For The Multi-Tasking Mom

Moms always get asked, "How do you do it? How do you find the time to balance family, work, and personal life?" Simply put, we say "No!" Understanding that what’s for you is for you and nothing and no one can take that from you is the key to finding that balance! Adopting that mindset allowed me to find my balance in being a wife, mom, and CEO. 

When It Comes to Work-Life...

As a CEO and founder of a nonprofit, I have little control over my schedule. Because of this, I made the decision to make self-care important to myself and my staff. Doing this allows me to create an environment that allows Black women to be women in all dimensions. I never wanted an office environment that drained staff members. I always intended to create a space where staff could feel safe to say, “Hey, I need a break”, without questions. The foundational success of this is communication. 

When It Comes To Family Life...

My husband Jamar and I have four kids, a 17-year-old, a 10-year-old, and (hold ya pearls) 4-year-old boy/girl twins. Our house is a jungle on a daily basis and I love it! Just like women, men require rest and self-care too. After travel, I try to take the kids out of the house to give Jamar his alone time. It’s also important for me to spend alone time with everyone in my house when I can. I know this seems like a lot but a simple Target run will satisfy my 10-year-old, a nice run/workout session maintains my relationship with my teen, and the twins like to find time between their siblings to get their skin-to-skin. I will admit, date nights are hard to maintain with a busy large family so, we changed the scope of what dates look like. We understand that having a support system is important but also knowing how to navigate our lives when our support system isn’t available. 

When It Comes To Personal Life...

I love to dance! I love my friends and I love laughing. My body feels reenergized after an amazing night of dancing and laughing. As moms, we need this. It’s important to establish YOU as you work to build your career. Don’t forget YOU! I get dressed up, take myself to a lunch picnic and for a walk. What is most important is that every morning, I do not schedule meetings before 11 am. I need to work out to be sustainable for the people I love and serve. I also have standing therapy appointments as well because... Accountability, right?! Society wants us to believe that we have to live without rest but, don’t believe that. As black women we are creators and in order for us to create, we need peace and rest. I encourage you to make time for both and take care of yourself mentally. Love ya, girl!