Mina and her husband met after relocating to Houston for work and bring beautifully diverse roots into their family life. When she's not caring for her children, Mina is caring for others at a busy trauma center. Her days are full, meaningful, and rooted in love.
Tell us a bit about you and your family
Hello! My name is Mina. I am blessed to be a mom to three wonderful babies (two girls 5 and 4 years old and an 18 months old boy) here in Houston, Texas. Husband and I met when we both relocated to Houston for work but we come from a diverse background (I’m Vietnamese originally from Atlanta while hubby is half Chilean and half British-Irish born in New York). When I’m not busy taking care of my family I’m busy taking care of people as an emergency medicine physician.
What has been one of the most meaningful lessons you’ve learned as a caregiver?
The most meaningful thing I’ve learned being a mama to three young babies is patience. I’ve also learned that some days not every household chores will get done, the house isn’t always going to be tidy, and dinner may not have a vegetable on the plate. Try to find joy in every little moment and make memories for your kids to remember. I find that the kids grow up way too fast so take the time to enjoy this precious moment of their childhood. The memories you make with them now will shape how they are as adults (and parents) in the future.
What’s something you wish you’d known earlier on?
Something I wish I’d known earlier is to travel more before having kids because the saying is true. Once you have kids it’s incredibly hard to find personal time (I mean remember when you can’t even urinate without having a toddler right at your feet?) Now don’t get me wrong many people still can travel and explore with their children or sometimes take a kid-free trip but I would probably feel too guilty or miss them too much if I were to go on a solo trip now.
What’s a small daily moment with your little one(s) that means a lot to you?
Is there a routine (bath time, bedtime, morning reset) that feels especially special in your home?
Why is gentle skin care important to you?
We are lucky enough that we don’t struggle terribly with skin disorders but we also thank Mustela products for our baby soft skin since we religiously use Mustela products since our kids were born. I am a big fan of the mustela normal skin gentle shampoo and the hydra bebe lotion.
What helps you feel supported during busy or challenging days?
I have to give my husband credit for being my wonderful support and partner. On challenging days, like mornings when I’m coming home from a night shift in the emergency room (and it’s always busy since we are a trauma center) he would drop the girls off at school and then take care of my son so that I can sleep.
What does being part of the Mustela community mean to you?
What a beautiful community to be a part of! I initially found Mustela through a friend. Then I started following them on social media and now we are honored to be a part of the Mustela family! We love every opportunity we get to represent a brand we love and hold so close and dear to our heart since our kids were born.
What would you want to tell someone in a similar season of life?
Enjoy all the small (and big) moments in your kids life because in the blink of an eye we get older and so do the kids. Make memories not stress.
One reminder or intention you’re holding onto right now?
Take some time for yourself, read a book, start a hobby or go to the gym.
