Here at LiveMom, we love meeting new moms (and dads) doing interesting things around town. Our monthly Feature series, sponsored by Howdy Honda gives us an excuse to learn more about these hardworking Austinites! This month, we’re featuring public relations expert Christian Goff.
Christian and I met when a former client referred me to her when she was looking for social media help for one of her clients. I thought she was savvy, professional, and most of all, kind. Since I like working with kind and smart people, I hope we’ll have the chance to work together again soon! Christian’s family photos are breathtaking, and her words about motherhood will make you glad to know a little more about her, too.
LiveMom: How long have you lived in Austin, and what brought you here?
Christian: This is my third stint in Austin. My family and I moved back from Vermont a month ago where we have been here for the past three years. I first arrived in 1993 when I became a student at St. Edward’s University.
LiveMom: How many kids do you have. What are their ages?
Christian: I have one son, Luca Bleu, who is 13.
LiveMom: What is your idea of a perfect day with the family in Austin?
Christian: No question – on a boat on Lake Austin. There is nothing better than enjoying the water on a beautiful day with my husband and son.
LiveMom: If you had 24 hours to yourself in Austin, how would you spend it?
Christian: I would start with a walk around Lady Bird Lake – it’s where I go to center myself. I would follow it with lunch at a restaurant with a great outside dining option like Josephine’s, Perla’s or Matt’s. Next stop would be somewhere with water like Deep Eddy. One of the things I love about Austin is that there are so many ways you can enjoy the outdoors. I would have to end the day with dinner at Uchi and a great live music show at Stubbs or ACL Moody. The entertainment options in Austin are endless. There is never an excuse to be bored.
LiveMom: What do you like best about Austin? What would you change, if you could?
Christian: The weather in Austin is what keeps me coming back. Although the heat in the summer is pretty intense, you can’t beat all of the sunny days that we get throughout the year.
The traffic has gotten out of control. When I first moved here in 1993, Austin was a sleepy little college town. I have to say it has lost some of the funky charm I first fell in love with but change happens. I just hope the Austin community chooses to change for the better. We want to continue to be unique – not an “every town U.S.A.” Unfortunately, I am starting to see hints of this here and there.
LiveMom: What’s one piece of unsolicited advice you’d give to a new mom?
Christian: Try not to be too hard on yourself. We are all trying to do our best and we are only human. The most important thing is to try to relax and enjoy your kiddos because they won’t be little for long.
LiveMom: What is the best thing one mom can do for another?
Christian: Pay attention and offer support in any way that you can. I was a single mom for much of my son’s young life. I believe that the majority of my friends and acquaintances thought I had everything under control when the reality was that I did not. I felt totally alone and overwhelmed but was too proud to admit it. One special friend took note and truly paid attention to my struggles. She “saw” me, where I was in life and that I was hurting. Whether it was a nice home cooked meal or her shoulder to cry on, she and her family took care of my son and I. I will be forever grateful.
LiveMom: What kind of music do you like? Any local musicians? Kids musicians?
Christian: I absolutely love live music. Any and all kinds. Unfortunately, because I have been away for three years, I feel totally disconnected from the local music scene. I look forward to getting out there again and discovering some great talent. There is nothing better than a music high and feeling the groove of the music along with other folks who enjoy the same thing. It’s a special, unspoken connection.
LiveMom: What’s the best way to keep up with what you are up to next?
Christian: It is impossible. I can hardly keep up with myself!
LiveMom: What might we be surprised to learn about you?
Christian: Some people are surprised when they learn that my middle name is Sundance. It catches them off guard because it is different. Growing up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, having a unique name was just the norm.
LiveMom: What is your job, what is your title, and what do you love about your job?
Christian: I am the founder and owner of a small boutique PR firm called Pure Energy PR. I love when I am able to secure award nominations or positive media placements for my clients. I am extremely content when they are happy and satisfied with my work.
LiveMom: What is your secret talent?
Christian: My husband would say diplomacy because he believes that I have the ability to reconcile conflicting or differing viewpoints or opinions that people may have on important topical matters.
I would say my hidden talent is interior design. It is a creative outlet for me and I think it is somewhat of a strength.
Check out Christian’s company, Pure Energy PR, at www.pureenergypr.com
Thanks to Howdy Honda, Austin’s top rated Honda store according to Yelp.com, for sponsoring this month’s Local Mama Feature. Stop by to speak with one of their trained Honda experts in sales and service to help answer your questions and make you feel at ease with your vehicle purchase experience. They have been our neighbor of over 30 years and sell new, used and certified pre-owned Hondas. Go see them!