Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I was born in Houston, Tx! My first few years I lived in the Houston Heights area and spoke primarily Spanish. I was enrolled into ESL classes and then halfway through 4th grade we moved to a smaller town; Crosby, Texas. I still consider the Heights my 2nd home because my mom owned a business in that area and we would spend a lot of our weekends and summers out there. I’ve moved a bit further from both areas now but still visit very often.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
We have one son who goes by the nickname Tripp (His dad is a triplet and he carries a 3rd generation name from his dad/grandpa). He will be 3 in May and I am SO excited for his Dinosaur themed party.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I can be an extremely shy/nervous person. I do have my very outgoing, friendly, people person personality but it usually does take a little for that to come out. Through my social media, people usually can’t even imagine me being such a quiet person but I actually believe social media has helped me in trying to overcome my shyness in person. After so long being in front of a camera, I’ve slowly started to feel so much more comfortable being my dorky self in person just as much as I am okay showing that part of me online.
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
I love exploring Houston! I would say that is my favorite activity, Exploring! There is just SO much to do! Soo many food options, exhibitions, pop-ups, nature, new places opening up and old gems to find. I usually make it a “thing” to go exploring once a week!
Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant in the area?
We do have some favorite ice cream shops like @smooshcookies in the heights (across the street from where my mom had her business previously) and Cloud 10 Creamery!I Can’t say we have a favorite family-friendly restaurant just yet but I’m def on the search. I have my eyes on a few that i’ve seen some great reviews on such as Little Matts on Edloe st, Clays on Clay Rd and Stomping Grounds in Katy! I hope to visit those soon!
What local places do you go to for pampering and/or mom’s night out?
I honestly don’t do much pampering. Last year I only got my nails done once and then I went to Cru Day Spa and got my lashes lifted for the first time (amazinggg)! I want to do a little more pampering this year, maybe a massage or something along those lines. For a night out I like to go to new spots I haven’t been to but most of all I really just enjoy hanging out with the girls in my family or my friends. We may all be in our twenties but we have sleepovers where we have our wine and dance around the living room to 90s music just like in the movies…I seriously enjoy it so much plus I think it keeps us young 😉
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am the founder of Marilyn & More, a blog about my adventures as a mom, entrepreneur and influencer. I also work as the Booking Coordinator at Outloud Marketing (love it!), and as a daily live broadcast host on the app Bigo Live where I do anything from just talking, to cooking or even DIYs all while getting paid and interacting with people all over the world. I’m going on my 6th-month broadcasting now and have over 100k followers now! I also run my small business called The Party Shack where I rent things out for parties such as tables, chairs, bounce house, etc. I’m working on a 2nd business now but it’s still in the early process!
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I have to first off give credit to all the local people I have met through groups/communities I recently joined such as @HoustonLatinaBloggers and @Zipkick! The amazing connections I have made through these organizations has really motivated and opened my eyes to so much. I feel like I have so many Houstonians (& others as well) rooting for me and a circle where we all support one another is always the best!
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
To-Do lists and Self awareness! I love posting nice pictures on social media but don’t get it twisted. I’ll be the first to say I am still trying to figure it all out! I do LOVE (and i’m somewhat obsessed) with To-Do lists. I make 1-3 to do lists daily which is a huge help to keep me focused and remember everything I want/need to do. I have also learned alot about self love/self awareness recently which has helped me stay positive through mommyhood and by that I mean I give myself credit for all that I am trying to do and give myself a break when needed, no matter what anyone else thinks!
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
I would tell myself: Marilyn, when your life isn’t going as you planned it to be, remember God is the one leading your path. Relax!” I’d say this not only now but back then too because I did have everything planned out….”Finish college, start a business, get married, travel, then a family.” I was very hard on myself when nothing was going as planned but if it weren’t for everything happening as it did I wouldn’t be where I am now.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
Dry Shampoo! It helps give off the appearance that I spent some time getting ready for the day and I have my whole life together when in reality I am hungry, running on a few hours of sleep and probably forgot to put a bra on LOL!
