Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mariela De Santiago. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mariela, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Self-care is non-negotiable for me, and I make it a priority to carve out time for myself amidst the chaos of motherhood. Whether it’s squeezing in a quick workout during my son’s nap, indulging in at-home face masks, nail care, and eye masks, or treating myself to a relaxing bath, I ensure I take care of my physical and mental well-being. Additionally, I make it a point to schedule a day with a friend once a month, sans my son, allowing me to recharge and reconnect with myself outside of my role as a mother. And when I crave some fresh air and a mental break from work, you’ll often find me taking a leisurely walk while listening to an enjoyable podcast.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As the host and creator of the Mama Wears Athleisure podcast, I embarked on this journey out of a genuine need and desire to fill a gap in resources for parents in the perinatal period and beyond. As a new parent myself, I found myself constantly Googling topics during walks, wanting to make the most of my time without sacrificing precious nap time. However, I often found myself hitting dead ends in my search for reliable information. Thus, I created the podcast I envisioned—one that aims to provide answers and support to new and expecting mamas through evidence-based knowledge and valuable connections. Additionally, as the host and event planner for Carlsbad Mom Walks, I organize various events sponsored by small and local businesses, allowing them to showcase their products or services to my mama followers, thus fostering community support for small businesses.
Recently, I’ve expanded the Mama Wears Athleisure podcast by introducing a “Mom Talk” series, where I invite moms to share their experiences and insights on various topics. I’m thrilled to see so many moms reaching out and eager to be guests, creating a dynamic and engaging platform for sharing stories and wisdom. Furthermore, I’ve launched a Business Resource page on my website, providing followers with a comprehensive directory of businesses catering to all aspects of parenthood, from pelvic floor physical therapy to baby music classes and beyond. This resource aims to streamline the process for parents seeking trusted and reliable services, further enhancing the support network provided by the Mama Wears Athleisure community.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In my journey, three qualities/skills have been instrumental in my growth and success. Firstly, my background as a special education teacher has instilled in me impeccable organization skills, rooted in my type A personality. I thrive on making lists and relish the satisfaction of checking tasks off one by one. Secondly, I’ve learned the art of prioritization—whether it’s tackling smaller tasks first to gain momentum or focusing on what will bring the greatest sense of accomplishment. This skill allows me to navigate the demands of owning a business with efficiency and purpose. Lastly, collaboration and a willingness to seek help have been essential. As a business owner, I wear many hats, and I’m not afraid to reach out to others for advice or scour Google and YouTube for solutions. Embracing continuous learning and seeking support from others has been my key to adaptability and growth.
My advice to fellow entrepreneurs: don’t hesitate to ask for help, seek support, and utilize resources like YouTube to acquire new skills—it’s all part of the journey to success.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is someone who shares my passion for supporting and connecting with moms, particularly those in the San Diego, South Orange County, or Temecula areas who are new, expecting, or newly postpartum. Whether they offer products or services, they are dedicated to enriching the lives of mothers and families. They recognize the importance of community and seek to be a valuable resource in the journey of parenthood. Through my podcast and Carlsbad Mom Walks group, we provide a platform for these businesses to reach their target demographic and make meaningful connections with moms seeking support and resources. Together, we strive to create a supportive network that empowers and uplifts mothers as they navigate the beautiful and challenging journey of motherhood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mamawearsathleisure.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamawearsathleisure.podcast/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariela-de-santiago-57817a19/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQZH_AmrVDn7cdGHROIQH6Q
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/carlsbadmomwalks/
Image Credits
Z Logue Photography
