‘I Learned How Truly Powerful I Was When I Became a Mother’: Kali Uchis on Redefining Latina Motherhood

Kali Uchis, the Colombian-American singer who has graced us with hits like Telepatía and Moonlight, is making waves again. This time with her candid reflections on motherhood. In an exclusive interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Uchis opened up about how becoming a mother transformed her life, creativity, and self-care routine. But, as she puts it, motherhood also revealed something deeper. “I learned how truly powerful I was when I became a mother,” she confessed.

For Latinas, Uchis’ words hit home in more ways than one. The idea that motherhood brings strength resonates with many women who juggle multiple roles and are often expected to excel in all of them. A recent survey revealed that 85% of Latina moms say they struggle to find support while juggling careers, home life, and raising children. Uchis speaks to that experience when she says, “I’m high-functioning when it comes to having my hand in multiple pots.”

Embracing motherhood and self-care, the Kali Uchis way

Uchis’ dive into the world of self-care came as an artist and a new mother. Her brand, Homebody by Uchis, which launched this year, was born from her desire to create products that worked for her during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. She explains, “I decided to make my own goods to use. Not only during pregnancy but that I could use while I was nursing and caring for my newborn and well afterward.”

The message here isn’t just about self-care products, though. It’s about recognizing that as a mother, you don’t stop being a person. The very essence of Homebody by Uchis is built on the idea that women—especially mothers—should take time for themselves. Uchis reflects this with her own daily rituals. “I oil myself every day,” she said. “It’s essential in every ancient spiritual practice, as well as candles, which also represent a divine presence and reduce stress.”

Juggling motherhood and career: A Cultural expectation?

Uchis’ perspective on balancing motherhood and a career is one that many Latina women will recognize. She describes her “wild balancing act” between being a mother, launching a business, and pursuing her music career. And it’s not just something she’s managing—it’s something that makes her stronger. “In turn, it has made me the strongest, most elevated version of myself I have ever known,” she shared.

This mirrors the cultural expectation that Latinas are the ultimate multitaskers. Whether managing a household, working, or raising children, Latinas are often expected to do it all—and do it with grace. As Uchis puts it, “My baby will always be my number one priority and my most important calling. Everything else is my ‘me time,’ so to speak.”

Yet, despite these societal expectations, Kali Uchis is carving out space for herself. She reminds us that self-care and personal passions are not selfish, but necessary. This is a sentiment echoed by many Latina mothers who, like Uchis, recognize that to care for others, you must first care for yourself.

Redefining motherhood for Latinas and women of color

In a society where Latinas are often seen as the backbone of their families, Uchis’ candor feels like a breath of fresh air. She reminds us that motherhood is powerful, yes, but that it should also empower. Her wellness line, her career, and her reflections all tell a story that goes beyond juggling—it’s about thriving.

And Uchis isn’t slowing down. As she teased to Harper’s Bazaar, there’s much more to come from her Homebody brand, including organic apparel and home goods. But at the heart of everything, she’s clear: “You can’t perform at your best—as an artist or as a mother or as both—without taking the time to put yourself first.”