Mompreneur…

The pandemic ignited a fire in so many women. So many women discovered their passion, pursued their passion, or poured into their passion in ways they hadn’t before.

Maybe it was the extra time at home…

Maybe it was the desire to find a greater purpose…

Maybe it was women leaving the workforce and tapping into new ways to earn income…

Maybe it was the constant reminder that life is short. And that in the blink of an eye, everything can change.

Whatever it was, the motivation was real, and before Women’s History Month comes to an end, I wanted to highlight some moms that have tapped into their passion during the pandemic. Moms who launched or elevated their business or brand, or who learned to pivot to keep pushing their passion forward.

What I will also say… is that my intent in highlighting these women is not to make any mom, woman, person, feel like they should be doing more. Truthfully, I find myself struggling a bit with the fact that, as a society, we seem to put this pressure on women to “do it all”… wear a million and fifty hats, and excel at them all (pandemic… no problem… keep doing it all mommas…smh!). This post is not about making anyone feel like they need to do the most. Juggle it all. It’s actually meant to be freeing.

If you have this nagging feeling that there is something you are supposed to be doing, but you aren’t, this might be the thing that inspires you. If you are nervous, you are not alone, fearful, you are not alone. You are a mom, but if you want, and choose, feel free to pour into yourself, your passion and your desire to pursue more.

So to this end… I’m highlighting four amazing women who inspire me each and every day. And I so appreciate them for sharing their story. Grab a glass of wine… and enjoy:) Now let’s meet the ladies…!

• Brianna (B) - Mom of one, and an eCommerce business owner and online sales coach who teaches female entrepreneurs how to simplify their startup strategy, refine existing brands and develop effective Facebook ad strategies.

• Kristen (K) - Mom of two, and creator of the Instagram-based platform @traderforjoes that highlights products with cleaner ingredients that make for healthy meal and snack options that are also quick and easy!

• LaToya (L) - Mom of two, and owner of Joyous Soirees, LLC. a Charleston, SC-based event design company that specializes in creating unique events by simply telling our clients story and bringing their vision to life.

• Niesha (N) - Mom of three (two daughters and a bonus son), and owner of Events Bar by Nie, LLC., a Charlotte, NC-based balloon styling and teepee party rental service offering custom balloon arrangements in addition to tent/teepee slumber party rentals for unique party themes.

1) What inspired you to start your business or side hustle?

(B) I was motivated to start my business because I wanted to do meaningful work. I spent years unhappy in a job trying to make it work because I felt like I had to.

(K) I grew up eating fast food [or at] restaurants ALL THE TIME… once I became a mom, I began looking into healthier ingredients, but often got discouraged because eating healthy is usually expensive. I wanted to share easier ways to eat healthier with a smaller budget!

(L) I’ve always had a thing for hosting parties and family gatherings. When it was time for my wedding in 2012 the passion really sparked...and I talked about starting my own event business for years [afterwards], however, fear always got in the way. When I met a young black engineer in the area who decided to quit her job and become a full-time event designer I saw the possibilities and decided to take a leap of faith!

(N) After having two daughters, I developed a strong love for planning/styling parties and bringing my vision to light!

2) Have you ever thought about giving up? What keeps you going?

(B) I’ve definitely thought about giving up…, I believe that’s a very normal emotion to experience especially when embarking on something as challenging as entrepreneurship. Maintaining a healthy mindset and keeping my “why” always top of mind is what keeps me motivated.

(K) I think about giving up EVERY DAY but I keep going because I really enjoy sharing easier ways to eat healthier with a smaller budget! Mom’s have so much on them, anything that will alleviate stress or provide one less thing to do is needed… My daughter has also been my biggest supporter. I catch her mimicking me and really paying attention to everything I do and say.

(L) Yes, especially during the pandemic… [the pandemic] has definitely slowed down my momentum. Honestly, encouragement from my friends and family keep me going. Hearing the positive affirmations from them when I am doubting myself gives me that extra push that I need.

(N) Oh absolutely! Whew yes! But […] I prayed on it and said no, no, no this will work out! I will get customers. I don’t expect to get ALL the customers, but definitely some!

3) As a mom, what is the hardest part about “balancing it all” when it comes to your business/side hustle, and how do you do it?

(B) The hardest part about balance, for me, is that I don’t have it. This is something I admittedly struggle with, but I’m grateful that I have a loving and supportive spouse that fill’s in on the days I can’t be present. I’m a full time entrepreneur so it often feels like my work doesn’t turn off.

(K) The hardest part about “balancing it all” is going the extra mile for myself. I tend to pour so much into my family and the “day to day” needs of the house, that I get so exhausted and spend little to no time for myself. I always put my tasks last.

(L) I’m not sure I have that figured out just yet. :)

(N) I try to carve out a weekend or two a month where I say “nope…I’m not taking [any bookings] as I want/need to have family time, or I’ll limit my appointments [so] I still have the rest of the day to have family time/me time.

4) When it comes to mommy hood - what keeps you up at night?

(B) I can’t really say I worry about anything. I pray every night for God’s protection and believe God’s will is done. Of course I want my son to be well-adjusted, respectful and know and believe that he can be anything in the world he wants, but that really it right now. That will probably change as he grows older.

(K) I constantly worry if I am doing the right thing […] I’m in the place of learning a lot about my childhood traumas so my goal is to not cause/instill anything negative in my kids. I constantly want them to feel heard and to truly just understand them by meeting them where they are.

(L) As parents of course we want the best for our children, I just hope to get it right with them. Whatever that means. :)

(N) Knowing that my children are safe and that I’m doing and trying my best.

5) In what ways do you hope your child(ren) will be inspired by you?

(B) I hope that my son will see me as fearless and resilient. And be inspired to challenge the status quo and create his own path to success.

