By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
Dr. Andrea Mata isn’t afraid to show the chaos of her family’s basement play area. It’s her way to explain, “It’s OK to be audaciously imperfect.”
Mata, a Bowling Green clinical psychologist who is known as Dr. Dre to her clients, friends and podcast followers, admits she chooses to spend time with her husband, playing with her three kids, or doing the work she is passionate about rather than obsessing over the neatness of her home.
Sharing imperfections is also part of the message she will discuss as the keynote speaker for a kickoff event July 27 from 3-5 p.m. at The Mez, 710 Monroe St., Toledo. The Crafted Signature event is the first of a 12-month series for women and focused on emotional wellness, hosted by Nina Marie Conway
“There’s so much pressure on women to be perfect, by society, on social media,” Mata said. Through the use of filters, Photoshop and other technologies on social media, people make themselves look perfect.
“But when you start to pull back the layers, it is not actually perfect,” she pointed out. ”It’s like this is what we’re saying is the ideal,” but it’s not realistic.
“I would love for women to be more intentional.” That’s why she will introduce herself at the event by admitting one of her imperfections—her messy house.
“Too often we try to hide all our imperfections instead of just saying, ‘This is what it is and who I am, and you’re either going to take me for what I am or you’re not. I don’t care if you don’t like it,” she said about being audaciously imperfect.
The event will allow participants, approximately 120 women between 21 and 70 years old, to release perfection, reconnect with their values and meet a like-minded community. They are women who are willing to show up imperfect, be inspired and unstoppable.
Mata’s first book, The No. 2 Parenting Book: Practical Tips for the Pooped Out Parent, is one of the giveaways to participants. The workshop introduces many of the same ideas found in her book.
Because women make a large percentage of decisions in families, they are the ones who can really change how families operate.
Tickets for the Crafted Signature event, hosted by Nina Marie Conway, are available on Eventbrite (search Audaciously Imperfect). The $100 VIP Experience includes assigned seating, a signed copy of Dr. Mata’s book, a photo opportunity, plus food and one drink. The $65 general admission ticket includes an unsigned copy of the book, open seating, food and a soft drink.
“Women don’t necessarily want to invest the $100 or the $65 in themselves, but I think the ripple effects of that small investment could be huge,” Mata said.
“Nina really wants to create this network of women and women business owners” to bring them together, to work together to be able to do more as a community than they can do as individuals,” she said. “I think if we can pour into women and help them be more intentional in their lives, there’s going to be ripple effects for everybody,” she said.
