We were lucky to catch up with Erin Waxenbaum And Alyson Jarvis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Erin Waxenbaum and Alyson Jarvis, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
We found our purpose through our children, specifically our daughters.
As mothers to highly sensitive girls, we were searching for simple, meaningful daily journals to support their emotional growth, but nothing on the market felt quite right. So, we created our own. That personal need quickly grew into something bigger.
Using our own experiences as highly sensitive individuals ourselves, and our backgrounds as educators, we realized we could help not just our children, but people of all ages. Prep and Reflect LLC became our way of guiding others to mindfully prepare for what’s ahead and reflect on what’s passed. What started as a tool for our girls became a calling that’s grounded in empathy, intention, and the desire to make mindful living accessible to all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In 2023, we had a simple but powerful idea: to create journals and planners that are both fun and functional, and designed for busy people who crave a slower, more intentional pace.
It all began with our search for a daily journal for our young children. We wanted something easy to use, meaningful, and age-appropriate. When we couldn’t find what we envisioned, we decided to make it ourselves.
As moms and former educators, we deeply value planning, reflection, and memory-keeping. We know how quickly time passes, and how important it is to preserve meaningful moments and build lasting traditions. Every journal and planner we create is rooted in this belief; whether it’s through guided reflection, meditation, thoughtful organization, or simply carving out time with loved ones, our products strive to find intention and mindfulness each day.
Erin: With degrees from Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, I’m a former classroom teacher turned stay-at-home mom to two young children. My background in education, parenting, and mental health battles shape everything I do. I’m passionate about whole-child development and creating tools that help people prepare intentionally and reflect meaningfully.
Alyson: I’m a mom of two, a former art teacher and travel coordinator, and currently a photographer. My creative eye and love for planning inspire me to find ways to bring order to the chaos while making space for meaningful, joy-filled moments.
Together, we founded Prep and Reflect LLC to help others live more mindfully, whether they’re capturing milestones, exploring hobbies, or simply slowing down. What started as one journal for our children has grown into a full collection for all ages, designed to support intentional living, connection, and calm.
We are always coming up with new journals and planners for everything from hobbies to daily planning, so be on the lookout on our website (prepandreflect.com) or on our social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest) for something new!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been especially impactful in building Prep and Reflect:
(1) Empathy, (2) adaptability, and (3) intentionality.
Empathy has been at the heart of everything we do. As highly sensitive individuals and former educators, we’ve always been tuned into the emotional needs of others, especially children. That empathy helped us design journals and planners that feel supportive and accessible, not overwhelming. For anyone just starting out, we’d say: Listen deeply. Tune in to what people actually need, not just what you think they need. Empathy sharpens your instincts and builds trust with your audience.
Adaptability has been just as critical. As moms balancing work, parenting, and everything in between, we’ve had to learn how to pivot quickly, manage our time wisely, and stay open to feedback. Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. If you can stay flexible and see challenges as opportunities to learn, you’ll keep growing. We’ve taken this approach into our journals and planners, too. We’ve made them adaptable so that everyone can enjoy them!
Finally, intentionality has shaped our brand and how we live our lives. From the products we create to how we spend our time, we’re always asking, “What really matters here?” Our advice: Be clear about your why. Let that guide your decisions, especially when you feel pulled in a million directions. Focused, purpose-driven action is more powerful than perfection.
These qualities didn’t all come naturally at once. They were developed through experience, reflection, and trial and error. The best way to grow them? Start small, stay curious, and give yourself the same grace you’d give someone you love.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Our success wouldn’t be possible without the people who have supported us from the very beginning. At the top of that list are our husbands. They’ve been our biggest cheerleaders; encouraging us to dream big, take bold steps, and keep going even when the road felt uncertain. But their support has gone beyond just cheering us on. They’ve also challenged us to grow, to think more strategically, push through fear and self-doubt, and show up as the best versions of ourselves, both at home and in business.
Their belief in us has been a steady source of strength, and their willingness to ask the hard questions or offer honest feedback has helped sharpen our vision and build our confidence. In many ways, they’ve helped us develop the resilience, focus, and leadership qualities that have been essential to building Prep and Reflect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://prepandreflect.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepandreflect/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prep-and-Reflect/61552843626957/
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/prep-and-reflect
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/PrepandReflect/
Image Credits
Alyson Jarvis
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
