Sporty Mommas

Give yourself a break

Filed under: Mom Life ·

The other day I was speaking with one of my mom friends just chatting it up about life. You know how the conversation goes…how are you, how are the kids, what are you up to these days. Same ole, same ole. But after talking for a few minutes, she noticed that I seemed somewhat frustrated. She was right. So once I started sharing my true feelings and let it all out she made me feel so much better by saying that she could relate to what I was going through.

 

Most of you may not know that I was a teacher before getting married and having a family. When I went off to college I had already buried my dream of being an actress. (That’s another blog post) I decided that I could be a pediatrician and help save children. Then, I wanted to be a pediatric pharmacist.  However, after failing organic chemistry twice, I decided to teach cause I could still help save kids and not have to take out anymore student loans, lol. The message is that I never planned on being a SAHM! I am sure most of you SAHM didn’t either. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. It is a blessing to be able to be home with them and attend every possible activity in my power. But what happens when the kids get older and don’t need you as much? Then what? It’s something that I think more and more women are discussing these days. I think it was Glenn Close’s Golden Globes speech that really struck a nerve. She shared the story of how her mom at 80 felt like she hadn’t accomplished anything in life even though she kept up her home, raised amazing kids, grandchildren and supported her husband. She felt empty.

 

 

What I learned from that was that it is never too late to start to follow your dreams and do the things that you love. You may miss a game or two. You may not be able to host parent meetings at your house or attend every field trip but it is okay. You have to find personal fulfillment and follow your own dreams too. So, if you are beating yourself up over not being where you want to be… give yourself a break. You are doing an amazing job and the kids will one day appreciate that you did your own thing too. Take small steps towards your dreams but just keep stepping. I am writing these words to you guys but also to myself. For years I have suffered from severe mommy guilt. Fear of missing my daughter’s  first 20 point game or my son’s game winning shot. Not being there when they call home sick or so busy that I can’t be there for homework, activities or doctors appointments. But, I am learning each day to give myself a break and I hope that you will too. Here are three of my favorite affirmations to remind you of your greatness and if you want something, go for it! YOLO! (You only live once)

 

 

 

XO,

Sharonda

Fashionista Friday: Definition of a Sporty Momma

Filed under: Fashion ·

Everyone always asks me what is Sporty Mommas! Most of you guys that have been following me for years know that it is my passion. But you may not know where it came from. When my husband retired earlier than we expected our world quickly changed. We went from a routine life full of traveling, games, unpacking and packing to what’s  next. He was in a tough place and honestly so was I. So I began journaling and creating stuff. Jewelry, t-shirts, whatever I could find from Michael’s… I was experimenting. Then one night I dreamt of my grandma and I was reminded of her strength during well everything. No matter how tough the situation was she put on that wig, her favorite outfit and that red lipstick. Do ya’ll know what I’m talking about? She and so many women in my life were Sporty Mommas.  Our moms, grandmas, aunts, godmothers, teachers. They were hardworking, no nonsense, stylish, dedicated, sophisticated mommas that simply got shit done!!!! The definition of a Sporty Momma shirt sums it all up. It is for all of you Supermoms that handle your business, run businesses, raise kids, cook, clean, shop, care for others, volunteer and love to look good while doing it. We are Sporty Mommas! Did you know that you can take $5 off your Definition of a Sporty Momma tee with code BOSSMOM?

 

 


 

 

XO,

Sharonda

February MOM: Shani St. Vil Curry

Filed under: Sporty Momma of the Month ·

Shani St. Vil Curry is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University. She currently lives in Miami, Florida with her husband, Berry, and their two sons. Building on the entrepreneurial spirit she inherited from her grandmother, a beauty salon owner, Shani opened her own financial consulting firm-Purse Empowerment. As the CEO of the firm, Curry-St.Vil meets and inspires women everyday to get their finances in order, so that they can spend more time with their families, and less time worrying about their financial future. At Purse Empowerment workshops and monthly brunches, Shani reminds her audience that it’s not about the name of the bag on your arm, but what’s inside the bag that matters.

Q. What do you love the most about being a mom?

I enjoy seeing my children grow. While, I am teaching them they are teaching me to be present to love, to be patient and to challenge myself to be better and better.

Q. Who was most influential person in your life growing up?

Just one. I have more than one but if your forcing me to say just one Ill say my grandmother. My grandmother has always believed in me in a deep, inspiring motivating way.

Q. What is Purse Empowerment?

Purse Empowerment, is a lifestyle. It’s the value that you assign to yourself beyond labels, and material coupled with hardcore fundamentals of financial literacy. Purse Empowerment, is about being thankful for everything you have, while making the necessary steps to achieve  goals.

Q. What inspired you to start your own business?

I am a teacher at heart. so, my life has always been about learning, unlearning and then teaching.  Prior to making my family my primary focus. I have spent time working in the Real Estate, banking, insurance, and even luxury car industries. Working a decade in these industries laid the foundation to  my financial literacy and Purse Empowerment. After, a year long  sabbatical it became apparent that their is still more to me than motherhood. As, I reassessed myself, I listed all of my talents, skills, passions, and credentials. This list unveiled my own Purse Empowerment. I enjoy meeting with women discussing where they are financially, and providing them with solutions, such as recommending them Virtual Coworker, that will assist them in getting to where they want to be go. My clients range from those who want to put a workable budget in place, to those looking to have an accountability partner to guide them in lax spending, credit repair, and/or debt management.

 Q. Where can we purchase your book?

My book 10 Things Every Woman Should Keep In Her Purse…can be purchased at www.purseempowerment.com, or amazon.com

Q. Are you working on any other projects right now?

Yes, I am working on releasing an Ebook through Kindle, for Women’s History month March 1, 2014!

Q. What advice do you have for other Sporty Mommas that may be thinking of starting their own business?

List your passions, interview yourself to determine what service you would provide to the world if the only compensation was love, then monetize it. Then, spend time with women who are profiting from their passions and duplicate their success with a you-nique spin!

Q. How can our readers connect with you?

I can be reached at (954) 394-0532, email shani@purseempowerment.com, Facebook at Purse Empowerment

Finding YOUR Passion

Filed under: Uncategorized ·

It is a new year and that means new hopes and dreams and that burning desire to be better than you were the year before. So what is it that you really want to do but something has been standing in your way? Is it a book, a new job, starting your own business….what ever it is I am here to tell you the time is now!!! It is time to step out and just do it.   I met a woman the other day that shared with me that she was in transition. She loved her job that she has worked for 15 years and she enjoys raising her teenage daughter but she felt the need to do more.  Her daughter is graduating soon and she will be eligible for early retirement in a year or two. I asked her what she enjoyed doing and she replied, “ I like a lot of things”! Boy can I relate!

Finding your passion may seem hard at first but when you really break it down it is right in front of your face. It’s that thing that keeps you up at night, or day dreaming all day long. It comes easy to you. Your friends and family members may even be asking you “When are you going to….? It brings joy not only to you, but also to those around you.  When I started Sporty Mommas, I had one goal in mind and that was to make moms feel good about themselves. I went through a period of time after my second child was born where I was missing something.  I didn’t like the way my clothes fit, my hair wasn’t doing it, I was overwhelmed raising two kids under 3. I needed something of my own. I tried selling Mary Kay, Scentsy, Stella and Dot, and even volunteering. After praying and journaling for a few months, Sporty Mommas was born. Back then I had no idea where it would lead me, but I knew if I stepped out and did something for me, it would all fall into place.

It might take some time and experimenting but when you really find it you will know.  Take a step toward your passion and do great things!!!!!

 

Be YOU, Be GREAT

Sharonda Stewart