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Amanda Maratas on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Amanda Maratas. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Amanda, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I’m being called to build and nurture a business, something I never thought I was ready for. The funny thing is, when I created a vision board for 2024, I put CEO on it, not realizing that just a week later, that would come true. When I started in nursing, I had this idea that my career would be pretty straightforward: clock in, care for patients, clock out, get paid. I never imagined I’d one day step into the role of a business owner, educator, advocate, and mentor.

Building something from scratch has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. It’s not just about what I do anymore-it’s about who I serve. I get to walk alongside parents in some of their most vulnerable seasons. I get to be a steady hand when everything feels uncertain. I listen, I encourage, and sometimes I remind people of the strength and purpose they forgot they had.

The truth? That felt terrifying at first. Leaving behind the security of a set paycheck and stepping into something that required deep trust—trust in myself, and honestly, trust in God’s timing—was not easy. But it’s also been the most fulfilling, humbling, and faith-stretching experience. Every step forward feels like a tiny miracle. I can see now that this calling isn’t just about business; it’s about obedience, compassion, and purpose.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Amanda Maratas—a NICU Nurse, CPR instructor, sleep specialist, and lactation coach, soon-to-be IBCLC! I live and work in Phoenix, Arizona, where I serve families both in the hospital and in their homes. I’m a dog mom, a gym regular, and a protein-snack enthusiast. You’ll often find me singing, reading, or spending time with the people I love most.

At the heart of my brand is a desire to meet families where they are. I provide education that’s rooted in evidence, but delivered with empathy. Whether I’m teaching CPR, building a sleep plan, or supporting a mama through her breastfeeding journey, my goal is to make you feel empowered and seen. I want you to feel like you have someone in your corner—because you do.

Teaching is one of my favorite things to do. There’s something incredibly special about seeing a lightbulb go off when a concept finally makes sense. If you book with me, I want you to walk away feeling confident, supported, and equipped to care for your little one. That’s not just my job—it’s my ministry.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Growing up, I believed that rest had to be earned. That if you weren’t busy, you were lazy. That slowing down meant you weren’t doing enough. And let me tell you, that mindset followed me into adulthood like a shadow. But something I’ve been learning, especially as I’ve matured in my faith, is that rest isn’t a reward—it’s a right. It’s not a luxury we get only when we’ve hit burnout. It’s a rhythm we’re meant to live by.

I used to walk away from the idea of rest, especially in a society that glorifies hustle. But the more I’ve returned to Scripture and truth, the more I’ve realized that rest was modeled from the very beginning. We serve a God who created beauty in six days and then rested. Not because He was tired, but because He was showing us how to live in balance and trust.

Now I’m learning to rest with intention, not guilt. And I remind my clients—especially the tired new mamas—that rest is not just allowed, it’s necessary. It’s healing. We don’t work hard so we can rest. We deserve rest because we work hard. It’s a small shift in words, but a big shift in mindset.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. And honestly? More than once.

Building a business-especially one centered around helping others-comes with a whole mix of emotions: excitement, doubt, gratitude, and fear. There were days I sat in silence, asking myself, Is this even worth it? Days when the numbers didn’t add up, the to-do list felt endless, and my confidence in my ability to keep going was hanging by a thin thread.

In January, I hit a point where I seriously considered giving it all up. I had conversations with people I trusted and prayed…a lot, but something in me wouldn’t let go. A quiet nudge in my spirit kept saying, “Don’t quit. Keep going.” And I’m so glad I listened.

Now, just months later, I look back and see the harvest of what perseverance and faith can grow. I’ve been blessed with opportunities, relationships, and impact I would’ve never seen if I’d walked away. And while the hard days still come, I no longer see them as signs to stop, but as invitations to lean deeper into my purpose.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—what you see is what you get. I show up online as myself: goofy, thoughtful, sometimes teary-eyed, sometimes bursting out in laughter. I love having deep, meaningful conversations, but I’ll also crack a joke or tell you about my latest gym fail (there’s plenty).

That said, there are parts of my life I keep private, and that’s intentional. I think boundaries are a form of self-respect, and I want to model that for the people I serve. But who I am—my personality, my heart, my love for people and purpose—that’s the same on camera and off.

I care deeply. I’ll do everything in my power to show up for you. And while I may not remember every detail or name (because let’s be honest, my brain is doing a lot), I’m always present. Always listening. Always rooting for you.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that when they were around me, they felt safe. That in my presence, they felt seen. Whether they were struggling or thriving, they knew I was in their corner, fully, wholeheartedly.

I want to be remembered as someone who led with love, who gave generously, who offered laughter and light even when things felt dark. I hope people say that I didn’t hesitate to show up when someone needed help. That I gave my time, my energy, and my heart freely, not for recognition, but because I truly care.

I’ve seen darkness in my own life, seasons of confusion, pain, and loneliness, and I know how isolating it can feel. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to be a light for others. Whether it’s through a conversation, a class, a prayer to myself, or a shared laugh, I want people to feel hope when they’re with me. Not because life is perfect, but because we don’t have to walk through it alone.

Most of all, I hope the story people tell about me points back to the God I serve. That even if they don’t remember my exact words, they remember the way I made them feel: comforted, uplifted, and reminded that they were created with a divine purpose.

When my time comes, I pray my life is a testament, not just to what I did, but to what He did through me.

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Nicole Vieaus

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