May with her children Madalayna, Mayson, Layla and her husband
MAY HOURI
Owner, Baker and Sweet Table Stylist
I’m the owner and stylist at Petits Plaisirs Chocolata. I create sweet tables decorated to your specific theme and bake most of what I add to the table. I tapped into my passion while I was on mat leave with my son. I’ve always loved to bake but never really thought about opening a business. Since then, I’ve met wonderful women entrepreneurs with the same passion and drive.
I also style photo shoots, creating a portfolio of what I can do for my clients. I tend to use my kids in my photo shoots, and they absolutely love it! Their birthdays are 3 months apart, so this gives me different themes to work with. They also take part in the planning process. I have 3 beautiful kids, Layla who is 8, Madalayna, 6, and Mayson who will be 4 this summer. Thanks to my husband, their names are well thought out and have significant meanings to each. We’ll be celebrating our 10 year anniversary and we’ve grown as a couple, entrepreneurs and best of all parents!
Secrets of a WOWMOM
Patience for those kid moments, laughing at oneself for those stressful moments, wine for those relaxing times and good old cuddles for those run down moments. When you think you can’t do it, just one look at my little ones reminds me that yes, I can. And for them I will.
What inspires me
My kids inspire me to go that extra mile every day. My mom because she loves me unconditionally and my siblings for always thinking the moon and stars of what I can do.
My sanity saviour (tips & time savers)
I read a lot. That helps me unwind. My coffee in the morning helps me start my day and a good talk with my mom at the end of the day keeps me in perspective. Being thankful everyday.
My best WOWMOM advice
Don’t worry too much about what opinions others may have about how you raise your kids. I co-slept with all my kids and I heard every negative comment under the sun. I didn’t care what they had to say because I was happy and most importantly my kids were happy.
My WOW moment
Of course the birth of my kids. All were three very different experiences, but all were beautiful.
My not-so WOW moment
When I have a last minute order that I have to bake and I’m missing out on a night on the couch with my kids.
Keeping it WOW (how not to lose yourself)
5 minutes of meditation when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Right before we go to sleep, my son and I listen to the ocean and “try” to meditate. But it always ends up with a million questions from him and a laughing fit from me. But I wouldn’t ask for anything more.
Favourite MOMent of the day
Our family has a saying, my oldest came up with it: before we’re off in the morning we tell each other “I like you, I love you, I miss you.”
Does balance exist?
I think it does. You just have to make sure you have your priorities straight, knowing who comes first and everything will fall into place. Sometimes it’s a little hectic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Well, maybe a cleaning lady once every couple of weeks 🙂
My guardian angel
My grandfather. He passed away a few years ago and I miss him everyday. I feel his presence with me. And I look to God, for strength, for peace and for advice.
The last time I laughed out loud
This past weekend when we celebrated my husband’s 40th. We were surrounded by family and friends.
Words Of Wisdom (Mom’s message to My Kids)
Always be good to your self and to others. Always help the less fortunate. Always do your best. Always be thankful for what you have. Don’t worry about what others think of you, only what you think matters. Your friends will be the ones that stick with you through thick and thin. Sometimes people are mean because they’re not happy with themselves. Always stand up for what you believe in. And never let someone tell you that your dreams are worthless, because anything is possible!
MY WOWMOM MUST-HAVES
Fave things, places and sanity savers for WOWMOMS!
1. Iphone: helps me stay organised and I’m able to respond to emails and phone calls in a timely fashion
2. Pinterest and Google: for the constant inspiration for my sweet tables and parties
3. Kitchenaid mixer: because of the sweetness it allows me to create
4. Romance Novels: allowing me to get away from real life for just a bit
5. Netflix: keeping my kids company when I need extra time baking
6. Sugar: for allowing me to create all that yummy goodness
7. Hyundai Santa Fe: for all the driving I do, this car is amazing!
8. HomeSense and Home Goods: for all the beautiful sweet table decor I find and the cake stands that I collect.
9. Can I also add my Chai Latte? I’m obsessed that I bought the syrup to be able to make it at home!
