Meet Abby Mucklow | Occupational Therapist, Model, and Private Practice Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Mucklow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
As a young business owner, full-time professional therapist, model, and new home owner, it can be incredibly difficult to balance the demands each of those separate roles place. When I am overwhelmed, the balance is a power struggle, where at certain times a role might feel similar to a screaming toddler who is starved for attention or a tug of war. From a healthier perspective, I strive to think of work life balance as a dance between the different roles and responsibilities that I fill, all of which bring me joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In high school, I was approached by a photographer in the restroom at my piano and voice recital (one of the moms) who asked me to model for her. This was the first of many shoots, and it came surprisingly naturally at the time. As I become more attuned to others, meet photographers who have higher expectations, and am intimately and increasingly aware of societal standards for women’s bodies, the challenges have increased along the way. At the end of the day, I try to remember and appreciate what makes me unique and my accomplishments.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, we would absolutely have to go hiking – probably take a trip up to RMNP. Then stop by Left Hand Brewing on the drive back. If it’s the summer time and my friend had the physical abilities, I would love to take them backpacking on the Colorado trail for a night or two, followed by a much-deserved burger, beer by the fire, and a shower. It would be lovely to have a day out on the water with the paddle board, followed by a night out on the town. We would start with dinner at Spice Room Indian Bistro and drinks at my favorite hidden gems – Talnua Distillery and a secret speakeasy in Old Town Arvada.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Professional: My professional mentors, Carrie Schmitt and Gina Crites, are some of the most compassionate, kind, graceful, and intelligent women I have ever met. It has been an absolute honor to learn from them, be mentored by them, and collaborate on the best team I have ever worked with in my professional career as an occupational therapist. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without all of their support, guidance, and empowerment.

Personal: A girl’s gotta have her girls! My best friends, Ashley Stanton and Ligia Popa, have been by my side through the worst of it all. They have loved me for who I am and tolerated all of the phases when I was discovering who I was not. And of course, my loving partner and roommate, Drew Young for tolerating my late night delirium, tears, random cravings, and rants. And of course, supporting my visions of home renovations and building a chicken coop for our baby chickens.

Creative: This year I signed with Denver Models, my first modeling agency, which has been instrumental to furthering my modeling career and networking with creative community in Denver. I would like to give a big shout out to all the photographers, models, and creatives I have had the chance to collaborate with — there are so many lovely humans and I can’t wait to continue creating more art!

Website: Coming soon! https://www.instagram.com/sensoryogi/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copper.muse/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-mucklow-otd-otr-l-ryt-4bb8551aa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abby.mucklow/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresandabby/

Image Credits
Michelle Smits
Andrew Ortega
Giovanni Gavinski Williamson
A. Tsagas Furs and Leather
Dwell Atelier Design and Fashion
Poor Boy Cruisers
Denver Models
Hans Smits
Walking Through the Unknown: Photo Artist