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Working Mothers Share Unfiltered Stories of Balancing Life and Staying Afloat

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Working Mothers Share Unfiltered Stories of Balancing Life and Staying Afloat

“70% of mothers with children under 18 participate in the labor force, with over 75% employed full-time. Mothers are the primary or sole earners for 40% of households with children under 18 today, compared with 11 percent in 1960” – DoL 2017 

 We have come a long way since 1960. While much progress has been made with establishing legislations and policies governing the retainability of mothers in the workplace by instituting processes such as lactation rooms and longer maternity leaves, we cannot stop until every mother who wants to work is able to continue her career after childbirth without having to choose between working and starting a family.

The 2017 statistics below from the Department of Labor proves that women are integral in today’s workforce. Employers and society as a whole are missing out if women are unable to return to work after childbirth.

  • There are 6 million women in the civilian labor force.
  • Almost 47 percent of U.S. workers are women.
  • More than 39 percent of women work in occupations where women make up at least three-quarters of the workforce.
  • Women own close to 10 million businesses, accounting for $1.4 trillion in receipts.
  • Female veterans tend to continue their service in the labor force: About 3 out of 10 serve their country as government workers.

Recently, I meet with three mazing working mothers for a “Mummy and Me” photoshoot. We had fun and shared many laughs celebrating motherhood.  We also spent a great deal chasing our precious little ones around the studio and burning calories as we do on most days. The kids were the real MVPs.

These women are wives, teachers, beauty experts, women in the military, healthcare professionals and much more. We all share in the bond of motherhood and women who make up 47% of the U.S. workforce. While each woman’s experience is different, it is unquestionable that we share similar struggles as working mothers. Our hearts bleed when we leave our babies behind for work. For me, dropping off my girls at daycare in the mornings still remains the least favorite part of my day. And of course you guessed right if you said picking them up is the best part of my day. The heart melting smiles my girls radiate at the sight of mummy makes every imperfect part of my day perfect.  As working mothers, attaining Work-life balance and living our best is something we all strive for. 

I later met with three of these working mothers for an exclusive feature discussing their careers and the big question: “What does work-life balance mean to you and your family?” Continue reading as these women don their crown and cape and share their unfiltered stories of work-life balance and staying afloat. 

Meet Jamie Johnson, Working Mother of 1

Dover DE

Jamie is the Sustainment Services Flight Commander (and acting Operations Officer) for the Force Support Squadron, Dover Air Force Base.

Linda: What does it mean to be the Sustainment Services Flight Commander/ Operations Officer?

Jamie: My Flight Command job has me running operations for Dover Air Force base’s dining facility, lodging, fitness center, and official mail center. I manage a $25M operation with 24 hour operations of food, fitness and lodging. At the dining facility we provide healthy meal options to any person with base access and it is at no expense to our dorm residence. At the fitness center we run fitness programs aimed to maintain a healthy and fit-to-fight force. The lodging operation’s number one priority is providing a comfortable and industry-standard transient overnight stay, with a secondary priority of lodging personnel who have base access. The official mail center accepts and distributes all official mail for the 52 units on base.   

As the acting Operations Officer, I am the second highest ranking officer in the squadron. The squadron mission is diverse but covers all aspects of airmen and family functions, from the literal cradle to grave. I have a specific mission of readiness and training; however, I am the point of contact for any and all leadership interventions before the problems are escalated to the commander. 

Me: What does work-life balance mean for you and your family?

Jamie: This is a particularly hard question. My dad raised me to “live to play.” His first and only goal in life was to find adventures and take them head on. He just needed money to make the adventures viable so work was squeezed in between all the adventures. However, when I grew up I threw the scale the other way by consuming my life with my work. It is very easy to do that in the military. And it became very rewarding to do so because I excelled. Hands down, the coolest thing about me was my military service. However it became time to start a family and my world got turned upside down. My son is now my priority and the investment in time and energy I spend on him will show tenfold when he succeeds in life. I no longer find myself staying late at work. I do not take the weight of work home with me. I make time in the day to pump and feed him (I am a breastfeeding mom) and more often than not, I find myself talking about him knowing his love and milestones are way cooler than the successes I used to brag about. 

