The Sarasota Moms:
Meet Lana!
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have four beautiful kids! Lilliana (11), Luciana (7), Juliana (4), and Logan (1)
What do you love about living in the Sarasota area?
My favorite part of living in the Sarasota area is the beaches and parks. Living in a vacation destination really does make daily life feel more like a vacation. Sarasota County is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and Sarasota has so many great parks and playgrounds.
What’s your favorite restaurant and place to shop in Sarasota?
I can’t list ONE favorite restaurant in Sarasota, I have too many to list. Some of my favorite local spots would be Walt’s, Phillipi Creek Oyster Bar, Pop’s Sunset Grill, The Point, Shore, and Fins at Sharky’s. I love seafood restaurants on the water. I am a big craft beer fan, so Calusa Brewery is one of our favorite local stops. For shopping, downtown Sarasota and downtown Venice have some really cute shops and boutiques. St. Armand’s Circle on Lido Key is definitely one of my favorite locations for dining and shopping. It has anything you could want!
Tell us about your career.
I am one of the founders of The Sarasota Moms website. I launched the site in May 2020, and two years later we are relaunching the website with a more robust look and a new business partner, Kim, which I’m super excited about! I also work part time doing digital marketing and advertising for an absolutely amazing mom-run clothing brand called Latched Mama.
What do you love about your career?
I love the ability to work from home and be actively involved with my kids daily. I don’t have to choose between work and the kids, I can do both. Shortly after having my third daughter, I decided to leave the corporate world and haven’t looked back! I also love that I work for two amazing companies that are run by mothers and the work I’m doing allows me to be a voice for other moms.
What are some of your hobbies?
Hobbies, what are those? I don’t find much time these days for personal hobbies, but some things I enjoy most are spending time at the beach, walking the neighborhood trails, biking, swimming, and pickle ball.
How do you juggle work and motherhood?
Balancing work and motherhood has always been a juggling act. For me, my kids come first and work is secondary. I am grateful for the flexibility in my current working situation that allows me to have a healthy work/life balance. With 4 kids, I am constantly in mom-mode and I just do my best to get the work in every day. Some days are pure chaos, but I know the days are long and the years are short!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received from another mom?
My Mother-in-law, a former teacher, has a saying that she has reminded me with each child, “No one shows up to kindergarten with a bottle, pacifier, or diapers, Whatever happens up to then is fine!” I try not to stress about the timelines on weaning, pacifier usage, or potty training. I feel like moms put too much stress on themselves and their kids with strict guidelines and expectations for their kids. Every child develops different and at their own pace and that is totally ok!
Meet Kim!
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
Three kids 14,13, 11
What do you love about living in the Sarasota area?
My absolute favorite thing is living 10 minutes away from the beach and enjoying
many sunsets and playing in the gulf!
What’s your favorite restaurant and place to shop in Sarasota?
Mexican for sure right now its Mi Pueblo in Venice, I love their margaritas! Shopping, I’m not much of a shopper, but it will probably be TJ Max or Marshalls because they are close!
Tell us about your career.
I am a career mom first and beyond that I am working on becoming a certified postpartum doula, so I can support other mothers starting out their journey in motherhood. Alongside that career, I love connecting moms with area resources and found the perfect way to do that by joining my friend and fellow rock-star mom, Lana, with The Sarasota Moms.
What do you love about your career?
Being a mom can be hard and isolating at times. Being a doula and working with The Sarasota Moms I get to support moms in being more cared for in this season of life. Knowing I can provide some help during a sensitive time is very rewarding!
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy exploring new places especially in nature! Going to the beach for sunset and recently paddle boarding!
How do you juggle work and motherhood?
I’ve always found that focusing on my center (relationships/needs at home) and working out from that gave me the best sense of accomplishment in balancing work that I enjoy and my family’s needs. It takes a lot of shifting and pivoting priorities; it isn’t always perfect, but it’s a season and one I’m not willing to miss!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received from another mom?
To compare brings despair – SO DON’T GO THERE!