What is your story and how did you get started?

I grew up in rural Connecticut, second of four children in a hard working blue collar family. My dad was a carpenter and my mom worked for her father in his furniture factory. No stranger to hard work, I forged a unique path for a small-town girl and let little stand in my way. After attending Miss Porter’s School on scholarship and then achieving a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UVA, I carved a path into the male-dominated motorsports and automotive industry. First NASCAR’s Hendrick Motorsports, then Ford Racing, Land Rover UK, and BMW NA before matriculating at Harvard Business School to continue my education. Chasing a dream to own and run my own business, I spent the time at HBS working on ‘Chicane’, a performance motorsports apparel business designed for women. After HBS, I explored general management and had opportunities to run industrial manufacturing operations for Danaher, then led a PE-backed manufacturing company called Acco Material Handling Solutions as president and CEO. Today, I serve as partner in a boutique private equity firm where my focus is driving breakthrough growth in our portfolio of lower middle market consumer products and business service companies.  I am grateful for the opportunities and mentorship I’ve received along the way, and for the courage and work ethic I inherited from my family. Continuing as a strong female leader in a male dominated field is an honor and a responsibility.

What are your companies?

L2 Capital Partners and current portfolio companies (Jurassic Quest, Associates in Medical Physics, Orion Talent, Insight 2 Design, and Rugs Direct)

How does having a family impact your life as a business person?

I have three young children ages 6, 5, and 4. They are amazing additions to my life. Having young children balances me as a businessperson, teaches me patience, and forces me to be efficient at all times. My husband Brad and I met later in life (age 36), so our careers were already well under way. We understood what it would take to continue our careers, and the commitment required to start our family. We ensure that we have all of the support and help on board to offset our time committed to business. We schedule expertly, we work collaboratively to ensure one of us is always available for our children, and when we are with our children they get our full attention. At work, we are both focused and efficient. I wouldn’t trade the balance and love for family and business for anything in the world.

What makes you different?

My humble upbringing and advanced education combined with a fierce desire for adventure and genuine care for people provides me with a unique lens through which to view the world.  I fought hard every step of the way, and I prioritized educating myself both academically and through leadership experience.  Because I grew up doing hands-on labor, I feel better equipped to lead laborers.  Because I drove operational turnarounds and rapid growth while leading companies, I feel better equipped to coach other CEO’s in our portfolio to do the same.  I like to connect the dots, and my superpower is structuring and solving strategic problems collaboratively.  This has led me to pursue the road less traveled in life and business, and while it may not be the easy road, I continuously inspire myself and others to take on the challenge.

What is your goal/end game?

My personal purpose is to inspire people to collectively achieve things once thought unachievable.

My end game was to find an entrepreneurial opportunity where I can live out this purpose, and I have discovered the perfect fit at L2 Capital Partners.

What do you do in your spare time?

We spend our spare time at the beach- biking, running, swimming, and going on adventures with our kids. When the kids get a little older, we anticipate getting back to our shared passion for travel and exploration.

One word of advice for other mothers in business leadership.

There will always be one more thing to do for the business, set boundaries (a stopping point) so you can spend quality time with family.

What’s an online tool you use often to improve your life?

Headspace, Love Nudge

What is your favorite quote?

“Submit to pressure from peers and you move down to their level. Speak up for your own beliefs and you invite them up to your level. If you move with the crowd, you’ll get no further than the crowd.  When 40 million people believe in a dumb idea, it’s still a dumb idea. Simply swimming with the tide leaves you nowhere. So if you believe in something that’s good, honest, and bright – stand up for it. Maybe your peers will get smart and drift your way.” – Harry Gray c. 1970’s CEO of United Technologies

If we wanted to support you, how could we do that?

As a new partner in private equity (and one of few female partner/owners in the lower middle market), I would appreciate opportunities to share L2 Capital’s track record and upcoming investment opportunities with active investors interested in backing a truly operationally focused approach led by a proven industry operator.

Any final thoughts?

I absolutely love being a partner, coach to CEO’s and a mom. I am grateful that I love my job, and that I have the flexibility to be the best business leader AND mom I can be. (It’s AND, not OR.) It fulfills me and makes me whole, and I know that I am setting the right example for my children.

