Becoming a mother later in life wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a profound shift in perspective. In this heartfelt interview for our 'More Than a Mom' series, Mercedes Sanchez opens up about embracing motherhood after 40, the intentional choices that led her away from corporate stability, and the messy, beautiful reality of balancing freelance work with co-sleeping and 2 PM lunches. From reevaluating fast fashion to surviving live TV with a newborn, she shares honest reflections on why ‘having it all’ looks different when you’ve chosen your own path.
1. As a first-time mom over 40, how did becoming a mom later in life influence your perspective on parenting and work-life balance?
Although I was hopeful, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever become a mom. I’m beyond grateful for this blessing. I’ve always followed my own path when it comes to life and work, and by God’s grace, it has worked out. There are moments when anxiety creeps in, making me question if I should have pursued a corporate career for "stability" and a better retirement plan. But for the most part, I recognize how fast time flies, and I remind myself why I stepped away from the hustle mentality long ago. Now, as an older first-time mom, I stand by that decision even more. I'm grateful for the freelance work opportunities and brand collaborations that allow me to move at a slower pace and truly be present for my baby and extended family.
2. How has your return to work postpartum been? Did you face any unexpected challenges or find any new inspiration?
For the most part, my return to work postpartum has gone well. I’m fortunate to work from home, which means I get to spend lots of time with my baby. One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out a new "work routine." Do I wake up at 5:30 a.m. to knock out emails and strategize before everyone is up, or do I log back on at night? The latter has been tough—right now, we’re co-sleeping, and once I’m snuggled in with my baby, the last thing I want to do is get back on the computer. Another unexpected challenge? Lunch! On days when I’m home alone, juggling work while watching the baby, I completely lose track of time. Before I know it, it’s 2 p.m., and I haven't eaten. My credit card bill has definitely gone up with all the food orders (sometimes twice a day!). My husband and I are trying to cook at home more, but most days, we end up ordering in—unless we’re lucky enough to get a home-cooked meal from one of the moms, which we know is a huge blessing.
3. Has motherhood influenced the way you approach style tips or shopping recommendations for your audience?
Before my baby, I shopped frequently for trends, sometimes trying to channel my inner Gen-Zer (even though I’m an older millennial). I still think it’s fun to experiment with style, but now I’m more focused on timeless pieces—both in terms of quality and look. I’m gradually shifting away from fast fashion, not just for environmental reasons but also for my own well-being. Many fabrics contain PFAs (forever chemicals), and I want to phase them out of my closet one item at a time. For my audience, I’m more mindful of supporting sustainable brands, especially for expecting moms. Investing in high-quality, non-toxic materials has become a bigger priority for me.
4. Do you have any pro tips for balancing your on-screen roles and the demands of being a new mom?
One major tip: Get help when you’re on set! Whether it’s someone to assist with the baby, wardrobe, or tech setup, having support makes a huge difference. I’ve been a one-woman show for years—it’s doable, but it’s also way more stressful. Now, most of my lifestyle segments are filmed virtually from my home studio, and thankfully, my husband has stepped in to help with the teleprompter, lighting, tripods, microphone, etc. That said, things don’t always go as planned. For my first live interview after maternity leave, my husband was at the office, and I underestimated how quickly I’d be on air. Usually, producers give a 15-minute buffer, but this time, I was live within minutes—while still setting up! A few things went wrong, but overall, I made it work and got my key messages across.
5. What are your goals, both personally and professionally, as you continue to grow in your roles as a mother and lifestyle expert?
Believe it or not, I’m still figuring out my professional goals! Right now, I’m enjoying the balance between being on-camera as a lifestyle expert and spokesperson while also working in public relations. It truly feels like the best of both worlds—I love being in the media, both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. I’d love to start incorporating my role as a mom into my lifestyle content more. And maybe even get the baby some gigs of her own—anyone know a good baby talent agency?
6. How do you personally interpret the concept of "More Than A Mom"?
To me, "More Than A Mom" means embracing the many roles we take on as women. Motherhood isn’t just about bringing a child into the world—it’s about being an educator, nurturer, entertainer, partner, daughter, sister, colleague, leader. I wish more people recognized the magic (and hard work) behind creating and raising a human being. It’s truly something to be in awe of.
