Celebrating YOU!
Work at home moms taking super mom to t next level
Vera Raposo
The entrepreneurial spirit has always been strong in Vera Raposo. From owning 5 retail stores in her early 20's to starting her own online biz in 2004. This veteran WAHM's journey has been one of adventure, excitement & blessings. FW Magazine Editor Stacee Schmidt-Cottrell spoke w/ her about what's next on her horizon.
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Tell me about you.
I'm a mother of 3 super duper kids, I'm a Christian and very involved with my wonderful church. I enjoy living my life for others & living a solid & happy life. My business just adds joy to my life, I love what I do helping women entrepreneurs life the life & biz of their dreams. It's incredibly rewarding!
What did you do BEFORE you became a WAHM?
I worked within my retail stores, which I loved however I was a work-a-holic, so I'm thankful to have a business that ADDS to my life, not one that TAKES from me.
Why did you decide to become a WAHM?
The long hours I was working was just crazy, I missed my kids desperately & I had no creativity outlet. I felt stunted, like there was no further to climb.
What is the best part of working from home?
Definitely the freedom to set my own schedule so I can be around for my kids & live a healthy lifestyle. One that includes nourishing my soul, spirit &mind.
What do you like the least?
I get the odd day where I feel like I could sleep for hours, probably that. It's always a very unproductive day but maybe that's exactly what I need sometimes. I guess I'm just not used to NOT doing something.
What would you tell someone who wants to work at home, but doesn’t think they could?
I'd say, get over it, you can! Yes you can baby! You just need to start dreaming for your life, there's NO reset button, we all know that. Don't let your ideas, creativity & dreams rest & die off, live your life & the biz of your dreams & do it now! That means, get to work ;)
What is something I wish I knew before starting as
a WAHM?
I guess how lonely it can get, it's important to stay connected with others outside of the home. Get around people that uplift you & you have FUN with, also enjoy time outside of the home & do ONE thing weekly for yourself, something that excites you. You will come back feeling alive & refreshed.
Do you see yourself still WAH in 5 years from now?
You betcha! I look forward to having crazy growth & truly living the life of my own dreams. I have goals that I want to reach in business and in my life.
What advice do you offer new WAH moms?
Don't expect to see results right away, create something that makes your heart sing and your pocket book soar. You & only you know the true talent & love that you have to give to the world, do it and get 'er done.
Do you think more companies should offer the opportunity to work from home?
Yes absolutely! I think they would get a ton of work done. I'm currently reading "The 4 Hour Work Week" over again & I can tell ya, people can get TONS done in a matter of a couple of hours. Something to think about!
What myths do you want to debunk about being
a WAHM?
That we sit in our jammies all day long. ;) Although we can, the seasoned WAHM knows to the core of her being that those days can't last & to feel good about yourself, your life & your biz it takes feeling GOOD & showered.
What is the toughest part of being a work from home mom?
I'd say the toughest part for me was at first having my family & friends actually acknowledge my business & not think they can call me all day long or drop by my house. I think that's covered pretty good now because a lot of times I don't even work out of my home at all.
Is it hard for you to keep your work & home
life separate?
Not really, there's a schedule in place so when my daughter is home, the work goes away. However when I'm on my own & she's at her Dad's I tend to go overboard, I'm always working on that.
What do people say when you tell them you work
at home?
It used to be a look of confusion but when I meet new people these days, they seem to just accept it & think that's great. It's just another way of making a living, everyone chooses their own path. None being better than the other, I know people who are very happy working at a regular job.
Anything else you would like to add?
I think it's important for people to recognize that you CAN do anything you want in this life & you CAN have the biz & life of your dreams. It's possible, I'm living it & loving it!!!