Colbie Caillat, Triple Platinum Artist, and Mother Di

As told by Co-Founder, Bradi Nathan:

It’s amazing how children can remember the lyrics to a song but forget to brush their teeth in the morning. My kids can recite every line of the very popular song “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat. Its upbeat and happy melody has them singing along in the car and to their iPods.

I feel lucky to have met the 23-year-old, who resembles the lovely Jennifer Aniston, on several occasions. There is innocence about Colbie that makes her both likeable and adorable. She is gracious and kind and the type of daughter that any mom would be proud of.

I turned to her mother, “Di”, after a recent performance and saw her smile fill the room. She was beaming. The kind of “pat on your back” expression that says, “I must have done something right.” It was the same smile that emerged on my face after my son’s football game and my daughter’s dance recital. Di left her career in modeling after her children were born. She told me that she, like most of us, spent her years chauffeuring her girls to their activities. It was not until Colbie and her sister were established in school that she returned to work. In an exclusive interview with Butterfly, triple platinum artist Colbie Callait and her mother share their story:

Question for Di: Was it difficult to make the decision to leave your modeling career to become a stay-at-home-mom?

No... not at all. I had made the decision, before I started having children, that I wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom during the infant/toddler stage. I was lucky to have had the option. Some people don't have that freedom.

Questions for Colbie: How did you benefit from having your mom at home during your early childhood?

My mother has been the most amazing mom for my sister and me, along with our friends. She listens to every word we tell her, and gives us the best advice. She will drop anything she’s doing to help us, and will talk to us or listen to us when we need her to. She is always interested in what we have to say. Honestly, she’s my biggest fan because she puts my songs on repeat and saves everything I have ever made or done.

Growing up with someone who is always there for you, and loving you completely, is so important and what every child/person needs. My sister and I really lucked out having the mom we have and being raised the way we were.

Question for Di: At what point did you return to the workforce and in what capacity?

When Morgan (Colbie’s big sister) was three-yrs old I returned to modeling. But, I was able to have her with me at all times because I was working for my dear friend Tanya Ragir who is a sculptor. She worked for a mannequin manufacturer and she sculpted the figures in clay. I posed for her for 13 years.
By the time Morgan was in kindergarten I had Colbie and she was able to come to work with me too. By the time Colbie was in school I went into retail clothing and managed a boutique for ten years. Shortly after, my husband and I started our own production company.

Questions for Colbie: How did you feel when your mom went back to work?

I thought it was great because my sister and I were at school all day it was good for her to be doing something for herself. It was great when my parents started their company together. I found it comforting knowing they got to spend each day together while building something together.

Question for Di: How were you able to balance work and family?
I couldn't tell you exactly. Although, I think it has to do with respect, trust and taking it one day at a time.

Question for Colbie: What type of role model is your mother to you?
My mom taught me to respect people/things, and to be friendly and strong. Looking back at my childhood knowing how she raised my sister and me makes me want to work really hard so that I can take work off to have children. I want to raise them correctly because those are the most important years. My parents did such a great job at loving us. They let us know that every day.

Question for Di: How did you and your family benefit from returning to work?

It helped to get out of the house and do something creative. And, the extra money doesn't hurt either.

Questions for Colbie: What is the biggest life lesson that your mother has taught you?

She taught me to be loving, friendly and kind to others. It benefits everyone.

Question for Di: What type of mother do you think Colbie might one day be?

I think she will be a fabulous mother someday. She is one of the kindest people I know and her kids will surely benefit from her singing abilities when it comes time for a "bedtime lullaby."

Question for Colbie: How do you see your singing career fitting into a family of your own some day?

I see myself being a singer for many years. When it’s time to settle down, I will have kids, and work from home as a songwriter. Being a mother will become my passion and full time job. But, that will be many years from now.

Question for Di: How did you balance your career with Colbie’s emerging career?

Her dad and I work closely with her so it doesn't take any balancing at all.

Question for Colbie: Who has inspired you on your journey as an artist?

So many to list; My family, my friends, my dogs, my life, living in southern California and Kauai, my emotions, my dad, my producer, mikal blue, my friend Jason Reeves, Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Fleetwood Mac, John Mayer, and The Weepies.

Question for Both:

Do you have any additional thoughts or words of advice for the mothers and daughters who are looking to return to work and trying to balance it all?

Di: I think it's important to trust your kids and let them have enough freedom so as not to rebel... but, enough guidance so as not to get hurt.

COLBIE: I agree. My parents gave me freedom and space, but also guidance and discipline which are a great combination. I would try not to do things wrong for them, not because I would get into trouble, but because I would hate to disappoint them.