Our favorite thing about Solly Baby is you—the community of moms and dads doing the beautiful, messy, important work of raising little ones. In our weekly Full Heart Series, we're sharing stories from our Solly Community that resonate, inspire, and remind us we're never alone. Join us as we savor these everyday moments that leave our hearts full.
Let’s start with a quick introduction. Tell us the facts.
Name: Tonia Lynn Black
Children: Nova (4 years), Onyx (2 years), Zendaya (6 months)
Location: Chula Vista, California
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom and content creator
What’s a time in the last week when your heart has felt full?
My heart was so full earlier this week when my family and I went out on our daily evening walk. My kids had recently gotten scooters from their aunt and grandmother so I surprised my husband with a scooter of his own and just seeing the three of them ride while I pushed our youngest in the jogger stroller with the beautiful sunset view in front of us made my heart absolutely burst with so much joy and gratefulness!
How do you define your role as a mother?
I see my role as a mother as being a nurturer, a guide, and a constant learner alongside my children. It’s about creating a safe space where they can grow, ask questions, and discover their world, while I also grow in my faith and learn with them. I strive to find balance in the beautiful chaos of motherhood—whether it’s homeschooling, spending time outdoors, or sipping an iced latte during the rare moments of quiet. It’s not always perfect, but my motherhood is filled with intentionality, grace, and the understanding that every challenge is an opportunity to show love and trust in God’s divine plan.
Walk us through a typical day in your life as a mom of three.
A typical day in my life starts with the sounds of laundry tumbling, a little bible study, and some quiet time for pumping. Onyx, my early riser, is usually the first to greet me, so we sneak in some cuddles before he dives into a bowl of fruit and a puzzle. Then Zendaya, my littlest sunshine, wakes up. After changing, feeding, and a bit of floor time, she’s snug in our Solly Wrap as I get breakfast going. Once everyone’s up, we gather around the table for breakfast, followed by about 40 minutes of homeschool. The day then takes a playful turn. Depending on the day, Nova’s either twirling in her ballet class or showing off her moves at acrobatics. My husband will usually prepare dinner or tackle bath time. It’s a beautiful rhythm of learning, laughter, and finding grace in the little moments.
When do you feel at your best as a mom?
I feel my best as a mom in those rare moments when I’m able to squeeze in a Pilates class or cook dinner with a glass of red wine and neo-soul playing in the background—basically when I trick myself into feeling like I’ve got it all together. It’s that sweet spot where I’m finding a groove between mom life and me time, even if it's just for 20 minutes before someone needs a snack they probably won’t finish. Those moments remind me that it's okay to savor small joys and that a little self-care can go a long way in keeping me sane and smiling because we all know there's no mom-care without self-care!
What’s something about motherhood that has surprised you?
How deeply it transforms not just my schedule, but my heart and identity. The sleepless nights and endless diaper changes? I expected that. But I did not anticipate the raw vulnerability, the way my emotions now seem to live outside of me in the little souls I’m raising. It’s surprising how often motherhood pushes me to confront my own imperfections and grow right alongside my kids. Every day I’m amazed by how small, ordinary moments such as playing tag at the park or reading books before bedtime prayer carry a weight of meaning I never knew existed.
First thing you ate after giving birth?
A Harvest Bowl salad from Sweetgreen.
First place you took your baby (other than the pediatrician’s office)?
I don’t know why, but after each baby, my husband and I always loved to stroll around the mall. It’s such a random newborn baby tradition that we have but it’s so fun!
What’s something about motherhood that you wish people talked about more?
I wish people talked more about the loneliness that can come with motherhood. It’s not something you see in the adorable newborn pictures or the cute milestone posts, but it’s there. And I’m almost certain every mother has experienced it. That quiet loneliness that tends to creep in when you’re up late rocking a baby back to sleep and suddenly began missing the version of yourself you had before kids. There's so much joy in motherhood, but there can also be a sense of isolation— especially when you’re pouring out everything you have and still wondering if it’s enough. I think we need to normalize those feelings and create space for real, honest conversations about the emotional journey of being a mom.
Words of wisdom would you share with other moms?
You are the best mom for your child. Don’t get caught up in comparisons. Trust that your love and effort are exactly what your little one needs. I always say that motherhood is a journey and not a destination. Embrace the ups and downs, and celebrate the small wins! A tantrum-free grocery trip? Celebrate it! Got the laundry washed and folded? Celebrate it! And most importantly, find your village! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s so much strength in admitting you can’t do it all, and it truly does take a village to raise a child. One thing that has helped me so much was joining my local mom community and leaning on the close family that's around me.
When and how did you get connected with Solly?
I was scrolling on Instagram at 3 am, freshly postpartum with my second baby, searching for a baby carrier that was not only stylish, but functional as a new mom of two under two! My husband was preparing to join the Navy so I wanted to equip myself to be as present as possible for my babies while also maintaining the household duties since he was going to be away. I came across Solly Baby and saw how many moms absolutely raved about not only the softness but the functionality. There were moms of 2+ kids rocking the wrap and getting things done around the house, even strolling around the neighborhood with baby in tow! That’s when I knew I needed to try it for myself. Now I’ve been a Solly Mama for two years!
Favorite thing about your wrap?
As a stay-at-home and homeschooling mom, I love that I can still be present with my toddlers while keeping my baby close. The wrap is a newborn must-have, hands down! Every mother deserves the comfort and bond the Solly Wrap provides for both baby and mama. It's truly indescribable. Plus, it's a fair excuse for people not to hold or touch baby right away when they’re so little.
What Solly pieces(s) do you have? What’s on your wishlist?
Solly pieces I currently have are the Cottage Rose Wrap and Bleu Toile Sleeper. Currently on my wish list: Driftwood Stripe Crib Sheet and the Happy Days Sleeper! I can’t get enough of the Karrie Locher collab!
Time for a round of rapid-fire favorites…
Indulgence: Cafe De Olla with oat milk, whipped cream, and cinnamon from my local coffee shop, Casa De Otay!
Podcast: As For Me and My House
Children’s book: Zuri and V: A Story About Vitiligo by Whittney Washington
Mama-time activity: Pilates class
After bedtime snack: Sliced Honeycrisp apples with cinnamon and a scoop of peanut butter on the side
