We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gretchen Moore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gretchen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?
The most important lesson I learned on the job was to give myself room to make mistakes. Anxiety on the job comes from not allowing room for errors and overworking yourself. There is a balance between being a hard worker and taking time to breathe. It’s essential to view your job from the perspective of a sports team dynamic instead of a family. Sports teams are evaluated and know they can be cut. This perspective provides you with balance and boundaries. You understand to give yourself permission to take a break and not over-commit.
Back story:
I battled postpartum depression and anxiety with my first child. This chemical imbalance was something I couldn’t control. I went back to work as normal, but I was a different person. I continued business as usual, but inside I was sick. I couldn’t decide between wanting to be a mom or working. Motherhood is hard because you feel a loss of identity. You have this wonderful new world, but you’re also trying to discover your unique body and self. I have always been a hard worker, and being a new mom was challenging. My world was rocked, and I had to learn to pace myself and slow down. I wasn’t used to that. Being a mom has taught me to enjoy balance, and I don’t always have to be busy.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My husband and I created The Shea Mom Blog during the global pandemic to raise awareness for postpartum depression and anxiety after my public battle. Since its creation, we have started our own marketing/ photography business. We take photos, capture videos, and create reels for brands. We enjoy helping brands reach their target audience. We have built our website and SEO and learned how to market to wider audiences.
We are proud of our website and photos. We capture amazing images and understand how to put the client’s needs first.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I worked in higher education for eight years serving students. I took time away to have my children and stay at home after my battle with postpartum depression and anxiety. I needed the break for my mental health, and I’m grateful for the time I spent at home. I’m thankful for my husband, who gave me the space to regain my footing. I felt like the rug was lifted under me and my husband helped me breathe again.
Content creation has provided me with so much joy, and I’m thankful for the journey it has provided me. I love making funny videos and giving people something to smile about after seeing the work completed.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My children are my reason my family is my reason. I want them to know that mommy never gave up. My husband is patient and has been by my side, helping me heal. I also do this to show and inspire other moms that it’s okay to rest and get back up and try again. I felt like after kids, my world and working wouldn’t be in the cards for me again. I was so wrong, and I have found joy in my journey. I’m so thankful for my story, and I will continue to smile and help others bring their smile back through content creation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesheamom.com
- Instagram: thesheamom
- Facebook: thesheamom
- Other: https://instagram.com/thesheaphotography_tn?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Thesheaphotography_tn (IG)
Image Credits
https://instagram.com/thesheaphotography_tn?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= TheSheaPhotography_tn