One DM at a Time: Building Community From the Bay Area to Bali

She never envisioned being a stay-at-home mom, but it became the biggest blessing of her life.

Meet Erica Witek, the voice behind @jetlag_and_juiceboxes, a Bay Area mom sharing real life as a first-time parent while proving that travel doesn't only have to happen before kids. What started as a search for community has turned into exactly that: a space where moms laugh and cry through all things motherhood together, with a few passport stamps thrown in for good measure.

The Surprise That Changed Everything

Erica always wanted to be a mom. She'd pictured it: mom plus career woman in healthcare, juggling both worlds with grace. "That all went out the window as soon as I had my son," she says. The pull to stay home was stronger than she'd ever imagined, and she leaned into it completely.

But living away from family and friends who have kids, she felt the isolation that so many new moms know too well. So she turned to social media, hoping to find her people.

The Goal Was Simple: Reach One Mom

"I just was hoping to find community through social media," Erica explains. "I received my first message from a first time mom who related to a video I posted and that was always my goal. To reach/help/connect with one mom."

That first DM? It was the moment she knew she was onto something. That was her proudest moment. Not a brand deal or a viral video, but genuine connection from one mom to another.

And then more started reaching out. "It's like having a little community to laugh and cry through all things motherhood with! The travel is just a fun bonus! I love taking people along on our adventures."

A Nap Time Operation

Like so many mom creators, Erica works in the margins. "I try to be on my phone as little as possible when B is awake. So filming content is the easy part and then I do all the editing when he's napping/asleep."

It's a nap time hobby that's created real impact, a reminder that you don't need office hours or a business plan to build something meaningful. Sometimes you just need a sleeping baby and a mission to help other moms feel less alone.

Find Jetlag and Juiceboxes:
Instagram: @jetlag_and_juiceboxes