Conversations with the Inspiring Tammy Krikorian Gabel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammy Krikorian Gabel.

Tammy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m a former journalist and currently work in public relations. I’ve been blogging off and on, both personally and professionally, since 2005 when I was a reporter in Yuma. I started this blog in 2014 when I returned to work after having my youngest. I really wanted a creative outlet for writing and a way to connect to other working moms. In 2016, I rebranded the blog as Momma Tammy and started taking it a bit more seriously. I began attending blogging events, meeting other bloggers and eventually connected with the East Valley Moms Blog, where I was a contributor for two years. Momma Tammy remains a hobby as I still work outside the home full time, but it’s given me great opportunities to learn from other creatives and collaborate with brands as I’ve continued to grow. An added benefit is that often I’m able to take what I’ve learned in the blogging world and apply it to my day job, and vice versa.

Has it been a smooth road?
Because this is on the side for me, I am able to have some flexibility to try different things and see what works. I think, for a personal brand, authenticity is key. One challenge that comes along with that is striking that balance of staying authentic while also staying on brand. Another challenge, of course, is finding the time to work on my blog while also working and momming full-time. But the biggest advice, I think, is to stay true to yourself. I have turned down opportunities that didn’t feel right to me, instead choosing to collaborate with brands I’m excited about.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Momma Tammy story. Tell us more about the business.
My main goal is connecting with other moms, whether that’s working moms, stay-at-home moms or work-at-home moms. I think we all have something to learn from each other’s experiences, from how to get a meal on the table at the end of a workday, to balancing self-care with marriage and motherhood or dealing with sibling rivalry.

I also have a master’s degree in environmental journalism, and I’m working to incorporate sustainability more and more into my content. There are unique challenges to attempting to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle both as a mom and as a suburban desert dweller with a commute.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My parents were hard workers, and I had a strong work ethic instilled in me from a young age. And I’ve always liked to keep busy. I started working when I was 14 but also remained active in student council and school activities, such as drama and cheerleading, and in college was the editor of my school newspaper. I learned early on that I thrive on a deadline. But I think has always been active has taught me to be organized and to prioritize my time, so that I am able to take care of my family, my job and my blog – and also know when something needs to move to the back burner.

Contact Info:

• Website: mommatammy.com
• Email: mommatammyaz@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/mommatammyaz
• Facebook: facebook.com/mommatammyaz
• Twitter: twitter.com/mommatammyaz

Image Credit:
B Hansen Studios

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