Finding serenity through grace and gratitude is how Mary Lawless Lee, media maven and creative mind behind digital powerhouse Happily Grey, meets societal disruption during the times of COVID-19. The former nurse turned lifestyle curator discusses how focusing on the most important aspects of her life has made the pandemic palatable.

For Lee, surviving the pandemic starts with centering herself around her daily rhythm. As she craves structure, that rhythm allows her to move thoughtfully and patiently through uncertain times. Beginning each day with a cup of coffee and breakfast with her family, the self-made influencer is thoughtful to share intentional time with her husband, Madison; daughter, Navy James; and Great Danes, Miles, and Allie. “My husband is my rock and my daughter is my greatest joy,” heartens Lee. The bulk of her schedule is then devoted to further developing the many facets of her brand. However, somewhere between running her Nashville empire and caring for her daughter, Lee makes time for self-care. “I try and get in a workout at some point depending on the day’s schedule. Even if it’s a two-mile run or just twenty minutes inside to get my body moving, it does SO much for me — mentally and physically — to be active!” Ending each day the same way she started - with intentional family time — Lee enjoys cooking dinner with her husband, bathing her daughter, finishing puzzles, and listening to music, really anything that brings them all closer together and hushes the outside noise. This structure ensures that Lee rarely misses a beat and her life keeps progressing in its own perfect time. Plus, “I am pretty sure I have re-organized almost every room and closet in our house,” laughs the public figure. “It has been therapeutic for me. I think it’s natural for us to want to create some sort of peace and organization to our spaces when so much is uncertain.”

Organically growing and cultivating a loyal and influential community over the years, like us, Lee’s supporters can’t help, but be drawn to her extensive range of know-all when it comes to personal style, travel, beauty, and more. Even someone’s first cheeky glance over Lee’s expertly curated Instagram or Happily Grey site is enough to deduce that Lee’s taste for interior design is impeccable. For her home, Lee collaborated with her friend April Tomlin, an interior designer also based in Nashville, to create her idea of a modern paradise. “She took my vision for an inviting yet modern space and made it a reality. Even better than I could have imagined,” says Lee. The final result is a home with cooler, neutral tones speckled with accents of approachable, yet modern pieces. Just like Lee, it is cool and timeless.

Her preference for minimalism matched with her love of texture invites you into something extraordinarily unique. This stylish mom loves a minimal design, but minimal doesn’t mean bare. “This home still has a contemporary vibe,” shares Lee as she continues, “it was important to us for it to still feel inviting.” Her home is decorated with furniture that is also art pieces gracing her home with the perfect amount of je ne sais quoi. Not only beautiful, but the Happily Grey abode is also practical. Ensuring that her home meets her family’s needs is of utmost importance to Lee. “My husband’s biggest question when designing a space is whether or not it’s functional. As long as it works with our family and lifestyle, he’s happy,” says Lee. Therefore, while her space is handsome, each piece is also utilitarian, perfect for Great Danes and babies alike. “Don’t overthink it,” encourages Lee when discussing her approach to styling your home. “I think that just like fashion, it’s important to know your style! Space will constantly evolve throughout the design process, so if you have a distinct idea for how you want the space to feel, it won’t be as overwhelming.” Right now, that home is the center of Lee’s world. “We’ve been especially grateful for our home and have gotten to enjoy it in ways I never would have anticipated.”

At a time when some have gravitated towards self-preservation, Lee chooses to focus on gratefulness and gratitude and the working mom is not taking this time with her family for granted. “This time together has been hard, but also good in so many ways,” says Lee. “With so many unknowns, I’ve found that a posture of gratitude helps more than anything. We’ll all get through this together.”

Happily Grey, Grateful, and Gracious with Mary Lawless Lee