We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mallissa Flamm a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mallissa, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
There have been many challenges in my life that have made me resilient. Having faced breast cancer at a young age (35), and striving to survive for my children has been the main factor of my resilience. That diagnosis was life-altering and I had to face fears, uncertainty, and physical challenges. My love for my children, my husband, and knowing that there is so much more in this life I wanted to live was the driving force behind my determination to fight.
Through this journey, I learned to embrace resilience. It taught me to appreciate each moment, cherish the relationships that uplift and support me, and find strength in the difficult times. Having to be resilient in a time such as fighting breast cancer has shaped me into the person I am now. Someone who faces challenges head on, and knowing the love for my family, and of life gives me the courage to overcome anything.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a wife and a proud mother of two fantastic teenage boys. Throughout their education, I’ve always homeschooled them, eager to remain actively involved in their lives while seeking opportunities to generate additional income doing things I genuinely love. Balancing the desire to be present for my children with the need for extra finances was a challenge as a single-income household. I decided to launch a photography business, specializing in family portraits, which allowed me the flexibility to work on my own terms.
Growing up, I never had the chance to experience places like Disneyland. However, being able to visit these parks with my own children instilled a deep love for theme parks, particularly the Disney ones. Managing our expenses while traveling became a skill I developed, learning to maximize experiences on a tight budget.
Living close to Disney parks slowly started to became a dream of mine. I aspired to share my insights, helping others navigate and enjoy these parks with their families efficiently. Learning budgeting tricks and uncovering ways to maximize park enjoyment without overspending became a passion. However, our home in Utah was too far from the parks, prompting us to plan a move to Florida.
At the start of 2022, our plans for relocation were in motion. Unfortunately, during a routine doctor’s visit, my world turned upside down and I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Suddenly, our plans came to an abrupt halt, and I found myself fighting for my life. Through the challenging days of chemotherapy, I found comfort in TikTok and YouTube, watching content creators and park streamers. It sparked a desire within me to do the same for others one day which was to share the joy of theme parks from my perspective.
Following the grueling journey of cancer treatments, when I finally achieved remission, my perspective on life shifted. Time felt more precious than ever, urging us to accelerate our plans.
In May 2023, we finally relocated to Florida. I quickly delved into sharing my experiences by streaming on TikTok. Combining my photography skills and editing knowledge, I aim to provide the content and information I’ve long desired to offer. My hope is that by sharing my passion for theme parks, I can help others during tough times, just as it sustained me. And being able to do this with my family by my side fills me with immense joy. I hope to continue in creating content that is both informative and enjoyable, with an inviting atmosphere. My aspiration is for viewers to sense the genuine love I hold for the parks and life within every video or picture I share.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting back, three things that I feel are the most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and a constant thirst for knowledge. These qualities became pillars during the challenging phases of my cancer treatment, relocation, and pursuing my dreams.
For those beginning a similar journey, my advice is to embrace flexibility and see setbacks as opportunities for growth. Sometimes you have to seek support from those closest to you, a therapist, or support group to build that emotional strength. Learn to adjust and find new ways to navigate challenges. Being adaptable helps you get through life’s unexpected twists and turns. And lastly, keep that thirst for knowledge. Be open to new information, seek guidance from those in your field, and remain curious. Remember that your journey is unique, there is no one size fits all approach.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
The current challenge I’m facing is trying to find a balance between being a homeschooling mom, a content creator, and a survivor still dealing with symptoms of cancer recovery. Managing these multiple roles while ensuring my well-being, sustaining creative momentum post-recovery, and providing quality education for my children is an ongoing endeavor. Effectively managing time and energy to prioritize both my family’s education and my creative pursuits remain significant challenges I’m navigating.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Wandering.fam
- Youtube: Wanderingfam
- Other: Tiktok: Wanderingfam
Image Credits
I own all images