I am not perfect at work and home-life balance, but I continuously strive for ways to keep my professional life and love my mommy-hood. 

Meet Jaime Garcia, Working Mother of 3

Milford, DE

Jaime is a Speech Language Pathologist and Transformational Beauty Founding Consultant

Me: Can you share with our audience your role as a Speech Language Pathologist and also tell us about your Beauty Consulting business?

Jaime: I work as a fulltime Speech Language Pathologist for the Cape Henlopen School District. There I work with children in kindergarten through 8th grade targeting articulation, language, and stuttering. I also work as a Transformational Beauty Consultant. We offer premium skincare for all ages and skin types. Our skin care is both preventative and anti-aging!

Me: What does work-life balance mean for you and your family?

Jaime: Being a mom in general requires a lot of balance, but being a working mom adds another dimension. We all want to be successful at work and do our best, but not at the expense of being a good mom! To find the balance, it’s necessary to set boundaries like work and play hours. My kid’s needs come first, especially when I’m home, but I also want them to see me working hard to be successful in my non-Mom life. Balance looks different for everyone and sometimes you need to experiment with those boundaries to see what is best for you and your family!

Connect with Jaime and learn more about the skincare products her business offers

Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/sprinkledchaos

Instagram Link: @SprinkledChaos

Meet Daisha Sullivan, Working Mother of 2

Dover, DE

Daisha is the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) at the Commander’s Support Staff for Dover Air Force Base.

Me: As an NCOIC, I know you stay busy. What can you share with us about all you do?

Daisha: As an NCOIC, I am the first line of leadership for my flight’s personnel and operations. However, in addition to being a full time Active Duty Air Force member, I wear many hats. I am a Mother, a Wife, and a part time Student pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Science.

Me: What does work-life balance mean for you and your family?

Daisha: Work- life balance is essential for my sanity. I am the type of person that needs to do a lot in order to feel accomplished. Doing the same thing day in and day out is depressing to me. I have to have change in my day-to-day life. Change keeps me on my toes and I love that! I feel blessed to be able to wear and navigate so many hats and love them all. It is true what they say if you love what you do it really doesn’t seem like work. My secret sauce to attaining work-life balance is “Love what you do and do what your love.”

 Connect with Daisha

Facebook name: Daisha Sullivan

Instagram name: _ladydai_

 

As working mothers, we have more in common than differences.  Thanks to Jamie, Jaime and Daisha for sharing. If you will like to share your story and business email Memoirs@Lindaarrey.com and Memoirsofaworkingmother@gmail.com

Join The Working Mother’s Getaway on Facebook

Facebook /Instagram:  @memoirsofaworkingmother

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5 Trailblazing Working Mothers

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5 Trailblazing Working Mothers

“No matter how challenging motherhood may be, becoming a mother remains my most joy and my girls are my #1 motivation. They give me the superpower to wear my crown and cape every day and step into the world undefeated.” – Linda Arrey – Working mother of 2

I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to launch the “Memoirs of a Working Mother” blog, than honoring and celebrating other mothers that are thriving, paving the way and making a difference in the lives of many while taking care of their homes and living life at its best.

One thing these women have in common is that they are working mothers who are dominating in their respective industries while helping and inspiring others through it all.  

Sarita Pittman is a Board Certified Professional Coach paving the way for thousands of coaches both seasoned and new, to gain professional certification and thrive in their coaching business. Among other accolades, she is a Holistic Healthcare Practitioner, Educator and Motivational Speaker. Sarita has a passion for seeing others win with what they have. Her highly energetic delivery eliminates the fear and anxiety of next leveling the mindsets and success of her audience. Being in the health and beauty industry for over two decades has afforded her the opportunity to connect with high level leaders, visionaries and other trail blazers. She became a high level income earner in her twenties and works diligently to help others discover their capabilities of doing the same. She teaches her audience to unlock untapped potential and embrace the ideology of being their product. You can find her on large platforms, in classrooms and small group settings. A place you will never see her in is the shadow of someone else. Her confidence to be exactly who she was created to be at all times is infections. Connect with this working mother and Get Coached Up! Website: www.getcoachedup.com Facebook: @Sarita Pittman Instagram: @Atiras International Coaching

Sarita Pittman | The Lady Wealth Builder | Founder of Atiras International - Working Mother of 1

Sarita Pittman is a Board Certified Professional Coach paving the way for thousands of coaches both seasoned and new, to gain professional certification and thrive in their coaching business. Among other accolades, she is a Holistic Healthcare Practitioner, Educator and Motivational Speaker. Sarita has a passion for seeing others win with what they have. Her highly energetic delivery eliminates the fear and anxiety of next leveling the mindsets and success of her audience. Being in the health and beauty industry for over two decades has afforded her the opportunity to connect with high level leaders, visionaries and other trail blazers.

