Meet Reaonna Croghan | Registered Nurse, Entrepreneur, & Mother

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

Hi Reaonna, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is, you should wait to have children until you have an established career. I believe this advice is old-fashion and takes hope away from mothers who have had children young. Although, it is tough; anyone can absolutely build the life they have always dreamed of with or without children. As a mother of 4 boys I can proudly say I am prosperous in my career, building a business, and breaking generational curses simultaneously. I started nursing school when my twin boys were 2 mouths old. I remember sitting in orientation and asking myself, “what did I sign up for.” I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing right before my forth son was born in December, 2019. Prioritization and sacrifice are essential when you are building your future while raising your children. It is important to have a clear vision of the parent you want to be and the goals you want to achieve. Anyone is fully beyond capable of building a fruitful life as a parent as long as organization, boundaries, and clear defined goals are established – no excuses.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am currently practicing as a Registered Nurse at the bedside. Bedside nursing has been my ministry and I can genuinely say it is a calling. In addition, I am a business owner. I stated a Mom & Baby Co. and brand when I was expecting my son. It became a huge part of my life. Mamabare Handmade is a business with a mission to keep mothers and babies safe and prioritizes health and wellness. It expanded into a safe community, podcast, and bookclub. I would like to spread hope and wisdom to help mothers evolve. Building a brand and business has not been easy. I have been scared to fully fall into my business, so bedside nursing is my full time hustle. I spend more time building my business when I really put my faith into action. Mamabare Handmade and new Podcast, Exceptional Mom Podcast, is another calling. Staying organized and taking the time to journal my thoughts and goals with a defined timeline has helped me overcome the fear. I learned that you have to be responsible and faithful with every new blessing you receive in order reach the next level. For example, how are you going to run the million dollar business you prayed for if you are not responsible with what you do have right now? I had to learn how to budget and organize my personal life first efficiently, first. I understand now, everyone is on their own path and comparing my business to others only delays my progress. My business is authentic and is very personal to me. I started a Mom & Baby Co. because I am a mother and I also believe that enhancing the health, education, and wellness of mothers will repair the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Monday: I will start the week with self-care activities. I would take my best friend to my favorite nail salon. We would spend our morning and afternoon getting pampered and attending to our personal needs. Self-care will improve our mental health and confidence for the long week ahead. Afterwards, we will go to the Topgolf in Charlotte, NC. Topgolf is a great way to bond and stay entertained through the evening. Also, the Topgolf in Charlotte is classy and has an exceptional food and drink menu.

Tuesday:
Wake up in the morning, make breakfast, and take the kids to Freedom Park. Freedom Park is one of my favorite parks in Charlotte. Freedom Park in close to the city and has so much history and culture. Afterwards, we are recognizing Taco Tuesday! We find the best Mexican Restaurant in the area and indulge in tacos.

Wednesday:
Hump day we will spend the day in the city. I will take my best friend to the Noda area in Charlotte. Noda is gentrified, but has so much culture. Noda is the most diverse area in the city. We will find a hole in the wall restaurant in the area and enjoy authentic food and drinks.

Thursday:
We will spend the day at the lake on Thurdays. I’m a Floridian at heart, so a body of water feels like home to me. Lake Norman has boat rentals, so more than likely we would rent one for the kids and us. We will keep it classic and eat hot dogs and hamburgers by the water and listen to music and dance the day away.

Friday:
I will take my friend to Fahrenheit Charlotte, the best rooftop in the city. Fahrenheit Charlotte has the best view and gives you the best view of Charlotte, North Carolina. We will take as many pictures we can, to one day look back on and see how far we have come. Friday night will be girls night. Girls night will be full of laughs and making memories.

Saturday:
Saturday is movie night. We will go to a dine in movie theater and watch the newest movie.

Sunday:
I would end the week by taking my best friend to Elevation Church. We would go to the 9:30am service in Ballentine, so we can see my favorite Pastor, Steve Furtick, preach in person. We will end the week with worship and gratitude.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give the glory to God. I was a teenager when God said, “Girl, what are you doing?” Okay, he probably did not say it like that, but that is what I heard and it absolutely saved my life. That one moment truly blessed me with self-awareness and I became distinctly intentional at a young age. Before my children were born God spoke to me with clear directions. I was given the opportunity to take back what was stolen from me; which was my confidence, freedom, and vision. I would like to shoutout my grandmother for her patience, generosity, and wisdom. My grandmother taught me the true definition of selflessness.

Website: www.mamabarehande.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/reaonna.croghan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raeonnaa

Other: Email: ReaonnaCroghan@outlook.com