Owning a business and parenting alone is not easy. Chile, let me tell ya! But, it is doable. And when your heart burns to make a difference, chase your dreams, and be a light, you simply do it anyway. I have been chronicling successful single moms all this month and the next chica is going to show you what it’s really like to go through it and WIN! Are you ready? You can read about the other successful single moms below.
Cathy Francois of Rezume Forward
The Backstory
I first met this week’s successful fabulous single mom at an event in D.C. earlier this year. Mariana was every bit of feisty. She was stylish, knowledgeable, and ready to defend her startup Beautiful World International for her final thesis. As I watched her present, I wanted to know more about her. (Sidenote: She’s every bit of what you must have to survive as a female entrepreneur in a man’s world of venture capitalists, startups, and big dreams.)
What was I doing in D.C.? Well, she was defending her final thesis at BAU University, and I was attending a weekend workshop called Weekend Start Up School hosted by Paul C. Brunson and Ella Rucker. First off, the event was top-notch and the work we did there created bonds that to this day are stronger than ever. If you see these two hosting an event together or separate, be there. I improved as an entrepreneur, and I found tribe members there. Mariana is definitely one of those tribe members. Read on to find out more about her, her business, what makes her a successful single mom and why after this article you cannot let anything stop you from reaching your goals.
Me: So Mariana, you are our featured mom of the week because you are a Rock Star in your own right. Tell us a little bit about who you are, where you’re from, and what you do.
Mariana: I am a mom first and foremost. I’m an author, an entrepreneur, and a soon to be media maven. (LOL.) I am originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil but I’ve been living in Massachusetts for the past 10 years. Currently, I am focused on being the CEO and Editor in Chief of BWI Magazine. It’s been my baby for 1 year.
Me: I know that’s right. The babies come first. But, work it honey! I’m here for all those goals. (Snaps back to interview mode) Did you find it challenging to reach your goals and raise your daughter alone? How did you overcome? Some mom may need to hear what you have to say.
The Unexpected Hurt and Triumph
Mariana: Extremely! I have been divorced for just over 1 year, and after 10 years of living in an abusive relationship, it was time to go. However, as all of that was happening, I was getting ready to launch my business and I had started my MBA 2 months prior. So, being a new single mom on top of that was no walk in the park. But I made it and I want women to know they can and should walk away from that kind of relationship.
Me: Wow! That took bravery. You are an amazing example to women all over. Some never leave Thank you for knowing your worth and choosing not to let your daughter see that. To whom or what do you attribute your success as a single mom?
Mariana: My mother, myself and my daughter. Also, I always told myself that I could do it no matter what. I knew it was going to be best for my daughter and I.
Me: Absolutely. Do you have any special quotes, mantras to live by, or saying that you use to keep you motivated to tackle your goals and chase your dreams?
Mariana: Yes. I have 2 “Its gonna get dark before it gets better” and also “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity, but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!” the latter is by Richard Branson.
Me: I love both of those! What would you say to a single mom reading this article who thinks she can’t overcome where she is or do what you’ve done to get free and still achieve your dreams?
Advice from a Successful Single Mom
Mariana: Oh Gosh, you can totally do it. Believe me, if I can do it you can do it. I know it sounds so cliché but it is true. I have no family in the US. All my family lives in Brazil. Here it’s just me, myself and I. My ex-husband has been very helpful and always there for our daughter (nope, no child support in place, we agreed to work it differently) so that’s a plus. However, I am a full-time entrepreneur, an MBA graduate, and a single mom. Sometimes, being alone and an entrepreneur is super tough. You will catch yourself crying on the corner, but then realize it’s all a part of the process and you will be ok. Learn from it each thing and grow from it.
Me: That’s great advice. And yes, being an entrepreneur is hard. What are you working on now in your business? What’s up next for you?
Mariana: Right now, I’m working on expanding the business and increasing our distribution and reach. In 2016, I have plans to start speaking and coaching, as well as, working on product development for myself and my clients. Oh! I also want to be on TV in 2016. Let’s make it happen ladies!
Me: Mariana, wow! Your story is amazing. Thank you for being my guest and for being so transparent. I am so proud of you for leaving and doing what is best for you and your baby girl. I cannot wait to see how 2016 unfolds. I know you are the prime example of how to do it anyway! You’ve done it. Your business is amazing. Absolutely love the look of the magazine. Keep us posted on what you are doing.
Mariana: I will. I want women to know they can do it. Thank you for having me.
Wow! Didn’t I tell you lil miss ball of fire had a story. And I’m so glad she removed herself from the negativity and is soaring. She’s one to watch in 2016 and definitely a heroine for any woman stuck in an abusive relationship. She’s proof you will survive and thrive. Mariana has a beautiful luxury site in Beautiful World International. Check out her site and share it with luxury lovers you know!
If you or anyone you know is in an abusive relationship, do something, say something … get them help. I want to see you Happy, Healthy, Whole, and Healed. Take the step. Get help! Here is a resource.
Interested in being our next single mom of the week? Email me at info@KaywandaLamb.com
As always, you can have the life you want when you do the work! No matter where you are, start now! Go on sis!
