As Strong As The Mother Next To Me: Marissa McLaughlin

Meet Marissa McLaughlin, Director of Sales and Marketing (North County), San Diego Moms

Hi, I’m Marissa McLaughlin, a dedicated mother of two girls living in North County, San Diego, and the “Chief Memory Maker” of my family. As a celebration enthusiast with a strong background in sales and partnership marketing, event planning, and community building, I’m thrilled to join the San Diego Moms team. I love creating mini moments of joy and bringing people together, whether it’s through organizing local events or enjoying beach days with my family. 

We are excited to welcome her to the team, and today, we proudly feature her story in our first “As Strong as the Mother Next to Me” Spotlight of 2024. Here’s her story . . . .

How did you get started with your current role?

My passion for celebrations, events, and memory-making was sparked at a young age by my mother, who always made every occasion special and memorable. Her annual family Christmas parties were my first introduction to event planning, where I learned the art of creating beautiful tablescapes, managing event timelines, and savoring the festivities once the guests arrived. After years of working in sports marketing for the San Diego Chargers, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series (Competitor Group), and a few other roles, I sought a career shift combining my background in events, sales, and marketing with my dedication to motherhood. I began my journey with the San Diego Moms team when I saw Niki’s post seeking new team members. It immediately struck a chord with me, so I submitted my resume without hesitation. Joining this team allows me to support a community I deeply care about while making a meaningful impact on the lives of fellow moms.

What does “As Strong as the Mother Next to Me” mean to you?

It means embracing the power of community and mutual support among all mothers, whether they are stay-at-home moms, working full-time, or balancing part-time work. By lifting each other up and giving support, we enhance how we handle everything from personal relationships to leading and being there for friends, all while creating a nurturing environment for our children. This collective strength and shared journey ensure that no mom feels alone, helping every one of us grow stronger together across all walks of motherhood.

What strategies do you use to stay connected?

I rely on consistency and spontaneous communication. I make it a point to maintain consistent meeting times for various activities, whether it’s a meeting, a pickleball game, or a mom’s night out. Both I and the other mothers try our best to prioritize being there, ensuring we have dedicated time to support each other, even during challenging times.

Another key strategy I use is to reach out whenever someone comes to mind, whether through a text, call, Instagram message, or even just sending a meme. If something reminds me of them, I take a moment to check in or say hello. These moments of connection, even when we don’t necessarily need anything from each other, are crucial for strengthening our supportive relationships and maintaining a strong bond.

How do you involve your children in your professional life, if at all?

I am fortunate to be part of a team that celebrates motherhood. For our latest San Diego Moms event, a Pre-Father’s Day celebration, my family was able to join in the festivities, making it a special experience for all of us. Additionally, I recently published “A Summer Bucket List Notebook for Kids,” and my daughters were integral to the creative process. It was incredibly rewarding to collaborate with them and see their excitement and sense of accomplishment when we held the printed product in our hands. This experience has even inspired them to start their first lemonade stand, sparking their entrepreneurial and creative spirit. Involving my children in my professional life not only enriches my work but also fosters their growth and enthusiasm.

Can you share an example of a collaboration with another mom that was particularly successful or fulfilling?

A particularly successful and fulfilling collaboration I had was with a fellow mother from our children’s school. We devised the idea to plan a camping trip for the school families, which turned into a wonderful community-building event. Together, we selected a campground close to the school, spread the word to encourage families to join, and built excitement for the weekend. We also brainstormed activities to make the camping experience enjoyable for everyone.

The goal of our collaboration was to strengthen our community ties, including those of the children. Initiating this event had the incredible outcome of allowing us to meet new families and watch our children form bonds. Other parents stepped up, too, volunteering to bring various supplies like donuts, paint, and s’mores essentials. The collaborative spirit was inspiring, with everyone contributing to the trip’s success.

This experience was so positive that we hope to turn the camping trip into a lasting tradition for our families and the broader community. The event not only brought us closer but also showed how coming together for a shared adventure can create lasting connections and memories.

