Cristy has shared some great business advice. A natural leader, she is the immediate past-President of the Junior League of Boca Raton, a community of 800 female volunteers. With all of her accomplishments, being mommy to her two sweet kids brings her the greatest joy. It's no wonder her popular blog is called Happy Family Blog, sharing her beautiful family with us all. Read on to learn more about Cristy and why she is so special, finding joy in everyday life. 

What is your favorite quote or life motto?

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” ― Fred Rogers.

My life motto is always find the good.  There is always good sometimes you just need to look harder. 

Please tell us more about what inspired you to become a blogger and launch Happy Family Blog. 

When my daughter, Bailey, was born I was working 100 hours a week at a career I absolutely loved.  I used to joke that I would give birth and come back to work the next day.  

Bailey arrived a month early and spent her first two weeks in the NICU.  That experience changed everything. I went back to work and I would leave often before Bailey was awake and get home to see her for only an hour or so before bed. I loved being with her and did not want to miss her grow up.  

I started Happy Family Blog as a way to balance being a mother and person who loves to work. Blogging gave me an opportunity to start a business where I could work from home and include Bailey. Everyday I get to show her what it is like to run a business you love.

What’s the best part about blogging and what do you hope to convey to your followers?

There are so many things I love about blogging.  Some of my favorites are that I get to inspire my followers to find joy in everyday things like simple recipes, family fun and travel.  I love the community we have created online with followers and also content creators.   

I love that I get to include family in my business. I pay Bailey to be a part of campaigns.  It has been wonderful to teach her financial responsibility. It is really interesting to see how quickly she changes her mind about wanting something when I ask if she has money to pay for it.  

How do you find the balance between blogging and motherhood?

I have decided that balance does not exist.  As a business owner, I have flexibility which means I can be a homeroom mom and take time off during the day. But, my kids know that sometimes that means I work at night or on the weekends. People see the fun side of the business like the trips and brand partnerships. What they don’t see is the less glamorous side of pitching, constantly learning new things, testing out new strategies, figuring out partnerships, reviewing contracts, sending invoices, etc. 

My husband, Kurt Harfmann, is a real estate agent so he works for himself as well. His flexibility and desire to be hands-on with our kids has been my greatest blessing for business and motherhood.  He really helps me to feel less mommy guilt. 

To date, what would you consider your greatest accomplishment? 

Personally, the family that we have created brings me my greatest joy. I think that we can make the biggest impact in the world by teaching our kids to be kind and giving.   

I am also so proud to be a Past President of the Junior League of Boca Raton.  Being the president was a goal I set for myself almost 20 years ago. Almost all the women who I admire the most in the community were past Presidents. I am so honored to have been able to serve the community. 

Professionally, I am so proud of the business I have grown with Happy Family Blog. It is amazing that you can start a business with literally a computer and a phone. I have worked with hundreds of brands I love like Target, P&G, Disney, Dunkin’ and so many more.  

You are the immediate past President of the Junior League of Boca Raton which has 800 members. What was the best experience about being in that important leadership role?

It was such an honor to serve the community and our members as the President of Junior League. It was an incredible experience. I think the best way to feel connected in a community is to volunteer. I am inspired everyday by our members and the impact they are making in the community.  

The most unexpected part for me personally was my own personal growth.  Being a #PandemicPresident of a nonprofit organization was a challenge no one could prepare you for.  But, I think we grow the most in situations that make us uncomfortable. I learned just how important it is to surround yourself with a strong capable team. And since so much of our experience went virtual, Bailey got to see first hand the work that goes into running a nonprofit. She was a fly on the wall for board meetings and general membership meetings. I am so grateful for the experience for both of us.  

What is one fact that most wouldn’t know about you?

I traveled around the world on a ship in college as part of Semester at Sea. I highly recommend the program. 

What is the one piece of advice/lesson you hope to instill in your kids?

That failure is an important part of life.  We need to fail and fail fast so that we can learn and grow from it.  

Now let’s talk fashion! How would you describe your personal style? 

My style is athleisure and classic.  I love all things preppy. 

What’s your favorite brand(s) for your kids?

Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer.

Who’s your celebrity style crush?

I love Reese Witherspoon and her preppy style.

What’s your go-to outfit when you’re pressed for time?

Navy blue dress. I have too many to count. 

What’s your fashion or beauty indulgence?

ELEMIS products.  I especially love their Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. 

Seint makeup - it is a cream makeup where everything fits into one palette.  It has been a game changer for me as a busy mom and business owner. 

What’s your favorite shoe style?

Since I am 6ft tall and always wanted to be shorter, I live in sandals.

What is your dream travel destination?

Greece 

Which cocktail best describes your personality?

Pina Colada - I love to say yes and I am always ready to add in some extra fun to make a good memory. 

I know you’re fan of Disney… so, who’s your favorite Disney Character?

I love Minnie Mouse.  

If you could have dinner with three special guests, who would they be?

Mary Harriman Ramsey, the founder of Junior League (1901), a great great great grandparent and Ronald Reagan. 

Follow Cristy and her precious family on social media! 

Instagram: @HappyFamilyBlog

Facebook: @HappyFamilyBlog

Twitter: @HappyFamilyBlog

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinamba/

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