Meet the Mom – Anika McKelvey

Why you love living there: 

If I’m being honest, Miami is a place I’ve grown to appreciate more through the lens of motherhood. It may not be where I see myself forever, but it’s been a beautiful chapter for my family. My kids truly love it here, and there’s something special about raising them in a place filled with sunshine, diversity, and energy. The weather, the culture, and the lifestyle create so many opportunities for memories from outdoor activities year-round to the vibrant mix of people and experiences.

For me, Miami represents a season. It’s a place that has given my children joy, growth, and a colorful backdrop to their childhood, and that makes it meaningful to me. While I may see myself somewhere different later in life, right now I’m learning to embrace the beauty of where I am and appreciate what this city has given our family in this chapter.

Tell me about your kids: 

My kids are truly amazing. They have such good hearts and see the world with a brightness, hope, and possibility that inspires me every single day. I think part of that is because their childhood has been different from mine  they haven’t carried the same responsibilities or experiences I had so young, so they’ve been able to hold onto their innocence and really be children. They move through life with a sense of focus and direction I didn’t always have at their age, and sometimes I wonder if it’s envy I feel, but it’s really awe. I’m simply in awe of who they are becoming.

My son has loved soccer since before he was even born. I’ll never forget feeling him kick so powerfully in the womb, and now at 16, watching him play with that same intensity and fire still gives me chills. But what makes me proudest isn’t just the athlete he’s becoming  it’s the young man. He’s respectful, grounded, and deeply loving. He carries a quiet strength, a humility that can’t be taught, and watching him grow into a man who leads with both confidence and kindness has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

My stepdaughter is in a beautiful season of becoming. Watching her step into adulthood and grow into her womanhood has been so meaningful to witness. There’s something powerful about seeing her embrace her own path, discovering her voice and her independence, and truly living the life she was created for. 

And my daughter  is pure light. She has one of the most compassionate hearts I’ve ever known, but what makes her so special is the way she loves life. She’s graceful and affectionate, deeply loving, yet bold and confident in a way that feels rare and powerful. She walks into a room with this natural warmth and beauty not just outwardly, but from within. She feels things deeply, loves freely, and carries a joy that is contagious. Watching her grow into herself, embracing both her softness and her strength, fills me with so much pride.

All of them, in their own ways, teach me daily about love, forgiveness, growth, and what it means to truly live. Watching them grow, evolve, and become exactly who they were created to be is one of the greatest privileges of my life. They don’t just make me proud they make me better.

Favorite things to do with the kids locally: 

 One of my favorite things to do with my kids is to spend time with them in the kitchen. Listening to music, laughing and creating with our hands. I love to cook and I love teaching them. It’s our time to be present together. Our lives are so busy, so cooking together slows us down to connect. Cooking brings me back to when I was a child and how I bonded with my grandmother. Now I get to pass that same love down another generation.

Ideal family vacation?

Our family has traveled so much together, and it’s honestly been the thread that keeps us connected through every season of life. No matter how busy things get, travel has always been where we find each other again. It pulls us out of our routines and drops us into moments that feel fuller. Learning new cultures, tasting new foods, laughing at the unexpected, and seeing the world through fresh eyes together. Some of our deepest memories weren’t planned perfectly, but they became meaningful simply because we experienced them side by side.

Travel has given us something irreplaceable; a shared perspective. It teaches gratitude, curiosity, and connection in a way nothing else really can. Watching my kids experience the world beyond what they know, seeing them light up in new places, and knowing those memories will stay with them forever means everything to me.

So my ideal family vacation isn’t tied to one destination;  it’s the next one. The next memory, the next adventure, the next chapter we get to live together. As long as we’re together, that’s what makes it special that’s the real magic.

What is your best parenting advice.  Lay it on us.  