How do you define strength in motherhood?

Strength in motherhood means knowing we don’t have to do it alone. It’s about being vulnerable, consistent, and authentic while valuing the incredible women around us. Leaning on our community during tough times and celebrating together makes us resilient. This support and shared strength help both us and our kids thrive.

How do you celebrate small victories in motherhood and business?

I celebrate small victories in both motherhood and business with a lot of joy and a bit of flair! Capturing the moment with photos is a must—it’s all about preserving those mini milestones for reflection, storytelling, and smiles later on. I love sharing these achievements with friends and family who have supported me throughout the journey, as their encouragement often helps push me across the finish line. And of course, no celebration is complete without a good dance party, usually right in our kitchen! It’s these spontaneous bursts of joy that really mark the occasion and make the victories feel even sweeter.

How do you balance self-care with taking care of your family and business?

Balancing self-care with caring for my family has been a significant challenge since becoming a mother. Self-care doesn’t look the same for everyone, and I’ve learned to accept that. I’ve achieved success by treating self-care tasks as habits rather than one-off events. This approach is something I’ve adopted from the principles outlined in James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” (a read from a Mom’s Book Club). Clear emphasizes the importance of making specific plans for our habits—detailing the when, where, and how of each action. This strategy has been instrumental in helping me consistently integrate self-care into my daily routine.

I don’t always have the option of childcare, so finding creative ways to incorporate self-care alongside my two children (now 5 and almost 4 years old) has been essential. They might include my daughters joining me on their yoga mats as I follow a workout on TV, enjoying time at my favorite spots like the beach or the library, or engaging in “art time” in the backyard—activities where I’ve truly embraced and thrived in my newfound creative side. Creating intentional spaces that reset my nervous system has been beneficial for both my daughters and me, showing me that self-care can sometimes be a shared, family experience.

How did you build your community of moms around you? 

Building my community of moms started with actively engaging in The MomCo (formerly called MOPS) and Fit4Mom groups, where I not only participated but also took on leadership roles. This involvement allowed me to create and nurture a supportive environment for mothers. Additionally, making an effort to meet new friends in our neighborhood and being involved in my daughters’ school community was instrumental. A few mothers in my neighborhood have been particularly supportive of my entrepreneurial efforts, consistently being the first to order products from my new ventures, such as Memory File Boxes or the journal I’ve published. Their enthusiasm and support have made them key members of my inner circle and sparked friendships that have become invaluable. 

The foundation of building my community has been through consistent, genuine communication. By showing up as my authentic self and actively listening, I have engaged in conversations that helped me find my tribe and build lasting relationships. This commitment to authenticity and openness has been central to forming deep connections with other mothers.

Moreover, being there for other moms in any capacity—whether attending events, offering support during tough times, or celebrating successes—has strengthened our community bonds. This ongoing support and presence within our network of moms have been crucial, reinforcing the resilience and unity needed to navigate both personal and professional challenges together.

How important is it to you to surround yourself with other moms professionally and personally?

Surrounding myself with other moms, both professionally and personally, is like having my own personal cheer squad and wisdom council rolled into one. In the professional space, it’s invaluable to share challenges and triumphs with those who understand the unique juggle of motherhood and career. Personally, it’s about having a tribe who not only shares playdates and parenting hacks but also provides emotional support and laughter on those tough days. Together, we navigate the highs and lows of motherhood, learning from each other and growing stronger because of it. This camaraderie is not just important, it’s essential—it enriches my life, keeps me grounded, and inspires me daily.

What piece of advice would you give another mom who is struggling with balancing motherhood and business?

Embrace the concept of “good enough.” Perfection isn’t the goal; progress is. Set realistic expectations for yourself and know it’s okay to ask for help. Prioritize what matters most each day, and don’t hesitate to delegate tasks when possible. Surround yourself with a supportive network of other moms who understand your challenges. Remember, balancing is less about achieving perfect equilibrium and more about making adjustments as needed to maintain your and your family’s happiness and well-being.

