We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Mejia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, how has your work-life balance changed over time?

Balance is something I feel like everyone strives for, but it is a constant struggle to achieve. It has changed for me because for the past six years I have been a stay-at-home mom to my two awesome kids (almost 6 and 3 1/2) and for the past three years I have been on the Executive Board of MAEVE Burbank. I have recently taken on the role of President and I am learning the various aspects of how to manage everything we offer to our community and being so actively involved can be challenging. I am so fortunate to have so many amazing mamas on the Executive Board and members in our village of mamas to offer help when needed, but there are still responsibilities of my own to complete. My flaw is that when I commit to something I am 1000% in, can be hyper focused, and can’t do anything half fast. This also means that I take on alot myself and not ask for help-which I am definitely working on! As President I have alot more responsibility and time that needs to be devoted to it, which can be a challenge when having two kids to care for and family life to maintain. When I need to take a pause to feel more balanced, I take extra steps to time manage things that take priority and plan appropriately other tasks at hand so that I don’t become overwhelmed. Exercise, going out with my husband, going out with friends, traveling, and spending time outside are all the things that help me feel more centered and well rounded.

One thing that has always been a constant priority for me is exercise. Before I became a mom I worked full time at a major film and tv studio and always made time to exercise. I would wake up at the crack of dawn to make it to the gym before I went into work. I have been going to the gym since I graduated high school and it has been something that has always made me feel challenged, strong, and empowered. Exercise is my jam. I NEED it to survive and thrive and feel good. I am an avid spin class fanatic and two-time marathoner and staying active and healthy is a great priority for me. Don’t get me wrong-I am a girl who loves to indulge and celebrate with cocktails, but I try to do so in moderation. During covid I moved my workouts from the gym to my bedroom and got a Peloton, which has been so convenient and honestly one of the best purchases ever. I also find time to run on the weekend and it is such a release for me. Running gives me those amazing endorphins and that time by myself to challenge and push myself physically and mentally. That release of energy creates a much-needed internal balance within and ultimately helps me be the best I can be for myself and my loved ones.

Going out with my husband and having date nights are something that we try to do at least once a month. We get a bite to eat or go out to our favorite sushi spot and spend some quality time together with uninterrupted conversation, which can be priceless- any parent can agree! Enjoying each other’s company and having those kid free moments are so important to us and so vital to helping us feel reconnected as a couple.

Going out with friends can be a hard thing to maintain as a parent. Everyone is busy with work and family and we are all revolving in our own universe, it seems. It can be such a task trying to coordinate schedules with my friends just for a simple get together, but even having a phone call with those dear friends I have from elementary, high school, and college can help me feel grounded and balanced again. Something so invaluable about those friendships that have lasted through the various stages of life are so sacred to me and I’m so grateful I have maintained throughout the years. Another activity that I look forward to once a month are the “Moms Night Out” events my moms group, MAEVE Burbank organizes. We come together, setting aside that one night away from bedtime routines with the kiddos to do something fun. Previous events have included: trivia night at a local bar, karaoke, wine tasting, brunch, and outdoor movie nights. I end up having such an awesome time with these mamas because we let loose and know how precious this time away to enjoy ourselves can be. We commit to that one night to have fun and catch up with one another and it’s always a guaranteed entertaining night.

Traveling is something I’ve always loved to do, but it is definitely different with two kids in tow! I would say that the more I do it with my family the better it becomes. The more tricks and tips I learn along the way to make those long car rides less painful and those plane rides enjoyable, the better it gets. I always hear, ” the older your kids get, the easier it is”, and I’m finally starting to see that in my own family. The fact that my kids look forward to going places just as much as my husband and I do, makes it that much more enjoyable. Traveling is a definite luxury nowadays and I feel so lucky to be able to build those memories with my family. Seeing a new place and being in a different environment gives me such a recharge and break from the normal routine and I feel fortunate to be able to do so.

