MMIA Magazine - Million Moms In Action Magazine August/September 2014 | Page 53

20 mogul moms The Startup strategist “The first time I declared I’d be a successful business woman I was 10 years old. The spark was lit after selling the most chocolate bars in my grade. I was clear that I wanted to run the show, I just wasn’t sure what.” MMIA: When did you decide to become an entrepreneur? LANIER: The first time I declared I’d be a successful business woman I was 10 years old. The spark was lit after selling the most chocolate bars in my grade. I was clear that I wanted to run the show I just wasn’t sure what. As an adult after throwing parties in NYC I decided event planning would be the start of my entrepreneurial endeavors. Every job until I was 25yrs old was for funding purposes only until I launched MCPR. MMIA: How long did it take you to go from business idea to actually seeing income? LANIER: 3 months MMIA: Do you ever regret your decision to become a full-time entrepreneur? LANIER: NO! Deciding to become an entrepreneur has been the best decision of my life. Let’s be clear, it hasn’t been all roses. I‘ve experienced some serious life challenges that have strengthened my character and taught me to be resilient. I was homeless for 6 weeks with my then 18month old daughter; I’ve lost clients and countless opportunities during my first year of being a new mom with minimal support to attend and travel as much as the clients needed. My personal relationships have been tested whether it was friends, family or boyfriends. Some made it while others are currently experiencing life without me. You know what though? It’s ok and so am I. Sacrifice is the name of the game, you have to make the decision that no matter what comes your way you will keep pushing. No matter how bad things have appeared to be I always felt like it was too soon to quit. I’ve put in way too much work to stop now and my future self is depending on me. MMIA: How do you balance the roles of mommy and entrepreneur? LANIER: Ha, I ‘m still waiting for the right answer. Balance will always have a different look and meaning for everyone. It’s something I work towards every day, some days are easier than others but the biggest thing I can say that has worked thus far is planning. Ming is 4yrs old now, so simple things like ironing her clothes for the week on a Sunday works best for me. Waking up at 5:30am every morning preparing a to-do-list and reviewing the day before to make sure I completed all task. Setting realistic goals can also be very helpful because no one is more of a critic of me than I am. August /September 2014 MMIA: How do your children feel about mommy being an entrepreneur? LANIER: Ming doesn’t quite understand fully what mommy does as of yet, but she has no problems telling me mommy put your phone down or mommy close your laptop. When that happens I know she needs her time so I oblige her because her bedtime is 8pm even on weekends so I could get back to work or just get some quiet time. MMIA: Take us through a typical day in your life. LANIER: • 5:30am up reviewing & preparing my to do list • 6:1 5am wake Ming up and breakfast