Aaronica, what does writing the blog mean to you, and why did you become an entrepreneur in the first place?
Running a business means freedom to me. I’m free to create a schedule that allows me to show up for myself and family in a more meaningful way.
I became an entrepreneur for two reasons:
1️⃣ As a Black woman in my industry, I was experiencing racism in the workplace and not being paid my worth. I was tired of sacrificing my peace of mind and worth for people that didn’t appreciate it.
2️⃣ My middle daughter was struggling with ear infections, and it was hard on us. I wanted to be able to help her heal in a more permanent way.
What is your business about? How did you come across your idea?
I have a couple different businesses now, but they all came from the same source: I saw a gap in the world I chose to fill it.
With The Crunchy Mommy, I didn’t see Black women in the green/eco-friendly niche when I knew that we were there. I also didn’t see Black moms talking about conscious parenting or alternative parenting styles.
We need to see this.
My friends used to tease me saying I was such a crunchy mommy, so I looked up the URL and bought it.
Since you are also a mom… How do you balance your personal and professional life?
I think that when people think of balance, they think it happens daily. I “balance” things over the week. So one day I might spend more time wearing my mom hat than I do wearing my entrepreneur hat.
But it all comes down to that this is a juggling act. There are balls that are glass and some are plastic.
The balls that are plastic, I let drop from time to time because they bounce, not break. My kids, my family are glass, so I don’t let those drop and break.
Have you made any adjustments to your personal and professional life to juggle these two roles?
Oh yes, definitely. In life, just as you get used to things or get into your groove, something else changes.
I used to homeschool and in the 2019-2020 year my kids went to charter schools. This freed up so much of my time, and it was epic for my business and ability to create.
But then the pandemic hit and changed everything. During this time, I’ve become a teacher’s assistant, chauffeur, COVID-19 survivor, mask maker, and more, and it really killed my creativity, so I had to pivot.
Life is what happens in the plans we make.
What is the greatest obstacle you have faced in achieving the success you desire? How do you overcome it?
Myself. I struggle with imposter syndrome in the most major way. I mean, why should someone listen to me?
But the truth is, I have the tools, education, passion, experience, and resources to create what I do, so I’m not an imposter.
I have to remind myself of this every day.
What are the things that help you stay organized throughout the day and get time for everyone and everything? Is there a special time planner, or workspace design, or technique that you use?
Tell us your time management secrets!
Because there are so many moving parts to my businesses, I preplan using a digital planner that I’ve created.
I love it because it’s eco-friendly, and it has sections that covers my blogging, sewing, and client information.
I’m typically working in a Pomodoro method because that’s how my brain works.
Any recommendations to Moms who dream about being entrepreneurs, but just can’t get started?
Book a Think Tank session with me, so I can help you think through and help you put together a plan of action. 💥
Have you enjoyed this interview? You can follow The Crunchy Mommy on Instagram or check out Aaronica’s blog. See you there! 👋
