Media Moms CAN DO IT ALL

Running in heels, running the show: Media Moms tell us how they do it all.

God created mothers before fiction created superheroes. Then the 21st Century created a genre of supermoms who can do it all.

This new age of mothers are not confined to work and home. They are out and about ruling the world with their beauty, brains and philanthropy. Although every professional has their unique set of challenges, I have a soft spot for Media Moms: mothers with a career in television as reporters and anchors.

The news media world is all about staying on top the latest events and ahead of the competition. Women in media have the additional challenges of being required to look top notch with impeccable style while generously giving their time to many charities. As a media mom myself, I know how difficult it can be at times to balance it all.

Running around in high heels and looking perfect on television is not always as glamorous as it sounds. A career in the TV biz is no easy task, however all the hard work is ultimately worthwhile and rewarding to the true journalist-at-heart.

Here’s a glimpse of what it’s like to live in the high heels of media moms. LCAHouston International Society News Editor, Ruchi Mukherjee, sat down with Houston’s most noted glamorous TV anchors to learn their secrets to doing it all.

Emmy winning news anchor for KPRC Channel 2, Dominique Sachse Florescu, is one of the most reputed TV anchors of H-Town. In addition to anchoring the news, she juggles meetings, photo shoots, charity galas, and school field trips. Her social schedule can be grueling, and Dominique’s biggest strength and source of peace is in knowing her capabilities and limits while walking in faith. Balancing work and family can be tricky, she says, especially when she feels a need to focus more energy on work, or the needs of her spouse, parents, or children. She believes that she has got it all right when, at the end of a week, everything has received its due attention and given her satisfaction.

When it comes to fashion, Dominique’s secret lies in “erring on the side of class.”

“I may not be the trendiest or fashion forward,” she says. “But presenting myself with elegance, self-respect and taste makes me feel like the outside reflects the inside.”

Dominique enjoys discussing culture and its impact on society with her son, and feels that with easy access to information, children today are growing up in a global community.

“We frequently talk about various cultures, their traditions, religions, ideological viewpoints and politics,” says Dominique, who loves the healthy debates and discoveries with her son, and is proud of the fact that he is surrounded by students of many different cultural backgrounds at school.

Dominique has been involved in numerous charities and was also LCAHouston’s International Mothers’ Day Soirée show-stopper in 2014 at Neiman Marcus. An Alma Mater of the University of Houston, Dominique loves Houston and believes in showing heart, soul and determination and that nothing tops the reward of being a parent, wife and step-mom.

Being a TV anchor, reporter and mother to two beautiful daughters, KHOU’s Rekha Muddaraj believes that being a journalist requires several skills that are not necessarily honed in college, but through internships and jobs. Reporters have to be able to ask tough and fair questions, have strong writing and on-air skills, and function in a high-pressure environment.

“The hours are long and the pay is not always great – so you really need to be passionate about news to want to stick it out in this industry,” she says.

Young South Asian women often reach out to her to ask how they can become reporters or anchors, and she is surprised by how easy they think the job is.

“I can’t say my parents were thrilled when I first told them in high school that I was going to college to become a reporter,” Rekha reminisces.

But really, they weren’t shocked either, for Rekha had basically been preparing for a career in reporting her entire life. She took a tour of a local television station when she was 5-years-old and came home and told her mother that she was going to be a reporter. Rekha was always reading the school announcements, writing for the school newspaper, and taking TV production classes. No one could stop her once she realized she could make her passion her career.

A mother of two, Rekha realizes her parents’ concerns over her deviation from the classic career expectations of doctor, lawyer, or engineer. She believes they were proud of her and have always supported her choice.

“In fact, my Emmy trophy is in my parent’s house in Phoenix. My mom won’t give it back to me!,” she exclaims.

Rekha’s beauty regimen is incomplete without facials, specifically hydra facials.

“I wear heavy makeup for work, and for long hours, so I try to make time for a treatment at least once every two months,” says Rekha, who avoids wearing any makeup on her off days.

Rekha loves fashion and appreciates women who have a real point of view when they get dressed.

For work, she look for clothes with clean lines, strong colors and comfort.

