Catch up with some of our ACM Amigas – former contributors who have helped craft the collective story of ACM over the last 10 years.
I joined the team in 2016 as the team’s graphic designer and then also took on the event director position. I have two boys named Brendan and Ryan.
What was most memorable to you about your experiences with Alamo City Moms (Blog)?
I have quite a few memorable experiences with Alamo City Moms! I really enjoyed preparing and getting ready for the events with Amanda. I think the Palm Springs themed Mom’s Night Out was one of my favorite memories and venues! I also really enjoyed creating the look of the event on the computer (by creating the event ad) and then watching it come alive, from my screen to an actual event.
Were there any connections you made or experiences you had while with ACM(B) that you’re thankful for or have helped you get to where you are today?
I really loved working with the partners outside of ACM, like Mandy at University Health Systems, and creating the graphics and working the event for Safe Kids Day. I was pretty new to graphic design when I first started with ACM. At ACM I did all sorts of designing from event flyers, ads, brochures, t-shirts – the list could go on. It really built my skills and made me a better designer. I was also very new to planning events when I first signed on, so it taught me so much and I learned some very valuable skills that I was able to take with me to new opportunities later on.
What phase of motherhood were you at when you joined the team, where are you now, and what is something that you’d tell your younger self?
When I first started with ACM my kids were babies. My youngest was just going into Pre-K and my oldest into first. We are now in the middle school years. My youngest will be going into 6th grade and my oldest into 8th this year. The teen years are here and I am learning to navigate! It is challenging but also so amazing, connecting with them on a different level. They are so funny and really fun to be around. My advice to my younger self is to try not to worry about all the small stuff and know they will go at their own pace. They will learn to tie their own shoes at some point!
Have you stayed in touch with fellow ACM contributors? What advice do you have for nurturing or maintaining friendships in this stage of motherhood?
I am happy that I feel like I never really left ACM. Amanda will show up in my emails from time to time with a new and fun graphic design opportunity to tackle. It can be hard to maintain friendships as your children get older – my kids are into different things and we are always on the go. I always try to take the time to send my friends a quick text to let them know I am thinking of them! I also try to schedule those girls’ nights when I can.
Do you have a favorite ACM event?
My favorite events were: Sweets and Stories with Santa and MNO Palm Springs.
So how’s it been going? What have you been up to? Tell us everything…
After ACM, we moved to Florida in 2020 to be closer to family. It has been so fun watching my boys grow up with their cousins. We live in an amazing community called Babcock Ranch in SWFL. My boys golf cart to school and we have alligators in our backyard. It really has been such a fun place to live and I am happy to be back in my home state. However, I do miss all my Texas friends terribly!! I own and operate a planner sticker shop called Tori Grant Designs. I specialize in hand-drawn stickers for planners. I draw all my graphics in my home studio. I also recently took on a full-time role with my community as a lifestyle associate. I will help plan and coordinate community-wide events.
All former contributors were offered the opportunity to participate in this series. If you are a former contributor who would like to participate, let us know (we probably don’t have the correct contact info!).
