I'm back, y'all! I know it's been a while since we last connected. But season four is here!

Today, I am sharing some personal life updates—like my new book coming out on 10/15!—and how my writing journey has been going so far.

I also discuss my healing journey so far. I've been putting in the work, Friend! But I hope that this episode leaves you feeling affirmed to take big risks and dream bigger. It's time we redefine what failure looks like for us and discover our purpose beyond the babies. Progress over perfection will win out every time!

As always, let's stay connected.

Grab your Tee Mail here.

Follow me here and here.

And, of course, you can grab the shirt I'm wearing at MomTings.

Enjoy, Sis!

Whew, Chile. Y'all have to forgive my delay in getting this episode up. May is such a busy month in my household because of birthdays and other milestone events—I see you on Mother's Day!

But without further ado, here is my conversation with my friend, Jasminne Mendez, as we discuss the challenges of balancing success as a mother and a career woman. Together, we share our experiences as mamas and authors, navigating the demands of motherhood while pursuing our creative passions. We discuss the trade-offs and sacrifices that come with success and the need to make choices that align with our competing priorities.

Jasminne Mendez is a best-selling Dominican-American poet, translator, playwright, audiobook narrator, and award-winning author of several books for children and adults. Including the middle-grade novel in verse, Aniana del Mar Jumps In (Dial), which received the 2024 Pura Belpre Honor Award. Her other books have received prizes from the Texas Institute of Letters, the Writer’s League of Texas, and the International Latino Book Awards. She is an MFA graduate of the creative writing program at the Rainier Writing Workshop at Pacific Lutheran University and a University of Houston alumni. She is the Program Director for the literary arts non-profit Tintero Projects and she lives and works in Houston, TX.

Follow Jasmine on IG here. You can also learn more about her and her work through her website.

Happy listening, Friend!

In this conversation, I chat with Shaniqua Smith, my son's godmother and one of my best friends. We discuss the challenges and experiences of motherhood, specifically focusing on the fourth trimester—the postpartum period.

Because -ish gets real when the baby comes. There's much to be said about the transition of welcoming a new baby at home, the emotional and mental changes, and the importance of self-care and grace.

We also touch on the pressures of comparison and the impact of social media on perceptions of motherhood.

Shaniqua Smith is a dedicated stay-at-home wife and mother of four beautiful girls. With a passion for making a difference in people's lives, she pursued a career in social work. Shaniqua earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed her Master's degree in Social Work at Alabama A&M University. Throughout her career, Shaniqua has worked with various populations, including infants anolder peoplely. She has made a positive impact through her involvement in mentoring programs, hospice care, summer camps, and providing essential resources like food and clothing. In 2020, Shaniqua took a leap of faith boldly decidedsion to leave the social work field during the pandemic. She seized the opportunity to launch her own licensed home childcare program, the Leap of Faith Learning Academy, LLC. Despite the challenges, Shaniqua embraced the journey and created a nurturing and educational environment for the children under her care. Currently, Shaniqua is taking a break from the childcare profession to focus on her role as a stay-at-home mom. She uses this time to heal, explore new opportunities, and prepare to relaunch her childcare program as a center. Shaniqua's determination, compassion, and unwavering faito inspire those around her.