She became a high level income earner in her twenties and works diligently to help others discover their capabilities of doing the same. She teaches her audience to unlock untapped potential and embrace the ideology of being their product. You can find her on large platforms, in classrooms and small group settings. A place you will never see her in is the shadow of someone else. Her confidence to be exactly who she was created to be at all times is infections.

Connect with this working mother and Get Coached Up!
Website: www.getcoachedup.com
Facebook: @Sarita Pittman
Instagram: @Atiras International Coaching
Amber Ruffin is a highly sort after Photographer with proven results. She’s the Powerhouse behind Amber’s Photography, one of the leading Photography Studios in the nation nested in the state of Mississippi. For ten years in a row, Amber’s Photography has been voted “Best of Photographer” in the Commercial Dispatch by the Reader’s Choice. Her team is passionate about what they do and always strive to give the best experience. “If there is one thing I want everyone to know about me when they leave this website that is I LOVE my job and life. Photography has been my passion since I was a young girl. I received my first camera when I was in the ninth grade, a Canon Rebel film. It was love at first click. I went on to photographing several of my High School Senior classmates for their Graduating pictures. At this moment in my life I knew this is what I was meant to do. Making memories for families, watching a family grow, capturing that youthful yet energetic look in High school seniors and the first kiss to a start in a couple’s life. I want families to have something so much more than just a picture to hang on the wall. I want them to have a part of life that was frozen in time captured on film. Art. Love. Color. Style. I started this business in August 2002 and each year I feel more and more passionate about what I do!” – Amber Ruffin Connect with this working mother and capture memories to last a lifetime: Website: http://www.ambersphotogallery.com Facebook: @ambersphotographycaledonia Instagram: Amber’s Photography

Amber Ruffin | Amber’s Photography - Working Mother of 2

Amber Ruffin is a highly sort after Photographer with proven results. She’s the Powerhouse behind Amber’s Photography, one of the leading Photography Studios in the nation nested in the state of Mississippi. For ten years in a row, Amber’s Photography has been voted “Best of Photographer” in the Commercial Dispatch by the Reader’s Choice. Her team is passionate about what they do and always strive to give the best experience.

“If there is one thing I want everyone to know about me when they leave this website that is I LOVE my job and life. Photography has been my passion since I was a young girl. I received my first camera when I was in the ninth grade, a Canon Rebel film. It was love at first click. I went on to photographing several of my High School Senior classmates for their Graduating pictures. At this moment in my life I knew this is what I was meant to do. Making memories for families, watching a family grow, capturing that youthful yet energetic look in High school seniors and the first kiss to a start in a couple’s life. I want families to have something so much more than just a picture to hang on the wall. I want them to have a part of life that was frozen in time captured on film. Art. Love. Color. Style. I started this business in August 2002 and each year I feel more and more passionate about what I do!” – Amber Ruffin

Connect with this working mother and capture memories to last a lifetime:

Website: http://www.ambersphotogallery.com
Facebook: @ambersphotographycaledonia
Instagram: Amber’s Photography
Ardre Orie is a celebrity ghostwriter, book publishing expert, playwright, film director and CEO of 13th

Ardre Orie | CEO – 13th & Joan Publishing House | Celebrity Ghost Writer - VH1, MTV, WETV | - Working Mother of 3

Ardre Orie is a celebrity ghostwriter, book publishing expert, playwright, film director and CEO of 13th & Joan Publishing House, a minority owned leading media and publishing firm comprised of a staff of women. Orie has written for a host of clients including VH1, MTV, WETV, BRAVO, CENTRIC, YouTube, Grammy Award winning artists, the sports and entertainment industries as well as a bevy of entrepreneurs and everyday heroes.