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Dr. Rebecca Chibnall is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Washington University School of Medicine. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis and earned her medical degree at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California with highest honors. She was named the top performing clinical medical student in her class. Dr. Chibnall performed her dermatology residency training at Washington University School of Medicine/Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

In 2016, Dr. Chibnall joined the faculty of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in Dermatology. Her areas of clinical focus are in vulvar dermatology, inpatient dermatology, and medical dermatology.

Dr. Chibnall is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, The Society for Dermatology Hospitalists, the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, and the American Board of Dermatology.

Dr. Chibnall’s publications include research papers, book chapters, scientific abstracts, and clinical reviews. Dr. Chibnall’s research interests include women’s health, infant diapering practices, and diaper need.

What is your story and how did you get started?
When I was 14 years old, my grandfather was diagnosed with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Unfortunately, his case was atypical compared to most cutaneous squamous cell cancers. He had a lot of sun exposure in his life, especially during World War II, and ended up developing a very aggressive squamous cell carcinoma.  He died from skin cancer when I was 16 years old.

Because of my grandfather, I learned very early in life about the risks of sun exposure and UV light. I know the importance of educating people on those dangers – which includes tanning beds.

In medical school, I liked the way that dermatology combined both medicine and surgery. The specialty allows me to see patients throughout the full spectrum of life –from infancy all the way through late adulthood. Dermatology has been a long love story for me.

What are your companies?
I see patients at the Center for Advanced Medicine – South County in St. Louis, Missouri.

How does having a family impact your life as a business person?
It’s a constant juggle. Sometimes my family needs 60% of me, so my patients only get 40%. Sometimes my patients need 60%, so my family only gets 40%. Somehow, my husband and I make it work.

What makes you different?
I am one of the few dermatologists in the U.S. who specializes in vulvovaginal disease.

What is your goal/end game?
I want to change conversations amongst dermatologists regarding infant diapering practices and menstrual care practices. I want to teach young dermatologists how to best treat vulvovaginal disorders.

What do you do in your spare time?
Grow things in my garden – flowers, veggies, berries, etc.

One word of advice for other mothers in business leadership.
Be kind to yourself.

What’s an online tool you use often to improve your life?
The 6 o’clock scramble is my go-to meal planning tool!

What is your favorite quote?
“For the secret of the care of the patient, is in caring for the patient.” – Francis W. Peabody, MD

If we wanted to support you, how could we do that?
Increase awareness of vulvovaginal disease and how women can seek help.

Rebecca Chibnall, MD’s office can be reached at (314) 942-6386.

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Asha Saxena is a strategic, innovative leader with a proven track record of building successful businesses, a strong academic background, creative problem-solving skills, and an effective management style to communicate a clear vision and define specific goals to meet organization targets while sustaining revenue/profits. Asha has been instrumental in building business models for success. She has been nominated to be one of the founding member of Columbia University’s Global Innovator and Entrepreneurial group.

Asha Saxena served as a CEO of ACULYST Corp. Healthcare Analytics Firm. Prior to that she also served as a President and CEO of Future Technologies, Inc. (FTI), an international Data Management and Analytics firm for 20 years . The firm specializes in providing Data Analytics Solutions focusing on Fortune 1000 companies in US. She also built an e-commerce company for 3000 dealers nationwide.

Currently, Asha is an Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School. She also has a podcast called “Dive With Data” available through iTunes.

What is your story and how did you get started?

I attended Banglaore University in India where I studied computer science engineering. I went on to management programs at MIT and the London Business School. I started my career in a New York-based IT firm before starting my 20+ year tenure at Future Technologies, Inc. Then, I moved on to ACULYST Corp, where I served as President and CEO. I’ve also spent time working as a restaurateur, real-estate developer and movie studio producer. Currently, I am Entrepreneur-in-Resident and Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School.

What are your companies?

