Des Moines Parent Spotlight: Christina Davis Owner Outside In Consulting

by Erin Huiatt

Des Moines Parent Spotlight: Christina Davis

I met Christina Davis through FemCity Des Moines and she has been someone I have followed and looked up to ever since. Her confidence and grace shine when she enters a room and she works hard to help other women find the same confidence. Learn more about Christina’s business, Outside In Consulting (I have a closet curating session coming up!) and some of her best parenting advice below.

Give us a little background on your family and personal life! How many kids do you have? Have you lived in Des Moines all your life?

I am a native of Virginia. I moved to Des Moines by way of Atlanta where I lived for 10 years. I have lived here for 12 years. Married for 23 years. Michael, Chiropractor, and owner of Firm Foundation Chiropractic. Mom of two. Tristyn (9) and Evyn (5) both girls.

What is your business, and what do you do?

I am the owner of Outside In Consulting. Boutique Personal Styling and imaging consulting business. I remind women how beautiful they are and give them permission to express themselves in an authentic way to the world. I help them re-discover their style. I am also a cabi stylist.

Why did you become a small business owner?

I wanted the freedom to manage my own time and not have to ask anyone for permission to choose my own priorities. Work or vacation. Work 8 hours or 2. My own brand and not someone else’s. I wanted my company brand to reflect who I am on the inside and not represent someone else.

Where is your favorite place to take your children to play indoors?

Urban Air

Where is your favorite place to take your children to play outdoors?

Adventureland

Parent’s day/night out. Describe your perfect parent only day/night out in Des Moines.

We are pretty simple. Dinner (Table 128 is one of our favorites). A walk if it’s nice, and a movie. If we have longer, a concert and overnight “staycation” The Republic bar and AC hotel.

What are some tips on juggling parenthood, working, and personal life?

Show yourself LOTS of grace. Work-life balance is over a lifetime NOT over a day. Make a decision on how you will spend a particular period of time and be present wherever you choose to be. Make a commitment and honor. Be honest. Say you’re sorry when you screw up.

What is your number one parenting tip?

Say yes more often so the no’s matter. Yes, you can go to school in that outfit, yes you can build a fort in the living room, yes we can have a picnic on the front porch, yes we can sleep in a tent in the backyard, yes you may make your own breakfast even though I would be faster and less messy. No, you may not watch that particular show, no you may not be disrespectful to your friends.