Working Mom Spotlight: Hayley Brandenburg

Name: Hayley Brandenburg

Occupation: New construction home sales manager

Number of kids: 1

Favorite candy bar: Kit-Kat

Tell us about your family, and what’s your childcare solution?

My husband, Chris, and I have been married for (coming up on) six years, and our son, Carter, was born last year. Chris is the associate state director for AARP NC. Apparently, we felt like two full-time jobs, adjusting to parenthood, and a pandemic wasn’t enough to take on in 2020 and we are now in the process of selling our house (Looking for a home in Raleigh? Call me!) and building our new home in Fuquay-Varina.

As for our childcare solution, we have been blessed by my EXTREMELY generous mother-in-law who has kept Carter for the last several months for days a week so that we can devote that time to our jobs. How do we survive that one day without her? Coffee, the ability to be on Zoom without having our cameras on, “Baby Shark” and the grace of God. Carter will be joining preschool full-time soon, and we are so excited to see him grow and make friends!

Where do you work, and what is a typical workday like for you? 

I am blessed enough to work at J. Fuller Homes where I am our in-house listing agent for our new construction homes. I love that I get to sell “the dream!” I focus most of my energy on selling custom homes to buyers that are looking to build from the ground up. I genuinely enjoy being a part of their process. Also, there is just nothing like that new construction smell to me.

Share some of your goals – personal or professional. 

So. Many. Goals. 

On a personal note, I want to lean into homemaking (maybe plant a garden?), focus on my marriage (regular date nights), and embrace the goodness of motherhood (all the baby snuggles). 

On a professional note, I could see myself having my own real estate firm someday specializing in new construction. I could also see myself diving deeper into professional home organization (Hello, The Home Edit on Netflix!). 

What motivates you to work?

People. I get to meet new people, work alongside people and work to help provide for people. It’s all about the people for me.

How do you like to relax? 

A hot bath, a glass of sauvignon blanc and a good magazine.

What is your favorite part of motherhood? 

I love the trust my son has in me. He trusts that I will meet his needs and be his source of comfort. Motherhood teaches me daily about the love my Heavenly Father has for me.

What does Restored mean to you? How has it impacted you personally? 

I stumbled across Restored’s Instagram randomly and signed up for the virtual Esther study. As a new mom, it still feels a bit surreal that I am a part of the “mom club.” I was excited to see that an organization centered around moms, accommodating their schedules for Bible studies and events even existed. To me, Restored gives me the opportunity to still be involved in social activities, but with a group of women that know the demands of being a mom and the flexibility that is required with motherhood.

What is one of your favorite Restored events to date? Why is it your favorite? 

I am still such a Restored newby! I cannot WAIT to attend more events and actually meet (hug!) these women in person. At this point, I have loved soaking up the wisdom from the other women in the Esther study as well as the life changing tips from Julie Kennedy's Table Talk - Nutrition for Busy Moms (but seriously – she gave the best tips ever). 

Can you share how you overcome challenges related to the “mom chaos” that settles in when you feel pulled in 100 directions? 

I have some verses and mantras buried in my brain for moments like this. “Do not be anxious about anything,” “Cast your burdens on the Lord,” “All I can do is my best,” “this world is not my home” and “Chris, SOS I need help right now.” 

Besides your faith and family, what are you passionate about? 

Homes. I love homes. I do love helping people build their homes, but I also love helping people organize to maximize the utility of their home, helping people select the perfect paint color to freshen up their home and inviting people into my own home (but seriously, come over and drink coffee with me).