Before I became a mom, I swore I’d NEVER own a minivan. I also had this image in my mind of a balanced, mostly tech-free lifestyle. Oh, and my kids would eat TONS of veggies, too!
From Corporate Go-Getter to Mom
After 7 years of marriage and a successful career in the marketing and publishing industry, I became a mom at 35. The day Grace was born was the happiest day of my life and I felt so fulfilled, as if being a mom was my purpose in life. My days no longer revolved around late nights in the office, project deadlines and business travel. My main focus was getting out of the office before nightfall, so I could make it home to my baby girl. Personal priorities changed. I was still very much dedicated to my work and made sure I excelled at both.
But being a mom was what I loved. What I had feared most and never knew I needed.
Almost 2.5 years later, my second daughter Gianna was born. I was 38 and an executive at a custom publishing company. Four months after returning to work from maternity leave, I handed in my resignation letter. Many changes had taken place during this time. The new management was completely out of touch with our clients’ needs and the new president had no children herself, so she didn’t support the need for flexibility.
Juggling Work and Mom Life
I remember when both my girls came down with hand, foot and mouth disease and I got it, too. I was uncomfortable and didn’t want to be seen that way. But I could still work from my home office as I had done throughout much of my maternity leave. After a couple of days, I received a call from the new president telling me that I needed to be in the office “visually” leading my team. After trying to explain my condition and the fact that it was contagious, she showed no support. So the next day I came to work, and my staff all questioned what I was doing there with sores all over my hands. It was clear to me that this was no longer the workplace it once was and the time had come for me to leave.
I resisted for a couple months unsure of what I would do. After almost 14 years at this company, my hubby completely supported my decision to walk away from the job that I had previously loved. He was the one who told me to leave, and his support gave me the strength I needed to enter this difficult season of life.
Just Call Me Mompreneur
I found myself at home, weighing my options, turning down a couple of job offers because they didn’t feel like the right fit for me at the time. And that’s when my journey into entrepreneurship began. This is when Bits & Pieces Media was born. I had many industry connections and solid business relationships I had made throughout my career, so I took a leap of faith and launched my company. I slowly began taking on new projects and my client list grew. It was challenging and some days I questioned my decision. But today — after almost 5 years as a mompreneur — I’m certain It was the best move I ever made.
During the past few years, I’ve been able to do what I love, make new friendships along the way, and work on some incredible projects. I’ve hustled really hard, working long days and nights to get the job done and giving 110% to each and every client. There are days that the anxiety and stress get the better of me, moments when I’ve felt like it was all too much, and I wondered what the heck I had gotten myself into. But I know I can do it, so I keep pushing forward. I have big goals for Bits & Pieces Media, and dreams are for chasing.
Minivan Mom on a Mission
The biggest blessing throughout all this has been that I’ve had the flexibility to work from home and take time off when needed. I’m able to attend my kids’ events and celebrate the milestones by their side. These are the moments that I cherish most as a working mom. While being a mompreneur isn’t for everyone, it has afforded me the opportunity to do what I love while being there for my kids. And that means the world to me.
Today, I’m a business owner, I drive a minivan and my kids don’t lead a tech-free life. They do eat some veggies and that’s alright. I try to give myself some grace and I do the best I can even though sometimes it feels like it’s not enough.
Why am I telling you all this? Because you may be thinking of becoming a mompreneur.
Or perhaps you’re stuck in a job that doesn’t feel right. Mommies, if you are afraid to make a change or worried that you won’t succeed, don’t be! You can do it! The time will never be just right. YOU just have to want it bad enough to go for it. Hustle and heart will set you apart. I’m here to cheer you on, as I learn and grow right alongside you. #ittakesavillage
Loved your inspiring story! You have definitely paved a life for you and your family that fits your needs and fulfills you. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you Ady! I’m so glad you found my story inspiring 🙂
So inspiring!! Thanks for sharing ❤
Happy that it resonated with you! Thanks!
Great story! Is yours and you made it work- most of us mothers are so afraid to make that jump into mompreneur – but is possible. Thanks for your inspiration!
Definitely hasn’t been easy but nothing worth it ever is, right? Thanks!
What a journey, very inspiring! You have chosen a path in life which many want to take but few actually do. May they also be inspired by your testimony.
It’s been a roller coaster of a journey but I feel so blessed! Thanks!
You have an Inspiring story Vanessa!
I so enjoyed reading about your fabulous journey …
Thank you so much! I hope it inspires others to take the leap, too!
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