We had the good fortune of connecting with Shauna Bligh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shauna, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Being a stay-at-home-mom to two little girls under the age of five is definitely hard enough, then throw in a few side gigs and it becomes even harder. There are days when I forget about everything on my plate and think that being a mom is my only job. Then I remember that I have three different side jobs along with being the President of my community HOA. It’s a LOT.

When I first became a SAHM, that was the only thing I was going to do. However, it didn’t take long to decide I wanted to try and bring home an income as well. I put whatever energy I had left after my newborn and put it into my social media accounts. I figured if anyone could do it, why couldn’t I? I started spending nap time every day working on my blog and my Instagram account. When my daughter went to bed at night, I’d work then too. It became a really good balance for me, and it continued until I had my second daughter this summer. Now, it is a little harder to balance my family time and my work time, but I make sure to set aside at least an hour each afternoon to work. If my older daughter isn’t napping, she has quiet time. It allows me to bring in an income to continue staying home with the girls. The balance is key.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
To be completely honest, I don’t think I’m that different from my peers in the industry I’m in. But something that has stuck with me from day one was to be open, honest, and available. I have always wanted to build a network of other moms, to make us all feel like we aren’t alone. We are all in this together and whenever someone else needs a little encouragement, I want to be there.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh gosh! San Diego is one of the top US destinations, there is so much to do here. We are beach people, we prefer to spend most of our time at the beach. We are partial to Carlsbad beaches because we live here, but the best beach in San Diego is definitely Windnsea (La Jolla), which also happens to be a great tourist spot to see the sea lions.

In Carlsbad, we love bringing our guests to Las Olas because it’s a staple for Mexican food. Or having a Knockout Pizza delivered right to us on the beach. 264 Fresco is the perfect place for happy hour/sunset, they have a rooftop bar that gives you the best views. If it’s a Wednesday, you must check out the Carlsbad farmers market to grab some local treats. And we always bring our guests to Mermaids in Village Faire to pick out some beach souvenirs to bring back home!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I first started my journey into social media I met a handful of women who were doing the same thing: trying to grow their accounts so they could bring in extra money and stay home with their children. One of those women became my best friend through the years, and she is always my number one fan (and I, hers). Having a friend who supports you in everything, doesn’t feel envious when you’re successful, and is always helping you be your best self, is a rare find. I’m incredibly lucky to have her. (Shoutout: @the_floridagirl).

Website: http://www.stayinghomesawyer.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayinghomesawyer/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunabligh/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shauna_bligh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stayinghomesawyer

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=r2PsG-EqKTE2s0Zl0TS2KQ

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_C9z-QeMfTRcmrcCojB3w

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.