Kim Bowman has a full plate and wears many hats each day. Between working as a hairstylist throughout the week and spending her evenings making plans for the Bella Bowman Foundation, the nonprofit she co-founded, Kim successfully navigates through her days with her family at her side and, of course, her monthly planner in her hand. However, despite the various tasks each day presents, Kim always makes sure to put her family first. Kim has a special way of inspiring those around her to pay it forward, and in everything she does, her kind and giving heart always shines through.
Tell me about your children.
K: Bella was very special and different. She was kind and loving, and she was always the one to steal your heart. She passed away when she was eight, she would be 15 now. Baylor is very funny and loving. She enjoys playing with friends, cheering, and dancing.
What are some things you like to do together as a family?
K: We travel together. We also have movie nights where we sit on the couch, watch a movie, and eat popcorn and M&M’s. Baylor and Trey usually fall asleep, and I end up finishing the movie alone.
What’s the greatest thing about being a mom?
K: Their unconditional love for you. They always tell me how beautiful I am. They make me feel like I am their superstar.
How has parenthood changed you?
K: Realizing that it isn’t just about you. It takes your selfishness away. To be blessed with a child is a gift, and I will always put them first.
What inspired you to start the Bella Bowman Foundation?
K: Bella was receiving treatment, and during that time, so many people were helping us. We wanted to help others, so I asked myself, “How can I make the world a little better?” I think by having this Foundation, it is helping me with my grief. By being able to talk about Bella every day, it makes it feel like she is still here.
What are some things you do with the Foundation?
K: We have every kind of holiday party at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. During Christmas, we bring gifts to every child in the hospital. We also provide iPads to children, and we pass out Comfort Care Bags. We give out 500 bags a year. They are filled with toiletries, blankets, and rolls of quarters. We also have grief support counseling, and most recently, a children’s book.
What do you love most about your jobs?
K: Being a hairdresser, I love it because it doesn’t feel like I’m working. For me, it’s catching up with friends every two weeks, and I love making them feel good about themselves. With the Foundation, getting to interact with the families and visiting the kids.
How do you find the balance between work, the organization, and family time?
K: I try to only work when Baylor is in school, and I work on things for the Foundation after she’s in bed. I try to include everyone with the Foundation, though. I want Baylor to see that it’s important to help others. We also always eat dinner together so we can talk about our days.
What’s your favorite family game to play?
K: After dinner, we play the Mouthguard Challenge Game. We always end up drooling and laughing so hard.
What kind of mom would you describe yourself as?
K: Loving, involved, a bit of a helicopter mom. My mom was my friend as well as my mom. I want to have the same relationship with Baylor. I want her to know that I am there and that she can trust me.
What do you do to take care of yourself?
K: Working out is my number one. I try to eat healthy, and I pamper myself every once in a while by going to get a facial or buying some new clothes. I also go to a support group for women who have lost a child.
What personality trait of yours do you hope Baylor also gets?
K: Being kind-hearted and having sympathy for others.
What are some things you want to do that are still on your bucket list?
K: I would love to go to a movie theater and watch four movies in a row. I’d also love to visit the Holy Land.
Do you have any goals for the New Year?
K: Cut back on the M&M’s, have more date nights with my husband, and have a piece of property for Bella’s House.
Do you have any advice for other parents?
K: No matter how hard your day has been or how many chores still need to be done, remember that children are a gift. Give love and attention to them and everything else will fall into place. They are only that age for that day, and before you know it, they grow up, so spend time with them. ■
Quick Q&A
The parenting item I couldn’t without…my monthly planner.
In my fridge, you will always find…eggs.
Favorite movie growing up…Grease and Xanadu. I was obsessed with Olivia Newton John.
My guilty pleasure is…Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M’s.
Music I’m loving…80s and 90s Pop.
I feel my best when I’m…with family and friends.
