Today we’d like to introduce you to Payal Tello.
Payal, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and am the product of South Asian immigrants. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work with children. Initially, I thought I wanted to be a pediatrician; that later changed to teacher. In college, I discovered that psychology was my true calling. I worked in the school system for several years before going into the M.Ed/Ed.S school psychology program at my alma mater, Georgia State University. (Go Panthers!)
It wasn’t until the birth of my twins that I found my purpose in life. Between being stuck between two cultures my whole life and being raised through a somewhat antiquated lens, the “work” to find myself and become the best mother I could be began.
My blog started as something that allowed friends and family to keep up with my daughters. It eventually turned into something greater than me. The internet was constantly asking me how I was managing “so well” with twins. My roots in psychology and education started to come back out, and my blog turned into a “how to” platform. I started a YouTube channel, and sharing my parenting journey turned into a sort of my day-to-day hobby.
In December 2015, I met my mentor Joanna and my whole life changed. I made drastic changes in my life and set out to turn my passion into a purpose. Life found a way for me to take a stand for myself and as a result, I became more involved in my community and I kept landing in the “right place at the right time.”
While I still have a long way to go to accomplish my long-term goals, I am so excited for the progress I have made. I firmly believe you “get out what you put in” and I have poured my soul into finding a way to make the world a better place for children from so many different angles.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Whew, it’s definitely been a journey! Growing up in a small town on the outskirts of Atlanta (about 30 minutes west) afforded me very unique opportunities. From being teased relentlessly for being “different” to experiencing microaggressions within my own culture, the lens’ that life has offered me greatly contributes to the outlook thatI have today.
It wasn’t until I got to college that I started to see people who “looked like me” and began to feel more comfortable in my own skin. But it wasn’t until I became a mother that I really began to “find myself” and address my identity crisis. I have severed ties with those who did not serve me or further my goals in life. And still to this day, I work through my bi-cultural issues and past traumas with the support of the most amazing mental health team (all of whom just so happen to be womxn of color- like me!).
I don’t feel that the road has ever really been “smooth” for me, but that is what has built my character and made me who I am today. I wouldn’t change a SINGLE life experience that I have had, and I can’t wait to share more about my struggles as the future unfolds.
As you know, we’re big fans of TwinMommy101. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I just wrote a book! Hands Free and Happy is a combination of my own independent research, education, and experiences. It is perfect for new and expecting families! I am so excited to have been able to come from a blog to a YouTube channel to a book!
I am known as TwinMommy101 in the community, or as that mom who “wears her twins” (which I still do at nine years old!). I specialize in social-emotional (personality) development of children and educate about how our interactions shape and mold who our children become and how they function through their adulthood.
I offer private services and parenting classes and am the only certified hands-free parenting consultant in the metro-area (and only one of two in the whole state!). My work is critical for expecting families, as we often do not talk about the social-emotional development of children. I am rooted in attachment and psychosocial theories and conduct heavy independent research around these areas. I have presented my work at several national conferences and look forward to conducting research in the future that will help better shape my educational efforts in my community.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
COVID has been a pivotal part of my journey in so many ways. It has taught me to put myself first and to not be afraid to take a leap of faith on myself. It has also made me realize how much I took social gatherings for granted. I miss the conference days, and the days of the State Capitol being flooded with people from all over, and the days of not having to wear a mask.
But the solitude has helped me find myself in ways I would have never otherwise. I went back to my ancestral roots and began doing yoga and journaling everyday. I had never really spent time with myself, alone and in silence, but that stillness….. Oh, how it was deafening at first. But now, I’m not sure how to live without it (which is why I rise at 5am daily). I’m not grateful for covid, but I am grateful for all the opportunities to better myself that it has brought me along the way.
Contact Info:
- Email: twinmommy101@gmail.com
- Website: linktr.ee/handsfreebook
- Instagram: @twnmommy101
- Facebook: facebook.com/twinmommy101
- Twitter: @twinmommy101
- Youtube: youtube.com/user/twnmmy101vids
- Other: https://www.gentleparentingtwins.com
Image Credits
Amanda Sloane Photography (headshot) Blonde Shot Creative (BSC)
