My name is Mary Grace Pinkard, and with one glance at my Instagram profile, you’ll quickly learn I’m madly in love with my baby girl Harvey. I feel the same way about my husband — he’s just usually hanging out with me behind the camera! 

I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2013 and worked in both public relations and advertising from Atlanta all the way back to my hometown in Mississippi until Harvey was born in 2017. It was important to me to find a way to stay home with her, but with a husband in medical school, I knew I’d have to continue contributing financially. I buckled down and made my “side gig” in network marketing my temporary solution and managed to pay our mortgage each month with my paycheck. Still, I prayed for an opportunity that would allow me to stay home and use my degree at the same time. I just assumed it was too good to be true.

Becoming a mom changed my life in many ways, and while it’s the most beautiful thing in the world, it still comes with its share of loneliness — especially during those newborn days. Pregnancy and the early stages of motherhood opened my eyes to the GOOD that social media can do. It has its faults, of course, but social media reunited me with old friends who were experiencing the same things I was. It gave me an outlet to share the humor of my zombie-like appearance and sore nipples. It allowed me to bond with strangers from across the country in “mom groups” on Facebook. It introduced me to The Cradle Coach and eventually led me to the dream job I began to believe didn’t exist.

The Cradle Coach ignited a very unexpected passion in me. Once Harvey was sleeping on a schedule and sleeping miraculously well, I realized how transformative the entire experience was. We were all happier, and I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. I shared The Cradle Coach with friends and almost fell out of my chair when I saw they were hiring…and the job description was basically my personal and professional bio, combined. I applied right away and called my husband (in tears) because I felt like I had just won the work-from-home lottery.

I experienced a miscarriage at the end of last year. Sharing my grief and empathizing with others who have gone through the same pain was extremely helpful during the days that followed, and that all happened on social media. I’m a strong believer in using such a powerful tool for good, and that’s what we do at The Cradle Coach. Exhausted parents come to us during some of the most vulnerable days of their lives, and we have a team of amazing women here waiting with open arms to comfort, educate and encourage. I’m honored to witness those moments and even more grateful to share them.