Macy Snyder-Amatucci: Motherhood, Leadership and Legacy

As a mother of three, entrepreneur and one of Tulsa’s most influential leaders, Macy Snyder-Amatucci is building more than just beautiful spaces—she’s building a life rooted in purpose, passion and example. Macy serves as president of Brickhugger and Beautiful Hospitality, where she is known for transforming historic properties like The Mayo Hotel and bringing new energy to the city she loves.

Yet at the heart of her work is something even more meaningful: motherhood. Inspired by her own mom, who showed her it’s never too late to pursue something meaningful, Macy leads with intention both at home and in business. She is raising her children to be confident, capable and fully engaged in life, while also leading teams and projects that leave a lasting impact on Tulsa and beyond. For Macy, success isn’t about balance, it’s about integration, growth and showing the next generation what it looks like to truly love what you do.

TK: What led you into your career of hospitality and historic redevelopment?

Macy: I’ve always been drawn to architecture and design. I always dreamed of being an architect. Growing up, I had a drafting table, and I would sit and draw floor plans—my friends’ houses, my future house. I was fascinated by how spaces were created and how they made people feel. When I went to the University of Oklahoma, my path shifted into business marketing, but I feel very fortunate that I still get to live out that passion through what I do today—just in a different way.

Over time, I realized I didn’t just want to design buildings—I wanted to bring them back to life. I wanted to take spaces with history and reimagine them into something meaningful and impactful. The Mayo Hotel was really that defining moment for me. It showed me what’s possible when you combine vision, hospitality and historic preservation.

TK: What has been one of the biggest risks you’ve taken in your business, and what did it teach you?

Macy: Almost everything we do carries risk, especially with historic properties. You’re stepping into the unknown every time. But I’ve learned that calculated risk is where the real opportunities are. If it feels a little uncomfortable, you’re probably in the right place. I really believe that the greatest things in life are on the other side of fear. You have to be willing to face it, move through it and trust yourself on the other side. That’s where growth happens.

TK: You’re building a business and raising three young kids. How has becoming a mother influenced the way you lead, make decisions or define success?

Macy: Motherhood sharpened me. It made me more focused, more efficient, more patient and very clear on what actually matters. I don’t waste time the same way anymore. I’m more intentional in how I show up—both at work and at home.

It also made me a better manager. Before becoming a mom, I managed differently, and probably not as effectively as I do now. Managing a team and raising children are very similar. They carry the same expectations, the same responsibilities and the same level of consistency. It’s ongoing work that never really stops, and the second you think it does, that’s when things start to fall apart.

TK: How do you balance everything you have going on?

Macy: I don’t really believe in the word “balance.” I think that idea can hold people back. For me, this isn’t something I’m trying to separate, this is who I am. My career is a reflection of what I love, and I want my kids to see that every single day.

More than just work ethic, I want them to see passion, because passion builds confidence. When you love what you do, you show up differently. You’re energized, you’re grateful and you’re present. That’s very different than waking up dreading your day or living for the weekend.

TK: What beliefs have you had to develop, or let go of, to step into the role you’re in today?

Macy: I had to let go of waiting until everything felt ready or perfect—that doesn’t exist. If you wait for that, you’ll never move. I’ve built a belief system around taking action, figuring things out in real time and trusting that I can handle whatever comes with it.

TK: Your work directly impacts the Tulsa community. What does it mean to you to contribute to the growth and identity of Tulsa?

Macy: It’s personal for me. I care deeply about Tulsa and what it can become. I’ve seen firsthand how transformational this work can be—how one project can shift the energy of a city. With The Mayo Hotel, I’ve seen single-handedly how it helped put Tulsa on a different trajectory. It showed what’s possible when you invest in something with vision and intention, not just for the building itself, but for the surrounding community.

That’s really what drives me. It’s about creating spaces where people can come together, whether it’s to celebrate, to connect or just to experience something meaningful. Places where people feel proud, where they feel comfortable and where they can be part of both the history and the future all in one place.

And beyond Tulsa, I think about the broader impact, how this kind of work can influence other communities as well. Being able to contribute to that, and to continue building in a way that creates lasting impact, is something I care deeply about.

TK: With Mother’s Day being celebrated this month, can you share a little about what you learned from your mom that you are passing down to your children?

Macy: My mom had a huge impact on who I am. When I was in high school, she made the decision to go to law school—and being able to watch her do that taught me a lot. It showed me that it’s never too late, you’re never too old, and if you truly put your mind to something, you can do anything, regardless of what others may think or say. It also taught me what commitment really looks like. If you’re going to do something, you don’t halfway do it, you commit to it, you see it through and you give it everything you have. You show up fully, and you strive to do it at the highest level.

She also taught me the importance of being kind and selfless and not getting caught up in what others think or what everyone else is doing. It’s about being confident in who you are, making your own decisions and staying true to that. And that’s exactly what I’m focused on teaching my kids. Confidence, self-respect and loving yourself are foundational—because you can’t show up for anyone else until you have that within yourself.

To hear the full interview, including Macy’s habits, mindset and routine, check out the Sharing Passion and Purpose Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform or directly at NancyMoore.co/podcast.

Nancy A. Moore is an adjunct professor at Tulsa Community College and has been a writer for TulsaKids for more than 20 years. Her podcast, Sharing Passion and Purpose, can be found on most podcasting platforms or on NancyMoore.co.