Lisa Beasley, the well-known comedian behind the viral “Corporate Erin” persona, has recently announced the arrival of her second child, daughter Penelope June Hamilton. Beasley shared the delightful news exclusively with PEOPLE, revealing that the newest addition to her family was born on Sunday, 19 July, weighing 5 lbs 11 oz and measuring 17 inches long.
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The 40-year-old comedian expressed her joy about becoming a mother of two, stating, “It feels great.” Beasley has a 10-year-old daughter, Madison, from a previous relationship, and she was initially concerned about how to balance her time between the two children. However, she noted that Madison is enthusiastic about her new role as an older sister. “I didn’t want to obligate her to being my little helper, but it turns out that she loves hanging with me and the baby,” Beasley shared.
Reflecting on her decision to wait ten years before having another child, Beasley acknowledged the challenges faced by mothers with toddlers and newborns. “Shout out to them,” she said, recognising that their experiences require a unique strength.
Although Beasley is an active presence online, she maintains a separation between her digital persona and her personal life. After being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in 2019, she decided to keep her pregnancy journey more private. “I really needed the space to stay positive and uplifted and didn’t want to share this sacred moment with bots and strangers,” she explained. This decision was partly inspired by the alarming statistics surrounding childbirth risks faced by Black women in America.
While prioritising her well-being, Beasley recalled the support of her husband, Andre Hamilton, who worked hard to create a calming environment during her pregnancy. She noted, “I often like to remind him that he gave the baby a cozy and peaceful first home to rest and grow in while inside my belly.” Their idyllic setting was complemented by time spent watching movies, meditating, and nurturing a garden, all while enjoying treasured moments at the beach with Madison.
As her pregnancy progressed, however, Beasley faced complications, including gestational hypertension and signs of preeclampsia. These developments caused her to be induced at 37 weeks, reigniting fears from her previous birthing experience, which she described as a “nightmare.” Despite her anxieties, Beasley characterised the birth of her daughter as a “spiritual” experience, highlighting her positive rapport with her midwife, Kabiret Tepede. “She was extremely thorough throughout my entire pregnancy and took all of my concerns seriously,” Beasley expressed, praising Tepede for respecting her birth plan and supporting her through necessary adjustments.
The couple kept the sex of their child a surprise until the birth, opting for names that carried personal significance. They chose Penelope to honour one of Andre’s dreams, while the middle name June reflects a month full of family celebrations.
Following Penelope’s arrival, Beasley reported that the transition to life with a newborn has exceeded their expectations. “Penelope is perfect. We’ve been having a great experience,” she said, noting their family’s intention to treasure this phase. Beasley appreciated Andre’s involvement in family life, reflecting on how he helps manage their household, allowing her to focus on rest amid a demanding breastfeeding routine.
With support from family and friends, including the assistance of a postpartum doula, Beasley described their home as a “cozy setup” that’s made the adjustment smoother. She also shared her delight in seeing Madison embrace her new responsibility as a big sister, enjoying her time spent with the family during this transformative period.
Looking forward to the years ahead, Beasley expressed excitement at watching Penelope grow into her own person, contemplating the traits and interests that will emerge. “What will she be into? What hobbies will she gravitate towards? What will make her smile and laugh? It’s all exciting to witness this unfold,” Beasley remarked with palpable enthusiasm.
As she navigates this new chapter in her life, Lisa Beasley exemplifies the joys and challenges faced by many parents, celebrating both the love shared within her expanding family and the promise of the future.