Something I have added to helping me feel grounded and balanced since having kids is to get fresh air and spend time outdoors. My fondest memories are going camping in San Deigo, going to Zuma Beach, skiing and fishing in Sierra Nevada Mountains and Mammoth Mountain, playing outside, and riding my bike around my neighborhood. Being out in nature was a big part of my childhood and it’s something I have absolutely passed along to my kids. We love to get outside and go for a hike, nature walks, and scooter and bike rides. Going to the beach, playgrounds, the LA Zoo, and Descanso Gardens are also our favs too. I find that they really enjoy it and crave it too and I’m happy we can share that together.

Work life balance seems to be a constant evolving conversation, I seem to find. As I meet more and more moms in my community, I have come to find out that we are all just trying to juggle it all- a career or passion, raising healthy, kind, and well-rounded children, being a supportive and loving wife and partner, an amazing friend, a great mom, and just overall amazing in all aspects of life. As moms we put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect, and everything for everyone -it can be exhausting! A big part of me being able to obtain balance in my life is making myself a priority. I know that if I can’t take good care of myself then I can’t take good care of others. Knowing that I need certain things in my life to help me feel centered is something that I’m proud to recognize and I’m not afraid to make known. I know too many moms who don’t take time for themselves and feel guilty for taking any time away from their families. Those moms that don’t speak up to their partners about their needs and end up feeling burnt out, unappreciated, and secluded. I am so grateful that I have a supportive husband that knows how hard it is to stay at home with the kids and recognizes that I need certain things to feel recharged. My kids know that I need those things too and I instill in them that it’s ok to take time for yourself to feel better. That it’s ok for mom and dad to spend time with their friends or spend time away from them. I tell them that, “it’s important we all have our own time to do the things we want to make us happy”, and sometimes we need time away from each other to do so. As a child I remember seeing my parents have hobbies and social lives, on top of having successful careers and family life. Their examples helped me to realize that not everyone has to have one main focus in life, that there can be many interests in your life and many layers of who you are that can allow you to feel well rounded and whole. We simply just have to make time for those things.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Motherhood, Alliance, Equity, Village, Empowerment (MAEVE) Burbank is a nonprofit organization based out of Burbank, CA that seeks to impower all who mother, in support of one another and their communities.

MOTHERHOOD: Our group is a beautiful mix of new mamas, mamas who have been around for a while, working mamas, stay at home mamas, single mamas, and more. We are all collectively striving to do our best while enjoying as much as the ride as we can! Our MAEVE community is a place to find friendship, have a laugh, let off steam, exchange advice, offer support, and broaden our own horizons.

ALLIANCE: We strive to be allies and regularly find ways to show our support to BIPOC &
LGBTQ+ communities. We also have our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) calendar, where each month we highlight and acknowledge a selection of cultural dates and events with the intention of creating a space for our members to share about their own thoughts, feelings and experiences from their unique cultures. Also giving members an opportunity to learn and have an
increased understanding, awareness and appreciation of the world around us.

EQUITY: We believe that there should never be a financial barrier for anyone to access our community. Our operational costs, community, members-only events and charitable service contributions are supported solely by the generous contributions of our members. Volunteers are what keep our community going and we are so thankful we have so much support.

VILLAGE: We all know the saying, “it takes a village” to raise kids and this is really the foundation of our mama community. From our playdates, mom night out events, weekend playdates, SWAP clothing exchange, babysitting co-op, book club, sunshine and welcome committees, community calendar, and maternal wellness committee-the function of each of these entities is to bring us all closer, to make connections, and to create that essential network of support that can help you get through the peaks and valleys as we journey the vast plains of motherhood.