• Columbia Business School – Adjunct Professor
• Shindigz – Member Board of Directors
• ACULYST – Board of Directors & Founder, Chief Innovation Office
• Future Technologies, Inc – Chair of the Board of Directors
• www.ashasaxena.com

How does having a family impact your life as a business person?
My parents, my husband and my kids have always encouraged me to pursue my professional dream and having that support has enabled me to live a career I am passionate about guilt-free.

What makes you different?
Customers focusing on understanding what business strategic goals are and aligning them to the data strategy.

Finding intelligence out of data is a challenge and our goal is to help our customers focus on their data to create the edge they need in their business.

What is your goal/end game?
Share my knowledge, make an impact and help businesses, professionals and executives have a better experience and highly successful professional life.

What do you do in your spare time?
Spend time thinking and planning educational content that I can share with the world and mentor the next generation.

One word of advice for other mothers in business leadership.
Be true to yourself and live an authentic life even if that true self is living your professional life.

What’s an online resource that you use often to improve your life?
I read everything. My advice would be to use tools like Flipboard or Podcast, spend time on learning, learning something new every day. Doesn’t matter if it’s small or big.

What is your favorite quote?
“Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”

Any final thoughts?
Never give up on your dreams.

If we wanted to support you, how could we do that?
Spread the word about the need for business to focus on data-driven intelligence which can push businesses to evolve.

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Mary Beth Pulver is a nurse turned mom and entrepreneur whose business is about health restoration through holistic modalities including essential oils. Her dedication to teaching, nurturing and creating a community have helped her create a sucessful business.

What is your story?

After a background in working as an oncology and hospice nurse, I started my parenting journey with a 2 1/2 pound preemie, Joy. In just a few short years, she challenged most of what I knew about medicine and healing and changed the trajectory of my career. By the time she was two, I had taken the path of many a desperate mommy and was knocking on any door that offered hope. The tide for her began to change as I learned about natural and holistic options to help her heal and not just manage. 5 years later, the journey I embarked on for her became a rabbit trail into natural health that hasn’t ended yet.

How does having a family impact your life as a business person?

Having a family, for me, is both my driving force and the weight that anchors me. It is for my family that I was willing to risk entrepreneurship, sweat equity, and a learning journey. They were the first engine of my why and my motive. When I stepped up to see another layer of vision and purpose, they kept me grounded. There is always an opportunity to do more, spend more, learn more and go more yet keeping our family as core has kept me connected to my long-term values and priorities.

What makes your company different than the competition? 

The Simple Ways emerged as a learning platform that integrated what I was learning with doTERRA along with other holistic modalities and as a business team that focuses on relational integrity while building in a direct sales model. You can buy essential oils in many places but I learned quickly that the community aspect The Simple Ways provides can be the difference in owning products and experiencing solutions.

I loved doTERRA products early on but I knew I had found the right company to partner with when I attended my first corporate event. I mostly despised multi-level marketing until I heard our company president start a meeting by saying, “If you’re here just because you want to make money, you’ll probably find your way to the back door pretty quickly. If you’re here because you want to serve people and are willing to get an education, this will be a great opportunity for you.” I kept waiting for the “rah, rah, go sell,” and it never came. Their focus on education, service and integration with traditional medicine was a sure fit with my nursing background and drive to be a change agent for families in need.

If we wanted to support you, how could we do that? 

I would love your referrals for those looking to learn more about natural health options, purchase essential oils or begin building a home-based business.

I look forward to connecting with other women in business leadership!

www.TheSimpleWays.mom

What is your goal/end game? 

From my own four walls, I ventured into business to provide stability and opportunity for my family. Far beyond that, I keep moving forward and helping others do the same because hope is meant for more than just me. It’s not enough that this once desperate mama has the needs of her family cared for – I am engaged in this industry to perpetuate the offer of hope for health and financial wellness that was given to me.

What do you do in your spare time?

My “for me” goal this year is taking a class in office management, for home and work, to handle the trail of production/creation efforts that sometimes gets left behind me! I love to capture moments with my kids drinking smoothies on the front steps, exploring the greenway we live next to and snagging a few hours being a foodie at local restaurants with my husband. We enjoy our church and have many family members nearby. Since quality time is definitely one of my love languages, I treasure the stories that rise out of conversations at the table with the people we love and are learning to love.