As the product of a single parent home and childhood survivor of domestic violence, Ardre recognized that there was great power in the transparency of her pain through storytelling. Her goal as a media maven is to create platforms and media that allow the voices of those who have suffered from oppressive circumstances to be heard and to create meaningful media that feeds our souls and sheds light on our experiences.

Orie began her career as an author telling the stories of women in her local community at age 10. As author of Consciously Beautiful: I Am Enough (2014), A Heroine in Heels (2015) and Let Your Lips Speak Life (2017); writer and director of the theatrical productions Lipstick Monologues and The Heart of a Man; and film director of the documentary I Am Consciously Beautiful, Ardre Orie’s work sheds light on life’s experiences while closely examining the effects of mainstream media and societal norms that have defined our journeys and self-worth.

In 2015, Orie founded 13th & Joan, a multimedia publishing agency to provide a vehicle for aspiring authors, playwrights and film directors to tell their stories and distribute them on a large scale with her support and guidance. In this capacity, Orie has coached hundreds of aspiring writers across the finish line to become published authors. Orie continues to thrive as the “Queen of Storytelling” while creating a rich legacy of love.

Ardre Orie currently resides in Chicago, Illinois with her husband and two daughters and a loving son in college.

Connect with this working mother and tell you story

Website: http://13thandjoan.com
Facebook: Ardre Orie
Instagram: Queen of Storytelling; @iamardreorie; @13thandjoan
Eurykah Fon Ndumu is the CEO and lead designer at Asheris Event Planning and Design Services, a billion dollar event planning and world class event production company. She’s the founder of the No Mami Pikin Left Behind movement, derived from a West African pidgin phrase which translates to “mothers will not be left behind.” Through this platform Eurykah is empowering women globally to believe in themselves enough to follow their dreams, which led to the birth of her first book, “Mamipikin Talks - A Safe Space To Be You.” Her biggest goal is promoting a culture where women feel unlimited while striving to become the best versions of themselves. Eurykah is constantly seen hosting first class events such as “Mami Pikin Talks” and AEPDS Bridal Academy, an intimate, fun and elegant platform for all women who plan on having a wedding in their lifetime. Eurykah is the recipient of the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year bestowed by Next Generation Entertainment Awards. “I put together life changing events for a living. I love touching people through events. It is my way of serving God and giving him honor for the gift of life. I strive to serve in a capacity that leaves a positive impact. With the help of esteemed vendors and an efficient team I am able to bring life into any space I am blessed to fill.” – Eutykah Ndumu Is Eurykah the planner/designer for your next event or life moment? Connect with this working mother: Website: www.aepds.com Facebook: @aepdsbridalacademy; Eurykah Fon Ndumu Instagram: Eurykah Fon-Ndumu; @nomamipikinleftbehind

Euryka Fon Ndumu | CEO & Lead Designer – Asheris Event Panning & Design Services | Founder – No Mami Pikin Left Behind | Author | Speaker | Serial Entrepreneur - Working Mother of 4

Eurykah Fon Ndumu is the CEO and lead designer at Asheris Event Planning and Design Services, a billion dollar event planning and world class event production company. She’s the founder of the No Mami Pikin Left Behind movement, derived from a West African pidgin phrase which translates to “mothers will not be left behind.” Through this platform Eurykah is empowering women globally to believe in themselves enough to follow their dreams, which led to the birth of her first book, “Mamipikin Talks – A Safe Space To Be You.” Her biggest goal is promoting a culture where women feel unlimited while striving to become the best versions of themselves. Eurykah is constantly seen hosting first class events such as “Mami Pikin Talks” and AEPDS Bridal Academy, an intimate, fun and elegant platform for all women who plan on having a wedding in their lifetime. Eurykah is the recipient of the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year bestowed by Next Generation Entertainment Awards.

“I put together life changing events for a living. I love touching people through events. It is my way of serving God and giving him honor for the gift of life. I strive to serve in a capacity that leaves a positive impact. With the help of esteemed vendors and an efficient team I am able to bring life into any space I am blessed to fill.” – Eutykah Ndumu


Is Eurykah the planner/designer for your next event or life moment?

