Meet Trailblazer Bethanie Garcia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethanie Garcia.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Bethanie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The Garcia Diaries started as a creative outlet for me when I was pregnant with my second child. I was a stay-at-home mom and with a young toddler, pregnant with baby #2 and motherhood wasn’t fulfilling all my creative needs. I used my blog to write about what I was feeling through pregnancy and to share what we were eating for dinner. Then, I started sharing my daughter’s outfits here and there.

When I got pregnant with my third baby, my son (in 2015), my blog really started to take off, unexpectedly. I was sharing the real and raw moments of motherhood that all moms go through, but no one really talks about. I started monetizing my blog and it went from this little hobby to a full fledged business.

When my son was born and diagnosed with craniosynostosis, I used my influence to raise awareness about his condition and really show all the real moments (even when it was hard) of his surgery, physical therapy, appointments, etc. Over the past two years, I have been so blessed by my community – which is full of strong women – who have followed my son’s journey and supported my family by following along.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Blogging and entrepreneurship in general, is not for the faint of heart. I constantly hear about other bloggers who have called it quits because it’s HARD. There’s no other word for it. It’s long hours, a lot of super unglamorous technical behind-the-scenes stuff, writing, editing, re-writing, photographing, planning, pitching and I could go on and on. My advice to someone just starting would be to NOT give up. I have wanted to throw the towel in so many times, but it is SO worth it when you’re on the other side of those struggles. I feel like I have my dream job and I’m thankful every day that I didn’t quit when it got hard.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Garcia Diaries – what should we know?
My main focus on The Garcia Diaries is sharing my journey in motherhood – through the hard times, the happy times, the painful times. I’ve shared in detail about my son’s diagnosis and two surgeries. I got candid on my blog and Instagram about miscarrying my fourth pregnancy. I’ve talking openly about my struggle with anxiety and depression. These are things that all women may go through, but things we don’t talk about… and my goal is to make that one mom feel less alone. To make her feel like her current struggles are more common than she thinks and that it will get better!

Which women have inspired you in your life?
I am constantly searching for sources of inspiration and I have found so many women I look up to and love on Instagram! In fact, I’ve met some of my best friends on Instagram and through blogging. There are a few ladies I always look to, when I’m lacking creativity and need instant inspiration: Sena of @senaenelson, Chanel of @chanelvanreenen and Katie of @katiemcrenshaw.

And of course, I’m inspired by moms everywhere everyday and that’s what keeps me going!!

Contact Info:

• Website: thegarciadiaries.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/thegarciadiaries
• Facebook: facebook.com/thegarciadiaries

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