Today we’d like to introduce you to Arely Hernandez.
Arely, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
First and foremost, I am incredibly honored to be on hidden gems. If you would have told me starting a faith based mom group would lead me to be on an article online I wouldn’t believe you.
When I reflect on this journey, I know it began long before I ever created this community. It truly began with my parents. They introduced me to God & who he was at a young age and planted a seed of faith in my heart. Like many parents, they prayed that their child would one day walk closely with him. That seed was planted when I was a little girl but didn’t fully bloom until I moved to San Marcos, Texas.
Everything changed the moment I walked into Hays Co. Bbq in San Marcos, Texas. It may have seemed like an ordinary moment, just stepping into another bbq joint in Texas but it was anything but the ordinary. That day altered history in my life. That day, I met the man who would one day become my husband. What felt like a simple encounter became the beginning of a new chapter in life. People thought we were crazy but we were crazy in love. We got engaged three months are we started dating & in May of 2022 we got married! In May of 2023 we welcomed my son Noah with open arms. Truly it was all Holy Spirit since that moment at hays co. Bbq.
Motherhood is beautiful but it was stretching me in ways I didn’t know I was prepared for. My heart began to ache & need community. Not just surface level friendship but friendship that was connected by motherhood, faith & Christ. I wanted to other mothers who believed in what I believed. Mothers who weren’t following what the world said we should be or how we should parent. I wanted friendship rooted in Christ, women who chose to pray over others who had fear who had anxiety & women who prayed over postpartum depression. In that longing, God began to place something in my heart. I felt the Lord download the name Given Grace Mamas to me in my living room in December of 2o23. It felt clear, intentional & directly from Christ. In 2024 I received confirmation at the upperroom conference that I would lead and influence. What God had been stirring in me was confirmed.
In January of 2024, I took the next step and launched given grace mamas a community of Christian postpartum moms in San Marcos, Texas. Since that day I’ve learned so much about walking in my identity & have help others learn how to pray for their babies, marriage & themselves. We have had the honor of praying over marriages, postpartum depression & so much more. One of the most beautiful parts is that through this group we have seen lives given to Christ & long lasting friendships created. January of 2026 we turned two years old.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This is a good question, nothing is ever so easy or smooth even for someone who is rooted in her faith. There were moments where I questioned if I was fit to lead but I knew & God would always send his angels my way to build me up. Truly this always made me dig deeper into my bible & spiritual leaders. Gods been so faithful through it all.
A silly obstacle but actual challenge to host a group was finding places to host over 12-15 babies. I’m so thankful that local mom & pop shops are always willing to host us and as a someone who comes from a mom & pop business family support means everything. We are always so glad to come into coffee shops and bring our money!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love this! I do a little bit of everything!
In addition to leading Given Grace Mamas, I’m a stay at home mom married to my best friend which has been my highest calling & joy. I have a bracelet business called Grace and Glory where I create faith filled jewelry.
I do photography on the side mostly seasonal again because of Jesus! Listening to his voice has opened these doors. For almost 4 years I worked alongside my family in our business, Hays Co. Bbq. Now that I think back I think working there shaped my understanding of leadership,teamwork and creating a space where others felt welcome.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I’m thrilled about this question because God is already planting seeds.
I’m excited to share for the first time that we’re launching a faith based podcast soon. It will be a space for Christian moms to be encouraged & grow in their faith together. I’m so excited for this!!
My vision for given Grace mamas is to expand the kingdom of Christ and to reach mothers in need of encouragement, prayer & support. Truly, I just wish to help others find Christ & find that one mom friend they need to not feel so lonely. My friend once said “Rely is the mommy best friend matchmaker” I take that very serious & believe everyone needs community. Most importantly Christ centered friendship.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Given Grace Mamas
- Other: Grace and glory bracelets on instagram
Image Credits
Chris Cardoza Photography
