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

Hi Tina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It all started when I struggled with depression as a new Mom. Simple things made me anxious, angry, and paralyzed. My emotions overwhelmed me. I didn’t know who to talk to. I wanted help, and I wanted to get better. Be better. I didn’t know where to start. Therapists told me I didn’t have enough trauma to work with them. Spiritual directors told me to pray more. I was lost. It took two full years before I took steps to change my mindset and to overcome the lies I believed for so long. I chose to work through each thought as they came, to love God in each decision, and to take small, courageous steps. Some days it looked like getting dressed; other days it looked like going to dinner with friends; or talking to my children. I learned to recognize my perceptions and challenged myself every day to get better. It worked! Mama’s Ark was meant to be a side business selling soap. Choosing to start a business [back in 2017] terrified me. I had to be courageous to start something. I earned enough money through tutoring to buy a logo design. As I healed emotionally and spiritually, God’s vision for Mama’s Ark started to shine through. I knew God wanted me to create something for Moms. We moved that year and Mama’s Ark was put on hold. 3 years later, I had my 4th baby and COVID-19 hit. That’s when I knew that God wanted me to fully launch Mama’s Ark. I stepped out in faith, and I haven’t looked back. I believe healing begins when you choose to see and love yourself the way God does. That’s why I created Mama’s Ark: to help struggling Moms like you reclaim peace in your life through your God-given identity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a teacher by trade and an Enneagram 2! I love to coach and help people. It’s what I live for. I am so, so excited for the opportunity and platform to help struggling Moms. It’s only the beginning for Mama’s Ark. I offer private coaching & I have an online course launching in August 2020. This 5-week course includes self-paced modules and weekly coaching from me. I am teaching Moms how to master their emotions with Christ in the center of their healing. As a Mom of 4, I understand what they go through. What sets me apart is that I have learned how to master my own negative emotions while battling depression and anxiety. I learned how to live a joyful and peaceful life despite how I feel, and I’ve helped my clients do the same!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
With kids & Pre-Covid, I would plan to go to: – La Jolla Shores (kid-friendly beach) & Caroline’s to eat – San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park – Mission Bay for Paddle Boarding (by the Catamaran Resort) – Coronado Island – In-n-Out – My backyard for BBQ’s – Little Italy’s Saturday Farmer’s Market Without kids: – Progressive dinner in the Gaslamp District – Mission Beach for drinks and swimming – Brunch! Fig Tree Cafe or Breakfast Republic

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I want to thank God for being faithful and lining up the perfect people to help me when I needed it. And to my husband, Kevin for supporting me in my dream! I want to shoutout these local businesses who helped me get Mama’s Ark up & running: – Krystel Stacey, author of “She Minds Her Own Business” – Che Castro, owner of Come Alive Co. – Patrick & Rocio Roth, owners of BeeLeaf Creative – Corina Tripon, owner of Ginger Root Society Thank you all!

Website: www.tinamsullivan.com
Instagram: @mamas_ark

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.