HUEISH: Melanated Motivated Mommies series highlights multicultural boss moms. These moms are modern-day women of different cultures and ethnicities balancing all that’s on their plate- including raising the loving leaders of tomorrow. Each mom shares their real-life journey, lessons, and tips to us.
We have spotted a few multicultural mommies on Instagram that share amazing advice on how to being a mom and still striving for more!
We talked to a few moms about their choice to be entrepreneurs and how they manage being dynamo moms and badass bosses all at the same time.
Suzette Webb, www.thelomgroup.com
Mother of: 3
What keeps me motivated?
To finally understand my life’s purpose and to continually work towards fulfilling it. Without God, family, and purpose, there’s little motivation for me.
How do I balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
I learned to embrace the idea that “self-care is not self-ISH.” The order of my day goes like this – “Him, Me, Them”, which means I start my day with prayer (Him); then I focus on Me (typically some form of exercise); then I focus on THEM which is everyone and everything else comes afterward.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
1.) Set a routine for yourself. Most mothers are great at keeping their children in a good routine but they don’t create one for themselves.
2.) Take time-outs when needed. Sometimes we can become so overwhelmed that we need to shift the energy in the room or a situation. This is important because if you’re frustrated and giving off negative energy, your children will absorb that energy.
3.) Set Play Dates for yourself. When moms take time to play, they return as better mothers.
4.) Celebrate your wins. Incorporating a new routine into an already hectic schedule can be challenging. Celebrate whatever incremental change you make.
Katherine Dunn, www.theteachingstrategist.com
Mother of: 1
What keeps you motivated?
I’m fiercely motivated by a need to help other women start their online empires so they too can spend more time with their family.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
I balance being a busy mom and entrepreneur by being disciplined with my time and fitting in work around my daughter’s schedule instead of the other way around. I’m protective of date night with my husband because during the week we’re both so busy.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
Create a business that you love and surround yourself with people who will elevate you and support you. My husband is the reason I didn’t give up years ago on being an entrepreneur. Every time I would say I’m just going to get a job he would say no you’re not!
Jamila Young, www.moorelegalsolutions.com
Mother of: 1
What keeps you motivated?
Leaving a legacy for my son and a meaningful imprint in this world motivates me to go the extra mile every day. It is tough being a single mother, full-time student, entrepreneur, and travel but I believe that time is precious and a luxury we take for granted.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
The balance between motherhood and being an entrepreneur is delicate. You have to be able to juggle the hiccups that may occur. The constant praise and motivation, the assistance with my son, the support given to my law firm and the camaraderie are priceless. Each role requires a demeanor of devotion and careful attention but it can be done successfully when your heart is in it and you have a plan.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
Keep “momming” like the boss you are (literally) and believe in your talents.
Ginger Lavender Wilkerson, www.gingerlavendertherapy.com
Mother of: 3
What keeps you Motivated?
Making a difference in the lives of young teen girls of color who have been touched by anxiety and depression keeps me motivated. My children and husband also inspire me to be the best person that I can be because ultimately I am accountable to them.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
It is difficult to use the word “balance” when it comes to being a mom, entrepreneur, wife, daughter, friend. The term I use is finding a ” good rhythm”. I strive to have a rhythm that works for me, my kids and husband. Most times I am in sync and other times it feels out of sync. This rhythm has to be flexible and allow for changes. Putting things in this perspective allows me to be present for my career and family.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
You are going to have to let go of the need to control everything. You may have to sacrifice your time in some areas, money, and family. You will need to ask for help when needed. Outsourcing is your best friend. Let things go that no longer serve you (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually). Find Support, in my case my husband is my support system who believes in me and understands my dreams and desires. Learn to accept the chaos. It’s not going to be perfect all the time and in some areas, you will succeed, and others not so much.
Keli Smith, www.shopkaike.com
Mother of: 4
What keeps you motivated?
Two of the most important motivations are my children and other boss moms. I created KAIKE to leave a legacy and prepare for my kids future. Also, I want to be a resource for other moms as they build their businesses. It’s hard out here for a mom! So many of us want more, and we are led to believe that we can’t have more… oh, but we can!
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
At times, I don’t really know how it all gets done! All joking aside, I am very intentional when managing time and setting priorities. I block time on my calendar to get work done and spend time with family and don’t schedule over them.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
Find your tribe. Surround yourself with the right people that will motivate, encourage, teach, and hold you accountable. Some may be supportive friends, but some should be other mompreneurs that can give valuable business expertise.
