Meet Gladys McMahan | Mom Blogger

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

Hi Gladys, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work life balance changed significantly after having my baby. Before my baby, I used to work 12+ hours a day and most weekends. After having my baby, I had the privilege to quit my job. I now work with my husband which enables me to be home with my baby and set my own work schedule.

My work life balance now is by no means 50/50. If I had to put a measure to it, I would say the split would be 70/30. I probably spend 70% (if not more) of my time with my baby and 30% working and pursuing my personal goals. Sometimes, this looks like working until 3 AM because I got nothing done during the day, but it’s not a difficult task to do because being present for my baby is my number one priority right now.

This privilege and change in balance and priority are made possible by my husband who works tirelessly to provide for us and allow our family the lifestyle that we live.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my blog a few months ago after being home with my baby and working with my husband. I wanted a creative outlet for myself and I wanted to try and find my identity outside being mom.

What sets me apart from others that my blog and my social media accounts are still about me and for me and my family. When I first started out, all the tips and coaches said to create content for your audience for rapid growth. However, I started my blog and my account specifically to share about me and my family and someone once told me to post about what I love and my tribe will form.

It is definitely not easy trying to grow! Gone are the Blogger and LiveJournal days. I learned real fast that growing on a platform like Instagram is one of the best ways to direct traffic towards my blog, and also a good platform to utilize to create a community.

I often feel discouraged because I am a naturally shy person and usually don’t like taking pictures or putting myself out there but I remind myself that if I am not uncomfortable, then I am not growing and personal growth is why I even started this. I recently challenged myself to post a reel everyday which was a big step for me since I usually hate recording myself because of my crippling shyness but I did it! I also started talking in my stories and I am slowly getting more comfortable in front of the camera. I still have to muster up the courage to take my tripod out in public and shoot pictures publicly but one challenge at a time!

I’ve learned along the way that unless I stay authentic to myself and my brand, I cannot sustain this. I started creating content that I thought other people might like and that did not feel right and imposter syndrome hit me hard. Whenever I create content that speaks to me and I know will make my husband laugh, those are the most enjoyable for me and drive me to do more and create more. Whenever I write blogs about our family and my own interests, it drives me to keep writing and drives me to keep growing.

What I want everyone to know is that when they come to my space, what they are seeing is authentic. I share my own struggles and my triumphs. My ultimate goal is to create a community that is relatable and has a space for everyone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was to visit, some welcome donuts from Donut Resist Bakery (@donutresistbakery) would be a good start! They have the best flavors and are vegan and can be made gluten free! Blue Door Coffee Company carries Donut Resist on the weekends and has great coffee as well! HeBrews in Magnolia has seasonal coffee flights!
Cru Wine Bar is also the perfect spot for us at Market Street in The Woodlands. They have the best wine flights (we love a good Pinot Noir and Malbec) and the best food. Bonus: the weather is finally getting cooler and holiday lights are coming up so we can sit outside and enjoy both!
King’s BierHaus in The Heights is also a favorite of ours. Good food, good atmosphere, and great beer for our husbands.
Fogo de Chao in The Wooddlands is also a mainstay in our restaurant rotation.
Flower Child is a new place in our rotation. They have really good food and The Woodlands location has a great atmosphere and the place is great for pictures!

With Christmas coming up, Santa’s Wonderland up in College Station is a no-brainer. My husband and I are annual season pass holders and go multiple times per season.
The Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo is also a must-see!
Shopping at Market Street in The Woodlands, The Galleria, City Centre, and River Oaks would also be fun because of the holiday lights.
I absolutely love shopping and in my opinion, holiday shopping is the best because the whole experience is elevated by the lights and decorations.

Long walks around The Woodlands Waterway, Hermann Park, and Buffalo Bayou are perfect for catching up.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Wes, deserves all the recognition and credit! He is the reason why I am able to be present for our child and quit my job. When I said I wanted to go start blogging again but wasn’t sure if I should, he erased all of my self-doubt and told me I was more than good enough to do it. When I’m feeling discouraged and my self-doubt and insecurities are knocking on my door, he pushes me to acknowledge those feelings head-on and helps me overcome them. His love and dedication for our family is unwavering and a steady presence that encourages me to keep growing as a person, as a mom, and as a wife.

Website: gladysmcmahan.com

Instagram: @_gladysmcmahan_

Twitter: @gladysmcmahan_

Facebook: facebook.com/gladysmcmahanblog