Jessie James Decker wears many hats. She is a singer, entrepreneur, television personality and the founder of the family food brand Kidnish. She is also a busy mom of four. During a recent episode of The Breakdown with Bethany, Decker opened up about motherhood, creativity and the philosophy that helps her balance it all.
The conversation came as Decker prepares to launch a new swimsuit collection with the brand Cupshe. The collection, called Casa del Sol, was inspired by one of her favorite things: family vacations.
“I’m someone who loves spending money on experiences, especially vacations,” Decker said. “My family and I love beach trips. We love the ocean, the palm trees and just taking in wherever we are.”
That love of travel helped shape the collection’s relaxed feel. Decker said she wanted the pieces to capture the comfort and joy she feels when spending time away with her family.
“I wanted people to feel at home in these pieces,” she explained. “That feeling you have when you’re on vacation with the people you love.”
This collection also allowed Decker to be more involved creatively than ever before. After the success of her first collaboration with Cupshe, she had a larger role in the design process. A second drop will even include pieces designed with her husband, former NFL player Eric Decker.
Working with her husband brought a simple approach to the process.
“He’s very cut and dry,” Decker said with a laugh. “He’ll say ‘I would wear that’ or ‘I wouldn’t wear that.’”
One of Eric’s favorite pieces came from a last-minute change. A striped fabric originally intended for a woman’s set was redesigned into a men’s button-up and shorts after he spotted it and loved it.
While Decker’s career keeps her busy, she says motherhood always comes first. Her strategy for balancing work and family is something she describes as a pyramid.
“You have to choose what goes at the top of the pyramid,” she said. “For me that’s always my kids.”
That means setting clear boundaries. If one of her children has an important event, she will not schedule work during that time.
“I’m not going to miss those moments for something I can control,” she said.
Still, Decker believes it is important for moms to maintain passions outside of parenting. Creativity is one of the ways she stays energized.
“I love having ideas and seeing them come to life,” she said. “That fills a cup for me.”
As for what may come next, Decker hinted that new music could be on the horizon. She said watching artists like Hilary Duff return to music after focusing on family has inspired her.
At home, Decker says parenting her four children has taught her an important lesson. Every child needs something different.
“Mothering is not one size fits all,” she said.
Whether it is cooking a favorite meal for one child or grabbing a quick coffee with another before an activity, Decker says those small moments are what help her stay connected.
“It’s about learning your kids’ hearts,” she said. “Once you understand what they need, you can really show up for them.”
