Our community is comprised of entrepreneurs and artists and creatives – folks who have chosen incredibly difficult professional paths that often don’t offer any safety nets or guarantees. Nonetheless, we regularly hear that being a parent is a far greater challenge and so we asked some of these folks to open up to us about the things they’ve done as parents that they feel will have a meaningful and positive impact on their child.

Kiandra Copeland | Makeup Artist/Paparazzi Independent Consultant

I believe the most important thing I have done to impact my life was to have him tested for Autism disorder. As parents we have this idea that our children are perfect & we compare them to their peers. We ignore the signs that just maybe there is something hidden that is hindering our child from reaching their greatest potential. As a mother it wasn’t an easy decision but it was the best decision I could have made in regards to my son. It has allowed me to truly understand who my child is and how he relates to the world. Through this process not only have I learned alot about myself but I also have become a better mother. Read more>>

Rome Williams | Salon Owner/ Master Cosmetologist

As a female business owner, with five children, I had to learn how to manage my time better. I had to learn how to manage my time wisely so I can spend more time with my children, I was missing out on so much with my children trying to catch every dollar I could. I had to learn that money isn’t everything. I value my kids more then money and they will forever be my first priority. I have to lead by example because they look up to me, as their mother. As my children has gotten older, I’ve realized, I can always make money, but I can’t make up for lost time. Read more>>

Rachael Laya Hoffman | Voice Actor & Podcast Host

The most important action I have taken in parenting our 8-year-old daughter, has been to be present. To really lean in and listen to her, the best I can As a trauma survivor, my voice was taken from me at a young age. I turned inward and went quiet for some time. After years of therapy and work on myself, I was able to regain my strength and get back to doing what I love, telling stories on the mic. At the time as a Radio Broadcaster, and now, as a full time Voice-Over Actor and Podcast Host. I work together, with my daughter, in both voice-over and in creating, producing and hosting our show The She Sounds Like Me Podcast. It’s the first, unscripted, child-led podcast of it’s kind for curiously conscious kids and their modern minded grownups. Read more>>

Laurea Marshall | Holistic Healer

The most important thing I did for myself as a parent is heal from childhood traumas. In doing so, I broke generational chains and curses and learned to love myself unconditionally, which allowed me to gain spiritual attunement, mental and physical wellness and overall peace. While I did all of these things for myself, I was intentional about and conscious of the impact my healing and growth would have on my son. I knew that I wanted to be fully present with and for him from a place of pure love, peace and gratitude. I always aim to be a blessing to him.Releasing the burden of generational curses, anxiety, depression and abandonment issues allowed me to love whole-heartedly. My healing journey has given me confidence and faith that I am capable and divinely purposed for nurturing and guiding the beautiful soul entrusted to me. Read more>>

Destiny Brewton | Embroideress

As parent of of a 1 year old daughter, I know the most important thing I have done in this motherhood journey was take control over my personal mental health. As parents we cannot parent on an unhealed heart. That is how generational curses continue and/or are birthed. Being an entrepreneur alongside motherhood can be overwhelming sometimes, so I have conscious about checking myself. Doing this not only directly impacts how I take care of daughter but it teaches her how to take care of herself in the future. Read more>>

Charity Daniels | Entrepreneur/Healthcare professional

The driving force behind the launch of my organization was my experience and struggle as a young mother. I wanted to blaze a trail for other mothers to follow and give them hope for a better future. It was quite the challenge being a mother, full time employee and constructing a business from scratch, but it was one of the greatest gifts I could have given my two daughters. My passion to help others infiltrated my home; it no longer became a dream of mine, but a reality for my entire family. My girls witnessed first hand how determination and hard work can manifest a dream, and as my assistants, they know how detrimental it is to keep that energy in motion. We love working to assist other families who are less fortunate. Not only is it bonding time for us, but it gives us a deeper, greater appreciation for everything we are blessed to have and give. Read more>>

ShawnDreka Payne | CEO & Mental health Clinician

Once I became a parent it lifted the veil on the short comings and toxic traits of my family. I parent in a complete opposite format from my parents and their parents. The most important thing to me as a parent is to allow my daughter to be seen and heard. She is allowed to tell me she is upset with me or that she doesn’t like how I talked to her. I want her to know that her feelings are valid and that she matters. This promotes healthy communication between us. I come from a family where children were to be seen and not heard. Read more>>

 

Anthony Fitzpatrick | Lifestyle Photographer

As a parent of both a little black girl and little black boy, I’ve tried to expose them to all aspects of life as an entrepreneur l. I’ve taken them with me on my journey as a photography so they can see what hard work and dedication looks like. They’ve been to photoshoots with me and they’ve seen me at a computer for hours at a time editing photos. I want them to understand that whatever they are passionate about, if they want to be good at it, they must be intentional about the amount of work and effort they put towards it. Success doesn’t show up at your front door, you have to go searching for it. Read more>>