“Especially when I’m reporting, I never know if I’m going to city hall or to a house fire – so my outfit has to work for any and every scenario and that is extremely tricky,” says Rekha, who finds work clothes everywhere from J. Crew to T.J. Maxx.

In her personal life Rekha’s style is edgy and fun. Her closet includes Valentino, DVF, Vince, and Chloe.

“Most of my retail damage is done online at Shopbop and at Nordstrom in the Galleria,” confesses Rekha.

Having three children and one newborn, it’s certainly a balancing act between family and work. Lauren Freeman‘s secret?

“A good nanny and a calm attitude!,” claims the KPRC Channel 2 anchor.

She feels blessed to have a precious family, and during stressful she times tries to keep everything in perspective.

“My husband and I are hard workers but very laid back, so we just take life as it comes and enjoy it!,” she says.

Being in the news industry for years has prepared her for multitasking and being a mom.

“In news you always have a couple balls in the air so you’re used to juggling,” she says.

Lauren Freeman is thankful for everything and everyone she has in her life so she doesn’t take work or her family for granted.

Lauren says that her children and her husband are her inspiration. “Your goals and expectations in life change after you have children, but it’s a good thing.”

She enjoys news but believes that once someone calls you “mommy,” your perspective in life shifts. She thinks that the older you get, the more you realize that you shouldn’t pattern your life after anyone else and it’s best to blaze your own trail. She advises women not to be limited by what other people in their industry or family have done. “The sky is truly the limit, so I always try to think outside of the box,” she said.

Lauren’s style mantra is classic with flare. “I am not super trendy but I love classic, elegant designs with a bold twist,” says the fashionista who loves Valentino and Chanel. Lauren loves powerful colors, especially red and prefers feminine pieces that are flattering but somewhat daring.

She has the looks of Kate Middleton: poised, elegant, and sophisticated. KPRC Channel 2 meteorologist Britta Merwin says, “Being a journalist provides a unique opportunity and in my opinion an obligation to positively impact one’s community. I love the fact that I get to make an impact in someone’s life and hopefully bring a smile to their face.”

However, she dreamt of being a mom her entire life and it is the most important thing to her. When asked how she balance her professional career while being a mom, she confesses that her secret weapon is her husband. “He is the reason why I can do all that I do,” she says. Her husband was formerly on duty in the United States Coast Guard, which required him to spend time away from the family. After three years, her husband finished his service and made the decision to switch roles and become a stay-at-home dad. “He gets me to bed, he does the late night fever watch, he is Super Dad, and I love him more than anything,” smiles Britta.

Being a mom, her fashion style is easy and fast. “I love to buy pieces that are timeless, beautiful, and most of the time are clean and simple. I also love color! Putting on a vibrant color starts my day off with positivity. It is amazing how an outfit can transform your attitude,” says the fashionista who is drawn to classics. She also believes drinking plenty of water helps her keep her skin look vibrant and young.

“A woman’s career and how she balances it with her family life is a personal journey. Everyone has a different path and choice none of which is better than the other. The best path is the path that is right for you,” explains Britta.

Miya Shay, an ABC 13 reporter, is mostly spotted chasing a convict or outside the courthouse, but she seldom fails to make a post on Wednesday about her son Winston on what she has proclaimed “Winston Wednesday.” Miya has been with ABC 13 for more than a decade, focusing on City Hall, and also anchors the stations cultural show Visions. Both Miya and her husband Gene Wu, a Texas State Representative, are busy in their careers and dedicated parents to their 3-year-old son Winston. They are also expecting their second baby.

“I’m very lucky to have a great support network. Both my mother and mother-in-law know I am career-driven, and they support it by helping care for Winston,” shares Miya. She tries to keep up with her charity commitments during the week. “Usually I make a pit stop after work, and then I’m home to get my son ready for bed,” she explains.

Miya and Gene make sure to take time for each other and indulge in reading to Winston. She goes for play-dates and encourages Winston by taking him to car and train related activities, as he loves anything automobile related.

“I suggest don’t worry too much. As long as you’re caring and loving, your child will thrive. If you worry about every piece of food he puts in his mouth or every single outfit he wears, it will stress everyone out. Focus on having fun. It’s not a parental competition,” Miya advises new moms.