Give yourself grace. Grace to grow into motherhood. You won’t have all the answers and that’s ok. Enjoy the process of learning and evolving into the mother your child son needs.
Advice for Your Expectant Self
YOU ARE AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE BEEN ON A REMARKABLE, SUCCESSFUL JOURNEY VIA A FOOD TRUCK! YOUR FAMILY, MADE OF UP THREE-GENERATIONS (YES, INCLUDING YOUR ADORABLE SON) ARE ALL COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING NOT ONLY HEALTH AND NUTRITION BUT ALSO COMMUNITY GROWTH. WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR COMMITMENTS?
My mom has always wanted a food truck, for as long as I can remember. So quite naturally, my family and I were committed to helped her live out her dreams and all that may come with it. We instantly became business developers, operations specialists, social media marketers, financial advisors, and so much more. All while learning as we went along. This 3-year journey has taught us the power of community. Lady Sharon’s Soul Food Kitchen has become a staple food truck in the Richmond, VA area. Serving commercial offices, neighborhoods, school, churches and so many other venues. Our commitment is to give our customers an unforgettable dining experience and leave them having a “soulful day”.
IS THIS WHAT YOU EXPECTED WHEN YOU DREAMED UP YOUR PROFESSIONAL FUTURE?
Not at all. I saw myself in power suits and heels, taking on corporate America
IN ADDITION TO THE RICHMOND, VIRGINIA BASED FOOD TRUCK, YOU ARE A DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR WITH A FOCUS ON SUPPORTING WOMAN TO LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES, ENJOY FAMILY AND LOVE THEMSELVES – WOW, YOU ARE BUSY! HOW DO YOU MANAGE ALL YOU DO?
The truth is, I don’t… I recognize that sometimes I’m not able to manage it all and that ok. I do what I can each day and that’s it. Most recently, I’ve tried putting more systems in place to keep me on schedule, like meal planning, batch photo shoots and scheduling posts ahead of time. But ultimately, I only work in the capacity that I have. One of the biggest things I treasure about being a digital content creator is the amazing community I have built. I’m there for them and they’re there for me.
IN ADDITION TO YOUR MUCH-RESPECTED VOICE AND THE POWER OF THE FOOD TRUCK, YOU CONTINUE TO EXPLORE WAYS TO SUPPORT MOTHERS AND FAMILIES. WHAT IS NEXT ON YOUR JOURNEY?
Leaning more into really cultivating my blog and providing resources there. I’ve only been a wife for three years and a mother for 15 months, but boy do I have a lot to share haha. If someone can learn from both my positive and negative experiences, I’m serving my purpose.
YOU WORK LONG HOURS AND OBVIOUSLY POUR YOUR DEDICATION INTO ALL YOU DO. HOW DO YOU KEEP YOURSELF RESTED AND WELL?
To be honest, I’m still figuring it out. Some days I’m able to knock out all my tasks ahead of schedule and retire early. And other days I’m burning the midnight oil. But I do try to build in days of self-care. Whether that’s going to get a massage or a manicure and pedicure.
WHAT WERE YOUR BIGGEST COVID LEARNINGS? T
o be present and in the moment. Throughout this pandemic, so many lives have been lost and families changed forever. I’ve learned that it’s so important to spend time with the ones you love. And not only spend time with them, but to create lasting memories.
THINKING BACK, WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A NEW MOTHER WORKING? IF NOT, WHAT?
Absolutely! Babies are so unpredictable and there were times where I was late to meetings, interrupted during presentations because he was fussy, and several other things. Curating my work blocks around his typical feeding and nap schedules helped a little bit, but again babies are so unpredictable!
WHAT PRO-TIPS DO YOU HAVE TO SHARE WITH OTHER NEW OR EXPECTANT MOTHERS?
Accept help when it offered and never be afraid to ask for assistance when you need it. I made the mistake of trying to take on everything, no matter how overwhelming it was, and I paid the price emotionally and mentally. Having others step in doesn’t make you a bad mother.
WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST SOURCE OF SUPPORT IN RETURNING TO WORK AS A NEW MOTHER?
My entire family really came through for me, but I’d have to say my mom. When my husband’s paternity leave ended, she was my rock!
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WHO ARE YOUR MENTORS? WHO DO YOU MENTOR?
Both my mother and my father are my mentors, both naturally and spiritually. They push me to reach for greater and accept nothing less.
FILL IN THE BLANKS:
As a working parent, I never expected working would be so hard and parenting would be so much easier.
