Classic City Weekly - Person of The Week
Our theme for this week in Classic City Weekly is Mompreneurs In Athens. It is our hope to inspire mothers that are doing the double duty of working for themselves while maintaining home and family. These days they are becoming known as Mompreneurs. We are happy to share with you one such person in part one of a two part series on Mompreneurs in Athens.
Our Person of the Week: Sonya Howard- A Mompreneur
1. Tell us about you and your family?My name is Sonya Howard and I am 26 years old. I have been married for 2 years to my husband Terrance, and we have 2 beautiful children: our daughter Jayivey (7 years old) and our son Camden (8 months old). I am in school for Business Administration; I am a work from home mom.
I own a business called Fizz N’ Flirty Creations, for which I make custom hair bows, hair accessories, and jewelry. The great thing about my business is that customers tell me exactly how they want their items to look. They are the designers.
When our son was born earlier this year, he was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and later had open heart surgery at 4 months old. My husband and I felt that it was best for me to care for him at home. During that time is when I started my business. After meeting other families with Down Syndrome children, I decided that 10% of the proceeds from the business will be donated to the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta, on behalf of Camden.
2. What is a typical day like for you (from beginning until dinner)?
My typical day begins at 6am. During that time I get Jayivey ready for school, take her, and I am back home around 7:30 am. Soon after that I start caring for Camden. My morning consists of school work, household duties, and working on customer orders for the business.
During the week Camden receives occupational therapy sessions and has different doctor appointments.
Around 2pm, I leave to pick up Jayivey from school. Once at home, I help her with her homework and prepare dinner.
During the week Jayivey also has cheerleading practice.
After my husband comes home from work, we fit in some family time. Family is very important.
After the kids are a sleep, I finish up any tasks that were not completed earlier in the day, and any customer orders that need to be filled.
3. How do you balance work and family?
Balancing work and family can be a challenge. Some people automatically think that being a stay at home must be the easiest job, which a lot of time it is not.
Before getting married, I was a single mother working 2 jobs and going to school. I feel that both (being a working mother and a stay at home mother) has its ups and downs. A mother’s job is never done! Whether you are working, staying at home, in school, single, married, have 1 child, or 6, being a mother is a 24 hour job that you never get to clock out from.
4. When if ever is there time just for you?
Finding that “me” time is always a challenge. It seems like there is always something to do around the house, or with the kids. Luckily I have such great support from my husband. Even after his long work days, he finds time to help me with the children.
My mother is also a huge help, especially with our daughter.
Our daughter Jayivey goes above and beyond when it comes to her big sister duties to help with Camden. I have a great support system in my life.
Another thing that helps me is to keep an agenda planner. With so much going on around me, it is easy to forget something. I write down any important dates and my daily tasks/to do list, to keep me on track.
5. What do you hope to accomplish within the next year with your business and as a mother?
Within the next few years I plan to open a Fizz N’ Flirty Creations Boutique in the area and expand the creative ideas that I have begun.
For example I have created custom hair bows for local cheerleading squads and elementary schools that feature images of their mascot. My creative design also extends to my hair bows being customized upon request for party favors, baby showers, sports teams, to match school uniforms and other special occasions.
My daughter also helps with my business by giving me advice and ideas on the latest trends in hair accessories. I want to pass the business down to her one day.
6. What advice do you have for other work from home moms or moms thinking about taking on the dual role of starting a business while raising their children?
If I could give any advice to mothers that want to start their own business it would be to follow your heart!! Don’t let anyone stop you. We are our own worst critics at times and we need to start believing in ourselves and our talents.
In many cases starting a small business does not require a lot of start up money. Do your research to find resources that can help you. Negativity can cause you to doubt yourself. Not everyone will be happy for your success. So always surround yourself with positive people.
Sonya Howard thank you so much for taking the time out to allow us a peek into your life as a mompreneur. You are a great example for many women that are pursuing the path of being both a mom and business woman = Mompreneur.
Please make sure to stop by and like her business on facebook @ facebook.com/FizzNFlirtyCreations. Visit Sonya’s online shop@ Etsy.com/shop/FizzNFlirtyCreations,
For custom orders, contact Sonya Howard directly @ (706) 351-7382
