Q: What does it mean to you to “have it all”?
It means to me that you have success or are striving for success in all aspects of your life.
Q: Do you think you “have it all”?
Yes, I do feel like it have it all. On the hard days, I just have to remind myself that I have my health, my family and our business. Hard days just make me stronger which allows me to become even more successful.
Q: Can you tell me the story of how you started your company? What was the “aha” moment (and any challenges/risks you overcame) when you realized that you had a real business?
We (my husband and I) chose to invest in an Anago Cleaning Systems Master Franchise after several months of due diligence. We looked at a variety of opportunities, and this model fit our business background the best. At that point, my husband and I got married, moved across the country and started a business – all within 6 months.
The real aha moments come when a Franchise Owner starts their business with Anago, and they tell me thank you so much for helping me take control my own destiny by starting a business. They get financial stability and are able to buy the car of their dreams or start the family they’ve always wanted. It is a very rewarding feeling.
Q: What does a typical day look like? Do you have any morning rituals?
My day starts early with exercise to clear my mind. Then I take care of getting our twin daughters ready for their day and take them to school. I then start my day at Anago by reviewing reports of our progress and getting a goal in mind for the day. Most days I try to accomplish three small goals on my to do list in the first hour. This helps me feel like I am making traction on the never ending to do list. From there I try to touch every one of my staff members that are in the office to ensure their day is going to be great.
Q: How do you balance your work life, with your family life? What does childcare look like for you? How old are your children?
This is a constant struggle, and I’m not sure there is a complete “balance”. Some days my family needs me more, and sometime the business needs me more. I do my best to shut down my business when I am spending quality time with my family. This shows them that I am present, and they are the most important thing at that moment. Now that my twin girls are 4 years old they go to a daycare center every day.
Q: What strategies have you used to accommodate the demands of work and family?
My mantra is from a Tony Robbins quote “Don’t try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human.” I have it right above my computer screen so I’m reminded everyday to take risks and know they might not all go as planned, but know I am always able to adjust on the fly.
Q: What is the biggest struggle you encounter trying to balance both? How do you deal with it?
My biggest struggle is having enough time to do it all. I lean on a support staff of family and friends to help me when I run out of time. An example is my girls go to swim lessons every week. I can’t always get there every week, but my mom is always there and I show up as much as I can. With my Mom’s support, I know my girls can look forward to their ritual of swimming every week.
Q: What is your priority list in terms of family, business, mental health, physical health, etc?
Mental Health, Family, Business, Physical Health
Q: What are you most proud of in your professional life?
About 6 months ago I was promoted to President of our business, overseeing all aspects of our business. Operations and accounting functions have always been my specialty as I’m not a natural “sales person”, but I’ve proved people wrong by showing them that I can, in fact, lead a team of wonderful people. My employees have all risen to the occasion as well. The overall health of our company is the best it has ever been, and I’m proud to say I’m the leader of that success.
Q: What are you most proud of in your personal life?
I’m most proud of my twin girls, keeping a close relationship with God and the fact that I’ve learned to not be afraid of any challenges that come my way.
Q: Do you have any mentors/people that have inspired how you live? Who are they?
My God Mother is my hero. I lived near her when I was in college, and I got to see firsthand a female successfully running a business. She has always inspired me to start my own business. She also inspired me to always keep participating in activities that bring me happiness, including tennis.
Q: What is your favorite book? Any book recommendations?
I always get inspired by Tony Robbins books. I don’t always find time to read, so I typically listen to books while I’m driving in the car on flying in a plane. Awaken the Giant Within is one of my all-time favorites.
Q: What has enabled you to run your business while raising your children?
I didn’t have children until we had the business for several years, so for me it was all about timing. We got the business as stable as possible before I entertained having children. Also, my great employees that surround me have helped make this dream possible as they can help me should I need to stop and take care of a sick child.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to women who are trying to live their dream of having it all, what would it be?
Believe in yourself. Women are so strong and preservere more than they ever think they can. Don’t believe what others think of you. Only believe what you know you can do, and then it’s up to you to do it. It’s not always easy. As my Uncle says, “you never learn from successes. You only grow and learn from failures.”