Today we have entertainment journalist extraordinaire Sophie Schillaci founder of Mom Needs Merlot on The Mag. Not only is she the ultimate multi-hyphenate but she’s also mom to an adorable 18 month-old with a second on the way! Find out more about Sophie below.

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

I’m a journalist, host, producer and writer who has been working in entertainment media here in Los Angeles for more than a decade, interviewing A-list stars across film, television and music. I’ve covered almost every major red carpet in the industry from awards shows to premieres, along with hard-hitting stories like Taylor Swift’s sexual assault trial in 2017.

In 2018, I became a first-time mama to my daughter, Everly, and decided to step away from my full-time position as a reporter for CBS’s iconic “Entertainment Tonight” brand in order to spend more time caring for her. (The photo of us with Christina Aguilera happened when I was assigned a last minute shoot on my day off. I didn't have any childcare, my husband was sick with the flu, and I was due to be on a red eye to the east coast just hours later. So, I had to bring five-month-old Everly with me in her stroller! Luckily, Mama Xtina was totally understanding.)

From there, I began focusing my creative energy on connecting with and empowering fellow new mothers by launching my own digital platform, Mom Needs Merlot. Through my writing, I aim to share heartfelt and honest storytelling, parenting hacks that actually work, and to answer all the real-life questions that I consistently hear from mamas-to-be.

How many kids do you have, what ages?

I have an 18-month-old daughter and will welcome baby no. 2, a boy, in April. Two under two… please send help!

What are your top three tips for new parents?

1. Even if you don’t think you’re the “Mommy & Me” group type… JUST DO IT. You will never regret finding a support system that is literally in the trenches with you. Friends with older children simply won’t remember all the details of that newborn haze, and friends without children can’t fully relate. I found an amazing tribe of fellow first-time mamas through Fit4Baby prenatal classes while I was expecting, and through The Pump Station’s Parent and Me program in Hollywood when Everly was born. Seeing all the babies grow up alongside Everly — now her besties — has been an added bonus!

2. Don’t set expectations for yourself or others ahead of your baby’s birth. Everyone’s physical and mental recovery is completely different, as are everyone’s circumstances and resources. Give yourself ample time to process and adjust to your new normal without worrying about what the world thinks — or how you thought things would go. Expect only the unexpected.

3. Know that you will never, ever be the same person you were before becoming a parent — and that’s OK. In fact, you will grow and become better in so many beautiful ways.

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

I believe the most meaningful connections with fellow parents come from organized groups that meet regularly, like Parent & Me. Having consistency in meetings fosters lasting, meaningful relationships beyond that initial awkwardness of meeting new people just once or twice at an informal event.

I’ve also found social media to be a useful tool to connect with other like-minded mamas with kids close in age to mine. That said, it’s so important to remember that every single thing you see on Instagram is curated and not at all a reflection of someone’s real life. People love to share their picture-perfect triumphs, but aren’t always eager to share the mundane. Trust me, it’s still there for everyone. Most people aren’t trying to make you feel bad or show off their seemingly perfect life — they’re just sharing the highlight reel. Real talk happens in the comments and story replies.

In terms of my professional life, I make regular efforts to keep in touch with former colleagues and maintain those relationships, pitching collaborations when and where it makes sense. I’m also an active member of the SAG-AFTRA performers union.

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

I do spend a lot of time on Instagram and try to take note of different parks and kid-friendly places in my community that I see on friends’ stories and feeds. I also love following accounts that share practical home design, easy DIY activities and meals for toddlers, or cute kids’ clothes.

IRL, I try to spend a portion of every day outside letting Everly explore nature and physical activity. When weather is not permitting, I like to take her to museums or kids’ play spaces. It’s hugely helpful for my mental state and inspiration to be out of the house, as well.

What is the first website you visit every morning?

I typically bounce between Gmail and Instagram in the morning and throughout the day.

What are you three favorite Instagram accounts to follow?

What is on your to do list for today?

Keep Everly (and myself) fed and entertained all day. The never-ending task!
Work on the baby’s nursery. SO MUCH to hang and organize.
Laundry.
Dishes.
This Q&A.
Confirm upcoming plans, appointments, etc. (The ongoing mental load, rarely discussed but always there.)

Describe motherhood in one sentence.

The ultimate time warp, mind f**k, and best thing that ever happened.

And finally, where can we find you?