Sylvia McDoanld shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Sylvia, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
This year, we introduced homeschooling to my kindergartener, and it has been the most unexpected blessing. At first, I was so nervous that I wouldn’t have the time or capacity to do it properly while also running a business. But it has brought me overwhelming joy and fulfillment. I love teaching and witnessing my son’s excitement for learning. There’s nothing quite like those moments when he’s working on something new, it clicks, and I get to see the joy on his face as he understands the concept. It’s such a proud moment for me to think, “I taught him that.” More than anything, it’s been about creating a life of joy for our family, and I’m so grateful for this season.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Sylvia McDonald — wife, mama to two littles (and a new homeschool teacher), flower farmer, and small business owner of Mi Casa Su Casa, a charming small events venue in the Magnolia–Montgomery, TX area. ADHD-driven and fueled by creativity, I truly see our venue as an extension of our own home. Mi Casa Su Casa was built with a lot of love, sweat, tears, and most importantly, prayers.
We’ve created a space where people can gather with their loved ones and celebrate life’s most special moments in a way that feels personal and unique to them. Southern hospitality is our love language, and it’s woven into every detail — from me answering your emails and cleaning after events to growing the flowers. Beyond private celebrations, we’re also passionate about hosting community events that bring people together, cultivate connection, and empower others. We pour our hearts into serving our clients and community, and it brings us so much joy to help create memories and meaningful experiences that last a lifetime.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work are my parents. My mom immigrated from Mexico City after falling in love with her Texan cowboy, leaving behind everything she knew to build a new life. My dad had an entrepreneurial spirit (I don’t think he could ever truly work for anyone else) and took over my grandfather’s homebuilding business. From him, I learned the importance of genuine customer service and prioritizing quality over quantity. I also witnessed the harder lessons of business — when the housing market crashed, he lost his company, and I saw firsthand how devastating that was.
From my mom, I learned resilience and creativity. When the market crashed, she left her career behind and found ways to support our family — from teaching Spanish and ESL classes to eventually becoming the local Spanish-speaking children’s librarian. Even without a formal degree or the “qualifications” on paper, she constantly outdid herself in every role she took on. Her determination, work ethic, creativity, and heart for serving her community have been ingrained in me from an early age.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I carried a tremendous amount of pain and trauma for years after losing my father to suicide when I was just 20. To be honest, I can’t believe this is the first time I’m speaking about it publicly. I am so grateful for my incredible husband, who has poured so much love into me throughout the long, ongoing process of grieving and healing.
It wasn’t until after I had my two children that I realized I needed to seek therapy, face my trauma, and learn how to navigate life in a healthier way — as a wife, a mom, and eventually a business owner. I knew I had to do the hard work to ensure I didn’t repeat the same painful patterns that had affected my father and our family.
Through that journey, I’ve learned that when my life callings — as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur — are aligned and in order, I can find a sense of balance. That balance allows me to show up as the best version of myself and pour wholeheartedly into the people I love most, into our home, and into our small family-run business and clients.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
QUALITY TIME. That’s it — that’s what matters most to me. My closest friends know that nothing in life means more than being fully present with the people I love. I’m admittedly terrible at quick replies (sometimes it takes me 2 days or even 2 weeks to answer a text), but it’s never out of ill intent.
When I am with someone I care about, they have my full, undivided attention. Sharing a meal or meaningful conversation in those moments is everything to me — it’s my love language, my purpose, and truly what fills me up the most.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What light inside you have you been dimming?
For the past few years, I think I’ve been dimming my creative light. When my husband and I decided to fully trust God’s plan, we went all in — we built our home, created and launched our business, and welcomed our second baby, all within the same whirlwind two years. It was an incredible but exhausting season, and since then life has been about finding rhythm and routine.
In the midst of it all, I put my creative passions on the back burner. I deeply love home décor, cooking, cleaning, crafting, gardening, and especially hosting swanky themed parties — and I’ve missed sharing those sides of myself. Now that the dust is beginning to settle, I feel hopeful and prayerful that I’ll have the time and space to nurture that creativity again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.micasamc.com
- Instagram: @micasa_mc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micasasucasamc
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@micasa_mc
Image Credits
Lauren Mayfield
Simone Staine
