Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with Tiffani of MyMommyVents. MyMommyvents host fabulous events for moms here in the New York City area. I enjoyed this interview because of how candid and honest Tiffani was and I am sure you will find her refreshing and will relate to her experiences.
Can you introduce yourself?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been doing something to bring people together for a cause. From putting together play dates as a little girl (without asking my parents first!), to the talent show fundraiser I coordinated for my college step team, and the breast cancer benefit party where I met my husband, I’ve always been an event planner. As the founder of MyMommyVents, I connect moms through social media and special events.
How many children do you have and their ages?
I have two sons, ages three and one. Their little faces are the reason behind why I do all that I do.
[Tweet “Their little faces are the reason behind why I do all that I do.”] What’s the biggest parenting challenge you’ve overcome?The terrible twos and potty training have been challenges in themselves, but the biggest parenting challenge I’ve had to overcome has been convincing myself that I’m doing a good job. It’s hard to feel like you’re a great mom at when you’re rushing off to work and have to leave your children with someone else all day, or when you can’t figure out why your baby won’t eat something that he loved the day before. Motherhood is the kind of job that you can’t prepare for–there are no manuals and no one hands you a list of instructions when you leave the hospital with your baby. At the end of the day, you have to believe that you’re doing the best that you can do for your children and being the best mom that you can be.
[Tweet “No manuals and no one hands you a list of instructions when you leave the hospital with your baby”] How do you balance motherhood and your career?How do I balance motherhood and career? I’m still figuring that out. I stayed at home with my first son for a year, but was back at work after six weeks with my second. There are certain sacrifices you make for the good of your family. I leave the house at 6:30am three days a week so that I can leave work at 4:30pm in order to have a little more time with my guys.. I stay connected to my husband and children while I’m at work with calls and texts on my lunch, and my children’s picture is my computer screensaver. I have pictures of my sons and my husband at my desk, and remind myself that I work in order to help provide for us all.
Any tips you’ll like to share to new mothers?
I think a tip for other mothers is to remember your motivation for doing what you do. Whether you work or stay at home, make sure that you’re doing what’s best for your family. Other people will have their opinion, but the only thing that matters is that you do what works for your own family.
Tell us about MyMommyvents?
MyMommyVents is a mom led community of support for mothers. What started as a private Facebook group for new moms to connect and my own passion for event planning grew into a resource for moms to give and get advice, confide in one another, and strengthen each other–online and in person. MyMommyVents’ mission is to inspire, empower, and inform mothers through social media and special events.
When you’re pregnant, advice is everywhere–whether you want it or not. There are all sorts of books and guides to help you decide what to eat, what to wear, and what to expect. People want to know how you’re feeling and how they can help you…but when your baby gets here, all anyone wants to know is if that’s spit up on your shirt, and no one explains how to navigate motherhood. In order to take care of our families, we sometimes need a little time for ourselves. MyMommyVents provides mothers with a chance to connect with other moms who are going through the same things. Spa days, panel discussions, fitness, and movie trips are just some of the things we do, but providing moms with a source of support and a listening ear is our main focus.
[Tweet “When your baby gets here, all anyone wants to know is if that’s spit up on your shirt”] Next month, we’ll be meeting up in Brooklyn to celebrate Caribbean culture with a SocaAerobics class. Led by a NASM and ACE Certified Personal Trainer, we’ll wine, juk, bubble, wuk up and roll to the songs of Machel Montano, Alison Hinds, Bunji Garlin, and other artists from the Caribbean. Details for SocAerobics and all other Mommyvents are on the “Events” section of our website.Recently, you held a fabulous event where you discussed postpartum body image. What was your biggest take away from the conversation?
Our most recent event, “Candid Conversation,” was an intimate discussion of our bodies after baby. Held at M.Wild Studio in Manhattan, mothers enjoyed wine and appetizers, along with open conversation about childbirth, balancing motherhood, and getting your sexy back. Each mom who attended received a gift bag full of items just for ladies, and some important advice–that sexiness begins in the mind. Before you’re a mother, you’re a woman, and that simple fact automatically makes you sexy.
[Tweet “Before you’re a mother, you’re a woman, and that simple fact automatically makes you sexy.”]How can we attend future events and stay touch with you?
For moms who want to reach out to MyMommyVents or attend our events, our website is www.mymommyvents.com. We’re also on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as MyMommyVents.
I hope you’ll connect with us, and find out what to do after you’re due.
Did you have similar experiences to Tiffani?
