Hello all! Yes, I know it has been a hot minute since I’ve posted a Leave Your Mark feature, but no worries because it is BACK in business!
I am SO excited to feature a fellow blogger/friend who I’ve known for years, Shana Antoine! While playing the role of super mom, Shana still dedicates time to keep up with the blogging world and what better way to do so, by incorporating her mom duties and family time into her passion.
Read all about Shana’s journey with blogging, motherhood and how she manages to juggle her daily adventures.
“…Never let one unfortunate occurrence dictate everything else happening in your life.…”
Who is Shana? Tell us about yourself…
A mom 
A yogi
Tell us about your “We Makes Three” family blog
I began the transformation of my personal blog to We Makes Three in March of this year! I always wanted to create a family blog as a way of preserving memories since I like to do lots of activities with the kids. I plan to detail our many adventures, offer parenting tips, and share relationship advice with other mamas in the same boat as me.
How long have you been blogging and what inspired you to start?
I’ve been blogging for six years now. I started straight out of college as a way of building my portfolio for work and it changed into a full-blown hobby! I had just started my yoga practice and used my blog as a platform for sharing my journey and life with others. I’ve always loved to write – hence why I studied Creative Writing in college – and I’m glad that I’ve been able to turn it into a lucrative business. But in the end, blogging is something that just makes me genuinely happy.
Where do you find inspiration and how do you determine what type of posts/content you’ll be putting out?
Considering it is a family blog, my children inspire me! But I also write about parenting in general, and that content is also influenced by the articles I read online, posts within various mommy groups, trending topics, and the media. I like to do a lot of research before I write any tips-based pieces, but most of my content is scheduled around whatever activities I have planned for the kids.
What is the #1 thing that you want more people to know when it comes to running a blog?
Blogging is A LOT of work, especially when you decide to monetize it! Between balancing everyday life, raising the kids, and any other work obligations you may have, blogging requires a ton of effort and dedication. It’s essential to set aside time specifically for your blog, and this is one challenge I am learning to overcome. And even so, you may not see any real profit for months or even years. Don’t be discouraged!
What is one piece of advice you can give to anyone who wants to start a blog or to a new blogger?
Just go for it! It will never be the right time to start, so why not start today? Whether you’re passionate about writing or just want to get some things off your chest, you should listen to your soul and feed it. You’ll learn all you need to know along the way.
What is your professional goal and how have you progressed?
My professional goal is to work as an editor, and I am happy to say that I’ve accomplished that! The blog has primed me for this longtime goal of mine and I’ve applied several principles I learned through my blog into that role.
What role do you have in society and/or how do you wish to contribute?
I am a writer and I have been for many years. My contribution to society, I’d say, is sharing the written word and opening the minds of my readers to new perspectives. I am big on discussion and big on helping others in any way I can, so We Makes Three allows me to combine the two.
Explain a time where you’ve used your talents to inspire the community and how do you hope to keep doing so?
I used to write for a handful of online publications, including Elite Daily, Thought Catalog, and Taylor Magazine. I made sure to create content that was both inspirational and relatable, to let readers know that they weren’t alone in whatever troubles or traumas they were facing. I hope to continue to do the same – as a young mom, soon-to-be divorcee, aspiring yogini, etc. – and continue to motivate others in my physical and online communities.
Lastly, what is the best piece of advice you can give in life?
Sometimes we don’t get what we want because we deserve more. Never let one unfortunate occurrence dictate everything else happening in your life. It’s easy to default to negativity, but if you can reframe your mind to be grateful for the positive things in your life (and there are tons!), then pure happiness will follow.
For parenting tips, family activities ideas & more :
Blog: wemakesthree
Twitter: wemakesthree
YouTube: WeMakesThree Family
To Shana: Thank you so much for the opportunity to feature you on my blog! Your work is truly inspiring and I can definitely say that it’s so wonderful to know someone personally who can relate and understand the hard work the goes on behind blogging. Keep being the amazing mom that you are to your beautiful children! You’ve definitely come along way and I am definitely looking forward to see where life will take you. You’re such a strong woman and I appreciate you sharing your stories to inspire the community! ❤️
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