Back 2 Work Like...

I’m literally crying as we speak. I’ve spent the last year of my life sick af, worried as hell, and desperate to figure my shit out. This last pregnancy took absolutely everything out of me; my peace in so many ways, my health and ultimately my business in others.

Last year this this time I had my own brick and mortar studio, an employee and my bank account was in tact. I wouldn’t find out that I was pregnant until August 17 ( the day of my birthday) when things would fall apart. At that point, however, I was already beginning to loose money. The overhead costs of running my spot were already starting to drown me. I was completely overworked and grossly underpaid (in four years of business I still haven’t taken home a salary). I was even having to take my then toddler back and forth to work every single day because I didn’t have and couldn’t afford child care. To say that I was exhausted is an understatement! So when I started having 2-3 day long migraines, nausea and vomiting and a host of other symptoms, pregnancy was the last thing I thought was wrong with me. It got to the point where I could hardly move. Literally getting out of the bed would take hours for me. I couldn’t work. A few weeks after I found out about baby girl I was put on bed rest. I was devastated and breaking down. Nothing suffered like my brand.

Most of last year is a blur up until April ‘18 when I gave birth to my daughter. I almost died. Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia were wiping me out! Being in the hospital was the scariest ten days of my life. I apparently suffered a minor stroke! With my family gone we had no help with our son and had to spend most of those nights praying about how to handle the obstacles of the next day. I still thank God for the nurses. They all were helpful, but there were a few who did above and beyond for us and were flat out amazing. We adopted them as honorary aunties to the kids. After nearly two weeks in that little ass room I still had to learn to adapt to newborn life with severe preeclampsia at home. My limbs were so swollen I couldn’t bend my knees to stand or sit. Still, all I could think about was getting back to work and paying off the debts that I’d accrued because of this.

My my daughter is growing and developing beautifully. Every moment I endured was worth it. Now I have my plans, my schedule, William is back in school, and I’m ready to work. It’s so much easier said than done. Now they guys expect and have grown accustom to me being more of a house mom than a boss mom. I’ve spent the last few weeks completely drowning in dinner and laundry so they don’t remember what it was like when Mommy was drowning in deadlines and paperwork. And it’s frustrating for us all, I’m sure, but I’m the one that’s freaking out. Can I do this? I was ready to pull my hair out with the business and the one kid and now I have two!

So yea, you might recognize a few changes with the brand. For one, I am inspired by my journey. Plus, I know I’m not alone- there are several boss moms out there trying to figure it out and getter done. Plush UNLTD has always been an art+ beauty brand celebrating everyday people. Now I just realize that I want to facilitate a community/village who could use the same type of support as me; creative moms who may have few resources to help support their small businesses as they raise their families. You know- a superhero super club. For super women. With super ideas and super kids.

These drying tears began when I was breastfeeding while updating my Facebook page on my way to start dinner and get my kid ready for school tomorrow as my husband was walking out of the door. (Overwhelmed much?) Now here we are and the blog is wrapping up, the taco meat is done, the baby is waking up from her milk drunk power nap, and I only have about ten times left to tell the kid to get in the water. Ladies, this life chose us! 😘 Let’s meet here more often and support each other through it.

I’ll love to to hear your boss mom testimony! How did you push through for your dream today? Let me know in the comments below. Join my boss mom community! And remember, Sis, you’ve got this. Ttys! -T