Have you ever heard of the term “mompreneur?” It’s defined in Wikipedia as “a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur.” In today’s world, you’re seeing more and more stay at home moms start their own businesses. If you google “mompreneur,” you will find so many articles, groups, and blogs about mompreneurs. For me, I wanted to keep my skills sharp and some extra income is a plus! I graduated in 2010 with my Masters in Business. If I ever want to return to the workforce, I need to stay current. With the ever evolving technologically driven world that we live in today, I realized very quickly that I must keep my foot in the door. Plus, bringing in some extra money isn’t a bad thing either! I was blessed to have a great idea that kind of fell in my lap (see how Wedding Under Control began).
Even though I started my own company, Wedding Under Control, in November of 2015, my first priority is my son. When he is awake, I’m with him or he’s with me, however you want to phrase it. When he’s asleep, I work, respond to e-mails, clean the house, cook dinner, fill customer orders, and do what needs to be done around the house. As he continues to grow and become more active (he’s 11 months old as I write this), I have to keep an eye on him whenever he’s awake! He’s a curious crawler and really likes cords and plugs. Oh, and remote controls. And the dog food. I digress.
Being a stay at home mom is what I expected for the most part. However, I was never around a lot of babies, and I honestly don’t think I had changed a poopy diaper until my son came along. Seriously. We decided for me to make his baby food – that was an adventure in and of itself. But I’m glad I did it because he is a great eater and has a lot of diversity in his diet. And there is hardly any sugar or extra preservatives in his little diet. I take him to Jazzercise with me, he goes to church with us, I take him to the grocery store and Target, and eventually we will go to the Zoo, and the Muse, and other fun places as he grows old enough to enjoy them! Being a stay at home mom is extremely rewarding and I wouldn’t change it for the world! But I have learned a lot this year, especially about myself. I’ve not only become a mother, but I’ve become a parent. Do you know how many things a parent worries about? I do now! I worry about his car seat, his food, his digestive system, his growth, his clothes (so much laundry!), the temperature of his room, his interactions with our dog, his mental development, and so many other things! And he’s just a baby! Heaven help me as he grows!! Being a mommy is wonderful, and my son is such a blessing, and he is my top priority.
Being an entrepreneur is not at all what I expected! I should have taken that course in my graduate program, oh well. In addition to maintaining the actual product and providing positive customer service, I have to think about marketing, the finances, website management, social media, networking with other vendors, being featured in bridal shows, and so much more! But the satisfaction of helping brides stay organized so that their wedding day can be carefree is my end goal. That’s what it’s all about. Helping people.
Being a mompreneur is definitely a lot to handle, but I am so glad to wear both hats, stay at home mommy and entrepreneur. I’m learning a lot as I go. Yes, I’ll make mistakes and learn the hard way on things, but isn’t that part of life?? I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I depend on God to guide my steps. I really am blessed for these opportunities that God has given me.
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