Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samantha Cieslinski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Samantha, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
My Mission
As a Motherhood Content Creator, Teen Mindset Coach, and Host of The Running Wine Mom Podcast, my mission is deeply personal—it stems from my own experiences trying to navigate the challenges of motherhood (even though I felt like I did all the research beforehand) while striving to maintain a strong sense of self. Maintaining a strong sense of my own independence was something very important to me when we decided to have children. I wanted to show my children that you really can do it all if you put your mind to it and have the right tools.
Motherhood is the most important job I will ever have, but it often comes with feelings of overwhelm, self-doubt, and the struggle to balance personal goals with parenting responsibilities. Prior to motherhood, I posted about my fitness journey on social media-but I knew I needed to transition into a new space after I had my children. I created The Running Wine Mom as a platform to help support moms in reclaiming their identity, prioritizing their well-being, and sharing the real stories of what happens behind the perfectly posed photos on the internet.
My background as a Teen Mindset Coach plays a significant role in this mission in motherhood. As a little background-I am also a Health & Physical Education teacher with a masters degree in Athletic Coaching. Before kids-my children could be found on the court-I coached for ten years (basketball & field hockey) at the high school level. Between having kids & experiencing the Covid pandemic-it was the perfect storm to create my teen mindset coaching space. This is not just for athletes-but all teens who are struggling with how to navigate this intense time in their lives.
Now, how does The Running Wine Mom align with my teen mindset business you may ask? In motherhood, I’ve seen firsthand how a mother’s confidence, mindset, and emotional well-being directly impact her children-especially teenagers dealing with their own challenges. By helping moms develop a strong foundation in the younger years, I aim to create a ripple effect—helping not just mothers, but the next generation as well.
Through all of this, my podcast was born. My hope is to provide moms (and dads) with the tools, mindset shifts, and real-life strategies they need to thrive while also highlighting parents who are making a huge impact on the world while raising a family. My mission is to remind women that they can embrace both motherhood and their personal aspirations, finding balance and fulfillment along the way.
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?
About Me & The Running Wine Mom
I’m a Motherhood Content Creator, Teen Mindset Coach, and Host of The Running Wine Mom Podcast. My goal is to help moms work through the challenges of motherhood while maintaining their personal identity, mindset, and well-being. My journey into this space wasn’t planned—it evolved from my own experiences as a mother trying to juggle parenting, self-care, and personal growth, while realizing that so many moms around me were struggling with the same things-but hiding it behind closed doors.
I’m a mom to a 4-year-old and a 2.5-year-old, and the reality of motherhood truly hit me when I had two under two, just 18 months apart. The chaos of raising two babies at once was overwhelming, and I quickly realized that I needed to find systems, strategies, and most importantly, a mindset that would allow me to thrive rather than just survive.
My husband is my biggest supporter, but his chaotic schedule meant that I had to find balance and a structure that worked for our family. Instead of feeling frustrated by the unpredictability, I focused on developing a mindset that embraced flexibility, self-care, and realistic expectations. Through this experience, I discovered the power of mindset and personal growth in motherhood, which ultimately led me to my mission today.
What I Do & What Sets Me Apart
I started The Running Wine Mom podcast as a space to have real, honest conversations about the ups and downs of motherhood, self-care, and personal growth. One of the most important things I wanted to highlight was that these parents were still able to do all of these big things, while raising little humans.
As a Teen Mindset Coach, I also focus on helping teenagers build confidence, self-talk, and a positive mindset. I’ve seen how much a mother’s mindset impacts her children, and by supporting both moms and teens, I’m able to make a meaningful difference in families.
What makes The Running Wine Mom unique is its holistic approach—it’s not just about parenting tips, fitness, or self-care; it’s about blending all aspects of motherhood and personal growth into a lifestyle that feels balanced and fulfilling. I understand the real struggles moms face because I live them too. I don’t preach perfection; I offer real strategies that busy moms can actually apply.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the community I’ve built. Seeing moms connect, support one another, and apply the ideas from my podcast or coaching sessions to their daily lives is the most rewarding part of this journey. Watching teens I’ve worked with develop confidence and a strong mindset is another huge accomplishment that fuels my passion.