My best parenting advice is to remember that our children are uniquely themselves. What they need isn’t always what we needed, so we can’t parent through our own trauma, past experiences or unfulfilled dreams. I remember when my son was younger and playing soccer, I would show up loud and proud on the sidelines. Cheering him on and occasionally arguing with other parents. Not always my best moments, but I needed him to know that I was there supporting him. What I later learned is that’s not what he wanted, but that’s what the little girl in me wanted. When I played sports no one showed up, it felt like no one cared and it was my goal to make sure my son knew I cared. I learned that loving my kids meant learning who they truly are and showing up for them in a way that honors them, but still being a parent. I’m not here to be their friend, but to be friendly by understanding them, loving them deeply and unconditionally. Also, guiding them with intention so they can grow into who they’re meant to be.

What do you do for self care?

Self-care for me is about creating space to slow down and reconnecting with myself. I love traveling even a quick getaway can reset my spirit and remind me how big and beautiful life is. I also find joy in simple pleasures like discovering a great restaurant, savoring a good glass of wine, or getting lost in a binge-worthy show at the end of a long day.

But at its core, self-care is much deeper than what I do,  it’s about who I’m becoming. It’s the intentional work of growing, reflecting, and evolving. Getting to really know myself. Not a mom, not a wife, not a daughter, sister or friend, but getting to know Anika. Recognizing what I need to change and strengthening other parts of me. How I want to nurture me, and learning to show up for myself with honesty and GRACE. My relationship with God is the foundation of that journey and what truly fills me up from the inside out. To me, self-care is about feeling aligned with who I am, and choosing the things that help me feel whole, grounded, and at peace within myself.

Favorite local spots- restaurants, parks, shops?

I love spending time in Coconut Grove, especially the movie theater. It’s one of those easy, meaningful weeknight traditions for us. We can catch a movie, grab dinner, and just be together without overcomplicating things. With school schedules, activities and weekends full of competitions and tournaments, those simple moments really matter.

That said, as much as I enjoy Miami’s restaurants and local spots, my heart truly belongs to travel. Anytime I can get out of town, I do. I love the energy and lifestyle Miami offers, but the world is so big and beautiful, and I want to experience as much of it as possible.

Karaoke – what are you singing?

If I had to pick what I’m listening to or what I’d sing at karaoke it would definitely reflect both sides of my heart. 

I love Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Her voice is powerful and anointed and gospel music is deeply personal to me. It grounds me, lifts me, and always brings me back to what matters most. Right now I love listening to “I Did It Again” and “You Know My Name” by her.

On the other side, I love Tems. Her sound has such a beautiful rhythm and vibe and Afrobeats always makes me want to move. There’s something about that energy that feels freeing and joyful. Right now I love listening to “Try Me” and “ Wickedest” by her.

 I love music that lets me feel both rooted and alive.

Anything else you want to share?

My brand was born in a season of life that so many moms understand living on the sidelines as a proud soccer , gymnastics dance mom, constantly on the go, juggling practices, travel, work, and motherhood. During that time, I started to pay more attention to my struggling varicose veins and circulation issues and wanted to do something about it. At the same time I was enrolled in a course of how to launch a fashion brand. I have always loved fashion, but was no designer. I didn’t know how to draw or sew, but I had a vision a concept. We traveled often as a family and loved looking put together, but also comfortable and I wanted to make something with that in mind. I realized how much discomfort I was pushing through just to keep up with life. I needed clothing that supported my body but still made me feel confident, stylish, and like myself. Not clinical, not boring, and definitely not sacrificing fashion for function.

What started as a personal need turned into a bigger vision. I began dreaming about pieces that could move with women the way life moves with us. From carpools to airports, from game days to getaways. I wanted to create clothing that made you feel good in your body and look good while doing it, especially while traveling. Travel has always represented freedom and expansion to me, and I believed women deserved a wardrobe that supported both their health and their lifestyle.

That vision became LAS Loungewear, a  travel-minded brand designed to merge comfort, confidence, and compression. Every piece is created with intention, blending elevated style with supportive elements that help women feel held, whether on a flight, running through an airport, or simply navigating everyday life. At its core, the brand is about honoring the real lives women live;  busy, beautiful and bold layered lives. I design clothing that meets that  moves through the world helping you feel supported, seen, and effortlessly put together.