There comes great responsibility with becoming a parent, but more importantly being a mommy to a Princess. As a mom I take my role seriously to instill values, a work ethic, compassion, and service into my daughter. I know that by inspiring her to be a humble and bright star, she will in turn influence our future generations to do the same. Success and authenticity are contagious but we must start at home first.
The last year for Zari and me has been an amazing ride from being chosen as one of six women to become the first-ever national ambassadors for My Black Is Beautiful (MBIB)--a Procter & Gamble initiative designed to empower and encourage Black women, to becoming a two-time bestselling author and traveling the globe to spread a message of transparency, boldness, and authenticity through my company, iamEbony. I've been able to show her through action what taking risks truly looks like and how to leap in order to soar into your dreams; inspiring others along the way to be intentional in their living too. She's bared witness to bravery in my journey of closing a chapter in my life by leaving my corporate job; redefining the conversation surrounding beauty through my MBIB Ambassador role; risking it all in the name of a dream; and no longer dimming my light for small minds and the opinions of naysayers.
It's been fun to take her to my book signings, conferences, keynote speeches, and girl empowerment events. She's served as my little photographer, stuffed swag bags, rolled t-shirts for give-a-ways, served as my greeter, and sometimes my personal assistant--she's worn several hats in helping mommy become successful. I'm grooming her to take over the family business and the keys to establishing a quality brand for herself someday. I want this to be her norm. She's been able to witness my 'why' of long nights, early morning, impromptu meetings and the organized chaos that comes with inspiring others and getting them to change their mindset. She's observed me put into practice the things I talk to women about on a daily basis of renovating your inner beauty in order for your outer beauty to shine through. I not only tell her she's beautiful but I show her the reason why mommy serves beauty on a silver platter to my Princess, It's been pleasurable for me to share with her the love and grace my parents shared with me as a child--she gets why mommy reaffirms her beauty. I often catch her smiling at others, holding the door for a perfect stranger, saying "excuse me" when crossing in front of somewhere, and my favorite gesture is her ability to keep her elbows off the table and sit up straight.
I want her to know the value, as I do with other girls and the women I serve, in practicing good table manners and empathy for others. As a mommyprenuer, wearing both mommy and entrepreneur hats--it's priceless to show her the value in establishing a great rapport with others, authentic relationships, and self-respect--all of which are key components in being successful in business and life. I make it a practice to expose her to the good, bad, and ugly of business ownership and living in a world of opinions. I want her to define beauty for herself, not relying on the opinions of others nor mainstream media to define it for her. It's important that we do the same for generations to come.
I know beyond a shadow of doubt that I would be nothing without her constant push and inspiration to be and do more for this world. Her smile is a constant reminder of why I remain focused on the benefits of spreading my wings and aim to inspire the very being that I was fortunate enough to birth.
My advice to connect and continue redefining beauty for future generations--be sure to start at home with your own children and be consistent in your messaging. Consider your person as a brand and exemplify the very essence of who you want to be your child's influence in this world and how you want your child to influence others. It starts with you. My daughter and I have implemented daily affirmations and a rule that when mommy is working, she is welcome. I don't tell her to wait or shoo her a way, but I welcome her to help me with small projects or to sit beside me and read out loud her favorite book. Make time for you kids and time will make time for your dreams.