EMPOWERMENT: Mothers are important and valuable members of society. We are shapers of the next
generation! Our minds need to stay sharp, our voices heard, and hearts full. We seek to broaden our horizons and learn from experts on an array of topics and civic engagement and activism is wholly supported. Our mamas are encouraged to ask questions, take part, and share their passions and expertise with our community. Through our monthly community service projects we endeavor to make impactful changes in our own Burbank neighborhoods. Our various community service projects have included: school supply drive for Burbank Housing Corp, Breast Cancer Fun Run for Metavivor, Thanksgiving meal bags for LA Family Housing, Adopt A Family with Burbank Coordinating Council, book drive for Children’s Book World, Valentine Cards for Belmont Senior Living Center, Childrens Hospital LA Walk & Play, Tye Die for Myotonic Dystrophy, and t-shirt sales for The Destiney Education Project.

As the current President of MAEVE Burbank, serving on the Executive Board for my 3rd year now I can say that I’m beyond proud of how far we have come! Before MAEVE was established we were a moms support network, called Moms of Burbank. We were a tight knit community of moms who rallied together and built up our online Facebook community, striving for connection and support during the start of the pandemic. We thrived in our zoom meet ups- having face masks get togethers, flower arranging, couples trivia night, ladies night, and cookie decorating classes-but once things slowly got back to normal we started building up our in-person events again. Our membership was continuing to grow and we wanted to go bigger! We decided to establish as an official non-profit MAEVE Burbank 501(c)(3) two years ago now and our membership continues to grow-now at 292 members! We have also been honored in our community and been voted #1 Best Non-Profit, which we are really excited about. We have learned how to navigate our sisterhood community by continuing to improve on our interaction and communication with our members. We do occasional surveys to gain insight on what our members like, what we can improve on, and what we can expand on. We want to know what is valued most and encourage feedback and input from our members regularly.

We have encountered hurdles along the way-just like any new organization- but have managed to work through them by having open, problem-solving discussions within our Executive Board. We are a very close-knit team and whenever there is an issue at hand we discuss all angles, and everyone’s input is encouraged and taken into consideration. Our communication is open with no judgment and no decision we make as a team is ever taken lightly.

I have the utmost respect and confidence in my fellow Executive and Assisting Board members and know that each of their commitment to this village of mamas is unprecedented. The enthusiasm and dedication of the Executive Board along with the additional mamas who volunteer their time and energy is what makes us so successful. This mama community is truly special and we, as an Executive Board, know how important it is to have this safe haven and communal support and continue to strive to make it the best it can be.

 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being born and raised in LA I just love to go out and try a new restaurants or fun spots for drinks. I love to take around friends who are visiting. There is truly something for everyone in LA!

Breakfast:
Castaways-This restaurant is at the top of the Burbank hills and has a gorgeous view and newly remodeled space that is super chic. They have unique bottomless mimosas like lavender activate charcoal lemonade, pineapple jalapeno, and dragon fruit watermelon. They have a wonderful shaded
patio and the vibe is cool. French toast is fluffy with a crunchy-like crust-super good!
Portos-everyone who lives in Southern California knows Portos, and it is delicious for sure and a great spot to get all kinds of amazing desserts, pastries, cakes, and of course the potato balls!
Antojitos- this is a whole in the wall Mexican spot next to a repair garage in Burbank. It has awesome breakfast burritos with crunchy fried potatoes inside. Their salsa is super good too (which is hard to find sometimes). I love to get a cafe de olla’s to go!
Cafe De Olla- this Mexican spot is a super small restaurant, so you definitely have to be prepared to wait. Their breakfast is really good and of course their cafe de olla is spot on.
Artelice Patisserie- this is a newer patisserie dessert shop in downtown Burbank that is gaining alot of popularity. Their chocolate and cinnamon croissants are SO large and delicious, and they have a variety of yummy macarons as well.
The Kettle-This restaurant is on the main drag towards the pier in Manhattan Beach and it’s a great place to stop in for lunch. When you are done you can walk the pier and check out the beach.
Cici Cafe-They have a huge breakfast menu, I love their omlettes and green tea latte. If one is craving a sweet breakfast a big favorite is their green tea pancakes that are fluffy and really tasty!
Alcove-Great coffee and breakfast plates with a cute patio.