One word of advice for other mothers in business leadership.

I am thankful to have learned early that perfect work/life balance is an illusion. Real balance is like riding a bicycle, you are constantly adjusting. You learn along the way, sometimes by falling, to become more in tune to what balance feels like and when you are out of kilter. Once you get the basics, you can keep adjusting and still enjoy the ride/process. Business and family have seasons – being aware of the season of your family and your business are key to help navigate the responsibilities of both worlds.

One online resource that you use often to improve your life. This could be a scheduling tool, an inspirational site, a business resource, a blog… pick anything you like.

Right now I’m having fun looking through Blinkist.com so I can feel at least a little well read (maybe not WELL, but at least read…) and LearnDoBecome.com is my office management project for the year!

What is your favorite quote?

To have faith is to believe that the task ahead of you is never as great as the power behind you.

The dead take to the grave, clutched in their hands, only what they have given away.- DeWitt Wallace

Learn more about The Simple Ways here and join Mary Beth’s community at TheSimpleWays.me. 

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Carine Rosalia had high hopes of sending her children to school with healthy lunches, but found school restrictions paired with finding options her kids would actually want to eat was quite the challenge. She came up with a product that combines the experience of shopping, food prep and eating to make packing a lunch fun. It’s currently being funded on Kickstarter.

A French mom’s way to better lunch.

What is your story?

The idea for This & That Lunch Kit came when I became a single mom trying to juggle parenting and a career. I experienced first hand how hard it was to find time and balance in my life so I set out to build a product that would help families transform a chore into fun while helping kids develop healthy habits.

I was getting lots of interest in the lunches that I was making for my daughter inspired by a family recipe that I used to make with mom, growing up in France. It was easy to make and I added vegetables to make it more balanced. When I realized the potential for these recipes to become a healthy alternative to the plain sandwiches, which are often the staple of the lunch box, I worked with a French nutritionist to develop a set of recipes inspired by seasonal vegetables.

It was important for me to involve my daughter in the lunch-making process. Involving children in the kitchen is a great way for them to develop healthy habits and they are more inclined to eat what they have made. With that in mind, I broke down the recipes by kid-friendly, age-appropriate steps, so families would know exactly how to let children participate in the preparation. I also came up with shopping lists that could be more of a roadmap for kids to learn how to shop for vegetables and learn about their properties. Next, I designed containers that could go from the oven to the fridge to the lunch box. The containers are made of food-grade silicone so they are safe and really easy for kids to use. Finally, I added some accessories to personalize the containers and write daily messages.

I want my story and experience to serve families by making parents’ lives easier and children’s lunches healthier.

How does having a family impact your life as a business person? 

My biggest challenge has to be finding balance between my family and professional interests. Between raising a preschooler, launching a business, a legal career and a baby on the way, I definitely have a full plate.
I get through the hard times by reminding myself that I am setting an example for my daughter. I try to remain confident to inspire her that we can overcome challenges and spring back from negative experiences.

What makes your company different from the competition?

This & That Lunch Kit is a new take on the lunch box. It’s a novel experience for families who get all the accessories they need to turn lunch box preparation into a bonding experience with their children. The recipes draw on my French upbringing and the expertise of a French nutritionist to bring a healthy alternative to the sandwich.

Parents are looking for solutions to feed their kids healthy food that kids actually want to eat. Some turn to subscription meal plans but those can get expensive very quickly. This & That Lunch Kit is not a meal plan. It is an entire set of accessories that families can use over and over to make the recipes together. It is more sustainable for the budget and the planet. It is also more empowering for families: instead of receiving ingredients in a package every week, families learn how to shop with their kids. With This & That lunch Kit, families get a set of shopping lists to match the recipes so going to the market can become an adventure finding the right produce and an educational opportunity for kids who learn about the different vegetables through the illustrated recipes.

If we wanted to support you, how could we do that?

Contributing to my Kickstarter campaign (running until April 21) and sharing links to the campaign on social media would give me a wonderful boost.

What is your goal/end game? 

