Meet Trailblazer Sherley Maxine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherley Maxine.

Sherley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’d like to think of myself as a habitual-entrepreneur! From being an educator to real-estate professional to certified event planner to blogger, I can say I’m a bit of a renaissance woman. I love trying new things, especially those things that make me uncomfortable, and that’s how “styleAmom” the blog was created. Ultimately, my photographer, who just so happens to be my son, is the main person who suggested that I share my “story of style” as a mom with everyone.

The journey to “styleAmom” came mainly because over the years, I was receiving countless emails from moms asking questions pertaining to motherhood, beauty, lifestyle, marriage, career, and how to overcome “mommy blues.” This led me to venture into blogging during a time that I had experienced the loss of a child in 2013, and I just needed an outlet. At the time, I didn’t realize that so many women had experienced some of the same struggles I was experiencing as a mom, wife, and professional. Nor did I realize, that I shared a common bond with so many moms. The common bond of losing my own personal sense of style in all that I did, is what began to connect me to so many women. Nevertheless, once I shared my story with other women, they began to witness the true meaning of resilience and began contacting me for inspirational suggestions on lifestyle and motherhood, which probed me to create my blog.

There are so many mom-bloggers who show the glamorous side of blogging and I felt like I couldn’t fully relate. I asked questions like: How are these mom-bloggers making it look so easy? When do they find the time? Can I even look like them, and be a full-time everything, all while creating and maintaining a blog? So, with all these questions I decided to share my journey and allow everyone to see what a full-time career woman and busy mom looks like, all while maintaining great style in the process.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to “styleAmom” has not been as smooth as pictures make it seem. A lot of bloggers, including myself, the biggest deterrence is self-doubt, the other deterrence is maintaining your social media presence. The pressure to maintain a social media existence is a daunting task, especially for bloggers in general. The blogging world is so saturated which can be a hinderance for some, and the pressure for new bloggers to come out strong is high. From picking the name of the blog, scheduling photo shoots, to web-hosting, to staying motivated, all make this journey interesting and worthwhile.

The advice that I can give to women who are just starting their journey is to stay committed, diligent, and faithful to your goals. Make sure that you are being your authentic self and that you have a passion for what you’re doing, basically love your niche. Enjoy and celebrate all the things you have and will accomplish on your journey. Understand and accept, that there will be people who will question your journey, and perhaps not believe in your journey, but if you believe in yourself, then you will dictate your success. And if you strive towards greatness you will see the positive path your journey will take you on.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about styleAmom – what should we know?
I’m a lifestyle blogger in the beautiful Miami, Florida area, a certified counselor in the state of Florida, certified and featured wedding and event planner, and passionate “Girl Power” enthusiast! I live a crazy busy life with three boys and my “high school sweetheart” husband. I created my blog when I began receiving emails from moms asking questions about motherhood, beauty, lifestyle, marriage, and career. Little did I realize, it would become so much more and it would become an outlet for me to pursue my passion for lifestyle and fashion. It wasn’t until I openly shared my experiences with postpartum depression and depression after a miscarriage, that I realized how much of an impact my blog could have in helping others. What sets me apart is my transparency and willingness to share the beautiful, the raw, and ugly side of being a mom-blogger, all while maintaining great style.

I want my blog to become so much more than a personal mom diary, but rather a place for inspiration and encouragement for women to pursue living their best life. I hope through my blog, I can continue to grow my community of strong women, who uplift others, and who change this world for the better. Because the truest form of success is not on your accomplishments or in things, but rather the impact that you make in the lives of others.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
When getting asked this question, the obvious answer is my mom. The true definition of a motivator and supporter! My mom has inspired me to do things better in my life and to not make poor choices. Witnessing her go through so many trials and tribulations socio-economically, to removing herself from an abusive relationship, to furthering her education has not only been inspirational but motivational. She has always supported my love for writing and encouraged me to write all my life. The main thing she instilled in me is to never make the mistakes she made and to do any and everything I want, regardless of what people may think. She is truly the definition of a real strong MOM!

Contact Info:

• Website: styleAmom.com
• Phone: 305-494-4600
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: sherley maxine

Image Credit:
Christian Maliq – ChristianMaliqPhotography, @christianmaliqphotography

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