Do you have a non-profit or cause that you are passionate about and want to share with us? What drives your dedication to this cause?

One cause that is very close to my heart is the beach cleanups organized by the Surfrider Foundation San Diego County. I’m passionate about this because it ties directly into a tradition I’ve established with my girls called “Burritos and Beach.” This simple, joyous routine involves picking up our favorite burritos and heading to the beach to play, eat, and relax together, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. During these outings, we also make it a point to collect any litter we find, contributing to keeping our beaches clean. This not only ensures that we can continue enjoying these precious moments in a beautiful, unpolluted environment but also instills a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship in my daughters. It’s a fun, low-stress activity that bonds us, and helps give back to the community by preserving the natural beauty of our local beaches. 

What challenges do you face as a mother and businesswoman?

The biggest challenge I face is time—there’s never enough to do it all. Balancing demands means constantly juggling priorities and learning to accept that some things must wait. It’s an ongoing dance of time management and compromise.

Tell us about a challenging time in your business or in your role in motherhood and how you overcame it?

During the pandemic, I faced the monumental challenge of having two babies under two years old. My oldest had just celebrated her first birthday a few days after quarantine began, and my second daughter was born a few months later, following a difficult C-section that made recovery much tougher than anticipated. This period was not only physically demanding but also emotionally taxing, given the isolation and the multiple stresses impacting our family life.

Navigating this time, the support from my community (my “village”) was nothing short of a lifeline. The meal train organized by my Mothers group, MOPS (now called The MomCo), played a critical role. I can vividly recall each meal and the mom who brought it, memories that still move me to tears due to the overwhelming sense of support I felt. It was precisely this support that was essential everyday to help me keep pushing forward and care for my family. I struggled to find the words to express just how pivotal this was for me; it was simultaneously one of the happiest and darkest times in my life.

When challenges seemed to pile up one after the other, I drew immense strength from the encouragement and help of fellow mothers, neighbors, and extended family. I also clung to pieces of wisdom shared by friends. One piece of advice from a now best friend I originally met in a Childbirth Preparation Class became a mantra for me during those tough times: “Just remember, this isn’t forever.” This simple reminder helped me to breathe, stay present, and acknowledge that those difficulties would eventually pass. This perspective was soul-saving, and I am profoundly grateful for the network of support that helped me navigate such a challenging chapter in my life.

What are some of your favorite resources managing your business and/or home life that have saved you time?

Canva Pro, all things Google (Google Calendar & shared Calendars are my life), and GroupMe are my most used Apps. Shared lists anywhere (on iCloud Notes, Instagram, or Pinterest) have allowed me to fully utilize my network and share ideas in a quick, seamless, and organized way. Grocery delivery has been a total game changer for my home life (and sanity). 

Would you like to offer anything to our readers?

I would love to offer you the opportunity to shine a light on the incredible mothers in your lives. I invite you to nominate someone from your own life or community and share why they embody the spirit of “As Strong As the Mother Next to Me.” This is a chance to celebrate the resilience, kindness, and strength of mothers who uplift and inspire those around them. Let’s unite to honor these remarkable women and their countless contributions to our communities.

MOMinations

Kristin Fracassi, Root & Splendor

Kristin embodies the qualities of strength, passion, and community that inspire me every day. She has built not only a remarkable family but also a thriving brand, Root & Splendor.

Julie Rais, RaisCase and Rising Co.

Julie’s passion for designing quality products (Rais Case) that cultivate community and culture is inspiring. She shows us how to collaborate in motherhood, business and community building. 

We are thrilled to bring back our weekly spotlight that will highlight and celebrate Moms in San Diego and across the globe who believe in building up and supporting moms.

We hope that if we can debunk the idea that you have to take on this journey alone, as a community of moms, we will all walk away stronger, inspired, and raise stronger children and become better partners. We’d love to hear from you!