What mothers can teach us about the workplace

As a senior marketing manager for a nonprofit, content creator and two moms of Meghety Foudoulian of Los Angeles did a lot of work. And, like many parents, she found it difficult to get from a full-time career to splitting time between work and child care. After her daughter was born in 2021, she said: “I realize the hardships of motherhood.”

Originally from Lebanon, Foudoulian was born to Armenian parents, and when her daughter was born, she was far away from half the world of her larger support system. She suddenly felt very lonely.

“My mother has been sugarcoated for me, especially on social media, and I didn't know I needed a village until I didn't have a village,” she said.

Only two weeks after delivery@LifeWithMamameg) While breastfeeding late at night. It combines her love of comedy, allowing her to be creative and serving as a lifeline for herself and other moms. Since its launch in 2021, @LifeWithMamameg now has nearly 65k followers.

Working mothers are often celebrated for being able to “do their best.” But there are many stories about balancing careers and building a brand while raising children at the same time. We contacted Meghety Foudoulian via email with everything about mothers and content creation.

What is your “personal brand”? What do you want people to get from your page @LifeWithMamameg?

[It’s] Everything about honesty, real and interesting. I always say my page screams, “Let’s laugh so we don’t cry!” I really like making people laugh! This is one of my favorite ways to connect.

At the same time, the ups and downs of my mother made me more reflective. I often write about my emotions because I know how lonely you feel when you are in trouble and feel that you are not heard or seen. I hope my mom is not alone and knows that someone has got it.

I don't believe in the sugar-coated mother. That's why I share the tough moments with beautiful moments. Through my posts, I want to build trust with my audience so that they feel like they have a virtual friend. People who need to laugh, cry or just feel to see.

How much money do you make from content in one month?

About $3-4k per month. This industry is very unpredictable. Some months I do nothing, and in the few months I earn five figures.

When it comes to sponsored content, how do you determine what is affirmative and what gets?

I am very interested in choosing the brand I work with. My audience trusts me and I take it seriously. I would never recommend something that I wouldn't or didn't use in person. Before I started a partnership, I asked myself, “Will I buy it with my own money?” In the past, I turned down a lot of partnerships just because the product doesn’t match my values ​​or lifestyle.

On the other hand, there are some brands that I really like, but after working with them or seeing how they communicate or deal with content creators and their work, I’m disappointed. For me, poor communication or lack of mutual respect is a big red flag, which is usually enough to get me fully supportive of the brand. Ultimately, integrity is about what I share and who choose to work with.

Mashable Trend Report: Coming soon!

As a mom, you can’t live without the first three things:

Of course, besides my supportive husband, I would also say that my mom has recently moved to the United States. She is my entire village. As a working mom, I can't do it without her. She helps you take care of our children and step in when we need date nights. Her support is a real blessing and I learned how to love from her.

Next is my Zoe twin stroller! Without it, we really would never go anywhere with our kids. It's lightweight, durable and spacious enough to accommodate all the snacks, toys, my coffee and everything else my kids need.

Finally, Instacart and Doordash are used in grocery stores. Even though I love a good grocery store operation, I do rely on the grocery delivery app to save time and energy. This is one thing I don't have to consider, it keeps me stocking up on the essentials without having to carry two toddlers who always want to run around and touch everything!

The top three things you can't survive without a professional role:

My Skylight Calendar: This is indeed my second brain. Between meetings, deadlines, content planning and family life, everything that is visually arranged keeps me sane and on track.

Absolutely Canva: I use it every day as a marketer and content creator. Whether I’m designing a carousel post or organizing marketing visuals, this is my go-to creative tool to make everything look more appealing.

Finally, my home office. I don't have a dedicated work area when we live in a smaller space, and now what I want is that I can feel the difference. My productivity has improved so much! My brain is not distracted, mentally, I know, “OK, we’re in working mode right now.”

Is there anything that helps you with your career as a mom?

The first is adaptability. Maternity and childbirth bring many unexpected moments. Just when you think you have figured it out, you throw a new curveball at you. Routine changes, naps, sleep regression, teething, potty training, and more. I learned to turn quickly, stay calm under pressure, and make the most of it from uncontrollable situations. This mentality is very valuable in my work as a nonprofit marketer, where priorities can be transferred quickly, resources are often limited, and you need to stay focused on solutions while keeping your task-wise and central.

The second one speaks. Growing up, I wasn’t very confident in my skills, especially because I thrived in the creative world rather than in the traditional academic field and wasn’t always valued or encouraged in a traditional school environment. I often keep quiet, keep my opinion about myself, and doubt whether my voice is really important.

But being a mom changed all of this. When it comes to my kids, I realize that staying silent is not an option. Whether it’s speaking on a doctor’s date, advocating for support or questioning the happiness that suits them best, I quickly learned that my voice is not only powerful but necessary.

This confidence also continues to other areas of my life. Now, I speak out at work, I share my thoughts with confidence, and I believe what I bring is valuable. My direct supervisor called me a creative generator, which made me happy! Maternity gave me the driving force I needed to eventually have a sound.

Do you want more people to know about working moms?

It is often thought that if you work, you are not the one who raises your children, nor are you ignoring your family in some way. The reality is that my work is an important part of me. Yes, being a mom is my most important title, but I am not just a mom. I am a wife, a professional, a sister, a daughter and a friend. All of these characters are important to me, all of them make me an identity and fill the cup.

When it comes to my work and my pages, both of them remind me of the work I’m good at and done. That version of mine (full, confident, see) is a mom I want to show up like a child. I want to inspire them to see that they can pursue their passion, be confident in who they are and always fill their own cups with their own cups them.

What advice do you have for wanting to do what you do?

Just the beginning. Keep moving forward even if you feel that you are not ready. Honestly, I don't think anyone is really “ready”, but I do know you'll learn and grow with your identity. The only thing that really stops is your own doubts. Yes, sometimes you still question yourself and feel like you are just another voice in a more outstanding ocean. But remember that your voice is unique. It has the ability to change someone’s life in ways you may not even realize.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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Family and childcare