When I was younger, I never thought I wanted to be an entrepreneur but having entrepreneurial parents from the Philippines, I guess it was always in my blood.
I started my first company back in 2004 after I invented an award-winning baby product called the patemm pad (www.patemm.com). As with any business venture, you have your ups and downs, your share of failures and successes. But, through all of this, the one perk of being a stay-at-home mom entrepreneur that stood out the most for me, was being there for my family while running my own business…and on my own terms. I loved being my own boss – calling my own shots and making final decisions on my own.
I really enjoyed working from home - particularly the flexibility it allowed me to be with my family. I never felt guilty about putting my workload 'on hold' while I took my kids to the park or to an unexpected doctor's appointment. My 'business' hours were built around my family obligations. My parents (Lolo and Lola) were a big part of the family business - they were always there to help out whenever Marty and I needed an extra set of hands. Also, my brainy, older sister Hanna gave me valuable business advice early on.
Having my own business made me work harder than ever because it was something that I built from the bottom up and was determined to see my business succeed, and provide financially for my family. A typical 9-5 job was never part of my program.
My husband Marty, our 4 kids - Patrick, Emma, Jack, and Lucie, Lolo and Lola, and my sister Hanna made my entrepreneurial journey an exciting one. Even today, after launching my 2nd business ({g}Collaborative) they are there supporting and encouraging me to go after it! I really don’t know where I would be without all of their love, support, and guidance.
And, that makes me a happy mom entrepreneur!