What I Want My Audience to Know
I want moms to know that they don’t have to lose themselves in motherhood. You can be an amazing mother and pursue your personal passions. I want teens to know that their mindset is their superpower—it shapes their future. And I want everyone who connects with The Running Wine Mom to feel supported, understood, and encouraged to become the best version of themselves.
If you’re looking for guidance in motherhood, mindset, or personal growth, I invite you to tune into The Running Wine Mom podcast and join the journey!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Almost 10 years ago, I started my journey on Instagram with @runsamrun12, a fitness and nutrition-focused account. At the time, I simply wanted a space dedicated to my passion for running and healthy eating—because let’s be honest, my personal Instagram followers were probably getting tired of seeing my latest meal prep! Over time, I built a small but engaged following, and everything changed when I found out I was pregnant in March 2020.
As I began sharing more of my pregnancy journey, I realized I was more than just a running page—I was evolving, and so was my audience. In September 2021, I officially rebranded to The Running Wine Mom, shifting my focus toward building a motherhood community. Then, in June 2022, we welcomed our second child (hello, two under two!), and my content naturally expanded to reflect my new reality of juggling motherhood, self-care, and mindset.
The turning point came in July 2022, when I posted a video demonstrating how to hold an infant car seat—and it went viral with over 24 million views. That moment skyrocketed my reach, and suddenly, I had a much larger audience engaging with my content. With this growth, I knew I had to figure out my next step.
As a teacher, my instinct has always been to learn and teach—it’s how my mind works. I remember driving home from work in January 2023 when something told me: start a podcast. I had no clue how to even begin, so I reached out to a friend whose husband had a podcast, and by February 2023, I released my first solo episode. From there, I started inviting family and friends to share their stories of growth, resilience, and parenthood. The podcast kept growing, and through my content, podcast guests, and blog, my community was built.
But let me be clear—this did not happen overnight. The Running Wine Mom was a slow burn, carefully curated with love, and it has truly become my third child. My goal has always been to help other parents navigate the challenges of motherhood with a little more ease.
Advice for Growing on Social Media
If you’re looking to grow on social media, my advice is simple:
-Be consistent. Keep showing up. Even when engagement is low, keep posting.
-Keep evolving. Pay attention to what’s working and what isn’t. Analyze your content and adjust accordingly.
-Know your audience. I once did a weekly segment called “Win of the Week” to celebrate small parenting victories, but I quickly realized that moms in the trenches weren’t looking for highlight reels—they wanted to relate to real struggles and daily challenges. So, I pivoted, and that shift made all the difference.
– Show your face. People connect with people. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and let your personality shine through.
– Keep going. Growth takes time. Yes, hiring a social media manager probably would have made things easier, but I’m proud that I built my platform on my own.
So, if you’re building your own brand or community…you got this! Stay authentic, stay adaptable, and keep putting yourself out there. Your people will find you.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I am always reading! Since 2023, I have kept a running list of books I’ve read -here are a few of my faves-
Atomic Habits – James Clear
A must-read for building consistency, discipline, and the small habits that lead to big success—essential for entrepreneurs.
The Big Leap – Gay Hendricks
Focuses on overcoming self-imposed limits and stepping into your full potential, which is key for business growth and personal success.
Creating Affluence – Deepak Chopra
Explores the mindset of abundance and financial success, which is crucial for entrepreneurs navigating money mindset challenges.
Manifest in Action
A great book on using manifestation and mindset techniques to bring success into your life and business.
The Magic of Thinking Big – David J. Schwartz
Encourages thinking beyond limitations and setting ambitious goals, which is vital for entrepreneurs looking to scale and innovate.
The 5 AM Club – Robin Sharma
Focuses on morning routines, discipline, and how high achievers structure their days for maximum success.
Dare to Lead – Brené Brown
A fantastic book on leadership, vulnerability, and how being authentic can help you build a strong team and business.
Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert:
A great book for creative entrepreneurs on overcoming fear and embracing inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.therunningwinemom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningwinemom_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-cieslinski-363672271
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Therunningwinemom
- Other: Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AzVZYZvqmYBnfY23M3Bgz?si=d8baaf2a831e496c
Image Credits
Brittany Breen Photography
Adelaide Chantilly Photography