Paige Olvera shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Paige, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
To be real, I think a lot of people are secretly struggling with just existing and planning for the future.
I’m the type of person who always asks, whether it’s a stranger, friend, or coworker, “How’s life? How are you doing?” And more often than not, the answer I hear these days is something like, “Just here…taking it day by day,” or, “Trying to figure out my next move.”
That always makes me wonder: are we all at a point where we’re just trying to make it and figure out the next step in our own journey? And if so, why does it feel so much harder in today’s world to map out that step?
Is it age? The financial stress in today’s society? Or maybe it’s just the season of change we’re in?
I don’t know… but it seems like a lot of people are carrying that weight.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Paige, aka Mama Oinkers, and I was born and raised right here in DFW! I’m a big digital marketing nerd; I love talking strategy and all things marketing.
On Instagram, I regularly blog about my life, food adventures, hobbies, random life updates, causes and nonprofits that give back, products I adore, and just spreading positivity.
My goal is to become fluent in all things digital marketing and share that knowledge with small businesses and creators to help them grow.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
That’s a really good question, lol. Thank y’all for asking.
I don’t know if I have one exact moment… for me, it’s been a mix of different moments, but they all have one thing in common: time.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve experienced a lot of loss. I even joke (not so funny, but true) that my husband and I have been to more funerals in our almost eight years together than weddings and celebrations combined.
That reality has definitely shifted how I see the world. It’s shown me just how precious life really is. We’re only here for a limited time, and none of us know when our time is up, so why not spend it doing things that bring you real happiness?
I try to live life with no regrets and not be afraid of new experiences, because life can pass you by in the blink of an eye.
It’s also taught me the importance of taking care of yourself, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Be mindful of what you allow into your body and your mind. Surround yourself with people and things that bring you joy and positivity. Life is too short not to be around sunshine.
I never want the people I love to sit in darkness. I’ve been there before. I lived in it for a long time. It’s painful, it’s lonely, and it takes so much out of you.
Having to say goodbye to so many people I’ve loved, both suddenly and expectedly, has taught me to truly cherish life.
Because no matter what’s happening, the world will keep spinning, and it’s up to us to make our time here the best it can be.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
To be 100% transparent, yes.
Because of challenges at home when I was younger, I struggled a lot with mental health issues.
Trigger warning for anyone who needs it, but I did deal with really dark thoughts that no young person should ever have to face. And when I say young, I mean starting around age ten, all the way through high school. Looking back now, it’s honestly scary and heartbreaking to think about how dark of a place I went to, and what could have happened.
It took me a while to pull myself out of that mindset. To realize that life can get better, and that I had to keep going, no matter what. School, my teachers, friends, my grandma, and my tías really helped put things into perspective for me. They encouraged me to keep moving forward when I didn’t see a reason to.
I think that’s why I am the person I am today, kind, silly, maybe “loud” as some will say, lol. Because I remember that little girl I used to be… timid, shy, scared, and sad. She spent so much of what should have been joy-filled years just trying to survive things no kid should ever have to.
It was enough to make me want to give up on everything. But I’m glad I didn’t. I’m glad I kept going. I’m thankful for the people who pushed me, believed in me, and reminded me that there was more to life ahead.
I’m still here, and I’m still going.
And if sharing this helps even one person realize they’re not alone in their struggles, then it’s worth it. Life is hard, but it’s also beautiful, and you deserve to see the good that’s waiting for you.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect at all costs is kindness and authenticity. I believe in showing up as your true self and treating others with empathy and compassion. Life is already hard enough, and the world needs more people who build community instead of tearing others down. For me, that’s non-negotiable.
And I say this as someone who didn’t always think or act this way. Growing up, I was surrounded by toxic ways of thinking, and that can really shape your mindset in unhealthy ways. But as I grew and created space away from that, I realized that kindness really is the answer. It changes the way you see people, the way you see yourself, and the way you show up in the world. And that will always be my truth.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Honestly, yes lol. I really do give everything my best. Going above and beyond is a core part of my work ethic. Of course, praise is nice, it’s fulfilling, it makes me smile, and it gives me that happy boost. But at the end of the day, that’s not why I do what I do or why I am the way I am.
In my 9–5, I’m a Key Account Manager at a marketing agency, mainly working with daycare clients along with a few other industries. And through Mama Oinkers, I also get to support friends and family with their small businesses. Nothing makes my heart happier than seeing them win.
Their wins feel like our wins, and that joy makes up for any amount of praise times a thousand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Mamaoinkers.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/mamaoinkers
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-olvera?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
