HUEISH: Melanated Motivated Mommies series highlights multicultural mommies. 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.
Helen Chong, www.HaylenGroup.com
Mother of: 3
What keeps you motivated?
I am passionate about real estate as I grew up in a difficult financial situation and came to this country with little savings.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
I did not have the luxury of having grandparents around or a strong community as we were newcomers to this area. I immersed myself in building my business and investment right away, so I couldn’t spend a lot of time with other moms. It is extremely important to me to be a mother and an entrepreneur, but I also learned that there will be a lot more sacrifices in order to make it work.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
Delegation is extremely important in order to become mompreneurs. When we speak about balance, it really means we have to sacrifice. Not only do we have to balance ourselves between being a mom and an entrepreneur, we also have to balance being a wife. Having an open dialogue with your husband, to ensure he understands the REAL REASON we are doing what we are doing. We may be living in a very advanced country, but in the end, mompreneurs seem to be a new concept to even our husbands. We cannot forget about our husbands’ needs, we have to learn to be grateful for their sacrifices as well in order for us to grow.
LaKeisha Entsuah, www.elementsofaliel.com
Mother of: 3
What keeps you motivated?
My kids keep me motivated. My journey to motherhood is what inspired my company and every day I work to build a legacy to leave for my daughters.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
Since the birth of my twins, the balance has become a lot more difficult but I find operating in time blocks helps. I also make it a point to schedule work around my family life and not the other way around. Forcing myself to work within those time constraints makes me more efficient. Admittedly, that schedule doesn’t always stick and something gets lost but it’s all part of the learning life journey.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
Give yourself permission to rest and allow others to help you. As women and especially as working moms, we feel the need to do everything and be everything to everyone. We will burn ourselves out trying to be superwoman. I realized that not having to do everything allows me to do the things that I do better. When you rest, your mind is more clear, you make better decisions and essentially you are a better mom and CEO.
Stella Hues, www.stellahues.com
Mother of: 3
What keeps you motivated?
I continue to stay motivated because I’ve always had a love for fashion and ways that I can manipulate shoes to create the perfect outfit. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else because I truly believe that shoes make or break an outfit. I want my vision and business to thrive to the point where I can look back at the trials and tribulations and thank God for all the blessings that he bestowed on me.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
Being a mompreneur and wife is a task on its own, but with the help of prayer, meditation, family and friends, you find a way to balance out your life.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
Do what works best for you. Every situation is different. Don’t listen to what society wants you to do. Do what is best for your unique situation.
Sandy Coffee Beauty, www.sandycoffeebeauty.com
Mother of: 1
What keeps you motivated?
Knowing that I am the only one my son has to depend on as a provider.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
Honestly, it’s something I have to make a conscious effort to work on. Lately, what works for me is to wake up before he has to get ready for school to get a jump start on my day. Then after I’ve gotten him off for the day, I’ll work until he gets home.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Work with what you have and start where you are because the timing will never be perfect. Small steps are better than taking no steps at all.
Monicha Wimbley, www.lollipopsandlemonade.com
Mother of: 3
What keeps you motivated?
I am setting up a future for my daughters. I want to pass on the knowledge of business and money to them. Also, I’m a huge helper, so to provide knowledge and effective solutions to others keeps me moving with a purpose.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
I try to be all present when I’m with my children. This sometimes means pushing my actual work time to nap/quiet time and after bedtime. It’s not easy, and sometimes it’s tiring, but the rewards come later down the road.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
Don’t start anything until you do your research. Create an actual business plan and make specific actionable steps to achieve the goals you are setting. This is not the time to rush anything.
Alisha Magwood, www.fusionsjbar.com
Mother of: 2
What keeps you motivated?
Honestly, my kids are my motivation. I am working hard to set an example and show them that life is what you make it and with hard work and perseverance you can and will accomplish all your heart desires.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
It is HARD to find the balance right now because I have two small kids that required a lot of my attention, but I take it one day at a time. Everyone situation is different so I feel there is NO on answer fits ALL. You have to do what works and fit your life.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
Make sure you have a strong support system! Someone to vent to, cry to and remind you of how amazing of a job you’re doing. Make sure to remind yourself that although you want to do it ALL, you can’t and it’s okay to ask for help.
Tanisia Moore, www.moorelegalsolutions.com
Mother of: 2
What keeps you motivated?
As cliche as it may sound, my daughters keep a fire under my behind! There have been many days/nights, that I wanted to give up. Being an entrepreneur is one of the hardest things I have done to date. Although I’m married, I feel that it is for me to show my daughters that they can be successful with or without a significant other.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
Integrating my daughters into my work has been critical to my business affairs. Just because I’m building a brand doesn’t stop me from my everyday responsibilities of being a mother. I started realizing that I can’t be everything to everyone. In order to balance it all, I have learned which priorities are critical, leaning on my village for support with the girls, and when to say no.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
Take time for you! I can’t stress how important it is to take care of your body, mental and emotional health. As mothers, we’re constantly giving of ourselves and often end up with nothing left to give. It’s imperative that we refuel ourselves. By doing so we will have a renewed focus and energy, which in turn allows us to keep being the badass mamas we are!
Tiffani Speller, www.tiffanichanel.com
Mother of: 3
What keeps you motivated?
Showing my sons that you literally can have it all if you work hard and stay focused.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
What I’ve learned to do is realize that while you can have it all, you can’t DO it all. Don’t be shy about hiring help to do things that take precious time away from your children. For me, that means grocery shopping/delivery and housework which is all outsourced.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
While we would never neglect our babies (our children and our businesses), we often forget not to neglect ourselves. Go to bed early (dvr those TV shows), rise early and work out every day! If Michelle Obama can get up every day at 4 am to work out, so can we!
Coach Andi LaBrune, www.IAmCoachAndi.com
Mother of: 10
What keeps you motivated?
I stay motivated by my husband’s love, encouragement, support, and hilarious personality. My desires and passions to live out life how I want to keeps me doing the things I love without succumbing to life’s “circumstances” that may say otherwise.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
I balance out my life through love {languages}. The love I give and receive from my groom on a daily basis, the way I love on each child in their own way, and the way I love myself to make sure I’m taken care of, creates a harmonic balance.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
My advice to you is to stop doing everything by yourself. If you have a partner/spouse/children, share your burdens and share your love. Love them exactly how they need it as well as receiving love exactly how you desire to be loved. A home isn’t built up by a single hand; it’s the many hands & hearts that make a light and loving work-home balance.
Melissa Jakes, www.MelissaJakes.com
Mother of: 1
What keeps you motivated?
One reason I started down this path of entrepreneurship was that of my daughter. Being in the 9-5 world kept me from sending my daughter to different activities that I wanted her to experience such as dance class, gymnastics, etc. Having the flexibility to support her growth and showing her that you can do what you want as long as you put your mind to it makes anything possible.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
I use google calendar to keep my life organized by scheduling everything out. I plan self-care days and once a quarter I plan sabbaticals to make sure I’m balancing my mom duties and wife duties.
What advice do you have for fellow mompreneurs?
My best advice to other mompreneurs is don’t feel guilty about building your brand and business. As mothers we think that our children will miss us if we don’t do certain things with them, however, we seem to over think the situation a majority of the time. In my office space, I include my daughter in my space. She has her work area. During those moments she tells me she loves me and she’s proud of me, and that’s when I know I’m doing the right thing.
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.