Lunch: Thinking seafood for sure!
Senior Fish- There are a couple locations but I prefer the Eagle Rock location. Their fish tacos (grilled and battered ) are so so good! I love their shrimp nachos and the avocado margherita is so unique!
Paradise Cove- this is a staple place in Malibu where you can eat lunch with your feet in the sand. They have big portions of all the classics and a little private beach where you can even rent an umbrella for the day.
Neptune’s Net- they have seafood combos of course, but what people really go here for it the view. It sits on PCH and if you cross the street you can watch all the surfers catching waves. It’s also a major stop for bikers and it’s fun to watch them pull up.

Dinner:
Midori Sushi-one of my favorite all-you- can- eat- sushi spots. I like their Sherman Oaks location.
La Boheme-great girls night out or date night spot. Located in West Hollywood and has a cool vibe. There is even a burlesque performance at certain times of the night.
Gin Sushi-sushi is soo delicious and fresh, and you get free miso soup and green tea ice cream here!

Drinks:
Over/Under Public House
Formans Tavern
Catcher and the Rye
Black Market Liquor Bar
Golden Road Brewery

Rooftop Drinks:
Perch
Skybar

Things to do:
Grand Central Market, Angels Flight & The Broad Museum
Hike to the Griffith Observatory
Dodger game
Franklin Canyon Hike
Cruise down Sunset Blvd, Santa Monica Blvd, and Hollywood Blvd
Hike on Runyon Canyon
Hike at Lake Hollywood Reservoir
Spend the day at Zuma Beach
Bike ride through Venice Beach
Concert at the Hollywood Bowl and/or Greek Theatre
The Grove & Original Farmers Market
Santa Monica Pier
Drive down PCH

 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
MAEVE Burbank was founded by myself and four other mamas: Kathryn Kennedy, Theresa Cerna, Janice Cha Paik, and Samantha Goldberg. I admire the time, dedication, commitment and creative ideas of these women to make this mama community the best it can be and I’m so grateful to be a part of such a dynamic and inspiring group. I’m honored to know each and every one of you and so proud of this community that we have created together! Thank you to my fellow existing Executive Board members: Kathryn Kennedy, Theresa Cerna, Kristin Lao, Amanda Sturdy-Topits, and Cat Spady. I’m appreciative to have your dedication and support alongside me during my role as President and I’m happy to know you and truly value your friendship. I look forward to an exciting year ahead!

Big thanks to our founding chapter MAEVE Los Feliz for paving the way and help guiding us through the process of establishing our fully functioning community. All your insight, tips, and tricks to making everything run as smoothly as possible has been invaluable!

To the community of MAEVEns- thank you for your support and willingness to help! Without the volunteers in our mama village we wouldn’t be so successful, and your generosity is very much appreciated!

To my husband, thank you for working so hard for our family. I’m so appreciative to be able to stay at home with our kids. You have been truly the best partner and I couldn’t have wished for anyone else to share my life and raise a family with.

Thank you to my friends who have encouraged me and cheered me on to take on the role of President of MAEVE Burbank this year. It’s definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m excited for what is to come!

 

Website: https://www.maeveburbank.org

Instagram: @maeveburbank

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MAEVEBurbank

Other: https://myburbank.com/maeve-burbank-hosts-color-run-5k-in-support-of-breast-cancer-research/ https://myburbank.com/womens-rights-march-saturday-hosted-by-maeve-burbank/ https://myburbank.com/photo-gallery-burbank-nonprofit-coalition-joined-forces-and-hosted-annual-back-to-school-fair/ https://myburbank.com/2023-myburbanks-best-winners/ https://myburbank.com/13-resources-for-burbank-parents/

Nominate Someone: undefined is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.