Meet Lenora Bowler: Founder of MAI Box

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lenora Bowler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lenora, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started MAI Box when I was experiencing a shift in life. I was self-employed, a mother of an infant and a 2-year-old and separated from my husband. I was taking care of everyone but myself and stressed out daily. I had completely lost myself and needed some help getting back on track. I created MAI Box as a way to take small steps in creating habits of caring for yourself and treating yourself because I knew I wasn’t the only woman who was experiencing what I was experiencing. Each items is selected to uplift, affirm and encourage moms to take the time they need to put themselves first. If not first, then make sure you are on the to-do list.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my career in public relations and marketing, working with local and national brands and personalities, as well as non-profit organizations. I was instrumental in securing print, online and broadcast placement for clients in our favorite media outlets like Essence Magazine, Upscale Magazine, and CNN, to name a few. I loved what I did, making connections and meeting new people everyday. During a pivot period in life, I transitioned into the property management industry, where I’ve been now for six years and I love it just the same.

I’ve always been one to travel the road less traveled or create my own path. I’ve had many rough moments, slow moments, and many WTF moments. I’ve always been supported through family, friends, church family, mentors and more. Even when I started my business while working full-time and single-parenting, I had the support.

I’ve always been an entrepreneur and wanted to start a business that helped others. Since becoming a mother, I know the feeling of losing yourself and trying to rediscover who you are and doing things you want to do all while taking care of the needs of your children and spouse.

I’ve learned so much about myself overtime. I’ve learned to be honest with myself, to trust myself and most importantly to believe in myself. You are never too old for a mentor and you are never too old to learn something new.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
While I lived in Atlanta for 15 years, these last 8 years as “mommy” has me feeling like I need to rediscover Atlanta. When my girls are in town, we will be attending a Braves game and spending the day at The Battery. We have to have brunch at Atlanta Breakfast Club on Edgwood Avenue. They have the BEST nitrogen coffee I’ve ever had. We would also have to lounge one evening at Fellaship. Lastly, we’d visit Candytopia, the pop-up photo experience at Lenox Mall.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many who have had a hand in my growth and success. I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my sisters, Marschelle, Lynnette and Letitia. They are truly my biggest cheerleaders and have supported me through and through. Not only have they supported my businesses financially, but they provide guidance, feedback, connections and resources that help me grow. They are amazing and I love them.

Website: http://www.themaibox.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/themaibox

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/lenorab

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/themaibox

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/themaibox

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/themaibox

Image Credits
Photo taken by James (age 8) and Jasiah (age 6), my sons.