I am raising $20,000 on Kickstarter to get This & That Lunch Kit to production. The next step will be fulfillment to all the backers and getting kits to retailers across the country.

Overall, the goal is to get This & That Lunch Kit to as many families as possible by leveraging online sales and relationships with large and small retailers. I plan to introduce different editions of recipes for kids with special diets (gluten-free, vegan) and partner with different designers to add new lines of stickers. I also have ideas to add games and toys to educate children about healthy eating.

What do you do in your spare time?

I have lots of interests including traveling, dancing, yoga… but, most importantly, I want to spend the time that I have with my family. With another child on the way, spare time will be pretty sparse!

One word of advice for other mothers in business leadership.

Finding a balance as a parent and an entrepreneur can be really difficult. I try to resource every week through activities that allow me to be mindful of my body (yoga) and express myself (dance) or simply go at a different pace (brunch with friends). I also try to schedule dedicated time to each of my family members so I don’t lose sight of my priorities.

One online resource that you use often to improve your life. This could be a scheduling tool, an inspirational site, a business resource, a blog… pick anything you like.

I love Crowdfire to help me schedule social media posts at a time that is convenient to me, helping me get organized. I also rely on MailChimp for my newsletter. It has great functionality and design.

What is your favorite quote?

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” This quote by Winston Churchill embodies the very essence of what it means to be an entrepreneur: always looking at ways to improve and picking ourselves back up when things get rough. It’s a perpetual quest.

Any final thoughts?

I am reading “Back to Work After Baby”, written by my friend Lori K. Mihalick-Levin. Lori has a wealth of great advice for parents on how to balance a career with raising a child. Her book is a wonderful resource to help new parents feel more confident and more experienced parents get help to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Learn more about This & That Lunch kit on Carine’s Kickstarter and at www.thisthatlunch.com.To stay up-to-date with her company, follow along on Facebook: @LunchSquares.

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A Guide To Embracing The Bold & Beautiful Business Woman You Know You Are

Michelle D. Garrett is a business leader, entrepreneur, and multi-passionate writer, who strives for
excellence, innovation and collaboration in all of her pursuits.

As an advocate for empowering women in leadership Michelle started a movement with Divas With A Purpose in 2009. In 2016, her coaching and consulting company MDGarrett Enterprises, LLC was formed to help female entrepreneurs take their paid hobbies to a viable and successful business.Through results-based 1:1 and group coaching, live trainings, and an assortment of digital products, she teaches
entrepreneurs how to successfully launch and sustain a business they love that suits their lifestyle.

Michelle has written several ebooks including “A Guide to Embracing The Bold & Beautiful Business Woman You Know You Are” and “How To Discover Your Purpose So You Can Love Your Business And Your Life“. She offers a planner, accountability coaching, social media training, and social media management.  In addition, she’s designed a collection of beautiful tshirts that highlight her Divapreneur mantra in a powerful way.

What is your story and how did you get started?
I started as a blogger in 2009. Originally it was an outlet and to connect with others. As I met others and learned more about social media, I became involved with different communities and connected with some amazing people. In December 2011, while preparing to return from maternity leave with my youngest daughter I realized how much I craved more freedom to be with my family and had a passion for doing work that brought me more joy. Over the next 5 years, my circle grew and I became more intentional with my connections. A passion for goal-setting, solving others problems, educating others and social media led to my coaching and consulting business. In June 2016 I officially became my own boss and it’s been a thrilling journey ever since.

What are your companies?

• The Divatude Collection
• MGD Enterprises

Tell us about your family.
We are a blended family that lives in Columbia, South Carolina. My husband is a veteran who went back to his military job just without the deployments. We have 4 children. Our oldest lives in Texas and is a High School Senior. We, also, have three children that live with us full-time – 2 boys – a high school junior and 4th grader – and our youngest daughter who is a kindergartener.

What makes you different?
Me. As a mom who has worked full-time outside of the house while building a business; full-time at home with young children and full-time balancing busy school children’s schedules – I get it! I understand the different struggles that come from building your business and attempting to find the right balance of everything.