(K) I hope my children will see that I constantly try different things and will be inspired by that.

(L) My hope is that everything I am teaching and showing my children will somehow breathe meaning into their lives. I hope they see in me that there are always new ways to aspire to be your best.

(N) My drive… my patience, kindness, and willingness to TRY!

6) How have you had to pivot as a result of the pandemic? On the home-front and with regard to your business(es)?

(B) I saw a need in the ecomm space, and the impact the pandemic had on many families, so I decided to teach other female business owners and aspiring business owners what I know.

(K) I took a really big hit by losing my job before the pandemic and became a stay-at-home mom. At the time, I didn’t realize what a blessing it would be to focus on my kids with little to no distraction. I thought I would get so much time back to focus on myself but quickly realized I’d have to juggle with a lot [more] than I thought.

(L) In the beginning it was rough (at home). Having a six-year-old and a two-year-old in virtual school, having to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner, AND manage to work from home all while remembering that I am also someone’s wife, was A LOT! […] After a few weeks, my husband and I just adjusted. We got into a routine of who would focus on which child at what time. We rotated the chef duties, and we just figured it out.

(N) Initially I was about to just throw in the towel as one of my daughters’ is considered high-risk [for COVID], After some time of saying no, things began to get better. We wear our masks and shields as needed… and I also use my fogger to sanitize for my customer after a set-up. I want to do my part to keep myself and my customers safe!

7) What is one of the biggest lessons you have learned during the pandemic and how has that fueled you?

(B) The pandemic taught me gratitude. I’m very blessed to have multiple thriving businesses, especially during a pandemic.

(K) That women are stronger than anyone can imagine. There’s been so much more expected from us this year and we’ve had to navigate through it with little to no help, yet we still prevail […] It’s always funny looking back when we’ve made it through!

(L) Just BE STILL. I can’t control everything, nor should I have to. Sometimes I just have to sit back and let the cookie crumble how it’s going to crumble. :) Everything will work out according to how HE wants it to work out and I have learned to just be ok with that.

(N) Patience - just be patient yet consistent and focused. Things don’t always work out on YOUR time, but […] as long as you stay consistent and focused things will turn around.

8) What is one thing you wish you knew before you started your business or side hustle?

(B) Exactly how much money would be needed to start and how much emotional strength would be needed to push me along on my most challenging days.

(K) I wish I would’ve known the hard work it takes to start [and maintain] an Instagram! I didn’t realize the strategy and specificity it requires. People definitely make taking pictures and building a community look easy!

(L) I wish I would have truly understood the ups and downs of this business. With events, people need to trust you with their vision. Starting out and being “new” it takes a lot to build your clientele because of that trust factor. Understanding that in the very beginning would have saved me a lot of time and doubt.

(N) To create a [business] name for multiple purposes so I didn’t waste money, lol. But it’s cool. It’s all a learning experience. I still have plenty to learn and I love that.

9) How do you stay focused in a “crowded” space (when it’s easy to get distracted by what others are doing)?

(B) I try not to compare myself to someone else. Purpose drives me, therefore my journey will look very different than someone else.

(K) I use what other people are doing as motivation and inspiration. I try not to compare or get defeated and use that to enhance my skill sets.

(L) I try to stay true to me… my goals and desires. There is so much “competition”… but I try not to look at it as such. Everyone brings their own style and uniqueness to the table.

(N) I continue to tell myself that I can get better - I will get better. I look for more ways/techniques to improve my craft. Give the best custom service possible and try to “wow” them.

10) Are you encouraged by the women you see around you - either IRL (in real life) or on any of the social media platforms you are on?

(B) At some point in 2019 I started purging my ‘friends’ on social media because I wanted a more positive online social experience. It was the best thing I could have done. Now my social media makes me feel motivated, empowered and enlightened.

(K) YES! I am so encouraged by the women around me. I see a lot of women stepping out of their comfort zones, forming a voice, and creating for themselves. It’s inspiring to see other moms sharing real, raw experiences.

(L) Very much so. I try to surround myself with positive role models. The women in my close circle are all go getters! Girl bosses in their own unique way… Everyone is striving to be better versions of themselves. How can you be around women of that caliber and not strive to be the same?!

(N) Oh, absolutely YOU being one of them! I need that, we all need that and if we aren’t encouraged by those around us or while we’re scrolling we’re associated with the wrong people!

11) Do you, or have you, ever doubted yourself with regard to your business? How do you push past that?

(K) I doubt myself all the time but the support of friends and family keeps me going. Every time I want to give up, I hear one of their voices or get encouraging words from them. That means the world to me!

(N) Yes, I thought I wasn’t good enough – I changed that thought by finding mentors close to my field, asking questions and taking classes to improve my craft. Again, I still feel l have a lot to learn which will only make me stronger.

12) One thing you would tell other moms considering starting a side hustle or business of their own?

(B) Never forget why you got started.

(K) Pick a time block to focus on that hustle or business and DO NOT (BY ANY MEANS) let anything get in the way of that. Treat it like a recurring appointment so it becomes habit and isn’t easy to push off.

(L) Just do it. Seriously, there is no one in your way but you!

(N) GO FOR IT!

BONUS: One word to describe the past year?

(B) Pivot

(K) Salutary

(L) Bananas!

(N) Trying!

So there you have it. An introspective look at what pushed these women beyond their fears, doubts, and pandemic challenges that might have otherwise stopped them in their tracks, or had them retreat to their comfort zone. Their responses resonated for me on so many levels and I hope they did for you as well. At the end of the day remember that your energy, emotions, and time are a commodity these days. Pour them into what fuels you - and stay motivated by your “why”…

In reaching out to these women I realized just how many women I know who have pivoted over the last year, or discovered or pursued their passion - so stay tuned for more insight from some of them!