The Entrepreneurial Mom
September 25th, 2009
Come meet Mary E. Davis, author of “THE ENTREPRENEURIAL MOM.” She is living the life of her dreams and here to share her story with us, welcome Mary!
Tell us about the path you traveled to arrive where you are today:
In 1992, after filling-in for my husband’s business as an office manager for over a year, I decided I was ready for a change ~ and a challenge! I’d pursued journalism in college, then obtained my Florida real estate license and sold real estate for a year after my marriage, because the market was profitable in those times. But, after watching my husband run his own successful business, I knew I wanted to experience ‘entrepreneurship’ for myself! I jumped in with both feet and started a flooring company basically to ‘fill a need’ in our area. At the time, I literally knew NOTHING about flooring, so it was a HUGE challenge for me! But, I’d always loved a good challenge! I ended up learning about the flooring industry AND about running a business at the same time. Plus, it was widely considered then that ‘flooring’ was a ‘man’s business,’ which made things even tougher at times! My path to entrepreneurial success was uphill on many days! Then, less than six months into my business, we got the news that our daughter was on the way! This was a huge blessing, but also presented another hurdle for my new business! Somehow, I made it through, and now I realize that those early days only made me stronger and let me see what I can accomplish!
What kept you moving forward on the days things were not going exactly the way you were hoping they would?
I literally COULD NOT falter in the early days of my business! Failure was not an option! I had a new business, a new house and was starting a new family. It was really rough on some days, but I just took each day, one at a time, and trudged onward. I frequently reminded myself that ‘if it were easy, then everyone would own a business!’
What piece of advice would you give to someone who has decided they would like to live in a world of their own creation?
I’d suggest that they familiarize themselves fully with that world! Explore it thoroughly and have a plan. AND, have an exit plan ~ just in case! (Most business owners will agree that their ‘plan’ changes, at times, to meet the different needs of the company AND the owners, but that’s okay, too. A plan can always be re-worked, and is used as a guide to keep a business owner on track and focused.) Next, if possible, don’t quit the security of a job until the new business is off the ground. And, pay off any personal debts, if possible, before starting a business……..there ARE lean times, at first, and being a business owner has some uncertainties in the beginning. Remove any possible stressors from your life before starting a business. And finally, have a frank discussion with your spouse or significant other about what they can expect……….as a new business owner, you will work more hours than every before in your life, because you HAVE to do whatever it takes. Make sure all concerned are ready for the upcoming changes and challenges ~ both financially and within your personal relationships. All relationships can’t stand the stress and demands of a new business.
What special things do you do for yourself daily to maintain your momentum and energy levels?
I simply take an hour every day, just for myself, after I get my kids off to school. I may only read the daily paper with a cup of coffee; check my e-mail; or organize my day’s schedule. That hour lets me re-group, so that I feel organized and it keeps me from being overwhelmed the rest of the day, so that I’m more efficient and effective.
If you could spend 3 days on a deserted island with two people of your choosing, who would they be and why?
I’d definitely spend the three days with my husband of 20 years! My favorite times are when we’re out of touch with the ‘real world,’ and our businesses can’t reach us on our cell phones! It took me about ten years as a business owner to realize that I could take a few days off and my business wouldn’t suffer without me! When my business was strong enough, I was finally able to ‘let go’ and it was the best thing in the world for me!
And, because I can’t choose between my two children, I’d have to insist that I take them on a ‘package deal’ to that island! I love spending one-on-one time with my 13-year old son and 15-year old daughter and ‘tuning in’ to what’s going on in their worlds. Whenever we get the chance to spend time together, I always find myself totally in awe of the people they’re becoming! We travel a lot, but our whole family agrees that our best vacation spot is a 100-year old farmhouse in the mountains in Virginia that we visit for a week each year. There’s no cell phone reception and my husband and I spend time hiking, talking, fishing and relaxing with the kids ~ some of our best memories have been made at that simple farmhouse in the middle of Nowhere! I’m sure a deserted island would offer the same simplicity and one-on-one time!
What is your favorite reading material and what gives it that special place in your heart?
I am currently writing four new books, so I choose NOT to read other authors’ works at this time, so that I write ‘with my own voice.’ I like to spend time WRITING my own books. (In the early days of my business though, I read a LOT of books on management, business, marketing, developing ‘people skills,’ etc. On our annual ski vacation, I always made it a priority to visit The Unicorn Bookstore in Aspen and find a few books that I’d eagerly devour!)
Who has inspired you and what is it about them that you found inspirational?
Thankfully, my inspiration is next to me every day ~ my own husband! I was SO lucky that in the early days of my business I had my husband, Jerry, as my mentor. Not only is he an incredible businessperson, he has the best ‘people skills’ of anyone I’ve ever met. His positive attitude is contagious to those around him.
What do you see in your future?
While I still run my retail flooring business of 17 years, I truly enjoy speaking to women’s groups on the topics of entrepreneurship and the life balance skills needed to juggle their dual roles as ‘business owner’ and ‘Mom.’ And, I’m pursuing my love of writing by writing my own books ~ PLUS I’m ghostwriting several books for others too! (For me, ‘writing is relaxing!’)
