We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariela De Santiago and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariela, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I created the Mama Wears Athleisure podcast after seeing a gap and a need for moms to get answers for the various questions they research as new and expecting parents.

As a new mom, I found that much of my time was spent on the computer trying to find answers to questions I had, from starting solids, to cloth diapers, to anything and everything nursing related. After searching for mom podcasts that would provide me with information I could use in short episodes, I continued to hit a dead end. What I envisioned didn’t exist… yet. After contemplating and sharing my idea with my husband, I decided to spend a couple months learning how to create a podcast and create what I kept wishing existed.
My goal is to help save parents time by having experts provide answers to the many topics googled in short episodes, about 20 minutes or less. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Mama Wears Athleisure was born after I searched for a podcast that would give me the answers I needed as a new parent trying to survive. I wanted to be able to use my son’s nap time to either nap, workout, shower, or eat; but I was finding myself on my computer googling the new issue or fear of the day.

After launching my podcast on November 9th, 2022, I shared my podcast with the moms at all the mom groups I participated in, mom walks, parks… basically, anywhere I ran into a mom. From there, I began to host the Carlsbad Mom Walks group, which has also helped in sharing my podcast.

Being a one woman team has really tested me and gotten me out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned to put myself out there and share my business card with moms I run into. Social media is a challenge. I try to be vulnerable and show a little background about what I do, who I am, but the content and the constant changes in the analytics can be frustrating. However, my goal is to grow my listeners and that doesn’t have to be tied to my social media account. Especially since I try to limit my social media use as well. Even so, I have gotten into a rhythm and routine of making sure I post 3 times a week and prepare for those posts in advance.

I would love the world to know that my goal is to help save parents time and give them the answers they need so they don’t have to sift through the information and try to determine what is/is not accurate. I am finding the experts, asking the questions, and want to be the go-to podcast parents can depend on as a resource. I love when listeners suggest topics because all babies and mamas are different, so, many of the struggles are different.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I LOVE food and the beach.

Our food locations: The Plot, Campfire, High/Low, Herb & Sea, Taste of the Himalayas, Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar, Eris Vegan Food Co., The Goods & Plantiful Kitchen, Camp Coffee, The Campstore, Tremont Collective in Oceanside

Cocktail/drink locations: Cococabana, The Rooftop Bar, The Deck at 264, Stone Brewing Liberty Station and/or Escondido

Must See: Balboa Park, walk the Carlsbad Sea Wall, Swami’s Beach, walk to the Oceanside Strand, Padres game, Birch Aquarium, paddleboarding at Mission Bay, paddleboarding or kayaking in La Jolla (maybe checkout the sharks), hike Torrey Pines, [electric] bike to the beach in Carlsbad, then listen to live music at The Campstore

I love going to places with beautiful ocean views that show the beauty of San Diego.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband (Adam De Santiago) is my cheerleader- he encourages and supports all my wild ideas, including the creation of this podcast. My son, Luciano De Santiago- without him, this podcast would not exist.

Website: https://mamawearsathleisure.com/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQZH_AmrVDn7cdGHROIQH6Q

Image Credits
Z Logue Photography & Dominique Labrecque Photography

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.