Behind the Scenes of Secret Mom Hacks, MomCom Database
In a world in which screen time often replaces face-to-face interaction, many find themselves more connected with others while feeling more isolated than ever — especially mothers of young children. Alumna Krista Dykes (’06) is bridging those connection gaps to build meaningful relationships among parents.
To accomplish this mission, Dykes created a multitude of tools designed to bring moms together to share stories, advice and create community. As a public relations major from Belmont with a minor in media studies, she is now leveraging her years of PR experience in the music industry to launch and market her efforts.
Her first creation was Secret Mom Hacks, a website featuring resources and stories, alongside her flagship podcast. Topics span from pregnancy and childbirth to parenting challenges and self-care. The initial idea sprouted from her own experiences with her daughter.
"There were just all of these things I was experiencing that I was turning to the internet for, asking friends about," she said. "As I was speaking with professionals and doing my own independent research, I realized more of this stuff needs to be talked about."
Building on the success of her podcast, Dykes recently launched the MomCom Database, a free resource listing mom groups and parent communities across all 50 states. The database makes it easy for parents to find local community where they live, especially for those who may have recently relocated. Groups are sorted by location, whether they meet virtually or in-person and by shared interests or experiences.
The project was inspired by studies highlighting the prevalence of loneliness among parents.
"Sixty-six percent of parents would value a way to connect with other parents outside of work and home," Dykes noted, citing a study from an Ohio medical center. "I thought, 'What if I just helped to connect some dots?'"
Dykes is committed to expanding the MomCom Database. Every week, she focuses on a new city to add to the database and directs her marketing efforts towards moms and local media in the area.
In addition to these digital resources, Dykes recently began her venture into in-person events. She is part of a small group of "mompreneurs" from across the U.S. who connect monthly to support each other's initiatives. Locally, she's launching two new concepts this Sept. in Murfreesboro — a kids' bingo night with playful sensory activities, and "Messy Kids Creative," an immersive art experience for children.
"My grand hope is for these moms to bring their kids, and then for the parents to be able to talk or get coffee," Dykes explained. "If you're taking care of the parents and the kids are having a good time, they're going to be coming back."
At a Messy Kids Creative event, participants will create multiple crafts to take home, may play with slime or participate in other “messy” activities. Apart from meeting other parents, the best part for each mom is not having to clean up any mess or purchase supplies.
Underlying the marketing efforts of her initiatives is her Belmont education. The writing, media pitching and audio engineering skills she developed in college are crucial in growing her current endeavors.
"All of that experience from Belmont to my music industry career lends really well to what I'm doing now," she said.
As her initiatives gain traction, Dykes has been featured on local news stations, including WKRN News 2, to discuss her podcast and the MomCom Database. She continues to expand her reach, encouraging moms to contribute to the database and participate in her events.
Her work demonstrates that in an age of digital overload, there's still a strong desire for genuine, personal connections among parents.
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