We were lucky to catch up with Brenda Stearns recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brenda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve always been a creative person. My social media journey started with the intention of sharing my handmade doll business with a community. It grew quickly, and every doll drop sold out. But when I became pregnant with my fifth child, I had to step away—I simply didn’t have the capacity to keep making them.

Even though I had to stop, that creative spirit never left me. I shifted my focus to social media as a personal outlet, and what started as a small journal of my life grew into a large, engaged community of women. I began sharing my postpartum journey—at a time when many of these conversations were still considered taboo. My vulnerability resonated with people, drawing them to my page. I opened up about body image struggles, postpartum depression, navigating life as a stay-at-home mom of five, and learning to love myself. Over time, my content was featured in various publications, bringing even more people into my space. In 2019, Instagram verified my account, marking another milestone in my journey.

As my life evolved, so did my content. What started with postpartum and body positivity shifted into large-family living, and now, after moving into our dream home, my focus has been on restoring our 1850s house. But at its core, my page has always remained the same—a safe space to be vulnerable, a place where I hope people leave feeling better than before they found me. My goal is for people to know they are enough, to spread kindness, and to believe that love is everywhere and dreams do come true.

So, to answer the question—there was never a set goal to reach people; it just happened as I shared my journey. I’m incredibly proud of the community I serve and the people who choose to follow me. I hope they always feel loved and seen when they visit my page.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At my core, I’m a storyteller, a creator, and someone who finds beauty in the imperfect and the unexpected. My journey into social media wasn’t something I planned—it grew organically as I shared different seasons of my life. Today, my work focuses on home restoration, motherhood, and finding joy in the little things.

Right now, a big part of what I do is restoring our 1850s home. It’s more than just a renovation—it’s about honoring history while making it a place that reflects our family’s personality and warmth. I share the process with my audience, from uncovering hidden details to tackling DIY projects that blend the old with the new. I want people to see that creating a home you love doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive—it’s about creativity, patience, and embracing imperfections.

Beyond home restoration, I share the real, unfiltered side of motherhood and life. I’ve always believed in creating a space where people feel seen and understood, whether it’s through discussions on parenting, personal growth, or the everyday chaos of a large family. I don’t aim for perfection—I aim for authenticity, and I think that’s what draws people in.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge creativity with storytelling. I’m not just sharing home projects or parenting advice—I’m bringing people along on a journey, making them feel like they’re a part of it. I want my audience to feel inspired to embrace their own dreams, whether that’s restoring an old house, navigating motherhood, or simply finding beauty in the ordinary.

At the end of the day, I’m most proud of the community I’ve built—a space where people can laugh, learn, and leave feeling encouraged. Whether you come for the home inspiration, the real-life moments, or just a little dose of creativity, my hope is that my page reminds you that your story matters, your dreams are worth chasing, and love is always at the center of it all.

How did you build your audience on social media?

For those just starting out on social media, my biggest advice is:
1. Be real. People connect with authenticity. Share your experiences, your wins, your struggles—whatever feels true to you. Don’t chase trends if they don’t align with your story.
2. Engage with your audience. Social media is about building a community, not just posting content. Respond to comments, ask questions, and make people feel valued.
3. Find your focus, but allow room for growth. Your content will evolve as you do. Don’t be afraid to pivot and explore new interests—it keeps things fresh for both you and your audience.
4. Be consistent. You don’t have to post every day, but showing up regularly helps people stay connected to your journey.
5. Tell a story. Whether it’s a home project, a parenting moment, or a personal milestone, people love following a narrative. Take them on the journey with you.

At the end of the day, I never set out to “grow” my social media—I just shared my life, and the right people found me. If you’re just starting, focus on sharing what you love and creating a space where people feel welcome. The growth will follow.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of everything I share—whether it’s home restoration, motherhood, or personal growth—is the desire to create a space where people feel seen, inspired, and encouraged. My goal has never been just to document my life but to build a community where vulnerability is embraced, creativity is celebrated, and people walk away feeling a little lighter than before.

Right now, my creative journey is centered around restoring our 1850s home, but it’s about more than just renovations. It’s about honoring history, breathing life back into forgotten spaces, and showing that creating a home you love doesn’t have to be perfect or expensive—it just has to feel like you. I want to inspire others to embrace their creativity, take on projects that excite them, and not be afraid to make mistakes along the way.

Beyond that, my mission has always been to remind people that their stories matter. Whether I’m sharing the realities of motherhood, the highs and lows of personal growth, or the beauty in the everyday, I want my space to be a place where people feel understood and encouraged to pursue their own dreams. If someone leaves my page feeling a little more confident, a little more inspired, or a little more hopeful, then I know I’m doing something right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/brendastrns
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/she_plusfive
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brstearns
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@she_plusfive
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@she_plusfive

Image Credits

Professional photo of the whole family sitting on the grass is by @thecitruscollection