Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Sommerstad.
Hi Carolina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I was little, I’ve loved capturing adventures. I was the kid who always had a camera in hand, creating physical scrapbooks and reliving memories with friends and family. That passion for documenting life has stayed with me, it just looks a little different now!
I grew up in Houston and spent much of my early life exploring Texas. After graduating from Texas A&M, I was recruited to work for a large CPG company, which led me to Minnesota. It was my first time leaving my family and friends, and I knew no one, but I was excited for the challenge and reminded myself that home would always be there.
Living in Minnesota taught me to say yes. I said yes to every invitation, every road trip and every new experience, which led me to explore the Midwest and discover how incredible, and often underrated, the United States can be. I quickly realized that you can make a home anywhere when you’re open to embracing the people and places around you.
Over the next several years, I moved from Minnesota to Atlanta and back to Minnesota, where I met my now-husband. Eventually, we made our way back to Texas, this time settling in Austin. Throughout every move, I explored as much as I could, documented my travels, created itineraries for friends and developed a deeper love for photography, travel and discovering hidden gems.
For years, I kept saying, “I should start an Instagram account to share this with everyone.” Then, while visiting Iceland with my husband in October 2025, he encouraged me to finally stop talking about it and just do it. That’s when I created @mamagetsaway.
What began as a creative outlet has grown into a community of nearly 5,000 followers and opportunities to partner with restaurants, hotels, destinations and experiences throughout Texas and beyond.
Through Mamagetsaway, I share travel inspiration, Texas staycations, family-friendly activities and reminders that moms can prioritize themselves, have fun and continue exploring, without giving up the parts of themselves that existed before motherhood.
It has been incredibly rewarding to combine my lifelong love of capturing memories with creativity, storytelling and community. I’ve learned new technology, connected with other creators, and found a way to turn something I’ve always loved into something I can share with others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think starting anything new is ever completely easy. There will always be obstacles, learning curves and moments when you question yourself, but I’ve learned that those challenges are often part of the growth.
For me, the biggest challenges have been learning new apps and technology, finding my own voice and lane online and continually pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. Hello, voiceovers! Putting yourself out there can feel vulnerable, especially when you’re still figuring things out.
I’ve definitely experienced moments of imposter syndrome, but whenever those thoughts creep in, I remind myself that there is room for everyone and we can all succeed.
I try to approach new challenges with curiosity: give something a try, learn from what worked or didn’t and improve the next time.
One of the most valuable parts of this journey has been building both an online and local community. Other creators understand the work behind the scenes, the challenges that come with creating content and the courage it takes to put yourself out there. Having people who share ideas, offer encouragement and celebrate each other’s wins has made the experience so much more meaningful.
Every time I’ve pushed past, it has led to new opportunities, greater confidence and growth not only as a creator, but also as a busy working mama of two.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a full time working mama of two and the creator behind @mamagetsaway. At the heart of my work is the belief that life doesn’t stop after becoming a mom. If anything, motherhood makes it even more important to find moments that fill our cups so we can return to our families feeling happier, more present and more like ourselves.
Through Mamagetsaway, I share travel inspiration, Texas staycations, family-friendly activities, local experiences, restaurants and simple ways for moms to prioritize themselves. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a solo self-care moment, a memorable meal or a beautiful trip, I share a little bit of it all with the hope of encouraging other moms to say, “I can do that too.”
I’m known for creating approachable, experience-driven content that makes getting out and trying something new feel doable, even for busy moms. I love putting together easy ideas, recommendations and itineraries so my audience doesn’t have to spend hours researching or figuring out the details. My goal is to make it easier for people to stop waiting for the “perfect time” and start making memories now.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m living the life I share. I’m balancing a full-time career, two young daughters, family responsibilities, friendships, and my own desire to keep exploring and having fun. I understand how hard it can be to prioritize yourself, which is why I want Mamagetsaway to feel less like another curated highlight reel and more like a friend cheering you on and saying, “You deserve to experience life, too.”
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe resilience and consistency have been the most important qualities behind my success. Building something from the ground up requires you to keep showing up, even when a post doesn’t perform the way you hoped, you’re learning a new skill, or self-doubt starts to creep in.
I approach content creation not only as a passion, but as a small, growing business with big dreams.
Consistency gives me the opportunity to test new ideas, learn what resonates with my audience and continue improving. The more I’ve put myself out there, the more confidence I’ve built, not because everything has gone perfectly, but because I’ve learned that growth comes from being willing to try.
When I face an obstacle, a reel that flops, or an occasional negative comment, I return to the “why” behind Mamagetsaway and what it represents. This platform has pushed me to do things I never thought I could, while also becoming a resource and source of encouragement for moms and others who want to explore, make memories, prioritize themselves and enjoy life more fully.
I’ve learned that success isn’t always about one viral moment. It’s about continuing to show up, staying open to learning and believing in the purpose behind what you’re building.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamagetsaway
- Gmail: Mamagetsaway@gmail.com
