Melissa Garcia: From Attorney to On-Air Fashion and Lifestyle Correspondent
Melissa Garcia
Since this platform was first launched, the founder at Working Momkind has worked incredibly hard to create a virtual community focused on empowering moms worldwide to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. A community free of judgment and far from perfect, but filled with women ready to cheer you on and lend a hand when you need it most. That very same drive, built on encouragement, conviction, respect, and support, motivated the launch of our latest series, Inspiring Momkind.
Inspiring Momkind was born from a desire to give our readers a peek inside the lives of women from all walks of life who make it happen at work and at home. To spotlight moms in all different industries, with the goal to uplift, inspire, and normalize our everyday realities. Simple, straightforward honesty from women who have seen and done it all. It is truly remarkable what seasoned moms will share with each other and how they champion for one another. With this series, we hope to make some of their tips, tricks, and soundbites visible to all of you who may be searching for similar encouragement.
Our first spotlight is on Melissa Garcia. Powerhouse fashion expert, high-profile celebrity stylist, and one of the most highly sought-after on-air fashion and lifestyle correspondents in the industry. A regular on shows such as Good Morning America, The TODAY Show, Wendy Williams, E! News, and EXTRA! Garcia has styled national campaigns for some of the largest brands in the world and collaborated with beloved brands such as LOFT, Marshalls, JCPenny, and H&M. Melissa is also extremely passionate about charity work and volunteers her time with numerous organizations including the California Innocence Project, the Dream Foundation, the Women's Prison Organization, and Dress for Success. On a personal note, Melissa lives in New York, is married to her high school sweetheart, and has three "delicious" kids, Asher (16), Sam (14), and Harlow (10). Read on to learn more about Melissa below!
WM: What is one thing you wish you knew when returning to work after having a baby?
MG: That any emotion you have is completely okay and normal. I know for some mamas, they can't get back to work quick enough. For me, it was the opposite. I was so sad and felt such guilt! I wanted to be home with my new baby all the time, but as time passed on, leaving him to go to work became easier. The initial change in routine was difficult, but just like anything in life, once you do it often enough, you adjust.
WM: What is one thing you quickly learned upon your return to work?
MG: To make sure that you have a sign on your door letting people know when you're pumping! I traumatized one of my male co-workers when he unexpectedly walked in on me pumping.
WM: What is one piece of advice you have for new moms that you learned along the way?
MG: Do not compare yourself to anyone! There might be moms that look like they are in a better rhythm than you are. There might be moms that make it look so easy. There might be other moms who have their babies on strict schedules. You are not them, and their babies are not your babies. Trust you are your baby's mama for a reason, and you are doing exactly what you need to be doing! Stay away from comparing as it only leads to despairing. Trust your mama instinct.
WM: How have you been able to balance being this high-profile stylist, fashion expert, on-air correspondent, and a mother?
MG: Life is all about balance, so naturally, I needed to figure out how to balance a hubby, three kids, and what could be a 24/7 career. The good thing about working for yourself is that you make your own schedule and with my line of work, most of my time away from the house is in the studios early in the morning. So, I leave before the kids are awake, and I'm often home soon after they get up! Since the pandemic, almost all my segments are shot in my house, which allows me to hop off a "set" from my living room and pop into the kitchen to make breakfast for the kids. So balance in that regard has been easier. The tricky part is being connected to my email/social media and finding balance in that part of my job. It's a work in progress, and I'll leave it at that!
WM: What does your typical day look like?
MG: On a typical day, I try to wake up around 6 am to hop on the Peloton treadmill and get in a quick workout before I have to get the kids up (this doesn't always happen!). I check my email, take time for prayer, and wake up my oldest son at 7 am. Next is my daughter at 8 am, and then my middle son at 8:30 am. Then it's time for breakfast. One of my side passions is cooking, and being home more has given me the chance to do that. The downside of that is now my kids expect it, and my 16 and 14-year-old sons could literally eat me out of my house! If I'm shooting a segment that day, I hop in the shower after breakfast, throw on lashes, set up my "studio," and start shooting.
As for juggling it all, my kids have always seen me pursuing my passion and doing what I love, so they know the drill at this stage of the game. However, I'm also mindful and aware of when I have to drop something to be there for them and vice versa. It doesn't always work out as planned, but typically since the expectations and communication have been there, my kids are really good at flowing.
WM: Is there something you have learned from becoming a mom that has helped you at work?
MG: Patience. I think one of the most important qualities of being a good parent is having patience, and that has definitely helped me in my career. I'm not sure your readers know, but fashion is actually a second career for me. I practiced law for ten years before taking a huge leap of faith to follow my fashion dreams. To say I am driven and motivated professionally is an understatement. Starting from the ground up and building a new career in fashion has required me to have patience and pay my dues to get to where I wanted to be.
WM: Who has inspired you most throughout your life and career journey?
MG: I try to keep my eyes on my own paper and not go down the road of comparison. I genuinely believe comparison kills gratitude. It's really hard to see your own blessings when you are watching everyone else's. Everyone's walk is different, and I try to look at my experiences in a day and ask myself what went well and what I could have done better. If I can brush myself off and get back up quickly, staying in alignment with my values for both my professional and personal life, then I consider myself to be inspired!
WM: Any additional words of encouragement?
MG: Being a mama isn't always easy. Little kids, little problems. Big kids, big problems. And, with social media, it is so easy to peek into other mama's lives. I beg you to remember; you are getting everyone's highlight reels. What looks perfect and pretty isn't always that. There are going to be some great days and others that are not so great. We all make mistakes. We all don't always do it perfectly. Don't let shame or guilt lead. Don't go down the road of comparison and be kind to yourself! Being a mama is the most rewarding job, but as we all know, it certainly isn't the easiest.
Connect with Melissa Garcia on Instagram at @MelissaGarciaStyling.