What is your goal/end game?
I enjoy what I do so much that I can’t imagine not ever helping others in some capacity. As my children get older and my husband gets closer to retirement, I would love to scale down so we have more time to enjoy one another. Only 13 years until we’re empty nesters!

Do you have a hobby?
I enjoy reading and creative writing. I’m also discovering a love for cooking with my children.

Three pieces of advice that you’d give to moms who have their own businesses?

1. Give yourself grace. You cannot do all the things and it is really is okay. Decide what is most important to you in the moment and give that person, project or task your undivided attention.
2. Ask for help. Delegate. They may not do it your way, but it will be done and off your plate.
3. Implement an Hour of Power. Pick 3-5 must do tasks / projects that will propel your business forward. Dedicate 1 hour a workday working on them and you will see progress

What’s an online tool you use often to improve your life?
For team-based projects, Slack has become a life-saver. It’s so easy to share and connect with those I work with. I help run communities and even work on shared presentations there.

What is your favorite quote?
A good friend gave me a printed quote that says “Follow your dreams for they know the way” when I first transitioned to being a full-time entrepreneur. I’ve often referred back to that advice when faced with difficult decisions or burnout. As long as I am putting work towards my dream and following my instinct, things always work out as they should.

The Divatude Collection

How Can You Support Michelle?

• Shop the Divatude Collection.
• Buy her eBooks and planners.
• If you need a coach or someone to hold you accountable to your social media plan, let her help you.
• Hire her to train you about the latest in social media marketing trends.

Interested in learning more?

Reach out to Michelle through her contact form.
Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter.

I made a promise during a recent #livestream to share more #dailyaffirmations. There's something about the power of our voice and #selftalk. The words that you speak over yourself, your business and your family are the start to great things happening. I encourage you to pause and reflect over the words you choose when discussing your abilities, your growth, your possibilities and your livelihood. I'm a #churchgirl so I believe in the power of speaking things that are not as though they were and believing change will come based on my faith and my actions. #affirmations #MDJGQuotes #confidence #growth

A post shared by Accountability Coach (@michelledgarrett) on Dec 27, 2017 at 9:12am PST

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The post Michelle D. Garrett appeared first on CEO.mom.

I started my career as a business analyst at a large company in Phoenix, AZ. I worked in the technology department, and my job was to work with department leads and executives to identify ways to improve the business, either by creating process improvements or by implementing new technologies.

Then I moved into product management, where my focus shifted to managing organizational products (both internally & externally). As a product manager, I learned how to operate a business at a much more strategic level. I was responsible for the actual items that went to market, so it became important to understand all of the pieces that were required to keep the company going. I spent a chunk of my time in corporate America and then moved into consulting. As a consultant, I worked on a variety of corporate accounts. However, things changed after I had my son. I was at work when my water broke, and I ended up going into labor later that night. I was two months early.

After having him, I knew right away that I couldn’t return to the high-intensity corporate world if I was going to be the kind of mother and worker I wanted to be. I started my own business seeking balance — that ever-elusive concept again.

I didn’t find it, so I sought resources and support, but I couldn’t find those either.

So, I built MORE.

MORE is designed to give business owners (especially women) who are raising children more. It will give them more time, more encouragement, more support, more community, more connections, and more opportunities to stay in the race without having to sacrifice time with their families or go crazy in the process.

The first thing I wanted to tackle was business conferences. I thought they were outdated. So we launched the first family-inclusive business conference, MORE: the retreat, which we held in July 2016 at The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain in Marana, Ariz. Since then, we have extended the program to include family-inclusive networking events (Milk. Beer. Wine.), get togethers, which we call Moments, and a podcast (launching January 2017).

What are your companies?

1. Kayson: Business strategy & product management services
2. MORE: Moments, events & retreats

Kids Names / Ages:
Kayson, 2 (almost 3)

What makes you different?
Two things…

1. I am naturally driven which, when aligned with my competitive spirit, means that once I put my mind to something, there’s no turning back. I thrive in uncomfortable situations and have a natural knack for finding clarity in chaos.

