Meet Hanna Ainsworth (Yocute) | Musician, Songwriter, Educator & Vintage Reseller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hanna Ainsworth (Yocute) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hanna, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Interestingly enough, you caught me at a time when I needed to reevaluate my work life balance. My latest and upcoming beyondheryears.co vintage collection titled, “becoming” has been the word of the year for me. “Becoming” is defined as, the process of coming to be something or of passing into a state. I am currently 39 weeks pregnant – within the past year, I have become a wife and am now passing into a state of becoming a mom. Becoming a mom truly is a beautiful journey filled with many emotions which requires a lot of grace, faith and patience.

While there is not much “work” taking place during this particular season of my life. I do find myself thinking about balance while simultaneously being occupied with nesting for the arrival of my baby boy and nesting for myself as well to be able to take on creative projects from home.

I was working a full-time job earlier in my pregnancy while also doing my best to manage other creative work. And as a result, my home space was becoming a little chaotic – quite reflective of a lack of work life balance. Being pregnant has forced me to slow down and think more intentionally about the projects I take on when I do get those doses of energy. For me presently, it has been really important to begin creating the space at home to take on such projects before the baby arrives. Part of creating the workspace at home is also tending to my home – watering the plants, feeding the dog, meal planning, organizing, decorating, etc. It would be difficult for me to work from home and look around me only to see that there is more work to be done in the home. I believe, for me, as ‘keeper of the home’ it is difficult for my mind to separate the two occupations. A chaotic home when working at home would be like working under poor working conditions. I find that my mind is more relaxed and ready to focus when the space around me is not perfect, but somewhat in order.

While trying to visualize my future work life balance as a new mom, I have been looking up to other mamas, particularly creative moms on Instagram (@mammafolk, @trinitymouzon, @haileyoutside, @dazedbutamazed, @rudyjude and @torinashtun) who are highlighting aspects of motherhood throughout their page. While it may still very well be a curated version of their work life balance, I find moms to be more willing to talk about the realities of motherhood. I resonated strongly with a caption made by @mammafolk, “Most people say your hobbies and creativity die when you become a parent. Feelings of irrelevance and grief creep in especially your first years as a mother…. The art world and motherhood seem to be separated for whatever reason but YOU CAN BE BOTH….” While I am certain many changes and adjustments will take place when becoming a mom, I do believe it would be unfair for my child not to get to know his mom. And part of getting to know me is observing my taste for beautiful things that spark joy and witnessing the creative processes of my work. I believe neglecting that part of myself would mess up the internal balance of my well-being and in turn affect the quality of my mothering. I feel as though I am joining a mama creative movement that is boldly emerging to encourage other women who desire to become moms, but are afraid they will lose themselves in motherhood.

I have also been learning more about postpartum depression, becoming aware that it may potentially affect my work life balance. Unfortunately, if it happens to me, it will be something I will not have complete control over. Though, I do believe that is where my strong faith will play a leading role in regulating through understanding that motherhood is a blessing and that I was destined for this journey that will bring about much good.

Balance for me at this very moment is very becoming. There will soon be a little human being in the picture that will require so much of me. I guess I am waiting for these changes to occur to make decisions that work best for me and my family. Though, I am taking the mental steps to envisioning 1). What self-care aspects of my life will I make time for routinely 2). What parts of myself will I without reservations give freely to the loved ones in my life 3). What aspects of my time and myself will I then devote to my creative pursuits.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a musician, singer-songwriter, educator, creative and vintage reseller. My music is often inspired by my faith, spirituality and life experiences. As an artist musician, I have always loved the aspect of dressing up for the stage. Even my everyday outfits have usually been quite eccentric and idiosyncratic for the stage of life which eventually assisted in inspiring me to open an online hand curated vintage store, @beyondheryears.co.

I am where I am today professionally because I envisioned quite early in life a future that had the work life balance and flexibility that would fit my desire to be a present wife and mom. I believe it is so important to choose a career path that works well for your long-term goals. The earlier you can define your long-term goals the sooner you can begin working towards achieving those goals. While that is the ideal, I am completely aware that it may take more time for some of us to recognize what our goals are. If that is you, I would simply encourage you to embrace the journey, with intention, that leads you to understanding what it is you desire for your life.

