MMIA Magazine - Million Moms In Action Magazine August/September 2014 | Page 37

20 mogul moms The internet Diva “I was tired of being micromanaged, tired of not being appreciated and not able to live a better life.” MMIA: When did you decide to become an entrepreneur? CHONTATE: I decided to become an entrepreneur when I just got tired of working for someone else, point blank! I was tired of being micromanaged, tired of not being appreciated and not able to live a better life. MMIA: How long did it take you to go from business idea to actually seeing income? CHONTATE: Well, I must admit, it took some months before I saw any kind of income. When I started this entrepreneur thing, I just jumped into the business blind as a bat! I was good at selling the pitch, but sucked at closing the deal. I just knew I wanted to make a change in my life and had crazy faith, but as soon as I connected with a mentor that is when I start seeing income. MMIA: Do you ever regret your decision to become a full-time entrepreneur? CHONTATE: No, I do not regret my decision. Now, have the enemy tried to have me second guess myself? Yes. I had to do what was right for my family as a whole and hope that my thrive and determination as an entrepreneur, it will teach my kids to become great entrepreneurs themselves. MMIA: How do you balance the roles of mommy and entrepreneur? CHONTATE: Sometimes it can become overwhelming especially with both my youngest son and granddaughter, who are 5 years and 3 months apart, demanding my attention. Especially, now that it is summertime, all of my kids constantly want to go to the pool, park or any outdoor activity. I usually tried to finished majority of my work by 3pm, then spend time with them, then do some more work when they are sleeping at night. MMIA: How do your children feel about mommy being an entrepreneur? CHONTATE: My kids love it until they want to do something or ask me fifteen thousand questions and I can’t give my full undivided attention to them because mommy is working. I used to work night shifts 7p-7a at the hospital and my kids would wish that I could just stay home with them. Recently, I went shopping with my kids at the mall and when they were finished spending up all my money, I said to them, ok, you all have officially broke me. By that time, my email notifications on my cellphone was coming through back to back and my daughter replied, momma listen you making more money right now, remembered you’re branded. You’re the Internet Diva Mom! MMIA: Take us through a typical day in your life. CHONTATE: • 7-7:30 am Feeding and walking our family dog • 7:30-8am Reading the Bible and prayer time • 8-9am walking and jogging •1 0am -until checking emails, responding to completed applications, follow-up calls, scheduling interviews, networking • 12-1pm make kids lunch and lay them down for a nap some more work • *4pm spend quality time with the children • *6pm cook dinner, • *8pm cleaning kitchen • *9pm conference calls on certain days and bedtime for the kids except my 16 year old. • *1 0pm -until grinding MMIA: What’s your advice to working moms who are on the fence about becoming an entrepreneur? CHONTATE: As for me being a Christian, I will always say write your vision and plans down and take it to God. Ask Him what are the plans he has for you. If you are in fear, ask God to help remove your fear and build up your faith. Write down your goals and make yourself accountable for them. Make sure you have the right motives for becoming an entrepreneur because it is not just all about money, but definitely about being a blessing to others. Chontate Brown Instagram: @chontateb Twitter: @internetdivamom August /September 2014 Subscribe at mmiamagazine.com | 37