Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Vlastas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The “Meet a Mom” interview I conduct with local moms is by far the most meaningful part of the business for me. From a young age I had an empathetic spirit and have always loved helping others. When I started West University Moms, I really only imagined it to be a resource website where I offered information however when I implemented the “Meet a Mom” interview, my passion to encourage and uplift other moms really took plight.
Before having kids myself, I imagined being a mom would look and feel like what we see in movies, tv shows, etc. I didn’t know all of the issues that came along with it like postpartum depression or anxiety, potentially losing your identity, marital issues, the challenges of juggling work, mom-guilt etc. I love the “Meet a Mom” interview because I get to celebrate that mom and let her shine to our community.
Amanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
When I moved to Houston in 2015 as a new mom, I didn’t know anybody and had to build a network for my kids, a group of mom friends, along with finding resources to keep us engaged and entertained. Having lived in several cities in the U.S. including Los Angeles, San Francisco and NYC, I was so impressed with how inviting, friendly and “livable” Houston was. I loved it so much I decided to use all of the research I had been gathering to build the resource website West University Moms to help other moms navigate the city.
West University Moms is a go-to resource for everything in & around Houston! If moms (and dads) are trying to figure out what to do on any given day, looking for local tips or simply staying in the know, West University Moms is your one-stop-shop. We were founded with the very simple goal of saving you time and energy by providing a comprehensive collection of local events and resources, building our community, and creating a safe place for mom talk.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe my loyalty to the community helped to build my reputation in Houston. From the “mompreneurs” or small businesses that didn’t have a marketing budget, I would coach them on social media or marketing ideas, give advice and even simply help them find the confidence to share their endeavors with the world. I also attended multiple events and activities to support my fellow business owners and entrepreneurs with the project or endeavor they were pursuing. I want everyone to “win” so I am a constant cheerleader for other people’s success.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I am a self-development junkie whether for my business or personal life. From podcasts, seminars, books to meditation retreats. My library is filled with informative non-fiction books that keep me perpetually growing. A few of my favorites are John Kehoe, Bob Proctor, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dave Goggins, Grant Cardone and dozens more – feel free to contact me for a more extensive list.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westuniversitymoms.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westuniversitymoms/
Image Credits
Photos in yellow dress only: Blip Photography