Today we have pediatric sleep consultant Mahaley Patel on MiLOWE MAG. Mahaley and I met many, many years ago while working on a video project together and it's been so fun seeing all the amazing things she's done with her career (and life!) since then. So without further ado, meet Mahaley.

Tell us your story! We’d love to hear a little bit about yourself and your business.

Sure. I am entering my third and last year as a graduate student. I am pursuing a master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. Starting next year, I will be a marriage and family therapist trainee, which feels exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. I hope to focus on working with women, especially new moms. I am passionate about helping women through the journey of motherhood in whatever capacity they need.

In addition to grad school, I started working as a pediatric sleep consultant. My daughter was a horrific sleeper for the first year-and-a-half of her life, and I am proud to say she is now an incredible sleeper. I understood all too well what the depths of sleep deprivation can to do a person, mentally and physically, and I want to prevent other families from going through the same thing. It’s been a gratifying experience, and I love seeing my families start to thrive because they are getting adequate sleep.

That is my story in a nutshell. I am the busiest I have ever been in my life, but I genuinely love every minute of it. It is an ever-evolving juggling act, but it is the first time in my life that I can honestly say, “I am where I am supposed to be,” and that is a beautiful gift.

How many kids do you have, what ages?

My daughter just turned three, and we have a 13-year-old Boxer.

What are your top three recommendations for things to do with kids in LA?

Shayne’s Inspiration playground is amazing. It’s a playground designed for kids of all abilities. The amount of time and thought that went into this playground is incredible. And because a good chunk of the playground is super low to the ground, it is also great for young toddlers.
The Gentle Barn is an incredible way for your child to get to know animals. I recommend it to anyone, whether you have kids or not.
Weekend farmer’s markets are a staple for us. Find one that is local to you, do some shopping, and fill your child up on fruit samples. It’s a win for everyone.

How do you network as a parent and a business person?

I’m still learning as I am a bit of an introvert, and networking does not come naturally to me. Social media is an easy way to network, as well as local Facebook groups and preschool parents. We have a ton of families in our neighborhood, and it is the absolute best. So, get to know your neighbors! I have also just found that being open about what you do or what your needs are is really huge. I have encountered some incredible people that volunteer to help me in some capacity after they learn what I do.

What's one tip or piece of advice you have for your fellow entrepreneurs?

This is the first time anyone has ever called me an entrepreneur, so thanks for that! One of my best friends told me that when you make big decisions, make them boldly. That has always stuck with me. I am guilty of second-guessing myself in every area of life, and my career shift has been the one thing I have never questioned. I thought about it carefully and I made the decision boldly. I have never looked back.

I know you asked for one piece of advice, but I will throw a second one in there. Carve out time for yourself, because it won’t happen otherwise. I get up at 5 am every day, and I do so because it’s the only time in the day that I get to myself. It centers me, and I start the day on a positive note. Find what centers you and do your best to make time for it.

Where do you go for inspiration on the web and in real life?

Great question. I think I get most of my inspiration in real life. I have a close group of girlfriends that are all incredibly supportive, kind, and down-to-earth women. I am inspired by each and every one of them. My mom and my husband also inspire me. Both of them do so much, and their work ethic and tenacity inspire me. Lastly, my daughter is such a driving force in my life. My husband and I are in the grind of our lives, and it is all for her.

What is the first website you visit every morning?

The Washington Post. Unless it’s during the winter and then I open the weather app because I need to see just how cold I will be!

What are you three favorite Instagram accounts to follow?

I really like the reductress, my therapist says, and the blessed one. I have a dry sense of humor.

What is on your to do list for today?

Working on a very long assessment report for one of my classes, gym, laundry, meal prep for the weekend, write a sleep plan, sweep/vacuum, pay some bills, clean out the fridge, run to the bank, and then pick my daughter up from preschool!

Describe motherhood in one sentence.

A wild, tiring, beautiful ride that will teach you more about yourself than you ever thought possible.

And finally, where can we find you?

Website: www.mahaleypatel.com

Instagram: @mahaley_patel