Inspired by a recent feature on SFB, I decided to reach out to a few local businesspeople who also happen to be working moms.
An outdated mindset says a woman must choose — that there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to be a dedicated mother and successful professional. Well, my interviewees are living antidotes to that perspective, each and every one of them exemplars of “having it all” and how that looks different for each individual.
Mamas, your little ones are lucky to be growing up in your shadows, as you continue to strive for better and thrive in your success. Cheers!
Q: Do you think it’s easier to be a working mom at your own company, versus what it would be like working for someone else?
I am incredibly lucky in the sense that when everything started to shut down in March and COVID was a huge “oh, shit” moment — I didn’t have to worry about losing my job, since I own the company. Nor did I have to worry about scrambling to find childcare so I could continue to go into work. Instead, my husband ended up being the one to go into work on a daily basis, and I stayed home with both of our boys. I would check in via emails and phone calls.
But it was difficult because as an owner, there was no one to truly take over my job. I had the constant background noise of a busy five-year-old… he seriously just asked me for a Twizzler about 20 times while I was typing this. Thank God he’s cute.
Everyone we work with was so understanding and so many people were also trying to adjust to working from home with no childcare. So while it was hard — and still is, since we are doing virtual Kindergarten for this year. I am glad to have the flexibility of being able to choose to keep my son home for the time being, and to be able to bring him to work with me.
-Heather Lucas, Partner, Bootleg Bucha
Has being both a working professional and a mother changed how you think about other women in business?
The TV news business is competitive and cutthroat, so before my son Elliott came along six years ago, my job was my number-one priority. Working weekends, holidays, overnights, and making community appearances when I was off the clock was worth it to climb my way up the ladder and land my dream job.
Now, my family is my first priority, but I can’t let my dedication to my job slip either. So it’s all about BALANCE. I wake up at 2:15 AM every day so I can anchor WGRZ Daybreak and be home by noon to be present for my husband and son the rest of the day. I sacrifice sleep, but I don’t have to sacrifice work or my home life.
I commend all working moms who have to make the same tough decisions. What can I sacrifice to make both my family and my colleagues feel like I’m totally there for them? As moms, we innately feel like we’re never doing enough, but we need to be a little easier on ourselves. Moms who love their kids and love their jobs are doing it right.
-Melissa Holmes, News Anchor, Daybreak (WGRZ)
If you could give one piece of advice to other working mothers, what would it be?
Being a momma is the best job out there, but know that some days won’t go according to plan. No momma is perfect.
Make time for your kids, but also for yourself.
And enjoy all the hugs and cuddles while you can!
-Jessica Trayer, Owner, Tater Cakes Bakery
Where in life do you turn for peace of mind, security, and stability?
In life, for peace of mind, I turn to me-time. I am so big on self-care, and for me, that is anything big or small that helps me relax and feel accomplished. Sometimes it’s something small like a 10-minute meditation and envisioning a peaceful place, or just a face mask. Whatever makes you feel reset.
My support comes from my husband, family, and close-knit girlfriends. They ultimately, are my stability. I can bounce ideas, stress, anger, happy moments… all off them, and I can get feedback and support at the same time.
As a working mom, it’s so important to check in with yourself: I encourage other working moms to do the same. Take a breather and really feel. Then you can assess what you need to do for yourself to be happy and stay strong.
-Lindsay Riggs, Creator and Influencer, Buffalovebirds