Tequira, Taelyn, and Tu-lala...
Tequira, affectionately known to family and friends as “Lubby”, has been such a big inspiration to me as a millennial MOM. Before I even became a MOM I would watch the way she loved on Taelyn, and exposed her to all different types of things. It wasnt just the park, or ice cream parlors ( not that those things are bad at all) - but educational places, creative places... I just loved watching them, and I definitely took notes!
Having been friends for over two decades there is much that I love about her; however, it is an honor to highlight one of the things I love most about her.
Read a little interview between she and I on motherhood and entrepreneurship, and then go order some of the amazing pieces she creates!!
I know you've always loved fashion, but was Taelyn the driving force behind your "get up and go" with starting Tu-lala?
As a young girl, I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer; however, after graduating high school, I was afraid to pursue those dreams. I allowed the fear of failure to prevent me from giving a career in fashion a fair shot. I attempted to teach myself to sew in 2006 but that didn't last long. In 2011, I was looking for a 1st Birthday Tutu Set for Taelyn and the prices for the one I wanted was outrageous. I decided to make it myself. From that moment, I created tutu sets for Taelyn and her cousins. Eventually, people started placing orders. Since then, I regained a passion to sew and create. Yes, Taelyn definitely gave me the push to pursue my love for fashion. Now, it’s not just about creating unique designs for her and others, but providing her with the tools to firmly know that she can be whomever she wants.
How do you balance motherhood, entrepreneurship, and working a 9-5?
Honestly, I still haven’t learned to successfully balance the three. For now, my “9-5” is a must. I try to devote as much time to Taelyn and Tu-lala as I can. During those weeks when I’ve had to rush Taelyn to bed so I can get orders prepared, I try to compensate by doing something special with her on the weekend. Similarly, when I feel I haven’t devoted enough time to developing my business, I lock myself in the house and sew. On these days, Taelyn’s either trapped in TV Land (bad, I know) or right beside me creating something of her own. I talk to her about Tu-lala and how important it is to me. I also let her know that nothing is more important to mommy than she is.
What would you consider to be the hardest part of [attempting to] balancing it all?
The hardest part is not having time to be ever-present in my daughter’s life. On weekdays, we spend more time in the car than in the house. I have to rush her to eat, bathe, and go to bed. I feel like a drill sergeant. Being an only child, Taelyn requires a lot of attention, and I’m often guilted by the lack of time I have with her throughout the week due to my work schedule and commute.
What encouragement would you give to other MOMs who are working around the clock to make their dreams become a reality?
Do what’s best for you and your child/ren. Never compare yourself to other moms/individuals because we all have different realities, talents, etc. Most of us deal with mom-guilt and feelings of inadequacy because there’s always something more we could be doing, but we are human. No one can do it all. Lastly, never give up on your dreams. When times are tough, take a break and refocus.
