We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Vlastas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I don’t know where it came from, but I found myself staring at a black and white postcard that said “The secret is to NEVER give up! If you don’t believe in yourself, no one will”. I couldn’t really comprehend what it meant at the time because I felt like I actually had kind of given up on myself. In 2013, after having my first child and moving to a different state (when he was just 6 weeks old), the adaptation to all the changes had worn me down. I remember my parents had moved out of my childhood home and sent me a box of all of my things. I looked through them remembering who I was and reminiscing on all of my accomplishments. I put the postcard on my mirror, then on my refrigerator and then framed it in a cheap plastic frame and put it on my desk which is where it still stands.

After a decade now I can look at that postcard and fully understand what it means. In the past decade I again moved to another city and state (Houston, Tx), had my second son, went through a divorce, started my business, West University Moms, and have gone through a spiritual and emotional growth journey that I would have never imagined if I hadn’t deeply contemplated that postcard and what it meant.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What I love most about West University Moms is the opportunity to advocate for and support moms. I’m passionate about helping them through the wild and unpredictable journey of motherhood, which is often so different from what’s portrayed in the movies. I strive to remind moms that they’re not alone.

One of the aspects I cherish most about West University Moms is our “Meet a Mom” feature, where moms can share their personal stories, hobbies, and talk about their businesses or passion projects. It’s my way of recognizing and celebrating moms who might not receive acknowledgment elsewhere, and of giving back to the incredible community of moms.

As I explored Houston’s activities, attractions, and parks with my own kids, I realized that this information could be invaluable to other moms. That’s when I decided to channel my passion, skills, and drive into creating a community and resource hub for moms: West University Moms. It became my way of connecting with others and helping fellow moms navigate the beautiful yet sometimes challenging path of motherhood.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Where do I begin, Houston is such a cultural melting post, another reason why I love it so much. I live close to the Museum District so I would definitely take them to the Museum of Fine Arts, show them the beautiful tree lined streets of the historic Boulevard Oaks, check out the Menil. Drive through colorful Montrose, wind through the Heights. Take them to eat in Chinatown, check out the mural scene, and Buffalo Bayou. I could go on and on. Don’t get me started with the food here, Houston is a culinary capital, too many amazing places I wouldn’t want to leave anything out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
During the last decade I have read so many books, listened to so many podcasts and attended many workshops to build myself back up. “Ask and it is Given, Learning to Manifest Your Desires” by Esther and Jerry Hicks was the first book that really got my brain spinning. I had grown up in a setting where we saw what was “wrong” with things and that what we desired was “hard work”. This book completely shifted everything for me. The second book was “Evolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind” by Dr. Joe Dispenza. It really helped me see that I was the creator of my life and my experience. I started to shift my thoughts to positive ones and started to see the good in everything. My life and frame of mind has completely shifted and even in the hardest times I was able to stay strong and trust the process.

Aside from these amazing authors, I also have to give a big SHOUTOUT to the amazing Houston community. I have lived in a few cities that weren’t as welcoming or friendly and I immediately fell in love the moment I got here. I am naturally helpful and loving and I feel that I receive that in return here 🙂

Website: https://www.westuniversitymoms.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westuniversitymoms

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandavlastas/

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