Natalie Mangrum, www.marylandteachertutors.com
Mother of: 2
What keeps you motivated?
I am motivated by setting and achieving ridiculous goals! I am motivated by my husband, who believes in me more than anyone I’ve ever known. Lastly, I am motivated to use the gifts and talents God has given me to glorify Him and help as many people as I possibly can.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
I balance motherhood with my entrepreneurial endeavors by relying on my flexibility as a business owner. Since I am running this ship, I can choose when I will have meetings and where. I can also tag-team things with my husband (who also has a wacky schedule) to make sure that the kids have what they need and don’t miss out on their extra-curricular activities.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
My favorite piece of advice is to stay patient. Personally, I prefer things to happen quickly and sometimes, I have to remind myself that I am literally building a company from the ground up. It takes time to build clientele, create sustainable systems, and make the dollar signs we all hope for! One foot in front of the other, mama. One step at a time.
Keema Brooks, www.alteregobodystudio.com
Mother of: 8
What keeps you motivated?
My children and them not wanting for anything.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
Lots of prayer and mental health breaks for both myself and my family. I make sure to plan at least two family vacations annually and a momcation quarterly along with my business partner to reset. I never bring business issues home and I never take family issues to my business.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
There will be days where you want to give up, don’t.
Derika Buckner, www.thetotalpackage.co
Mother of: 1
What keeps you motivated?
My 25-year-old husband was an army vet who committed suicide due to depression. I decided that I wanted to do more in the world and start developing a brand and products that help children combat depression when they’re young.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
I work solely from my laptop, whether its outside while my kid runs around, in the room when he plays with his Legos, or even on my phone when we go on walks. Since I work from home it’s easy for work/life balance to fall to the wayside, but I never work before 10 am or after 7 pm.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
You’re not only doing it for yourself, but you’re proving to your children that it can be done. Yes, it gets draining and exhausting at times, but you’re doing something that may hopefully leave a lasting impact and positive impression on your children. Make time for yourself every once in a while. Even if it’s once a month. If you don’t think you have time for it, you need it even more. When you’re relaxed and in a positive state, you can accomplish so much more.
Tameika Isaac Devine, www.jilawfirm.com
Mother of: 3
What keeps you motivated?
My family. Knowing my kids see me and can learn from my example.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
I don’t believe in balance, I practice work-life integration. I recognize that I have to prioritize and I look for ways to integrate home and work responsibilities.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
Understand why you are doing what you do and let that be your motivation. Set priorities and plan ahead. I do my schedule for the week on Sunday nights and plan out my days so I know what I have to do and can be prepared. Understand the importance of saying no to other if what they want doesn’t align with your goals. Realize that as a mompreneur, business isn’t always glamorous or pretty but it is worth it. Prepare your kids for the times when money is tight so they understand the limitations but also look for ways to keep having meaningful family experiences without spending a lot of money (Ex: family night, picnics, etc.) Lastly, look for ways to incorporate family into your business. My kids help me with social media, graphics, are hostesses at events, etc.
Sasha Willis, www.creationsbysasha.com
Mother of: 1
What keeps you motivated?
I’m the first person in my family to graduate from college and grad school and to start a business. My motivation comes from my late father who supported me when I was initially getting my business started. I think he’d be proud to know how I’ve been able to slowly grow my business while also working full-time and now having a family. I also want to show my son as he gets older that there is more to me than just being his mom and that I wear many hats.
How do you balance being a mother and entrepreneur?
I work full-time, run a business, and I am a wife and a mother. It’s been challenging to learn how to balance everything and my eight-month son, but I found what works best to make sure that I stay organized. I keep a Trello Board with my list of things I need to work on and deadlines I need to meet. I also hired a virtual assistant. Outsourcing is a must because there are just not enough hours in the day. I also do small things like workout during my lunch hour at my full-time job so that way I can be present as soon as I get home for my son. If I have things that I need to work on for my business, I take care of them after he goes to sleep.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
I think it’s extremely important to take a step back sometimes. Entrepreneurs and especially mompreneurs have to do “all the things” and it can be overwhelming and frankly, exhausting. I make sure to take some me time (during my daily runs) and my husband and I have a date night at least once a month. This helps me stay refreshed and focused.
A true believer in the art of fashion, true beauty and the power of being a girl, Tweety Elitou loves to share lifestyle hacks that help people achieve their best life.