Name: Angie Barnes
Children & Ages: Ava (7.5), Nathan (4.5)
Hometown/Current Location: Indianapolis, IN
Quick Bio: I’m a former TV producer, turned PR pro! I loved my time in the newsroom both in Indianapolis as well as Miami, FL, but after starting our family, I knew a 9-5 job was much more conducive. So after 8 years in the TV business I made the jump to PR where I worked for Angie’s List (I was the “other” Angie) for 5 years. Then I knew it was time to take a leap of faith and start my own PR company — Chatterbox Media Relations — and that’s where I am now! I work with marketing firms, small businesses as well as non-profits. While being a work-from-home Mom can be crazy, I would not trade it for anything. Chatterbox gives me the flexibility to be with my kids in a way I never imagined possible, while also helping support my family. For me, it’s the perfect match!
Q: What is your “go to” snack/toy/show/trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: Distraction! I’ve found that distraction is the cure-all for nearly all kids. Even if mid-tantrum, a little dose of distraction, “Hey buddy, did you have show and tell at school today?” will almost always do the trick!
Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: If you choose to breastfeed (which I think is GREAT!), just know it may be very natural, but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally. I didn’t realize that with my first and really struggled with nursing my daughter. Finally at 10 months, after various teas, supplements, lots of oatmeal and still only getting 4 oz EACH DAY while pumping at work, I made the decision it was better for my mental health to wave the white flag.
With my second, I was determined and prepared — I took a breastfeeding class and with it being my second time at the rodeo, I trusted myself and my gut more and had a great experience. I was fortunate to nurse my son exclusively for 16 months.
Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: I know I’m a better mom, wife, sister, friend and employee because I workout. I’ve found an amazing instructor at a local YMCA and I make the Turbo, Insanity and PiYo workouts each week MY time.
Q: How would you describe your parenting style?
A: I think my kids would describe me as the fun parent — I always try to make time to play – sing (although I can’t carry a tune!) and be goofy. However I often wish I could let lose more and be more fun! On the flip side, like many moms, I often have a running list of to-dos going through my head, so I’m pretty organized and very much a go-getter!
Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: Of course, the birth of my children, including my son’s natural birth are my top Mommy moments. But I will say there was another moment I will always cherish. It was the my first official day as a business owner and my first day working from home. I was nervous because I had just left a perfectly good full-time job and had taken a huge leap of faith to start my own company, but that day when I laid my then 2-year old son down for a nap he said, “Mommy rock me.” At that moment, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be…where he needed me to be.
Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
A: Becoming a mother has made me a very grateful person. I’m not just grateful for my family – but each and every day when I watch them learn and grow I am so unbelievably grateful for the blessings in my life. I’m grateful for their sweet smiles, their contagious laughter, their innocent wonder, and unconditional love. Seeing my children grow into loving and caring little ones is confirmation that I’ve done something right and for that, I’m grateful.
