This Meet-a-Mom Monday we are thrilled to introduce you to Scylla Lopez, a local mother of two who pours her heart and soul into what happens behind the scenes over at KHOU 11. We had the good fortune of connecting with Scylla and she shared her best advice for juggling motherhood and a career, along with her funniest shortcut that has helped her through parenthood. Check out her interview which originally appeared in South Houston Moms
How long have you lived in Houston?
More than 10 years. I lived in Pearland before back in 2006 for about a year, then we moved back in 2012 from Mississippi. We had our first child, Sam in Mississippi, but we had a chance to move to Texas and wanted to be closer to our family. At that time, my parents lived in Lake Jackson. Now they live with us in Pearland.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
Hmmm … I could be a bit sassy at times. I don’t mind owning that. 😊
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
2 boys, Sam and Ace – 5 and 9
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m Filipino, and I have a very unique spelling of my name -Scylla but it’s pronounced Sheila. People think that has something to do with me being Filipino. My name is actually from Greek Mythology. People might think I get annoyed when they don’t know how to pronounce my name, but I like it. It’s memorable!
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My mom! She always has so much love to give, so just her being there for me and helping us is priceless.
What do you do for self care?
To be honest, I should definitely do more of self care. So if any other mamas have ideas, let me know. 😊 My self care is really not doing anything. Disconnecting from work – not looking at emails – messages, that helps. And every once and a while, you gotta TREAT YO’SELF! Even if it’s just a nice dinner, trying something new, going somewhere new. Little breaks, even if it’s for a few hours, makes a difference with my mental health.
What can you share with us about your career with KHOU 11 and how you got started?
I am the Marketing Brand Manager at KHOU 11. I focus on growing and nurturing the KHOU 11 brand on all platforms and help improve the station’s competitive position. We look at audience research and trends to develop strategies for marketing campaigns that will help enhance our content and increase viewership.
I’ve worked in news for more than 14 years, mostly in news and not in marketing. So I’ve spent the last few years strengthening my marketing bone, while bringing my experience in the fast-pace world of news into my new role.
Here’s what I tell my kids – “Mommy helps to make sure people who watch the news will watch KHOU. We want people to know us – like us – trust us – follow us – and watch us. When something happens, like a bad storm, mommy’s department helps to make sure people know that KHOU is here to give you all the important information.” KHOU 11 News Houston (@khou11) • Instagram photos and videos
We had a great marketing campaign for Back to School. KHOU 11 is your Education Station, so we invested a lot into making sure our communities were coming to us for all things back to school. And we had a lot of fun bringing back school photos of our anchors/reporters, like this: Facebook And also wishing our schools good luck on their first day back: (1) Fort Bend ISD on Twitter: “.@KHOU wants to welcome you back to school! Only 5⃣ more days to go! https://t.co/nJzBuMAGwh” / Twitter
With COVID being such a big concern, we promoted an important discussion with several superintendents: KHOU 11 News Houston (@khou11) • Instagram photos and videos
My roles is involved in a lot, from news to sales to community, branding is part of everything we do and I’m happy to be part of an organization whose brand is strong, relevant and celebrates our communities.
What is your favorite part about working for KHOU?
I love that I’m part of an organization that really values their employees and work culture.
What is your best advice for juggling motherhood and working?
I think it’s good to give your kids a little peak inside your work life. It’s important that they understand what you do so that when you have to work, they know why. And tell them about the fun things about your work. And when you’re done – try to make it an exciting moment. “Mommy is all done! What do you want to do?” And if you can, get them excited about “mommy’s work” as my 5 year old would say.
What would you tell the “old you” before you had kids?
I would tell myself to appreciate family time more. I see how important it is now and how close my kids are with their grandparents.
Funniest shortcut or routine for helping you through parenthood.
Fireball shots.
We love to support local businesses. What is your favorite place in the Pearland/Friendswood or Sugar Land areas to:
- Go to dinner with your kids: The kids love Italianos and Los Cucos.
- Have a date night: Killeen’s Steakhouse
- Have fun as a family: Any of the great parks around town! We like exploring the trails too!
- Get your hair done: I actually like trying new places, so I don’t have one salon in particular.
- Get your nails done: NailGanic
- Shop for yourself: So much to choose from! But if I really wanted to treat myself one day, I’d go to Brooke’s Boutique.
- Shop for your kids: Barnes and Noble