Tatiana Karanja, widely known as Mama Olive, is no stranger to the spotlight. As an award-winning photographer, digital content creator, and aspiring events hostess, she’s built a thriving career while balancing the demanding role of a mother. However, despite the glossy image she presents on social media, Karanja recently shared a deeply emotional and vulnerable side, shedding light on the struggles of being a single mother to three young daughters under the age of 10.
In an emotional video posted to her social media platforms, Karanja admitted that the constant juggling of motherhood and career has left her feeling overwhelmed, even though her online presence often suggests otherwise. The mother of three expressed how the portrayal of her life as “effortless” is far from the truth, acknowledging the personal challenges she faces behind the scenes.
“You make motherhood look so easy,” Karanja revealed, a comment she frequently receives from followers. While she treasures her role as a mom, she candidly shared that motherhood is anything but easy. “Motherhood is really hard!! And I’m feeling it amplified a little, well, a lot, as a single mom,” she wrote, hinting at the complexities of raising children without the help of a partner.
Karanja’s post struck a chord with many who can relate to the struggles of parenting, particularly in the absence of a support system. She acknowledged that while being a parent is a universal challenge, it is especially daunting when you have to face it alone. “Some days, it feels like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, and I know I’m not alone in this,” she shared, offering solace to other single parents who may be experiencing similar emotional and physical exhaustion.
Through this vulnerability, Karanja’s goal was clear: to humanize herself and break down the facade that she has it all together. “I’ve always aimed to be open and real about my experiences, but I realize I haven’t shared as many vulnerable moments lately,” she confessed. Her decision to open up about her tough days and emotional breakdowns is a testament to her commitment to transparency. In an age where curated social media content often distorts reality, Karanja is choosing to showcase a more authentic side of herself, one that includes not just the moments of success, but also the breakdowns and struggles.
Karanja also took the opportunity to remind other mothers that it is okay to have difficult days and that they should not feel isolated in their struggles. “Parenting is a tough journey for everyone, and it can be even more challenging when you’re doing it on your own. I want to remind all of you out there to give yourselves grace. It’s okay to have those tough days; you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed,” she wrote. This message of empathy and encouragement resonated deeply with her followers, many of whom expressed gratitude for her honesty and openness.
Beyond her personal revelations, Karanja also discussed her initiative, Motherhood Unplugged, a platform she created to support fellow mothers. Through this community, she provides a space for women to share the challenges and joys of motherhood, offering a sense of solidarity to those who may feel unsupported. “I created Motherhood Unplugged because I realized that support for moms is often lacking, and that’s a huge part of the struggle,” she explained. The platform has grown over the years and has become a beacon of support for many mothers who find comfort in knowing they are not alone in their journey.
In closing, Karanja offered a powerful message to all mothers, emphasizing their worth and the validity of their experiences. “You are valued, you are seen, you are heard, and your struggles are valid. Everything you’re thinking and feeling is absolutely legitimate,” she assured her audience. Her words serve as a reminder that the challenges of motherhood are universal and that no mother should ever feel that she is carrying her burdens alone.
Karanja’s candid post is not just a reflection of her own struggles, but also a call for greater understanding and support for single mothers. In a world where the pressure to portray perfection is ever-present, her decision to share her raw emotions is both brave and empowering. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the toughest moments, we are all part of a larger community, and together, we can face the challenges ahead.