Connect with this working mother:

Website: www.aepds.com
Facebook: @aepdsbridalacademy; Eurykah Fon Ndumu
Instagram: Eurykah Fon-Ndumu; @nomamipikinleftbehind
“I transform married women and soon-to-be married women into happy, successful wives.” - LB Wife-to-Derek and Coach-to-Wives, Lakia “LB” Brandenburg is The Wife Coach. She is a two-time author who is committed to helping women (who are married or planning-to-be) to know the difference between being a "married" woman and being a dynamic wife. LB empowers women to get rid of the fairytale syndrome and create a more realistic vision for their marriage and role as a wife. By tapping into The Power of the "P," and knowing when to "Tame Your Tongue," her clients are taught how to live the "happy wife life" and create their own Picture Perfect marriage. According to studies by the American Psychology Association, 40-50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce. There is no doubt that Lakia’s services are much needed and well sort after. LB offers her personal wife coaching sessions to women who are seriously dating, courting, engaged or have been married for 10 years or less. For the unmarried, the sessions are designed to educate and prepare you to become the wife you desire to be. For the married, you’ll learn how to create the marriage you want and live the happy wife life. “Raised in the suburban-area of Hyattsville, Maryland, my first example of marriage was in an unhealthy, unhappy relationship with my now divorced parents. When it came to love in a marriage, it had nothing to do with my father both physically and mentally abusing my mother. This experience left a lasting impression that marriage was everything but a fairytale. But my perception of love and marriage changed when I discovered that marriage is what you create it to be. I met the man that would later become my real-life prince charming and discovered that I had the power to write my own love story. Your story can be Picture Perfect, too.” – LB Married or planning to be, connect with this working mother and experience the happy wife life Website: https://www.lakiabrandenburg.com Facebook: Lakia Brandenburg Instagram: Lakia “LB” Brandenburg; @thewifecoach “I think if you love what you do, and the choice you’ve made in your life, somehow that drives you forward to enjoy it all. Even the chaos, even the exhaustion of it, and even when it seems out of balance” – Angelina Jolie; Actress/Mother of 6

Lakia “LB” Brandenburg | Transformational Coach to Wives & Soon-to-be Wives | Speaker | Event Host & Facilitator | Speaker | NBC; The Huffington Post; Rolling Out - Working Mother of 2

“I transform married women and soon-to-be married women into happy, successful wives.” – LB

Wife-to-Derek and Coach-to-Wives, Lakia “LB” Brandenburg is The Wife Coach. She is a two-time author who is committed to helping women (who are married or planning-to-be) to know the difference between being a “married” woman and being a dynamic wife. LB empowers women to get rid of the fairytale syndrome and create a more realistic vision for their marriage and role as a wife. By tapping into The Power of the “P,” and knowing when to “Tame Your Tongue,” her clients are taught how to live the “happy wife life” and create their own Picture Perfect marriage.

According to studies by the American Psychology Association, 40-50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce. There is no doubt that Lakia’s services are much needed and well sort after. LB offers her personal wife coaching sessions to women who are seriously dating, courting, engaged or have been married for 10 years or less. For the unmarried, the sessions are designed to educate and prepare you to become the wife you desire to be. For the married, you’ll learn how to create the marriage you want and live the happy wife life.

“Raised in the suburban-area of Hyattsville, Maryland, my first example of marriage was in an unhealthy, unhappy relationship with my now divorced parents. When it came to love in a marriage, it had nothing to do with my father both physically and mentally abusing my mother. This experience left a lasting impression that marriage was everything but a fairytale. But my perception of love and marriage changed when I discovered that marriage is what you create it to be. I met the man that would later become my real-life prince charming and discovered that I had the power to write my own love story. Your story can be Picture Perfect, too.” – LB

Married or planning to be, connect with this working mother and experience the happy wife life

Website: https://www.lakiabrandenburg.com
Facebook: Lakia Brandenburg
Instagram: Lakia “LB” Brandenburg; @thewifecoach


“I think if you love what you do, and the choice you’ve made in your life, somehow that drives you forward to enjoy it all. Even the chaos, even the exhaustion of it, and even when it seems out of balance” – Angelina Jolie; Actress/Mother of 6
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