You might recognize Shaquita Garcia, fashionable mama extraordinaire, from the MOLOCO launch photo shoot. She, along with her adorable son, Nelson, were a part of our launch campaign, and they couldn’t have been a sweeter mama/babe duo! Shaquita is a full-time hustling and working mama, and the founder of Modern Housewives Magazine (MHM). MHM is an online publication based out of NYC, and one that is dedicated to celebrating mamas everywhere. We asked Shaquita to fill us in on her own motherhood and breastfeeding journey, plus what it takes to keep “the ship afloat” on the daily, and how playing dress up helps keep her inspired… Here’s what she had to say!
What was your background before starting Modern Housewives Magazine?
Before I started Modern Housewives Magazine, my background was in fashion design. I worked in corporate design and I had my own clothing line as well.
Where did the inspiration come from to start the magazine?
My battle with postpartum depression and struggle with breastfeeding, forced me to find an outlet for myself to speak out about the struggles of motherhood, and also inspired me to write articles about content that new moms, like myself, needed to relate to.
For all of the women, mamas, wives and readers alike, what can we expect to see as features and articles?
Fashion is always at the forefront because that has always been my passion, but also breastfeeding, business, relationships, and all things motherhood.
Sometimes as mothers, getting dressed can feel challenging! Especially when you are working with an ever-changing body – during pregnancy, post pregnancy and beyond! We love your sense of fashion and would love to hear more about how you find daily inspiration to create your outfits and looks!
Thank you so much! It may sound a little funny, but I play dress up. I experiment with my clothes and wear them in different and innovative ways to make them work for my body at any given time. And, I’m not afraid to just go with it and own my look. Personal style is so important, especially with an ever-changing body and life.
As a working mama, how do you go about finding time for yourself? How do you define self-care? “Balance”?
Unfortunately, this is one aspect of my life that I really struggle to maintain. My idea of self-care is going to Starbucks alone, and working on magazine articles (which is still work!). With that being said, I do have a deal with my husband… we agree to work in shifts. He works at the office during the day, and then takes care of our son at night when he comes home. At night, I have my time to work, take a bath, drink tea, watch my Housewives shows (guilty pleasure!), or whatever I choose. I do choose work most times, but I continue to strive towards balancing “me time” into it all.
Was there any advice you received as a new mother that you can share? Something you read or someone told you that really stuck with you.
When I first had my son, breastfeeding became such a painful task, and I would dread whenever my baby got hungry. He was a cluster feeder, and he was rapidly losing weight. I fell into a depression because I would cry every time I had to feed him. My nipples were dry and bleeding, and I was literally doing what I could to keep baby and myself healthy. Even still, it seemed like I wasn’t doing enough. A friend of mine, who had given birth to her son months prior, called me and said, “Listen, I know you want to exclusively breastfeed your son, but if you need to supplement with formula to give yourself a break, that absolutely does not make you a bad mom.” Her words stuck with me from that day on, and it lifted me out of that dark space I was in. My nipples started to heal, my son started gaining weight, and everyday I became less tired because my husband was able to contribute by bottlefeeding my son.
What did your breastfeeding journey look like? Was it a smooth transition, or did you struggle to find your groove? Any tips you can share with new mamas on how to make the breastfeeding process more easeful?
As I mentioned before, breastfeeding started out rocky. It did eventually get easier as I started to find my groove, but if I had to give any advice - I would just say to make sure you take care of yourself first. As moms, we tend to always put baby first, but if you are not well, you can’t be there for your baby. If you have help, or someone offers to help, TAKE IT. I can’t say it enough. Your support system will ultimately benefit you, trust me.
With baby no. 2 on the way (any day now!) what are the changes you anticipate most?
I’m honestly not sure what changes to expect! I’m mostly nervous to meet my daughter, because my son was the definition of a textbook baby. He had no major issues and didn’t really cry much at all. I’m hoping things are exactly the same with baby two!
Can you share about any other upcoming projects you are working on?
Wow, I have a lot going on! I will continue to work on Modern Housewives Magazine, but I am also launching a podcast in connection with the magazine, a host of mommy wellness events, two books, (one of which was curated by my two year old son!), and “Mommy and Me” clothing line named for my newest baby, Zoey.