Carissa Votroubek
Votroubek owns and operates five Scooter’s Coffee locations in the Cedar Rapids metro.
Mom to: Karra, 6, and Kaydence, 3
Hometown: Cedar Rapids
Favorite ways to spend family time in IA: My girls really love all the beautiful parks we have in our area. So you can usually spot us at one of those, on the swings or monkey bars! We aren’t very good about “staying in” so we love checking out new restaurants, play places, movies and exhibits. My husband and I like to make sure the girls get to experience and do things we didn’t get to as kids. Trying to make sure they grow up diversified and well rounded.
Your most rewarding motherhood moment: I have a lot of special mommy moments, but I think the most amazing feeling has been every time I get to meet my kids for the first time. Nothing, absolutely nothing, beats that first sight of them. Seeing their features, watching them take their first breathes and even hearing the first cry. It was hard for me to understand how I could feel the same way after going through it once but only intensified with my second.
Biggest challenge as a mom: Time. Time is always the biggest enemy. Juggling all of our entrepreneurial endeavors, finding time for my husband, friends and family. Being constantly available for all the people in my life and making my kids the highest priority. Time is also the ultimate thief. I love watching my girls grow, but knowing our time together is limited, is always bittersweet.
A mother who inspires you and why: My best friend, Kayla Waller. I’ve always looked up to her for her maternal instinct. She’s patient, loving and always makes time for those in her life. She was always the “mom” in college and her role from then to now has only exploded with two boys of her own. I look to her for advice and reassurance when I’m not sure I’m making the right moves on my own. She’s a special mom and friend!
Best piece of advice for a new mom: Soak up every minute. It all goes by so fast. Don’t wish away any phase because they are all unique, challenging and lovely all at the same time.
Your biggest hope for your children: I want them to love life! I want them to do whatever brings them joy and leave everything else. Soak up every moment. Travel. Try new things. Find their individual passions and leave the world a better place then they found it.
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? We actually split our time between Arizona and Iowa. And this year we will be in Arizona for Mother’s Day. We usually love to go to brunch as a family, and then do something together. Being in Arizona for half of our time now, exploring our new city is always fun. I also live close to my mom and sister. So we have a fun spa day planned for all of us too.