The Hustle and Healing Podcast

Christina Vitale

As a single mom of four, a retired Navy Chief, and now a full-time working woman building my dream business—Ocean Maiden Brew—life is a beautiful kind of chaos. Most days, I’m fueled by grace, grit, and way too much coffee (thankfully, I roast my own now!). Balance? It’s a myth. But showing up every day? That’s my superpower.

I remember one of my rawest “mom moments” when both of my toddlers were crying hysterically, arms reaching out—“Hold me! Hold me!”—and I had one on my hip, the other wrapped around my leg like a baby koala. Diaper bag, groceries, keys—yep, all in hand—and I nearly tumbled down the stairs like a three-ring circus. No applause, just pure chaos. At that moment, I wanted to sit down and cry with them. But instead, I laughed through the tears, found my footing, and made it to the bottom—like I always do.

There’s been deep growth along the way too. After my separation from the worst relationship I've ever had, I questioned everything. Was I enough? Could I carry the load of four kids, work, and still chase my own dreams? One night, I sat in silence and prayed. I was overwhelmed—but not broken. That night, I realized I didn’t need to have it all together. I just had to keep showing up with love. And I have, every day since.

One of my most jaw-dropping moments? When I had to be admitted to the hospital for three days with my youngest, my 18-year-old daughter stepped up in a way I’ll never forget. She cared for all of her siblings—meals, school, routines—like a little mama bear. I was in awe. Seeing her rise to that moment showed me that even in the chaos, something beautiful is being built in them too.

And now, building Ocean Maiden Brew is a part of that healing. It’s a love letter to my journey: bold, intentional, and rooted in faith. My coffee brand is more than a business—it’s my reminder that no matter how rough the seas get, I’m still sailing strong.

So to every momma out there barely balancing it all—keep going. You’re doing more than enough. And maybe, just maybe, a hot cup of coffee and a little community is all we need to remind us we’re not alone.

Katie Dininny

After the arrival of baby #4, our 3 daughters came into meet their newest little sister... our 2 year old, Sammie, shockingly stated in her cute little toddler voice: "she got out" ... meaning that her tiny little sister had made her way out of the belly. Our family often revisits this memory with big smiles and my teary eyes follow as this moment of total realization and honesty from our then toddler. And the memory gets to live on in video too as my husband had his phone recording!