As a senior marketing manager for a nonprofit,?? ??? ?? a content creator, and a mom of two, L.A.-based Meghety Foudoulian has a lot going on. And, like many parents, she found that making the jump from a full-time career to splitting her time between work and the parenting of small children was a tough one. After the birth of her daughter in 2021 she says, “I realized just how tough motherhood can be.”

Originally from Lebanon and born to Armenian parents, Foudoulian was living half a world away from her larger support system when her daughter was born. She suddenly felt very alone.

“Motherhood had always been sugarcoated for me, especially on social media, and I didn’t know how much I’d need a village until I didn’t have one,” she says.

Just two weeks postpartum, feeling alone and craving community, she launched her Instagram account (@lifewithmamameg) while up in the middle of the night to breastfeed. It combined her love for comedy, allowed her to be creative, and served as a lifeline both for herself and other moms. Since launching in 2021, @lifewithmamameg now has nearly 65K followers.

Working moms are often celebrated for being able to “do it all.” But there’s so much more to the story of balancing a career and building a brand while raising kids at the same time. We caught up with Meghety Foudoulian over email about all things motherhood and content creation.

What is your "personal brand" — what are you hoping people will get from your page @lifewithmamameg?

[It’s] all about being honest, real, and funny. I always say my page screams, “Let’s laugh about it so we don’t cry about it!” I truly love making people laugh! It’s one of my favorite ways to connect.

At the same time, going through the ups and downs of motherhood has brought out a more reflective side of me. I often write about my emotions because I know how lonely it can feel when you're in the thick of it and feel like you’re not being heard or seen. I want moms to feel less alone, to know that someone gets it.

I don’t believe in sugarcoating motherhood. That’s why I share the hard moments right alongside the beautiful ones. Through my posts, I hope to build trust with my audience so they feel like they have a virtual friend in me; someone who’s there when they need to laugh, cry, or just feel seen.

How much do you make in a month from your content?

Around $3-4K per month. This industry is very unpredictable. Some months I make nothing, and some months I make five figures. 

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When it comes to sponsored content, how do you determine what gets a yes and what gets a no?

I’m very intentional about the brands I choose to work with. My audience trusts me, and I take that seriously. I would never recommend something I wouldn’t or haven’t personally used. Before moving forward with a partnership, I ask myself, “Would I purchase this with my own money?” I’ve turned down so many partnerships in the past simply because the product didn’t align with my values or lifestyle.

On the flip side, there have been brands I truly loved as a customer, but after working with them or seeing how they communicate or treat content creators and their work, I was disappointed. Poor communication or a lack of mutual respect is a big red flag for me, and it’s often enough to make me stop supporting the brand altogether. At the end of the day, integrity matters, both in what I share and who I choose to work with.

Top three things you can't live without as a mom:

Besides my supportive husband, of course, I would say my mom, who recently relocated to the US. She’s my entire village. As a working mom, I couldn’t do it without her. She helps a ton with taking care of our kids and steps in for when we need date nights. Her support is a true blessing, and I learned how to love from her. 

Next is my Zoe double stroller! We truly never go anywhere with the kids without it. It’s lightweight, durable, and spacious enough to hold all the snacks, toys, my coffee, and everything else my kids would need.

Finally, Instacart and DoorDash for grocery delivery. As much as I love a good grocery store run, I really rely on grocery delivery apps to save time and energy. It’s one less thing I have to think about, and it keeps me stocked up on essentials without leaving the house with two toddlers who always want to run around and touch everything!

Top three things you can't live without in your professional role:

My Skylight Calendar: It’s truly my second brain. Between meetings, deadlines, content planning, and family life, having everything visually laid out keeps me sane and on track.

Definitely Canva: I use it daily as a marketer and a content creator. Whether I’m designing carousel posts or putting together marketing visuals, it’s my go-to creative tool that makes everything look more visually appealing.

Finally, my home office. When we lived in a smaller space, I didn’t have a dedicated work area, and now that I do, I can feel the difference. My productivity has improved so much! I’m less distracted, and mentally, my brain knows: “OK, we’re in work mode now.”

Is there anything about being a mom that has helped you with your career?

First one is adaptability. Motherhood throws so many unexpected moments your way. Just when you think you have it figured out, a new curveball is thrown at you. Routine changes, car naps, sleep regressions, teething, potty training, and so much more. I’ve learned to pivot quickly, stay calm under pressure, and make the best out of situations I can’t control. That mindset has been incredibly valuable in my work as a nonprofit marketer, where priorities can shift quickly, resources are often limited, and you need to stay solution-focused while keeping the mission front and center.

Second one is speaking up. Growing up, I wasn’t very confident in my skills, especially because I thrived in the creative world and not in the traditional academic areas, and that wasn’t always valued or encouraged in traditional school settings. I often stayed quiet, kept my opinions to myself, and doubted whether my voice really mattered.

But becoming a mom changed all of that. When it comes to my children, I realized that staying silent isn’t an option. Whether it’s speaking up at doctor’s appointments, advocating for support, or questioning what’s best for their well-being, I quickly learned that my voice is not only powerful but also necessary.

That confidence has carried over into other areas of my life too. Now I speak up more at work, I share my ideas with confidence, and I trust that what I bring to the table has value. My direct supervisor calls me the Idea Generator and that makes me so happy! Motherhood gave me the push I needed to finally own my voice.

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What do you wish more people understood about working moms?

People often assume that if you work, you’re not the one raising your kids or that you’re somehow neglecting your family. The reality is, my job is a huge part of who I am. Yes, being a mom is my most important title, but I’m not only a mom. I’m a wife, a professional, a sister, a daughter, and a friend. All these roles matter to me, and all these roles make me who I am and fill my cup.

And when it comes to my job and my page, they both remind me of what I’m good at and what I can accomplish. And that version of me — fulfilled, confident, seen — is the mom I want to show up as for my kids. I want to inspire them to see that they can pursue their passions, be confident in who they are, and always fill their own cups with things that make them them.

What advice do you have for someone looking to do what you do?

Just start. Even if it feels like you’re not ready yet, go ahead and take that first step. Honestly, I don’t think anyone is ever truly “ready,” but I do know that you’ll learn and grow as you go. The only thing that’s truly stopping you are your own doubts. And yes, some days you’ll still question yourself and feel like you’re just another voice in a sea of more prominent ones. But remember, your voice is unique. It has the power to change someone’s life in ways you might not even realize.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.