We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly O’Neal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing outsiders are probably unaware of is how much untapped talent exists within the stay-at-home mom community. People often assume moms who stay home have stepped away from the workforce entirely, but in reality, many of them are highly skilled, experienced, and eager to contribute—just in a way that fits their lifestyle and family priorities. The traditional job market rarely accommodates that balance, which means businesses are missing out on a goldmine of capable, motivated professionals simply because the system wasn’t designed with them in mind.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Modern Day SAHM was born during one of the hardest seasons of my life—postpartum. I had just had my second son and was navigating the emotional weight of being a stay-at-home mom, feeling like I had lost pieces of myself. I loved my children deeply, but I also missed the version of me who was driven, capable, and contributing in a way that felt tangible. I knew I wasn’t alone in that feeling, and that’s where this entire journey started.

I spent six years working in cybersecurity and networking for military. But nothing could have prepared me for the mental and emotional load of early motherhood. It’s isolating. It’s exhausting. And it can leave you wondering if you’ll ever get to feel like you again. I kept thinking—why is it so hard for moms to find flexible work that actually works for their life? So I decided to do something about it.

Modern Day SAHM is a platform that connects stay-at-home moms with remote job opportunities that are designed with moms in mind. I’m not just throwing links at people—I’m helping moms rebuild confidence, rediscover their skills, and realize that they are still incredibly valuable. What sets us apart is that we’re led by someone who’s walked through it. I get it. And that shows in everything we do.

It has definitely not been easy. I’ve had to pivot, learn as I go, and push through a lot of self-doubt. But every message I get from a mom saying, “Thank you—I didn’t think anyone saw us,” reminds me why I started this. I’m most proud of the lives we’ve touched, even in small ways. I know we’re just getting started, but this isn’t just a business—it’s a mission.

What I want the world to know is that stay-at-home moms are not sitting at home doing nothing. They are multi-tasking, problem-solving, world-shaping forces. They just need a chance to show it in a professional setting that honors their role as a mom—not penalizes them for it. That’s what Modern Day SAHM is all about. It’s more than work—it’s reclaiming your identity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Sunday

Morning: Begin with a leisurely brunch at Oliver Royale in Market Square, known for its farm-to-table dishes.​
Camels & Chocolate

Afternoon: Explore Market Square, a historic area bustling with shops, street performers, and local artisans.​

Evening: Attend a performance at the historic Tennessee Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s-era venue.​

Day 2: Monday

Morning: Visit the Knoxville Museum of Art, which showcases regional artists and offers free admission.​

Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at Tupelo Honey Cafe, offering Southern comfort food with a modern twist.​

Evening: Take a sunset cruise on the Tennessee Riverboat, offering dinner and live music.​

Day 3: Tuesday

Morning: Explore the East Tennessee History Center to delve into the region’s rich past.​

Afternoon: Have lunch at The Tomato Head, known for its eclectic menu and local ingredients.​

Evening: Stroll through the Old City, an area with historic architecture, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.​

Day 4: Wednesday

Morning: Hike at Ijams Nature Center, a 315-acre wildlife sanctuary with trails, a quarry lake, and scenic overlooks.​

Afternoon: Picnic at Mead’s Quarry Lake within Ijams, where you can also rent kayaks or paddleboards.​
Louisville Family Fun

Evening: Dine at Calhoun’s on the River, offering BBQ and views of the Tennessee River.​

Day 5: Thursday

Morning: Visit Zoo Knoxville, home to a variety of animals and known for its red panda conservation efforts.​
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Louisville Family Fun
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Afternoon: Lunch at Sunspot, a local favorite blending Southwestern, Caribbean, and Latin American flavors.​

Evening: Catch a live music show at The Mill & Mine, a popular concert venue.​

Day 6: Friday

Morning: Take a scenic drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about an hour away, for hiking and breathtaking views.​

Afternoon: Explore Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge for shopping and attractions.​

Evening: Return to Knoxville for dinner at Emilia, offering Italian cuisine in Market Square.​

Day 7: Saturday

Morning: Visit the Market Square Farmers’ Market, featuring local produce, crafts, and food vendors.​
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Afternoon: Tour the University of Tennessee campus, including the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture.​

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Stock & Barrel, known for gourmet burgers and an extensive bourbon selection.​

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable visit to Knoxville.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely—my shoutout goes to the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center and my husband, Corey. The KEC has been a game-changer for me. From the mentorship to the workshops and pitch competitions, they’ve poured so much knowledge, encouragement, and support into me and Modern Day SAHM. It’s empowering to be part of a community that truly wants to see you succeed.

And my husband—he’s been my rock. Corey believed in this idea before it even had a name. He’s helped me through every pivot, every late-night brainstorm, and every moment of self-doubt. As an aerospace engineer, he sees the world in such a strategic, solution-focused way, and his perspective has helped me build something real and scalable. I wouldn’t be here without him.

Website: https://www.moderndaysahm.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-o-neal-042aa2292/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1034126771346525

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