1. My experience delivering a premature baby had a significant impact on the way I view work and family. In the past, I used to think that the answer had everything to do with finding a better balance, but now, I know that’s impossible. Since having my son, I’ve completely changed my viewpoint on the way work and family co-exist. My son is young, and being around him is important to me, so I’ve rearranged my schedule so that I can be present. In addition, I have restructured my business so that my team can work remotely. This means that they have an opportunity to find the right approach to their work and family life as well.

What would your ideal job look like?
My ideal job is a job that provides me with flexibility, both professionally and personally. I am a strategist, and I always see myself doing something that involves solving problems or creating new things. The job needs to be flexible because I enjoy traveling. I currently bring my family along on my business trips (whenever possible), so ensuring that I have the ability to continue to include my husband and my son in my day-to-day is also a top priority.

What is your goal/end game?
To me, success is about how I feel during the journey, not the destination. Doing the things I love, alongside the people I love, and knowing that my involvement for that day made a positive impact on someone’s life is how I know I’ve reached success. And my goal is to strive for that feeling every day!

Do you do offer any special benefits for parents with new babies or small children?
Yes, today, my entire team is remote. They work flex hours and own their schedules. In addition, all of my team members are MORE members. They have access to all of our programs, content and events.

Do you have a hobby?
I love cooking & baking. I also enjoy working out, running and yoga.

Three pieces of advice that you’d give to moms who have their own businesses?

1. Just keep swimming. Running a business is hard. You’ll have your good days and your bad days, but if it’s something you believe in, stick with it. It takes time and lots of perseverance to see results.
2. It’s not what you know; it’s who you know. Approximately 80% of all businesses get their clients from their networks. It takes a village to raise a child and run a business. Make time to identify the people who can help you reach your goals, and nurture those relationships both personally and professionally.
3. A business does not make money. The products and services that you sell do. Make time to focus on the things that you are selling. Every quarter, set aside time to review the products or services you are putting onto the market. Most entrepreneurs get so wrapped up in running a company that they forget a business is just a shell. The thing that makes you special is that thing you’re selling (tangible or intangible, product or service). Keeping an eye on the things you offer your customers will help you take your business to the next level and identify or address red flags.

What is your secret sauce?
Persistence. When I put my mind to something I am all in. I eat it. Breatheit. And live it.

Favorite quote
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

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I’ve been entertaining people all my life whether it was singing, dancing, or acting in plays. I decided to take my craft seriously and obtained a bachelor and master degree in acting and studied various forms of comedy. My YouTube career came about when I was pregnant with my first son and needed a creative outlet.

Kids Names / Ages: 
Marcus II, 7; Twins Sai & Kai, 22 months

What makes you different?  I
am truthful with a big splash of humor and optimism.

What is your goal/end game?
My goal is to build an entertainment empire that empowers people, especially women and minorities, that reaches to every major media platform.

What would your ideal job look like?
My ideal job would be multiple jobs. I would love to host my own online show that focused on serious issues dealing with motherhood and women-topics but with a humorous twist. As well as be the lead of a scripted comedy show.
Do you do offer any special benefits for parents with new babies or small children?
My YouTube channel and my public speaking are very mom centric. I share my life being a mom of twin babies and tips and tricks that I have picked up along the way.

Do you have a hobby?
I don’t have time for hobbies currently. LOL.

Three pieces of advice that you’d give to moms who have their own businesses?
Be shameless about your business when promoting. As women we tend to be humble but there is no room for that in business. If you believe your business and ideas are good, shout it from the mountain top and tell everyone about it!

What is your secret sauce?
This might sound a little weird coming from me since I’m a woman of color but I believe that all women should operate with the confidence of a white male. So whenever I start questioning my goals I tell myself “Angel, where’s your white boy confidence?!!”

Favorite quote:
Plan A is be successful. Plan B is to make Plan A happen.

Places we found Angel online:

• Netflix
• YouTube
• Her Website
• And a million other places too!  Angel is AMAZING!

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My goal is to make a difference with the life I lead; to change the world with creativity, art and love for hospitality, and to encourage, inspire and equip others to do the same.

