Today we’d like to introduce you to Lana Ato.
Hi Lana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My husband and I moved to Austin when our oldest daughter had just been released from the NICU in California after spending 3 months there. We didn’t know that many people and daughter needed around-the-clock care, so I was completely in mom and caregiver mode, functioning on almost no sleep.
Not long after that, our second daughter was born, so suddenly I had 2 kids under 2, and even less sleep! That’s when I turned to social media. I was craving adult connection, and at the time, connecting with other moms online was the easiest way to find it.
I started sharing our everyday life, our experiences, and the things we were navigating as a family. I joined a few mom groups, started blogging, and over time, my community slowly began to grow.
I never imagined it would become anything more than a simple personal page. But 9 years later, we’ve built a community of more than 100,000 followers from around the world. I’ve met incredible people, partnered with hundreds of brands, and my content has evolved into sharing family adventures across Texas and our travels throughout the U.S. and the world.
Through social media, I’ve had opportunities to work with multiple cruise lines and travel to places like Mexico, Switzerland, Wyoming, West Virginia, DC., Florida, Colorado, Utah, and many more.
One thing that’s become especially meaningful to me is traveling solo with my daughters, since my husband often can’t take time off work. I love showing other moms that family adventures don’t have to wait for the “perfect” time or circumstances. My goal is to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones, create unforgettable memories with their kids, and realize they’re more capable than they think.
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 wish I could say it was a smooth road, but honestly, it hasn’t been. The biggest challenges for me have been time management and building my self-confidence.
There are definitely days when I feel overwhelmed trying to juggle everything: being present with my kids while also dedicating time and creative energy to my social media. There have been plenty of sleepless nights and more than a few moments when I’ve wondered, “Does anyone even care?” Social media is constantly changing. Every time an algorithm shifts or a new feature is released, it’s easy to start doubting myself and wondering, “Why am I even doing this?”
But then I remind myself that my girls are always watching me. They’re learning from how I handle challenges, whether I realize it or not. I want them to see someone who keeps showing up, adapts, and doesn’t give up when things get hard. That mindset has become one of my biggest motivations.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I’m most proud of is the family we’ve built and the experiences we’re able to give our daughters.
We are based in Texas, but I’m originally from Ukraine, my husband is Nigerian, and together we’re raising 2 girls in a very multicultural home. Between all of us, we speak 5 different languages, and the one that surprises people the most is that our daughters are fluent in Mandarin.
I want my girls to grow up understanding that the world is so much bigger than what’s familiar to them. I want them to appreciate different cultures, meet people from different backgrounds, and be curious about the world.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I think we’ll see a huge increase in AI content and AI creators. We’re already seeing brands and creators experiment with AI avatars, virtual influencers, and new ways of creating content, and I think that’s only going to continue.
Personally, I’m really interested in learning more about AI and how I can use it to make my content better and work more efficiently. The big question for creator industry is: Will AI replace authentic creators? Personally, I think it will for the most part but there’s still going to be a segment of people who will crave real human connection.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanaato/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/svitlanaato/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lanaato/
