A Letter from the Editor
Motherhood makes you do crazy things. Like quit a good-paying job with nice benefits to juggle the ups and downs of parenting and owning a business.
I remember the first day I became full-time mom, full-time entrepreneur. It was scary, freeing, a bit chaotic, yet somehow calming at the end of the day.
To know that I’d made a decision fully for myself for a change, it gave me a different kind of confidence. I was literally a boss. A tired, breastfeeding boss with random stains on her clothes, but a boss no less.
Every loving mother sings the same song: “I would do anything for my child.” That’s why it’s no surprise many well-known women entrepreneurs say they’d never been so motivated to start their own business until they had children.
If I can labor for hours upon hours and push through the pain to bring life into this world, I can do anything I put my mind to, right?
You absolutely can, mama.
The job isn’t easy or glamorous, though the rise of “mompreneurs” on social media can have us thinking otherwise. Whether it’s all rocky or all roses for you right now—I wanted to take some time to encourage the tired, yet grateful moms working to live the best of both worlds at home and in business. Share these simple, yet necessary reminders with a mom boss today:
You’re not crazy.
As a Black woman in business, the odds are already stacked against you. Less funding opportunity and limited support compared to our white counterparts.
But remember why you made this decision. You wanted freedom and flexibility. You wanted to see your passion become reality. You wanted more time with family. You wanted to be an example your kid(s) could look up to. Recollect your “why” when the long days and frustrating nights try to take over.
Sometimes, you may feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. But moms can actually make some of the best business owners. Your multitasking skills are on point. Motherhood made you more resourceful. And you’ve got the empathy every good leader needs.
Mistakes make for better stories anyway. Be bold and brave, reminding yourself that your family is all the motivation you need to keep going. Plus, Black women really are magical. Own that!
You’re not alone.
As you read this, I’m looking at three loads of laundry that need to be folded. My son is napping; but likely not for long. And I’m leading a workshop soon that I’ve yet to prepare for. I say all that to say you’re not the only mama juggling a lot and even dropping a few things in the process.
The unknowns that come with audacious behavior can have you thinking you’ve made a mistake or you’re not fit to continue. But that’s what makes audacious behavior so rewarding.
When you’re feeling alone, turn to other mom entrepreneurs who understand the struggle, yet rise to the occasion anyway. Through the calming voice of Tabitha Brown, you can dream of going vegan and learn it’s OK to be totally and completely yourself. Find motivation from single mom turned entrepreneur Camillya Masunda, who recently launched the first Black-owned winery in Charlotte. When you need to squeeze in a workout, SheWarrior can help you unleash that inner champion. And if you’re a new mom, Mater Mea is one go-to community for answers to questions about both business and motherhood. Bottom line is, the number of Black mom entrepreneurs is growing and that means more places to look for inspiration.
As difficult as it may be, ask for help. Kids don’t need a super mom. They just need a mom who does her best. And when your best is overwhelmed because balancing it all has taken a toll—it’s time to phone a friend.
As moms—and as Black women—we have to remember asking for help doesn’t make us weaker. In fact, it gives you the strength and support we all need to succeed.
You’re allowed to say no.
My mama worked so much when I was growing up. I admired her for the sacrifices, but still remember that she was only able to make it to one of my basketball games. When I became a mom and decided to start my own business, I vowed to be intentional about being present when it mattered most. If you started this mompreneur journey in hopes of spending more time with family, yet clients or customers are getting most of your time, some new boundaries may need to be set. It’s OK to commit to certain work hours just as you would with a traditional 9-to-5. It’s healthy to keep your meetings to certain days or time frames. Sometimes maintaining a proper work-life balance (and your sanity) may even mean turning down opportunities. Only you know what’s best when it comes to priorities.
Remember, saying “no” for the sake of your family doesn’t make you bad at business. And saying “yes” to contracts that require some later nights doesn’t make you a bad mother. Which leads me to my final point…
You’re not a bad mom.
I don’t know you, but I’d bet money on this statement being true. Why? Because bad moms typically don’t land on articles like this. They don’t seek out community. They don’t look for advice from others in similar life spaces. Bad moms don’t care about anyone but themselves. And more than likely, your business grind is motivated by your child or children.
As moms, we have a habit of beating ourselves up when we feel we’ve fallen short. Take this as your proverbial “aht aht!” It’s time to stop striving for perfection. We’ve all felt like a failure at some point or another (and if you’ve somehow made it this far in life without that feeling, it’s coming). Rather than sit in your shortcomings, use them as lessons to be a better mom and CEO.
The Block isn’t a community specifically for mothers. We exist to empower and amplify the voices of creative entrepreneurs of color. But as editor-in-chief, I’m committed to making sure bomb Black moms are a part of that equation. If you or a mama you love are rocking it at business and mom life, I want to hear from you. Comment with your business name and info or go to our latest Instagram post to tag the moms we need to be highlighting on The Block.
Go be great, mama. You’ve got this.
—C
EIC, The Block
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Vivian Page
Whew, this is major and so uplifting! Thank you!