Name:
Tonia Adleta

Kids’ Names / Ages:
Christian, 14; Anastasia, 13

Business Name:
Aribella Events, ToniaAdleta.com

Product Name:
Bespoke wedding planning and event design (Aribella Events); group and private coaching for creative entrepreneurs and service providers, keynotes and workshops (ToniaAdleta.com)

What makes you different?
I don’t fit into boxes or labels very well.

Do you offer any special benefits for parents with new babies or small children?
The group coaching programs look at our lives as entrepreneurs on a holistic level, including the roles we play as moms, business owners, care providers, etc.

Do you have a hobby?
Adventures with my kids, travel, art, reading, writing, home improvement projects, Netflix binges.

Three pieces of advice that you’d give to moms who have their own businesses?
1.) Know your WHY; what fuels and fulfills you. There will be times when that WHY might be all you have to work with and you need to have that foundation in place.
2.) Community is vital – and its power can be used for good or evil. Evaluate friendships and relationships carefully to select those you can share your dreams with; seek out fellow business owners and thought leaders and surround yourself with greatness, even if it’s just based on the books you read or the people you follow in social media. It all matters because it’s all connected.
3.) Go for broke. Define success for you, not for society or your mother-in-law’s approval.

When you know WHY you’re driven, have the “right” people in the “right” places in your life and know what’s important to you, how YOU define success, hustle. Do the work. Show up. And don’t look back.

What is your secret sauce?
Coffee and Wine. Skype wine dates with my besties. The cha-chunk of getting a new stamp in my passport. The connections I create with people the world over.

Favorite quote:
Theodore Roosevelt, 1910
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Places we found Tonia online:
Featured in Wedding Planner Magazine:

PODCAST: Choosing Who To Place On The Advisory Board Of Your Life

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Xza is the founder of MommyCon which is the nation’s largest natural parenting convention series. The conference presents topics around the  emotional and physical benefits of natural birthing, breastfeeding and babywearing. MommyCon strongly believes in holistic health, eco-friendly diapering, child safety standards and procedures, and female self-care and wellness.

In 2018, Xza is presenting MommyCon, DaddyCon and Influential, a new conference for social media influencers.

Kids Names / Ages: Atticus, 5 and Luella, 2

What makes you different?
I’m all about community. Each day I’m inspired by the stories and feedback from our community. I try to listen and learn from them as much as possible in order to grow the MommyCon brand.

How did you get started?
MommyCon grew organically from my experiences as a new mom. I felt alienated when my first child was born, so I sought out a community of like-minded women who shared the same parenting philosophy as me. I organized living room meet-ups, which turned into large retreats. The community just kept growing until the idea of MommyCon was born!

What would your ideal job look like?
Being the founder of MommyCon is my ideal job. However, I’m very ambitious so I’m always planning on ways I can grow the MommyCon brand and team. We have just announced our first international date in Canada which is a dream come true!

What is your goal/end game?
My main mission behind MommyCon is to help people feel better about themselves. We offer a very supportive, non-judgemental platform for parents to just be themselves, have fun and learn along the way. We hope our unique environment will change lives and make everyone feel special.

Do you do offer any special benefits for parents with new babies or small children?
We have a very family-orientated work culture. I want parents to feel empowered by working for me. We provide flexible working hours and babies are welcome into the office until they are one years old. We fully encourage a work/life balance and help our employees achieve this as much as we can.

Do you have a hobby?
I love doing yoga for stretching and relaxation. It really helps to correct the aches and pains of being a nursing mom on the go all the time. I also love cooking as I can do this with my children and it can be fun and creative.

Three pieces of advice that you’d give to moms who have their own businesses?
Firstly, I would recommend setting yourself boundaries with your work hours so you know you have specific time each day with your kids. Make this routine sacred, communicate it to your team and family, and stick to it. Secondly, create systems of communication at home and at work. This could be as simple as using Slack to communicate with team members and share information. Thirdly, prioritize self-care. No-one will think of you unless you do. Work out what helps you relax and take time for yourself.

What is your secret sauce?
My not-so-secret sauce is my passion and determination. My totally secret sauce is…..well it wouldn’t be secret if I told you right?

Favorite quote:
Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success. – Joyce Brothers

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