Meet Amanda Maratas of Chandler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Maratas

Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have worked in ICU (currently in the NICU: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), emergency room, urgent care, and various home settings as a nurse and as a healthcare provider. A consistent theme I saw across all healthcare settings was a gap of vital information that shouldn’t have been missed. I love being able to teach parents something new. The glow in their eyes when you can make a concept click and visibly see their confidence level increase is so rewarding for me, it’s what keeps me going! That’s why I started my business as a Mama Coach. I wanted to bridge that education gap. When you think about it, it requires more hours to learn to drive a car than to raise a human being. That is crazy to think about!? Through my work, I strive to empower my families to become strong, educated advocates, and instill the idea that they are not alone in this.

Owning a business has been something I have always wanted to do, but never thought I could. I don’t have a bachelor’s in marketing or business, my degree is in nursing. That’s what I love about being a nurse – I get to learn something new every single day. I get to meet wonderful families and other businesses, it makes my soul smile.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It wasn’t always a smooth road for me. I was chatting with a networking group earlier this week and we all agreed that owning a business reveals your downfalls. One of my biggest struggles has been time management. I didn’t realize how long and the level of intensity certain tasks take, like editing intake forms or setting up a website. Another struggle has been learning how to fine tune my marketing to reach the right audience. This can apply to everyone whether you own a business or not: you can say the PERFECT thing, but if you are speaking to the wrong audience, it doesn’t matter how true your words are.

I strongly believe that chasing your dream does create a renewed version of yourself. At least it has for me and it has been a beautiful process, tears and all.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a Mama Coach, I get to support families during pregnancy and beyond, meaning that I provide empathy and support paired with evidence-based education throughout pregnancy AND when my families have their precious babe earth side. I love to teach my CPR, choking, and AED workshops. I strongly believe that everyone should know the basics of emergency management, even if you aren’t a medical provider. I also get to help my families sleep better. Sleep is such a fundamental principle of life, and so often we push it down and blame it on having an infant. Sometimes with sleep disruptions, there can be feeding complications as well. As a nurse, I am trained on noticing the slightest differences so I can pick up when something seems off.

I also get to educate on pregnancy, potty training, and fertility support as well. It essentially is having a nurse in your back pocket who can encourage you along the way! I love what I get to do and am so thankful for this opportunity to support families in a deeper capacity.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One of the most surprising things about me is that I have had 12 knee surgeries! Yes, you read that right! I had a complex childhood and was a frequent flier at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Washington State (I am not an AZ native!). The nurses caring for me are the sole reason I became a nurse and I am so grateful for them.

I wouldn’t be who I am without my struggles and I thank God that I was able to start seeing this as a gift instead of a hardship. It makes me who I am meant to be, and I think that can be such a delightful thing about pain is that you either can choose to sink or swim. I hope that anyone reading this decides to swim because you are so valued here. It took me years to see my struggle as a gift and I hope one day you will be able to see whatever you’re going through in the same light.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amanda-maratas.themamacoach.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandamaratas.themamacoach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamacoach.amanda.maratas

Image Credits
@chasingvieaus
Nicole