Growing up, in my primary years, I had a non-traditional education up until high school which encouraged me to be independent in thought and explore various creative outlets. In high school, I was met with the most opposition regarding my creative pursuits. Having gone to a high school within a disadvantage community, a creative career and especially a degree in music was not seen as “a way out.” I remember one of my high school college advisors sat me down one day after looking at my above 4.0 GPA and asked me what I was going to major in? I immediately said with confidence, “music!” I received a look of confusion, “Hanna, you have the grades to pursue any major, why in the world would you choose music? I would suggest you have a backup plan.” I never went with a backup plan, and I never did need one. Fast forward, after having graduated from graduate school, I wanted to take a break from music to explore other areas of creative interests. However, I soon realized that my degree title had instantly put me into a box in the eyes of hiring managers– suggesting that I was not suitable for any position outside the realm of music.

I became frustrated and during that period of frustration, I was listening to several entrepreneurs give interviews expressing the same dissatisfaction with the corporate hiring process of seeking out “qualified” candidates. Their dissatisfaction led them to starting their own business with the mindset of, “if you cannot get the job you want, why not create it?” Immediately, the wheels started turning and eventually I began working on the launch of beyondheryears.co. while still having time to continue performing and teaching music. A win-win. You can read more about my vintage brand and story here: https://shoutoutla.com/meet-hanna-yocute-musician-singer-songwriter-vintage-reseller-creative-entrepreneur/

I believe that the most powerful, meaningful and rewarding moments within music and art making come from collaborating with other artists and exploring new creative territory while discovering the heights of my artistry. That to say, while where I am today is much due to hard work on my part, it is also because of the people I have providentially met along the way who were graciously willing to create with me. Creative work is so much more fun and involved when it is a group project. Many of the creative projects I am most proud of have been collaborations with other creatives. Currently, what I am most excited about is being inspired by my own journey of motherhood, moms around me and connecting with mom creatives. I am super excited to realize how becoming a mom will inspire future compositions, creative projects, encounters and
develop me as a person.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am such a foodie so I would definitely take my best friend during their week long trip to various LA restaurants. Some of my favorites include: Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles, Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen West L.A., AMI Japanese Restaurant, Korean BBQ, and Finney’s Crafthouse or MidiCi Pizza in Ventura. The Grand Central Market is also open and I personally love the Thai street food restaurant called, Sticky Rice. For desert, I would recommend Saffron & Rose Ice Cream, Diddy Riese or Somisomi.

There is also some great coffee shops in LA, but my personal favorite is The Conservatory For Coffee, Tea & Cocoa in Culver City; a small mom and pop shop.

LA has a beautiful coastline and various hikes to explore, Malibu will definitely be on the itinerary. And a mini trip up to Big Bear, Joshua Tree or Mammoth would seal the deal to the best time ever.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am thankful for my husband who succeeds in understanding my need to be creative. My sister, Sarah, who showed me first the power of collaboration. My younger brother Lukas who continually motivates and inspires me as I witness him grow in his creative aspirations. My parents, who taught me hard work, excellence and have always encouraged my creative endeavors. A few more people I do want to shout out during this particular season of my life: @gabriela.freid for capturing my vision of a creative maternity shoot on film which was further inspired by photographer Valerie Denise Metz, @momsonfilm. I also want to shout out Paula Sutton @HillHouseVintage and her book “Hill House Living — The art of creating a joyful life” which has been my third-trimester read — inspiring and mentoring me through finding the joyful balance in simple, cozy, living.

Website: beyondheryears.co (vintage store) hannayocute.com (artist website)

Instagram: @hannayocute, @beyondheryears.co

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/hanna-yocute-9896bb14a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannayocutemusic/, https://www.facebook.com/people/beyondheryears/100068617666148/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4rQRuOr_ohhfqnXIw_0-pA

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Gabriela Freid @gabriela.freid Models: Talia Cancik, Lauren Hickey, Sofi Kaufman and Niaceli Vital Location: Special Purpose Lighting @specialpurposelightingandgrip