Where is your favorite place in the world to spend time, what is special to you about this location?
We travel a great deal, both in the US and abroad. Our family loves to visit a 100-year old farmhouse in Virginia. The cell phones don’t get reception in the mountains and we can just detach and enjoy time with our kids, uninterrupted by the ‘real world!’ We hike; fish; sit under the stars and roast marshmallows at a bonfire; pick apples then apple bake pies; and just do the simple things that we don’t always have time for at home! We always leave that little farmhouse feeling relaxed and refreshed AND looking forward to our NEXT visit ~ the sign of a good vacation, in my book!
Who has been your greatest support system and how have they shown you their support?
My husband is a major support system, both with his personal support and his professional business advice. And, my best friend of over 30 years, Renata, is my other steadfast supporter. Every woman needs a ‘best girlfriend’ to confide in; bounce things off of; and commiserate with, at times! She and I like to take a long ‘girls weekend’ once or twice a year and get together with another close friend of 30 years, Virginia. (We usually spend so much time talking that we are literally hoarse by the end of our visit! )
What / who are you most thankful for and why?
I’m definitely most thankful for my family. My world is SO full because I share it with my husband and our two, great kids! Life is good!
What is your favorite way to contribute or give back?
I’ve always strived to ensure that my children realize how fortunate our family is………..but, I also let them know that ‘they’ll get out of life what they’re willing to put into it’ and that they are in control of their own destiny. I’ve always insisted that we recognize the needs of others. I knew my kids were ‘getting that message’ last November when my son organized a ‘jacket drive’ for the needy and collected 327 coats and jackets for the less fortunate. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, he and his best friend took the jackets to a homeless shelter and gave them out to anyone in need. Being face to face with people in need really put things in perspective. When we drove home, Jared said, “Mom, I’ll always remember this day.”
Please share the top three things you feel people would benefit from doing if they truly desire to create the life of their dreams?
1) Have a plan. I like to remind people that they wouldn’t start out on a trip without a roadmap, therefore, they should have a PLAN ~ and the old adage still rings true: “If you fail to PLAN, you plan to fail!”
2) When starting a business, select one in which you can utilize not only your expertise, but one in which you’ll be doing what you love! If you love what you do, you never really WORK a day in your life!
3) Never stop learning! The most successful entrepreneurs I know literally can’t get enough of LEARNING. Constantly strive to LEARN new things. Take every opportunity to educate yourself both within your industry and in general. Information is power!
Anything I missed that you would like to share?
I’d suggest that anyone who is successful in building their own business should also take time help new entrepreneurs. Small businesses are the backbone of our country. As successful business owners, we have an obligation to help others, as they, too, pursue their dreams of entrepreneurship.
What products and services do you offer to assist others on their journey?
My book, THE ENTREPRENEURIAL MOM: Managing for Success in Your Home and Your Business, is available at major bookstores and at www.amazon.com .
I also speak to groups about the benefits of entrepreneurship and the life balance skills women need today as they try to be both ‘business owner’ and ‘Mom,’ in their quest to ‘have it all!’ I wrote my book in 2007 to help other women get over the hurdles they’ll face in their own businesses!
Thank you for taking the time to share your story with our readers. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes, visit amazon.com and pick up Mary’s book today!
Be healthy, be focused and be the best you that you can possibly be!
In gratitude,
Caryn Gottlieb FitzGerald
Pick up a copy of my latest book here!
If what you just read inspired, motivated or touched you in any way, don’t miss another post…click here to subscribe to my RSS feed
Caryn Gottlieb FitzGerald has been a network marketer and connector since 1990. She is a published author, her passion is writing and she spends much of her free time meditating and connecting with like minded individuals. Caryn walked away from Corporate America in 2003, she continues to achieve the goals she sets for herself and has created the life of her dreams. Today, Caryn assists others in creating the lifestyles they desire through network marketing, privately owned businesses and spiritual lifestyle coaching. Ready to move forward in your life?
Connect with Caryn at: http://www.carynfitzgerald.com/contact.htm
Or on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/carynfitzgerald
EmbracingMyJourney L.L.C. was created by Caryn FitzGerald in 2008.
Caryn, known as "The Manifesting Queen" is a motivational columnist, speaker and writer, she has been featured in and published several books, including "Tulips In The Sand" "Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans" “Manifest Success” “Visual Arts Junction Interviews” & “Online Marketing Success Stories..."
Caryn is a domestic violence survivor who has triumphed over a 10-year battle with anorexia and bulimia. She is a wife, mother, writer, speaker, blogger, coach and a health food enthusiast Click to connect with Caryn at her website Or click here to get inspired by her latest ebook “Living the Life of My Dreams” There may be paid links on this page, click here to read the blog disclaimer.
If you enjoyed this post, click here to receive a little motivation in your inbox each day!!
