Journey To Motherhood, my first year being a mother.
We haven't featured a journey in ages! Today we have Beza who owns an online consignment shop, Bizu.
Name: Beza Blouin
Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia, though I'm originally from Addis Ababa. But since my parents live in Alexandria, that's my hometown.
How long have you've been living in Brooklyn?
Three years.
Occupation:
Aspiring entrepreneur, but for now, I have a stable day job in corporate America that I also really enjoy.
When did you first become a mother?
July 21 2011 at 4:57 pm.
Before becoming a mother, what did you know about motherhood?
Very little. And I'm not a researcher either so I didn't read up much on it. It was all a big surprise.
Was the reality close to your personal image/idea?
Being a parent is a tough job and I thought it would be a breeze. I guess it's only when you're experiencing it for yourself that you really understand what it's all about. It's also been fulfilling, and from that perspective, it's blown away my expectations. My little girl brings me more joy than I ever imagined possible.
How would you describe the first year especially since you went back to work after a few months of maternity leave?
That first year was a blur. Between work and "mothering," I was definitely pushing myself. I was also part of a very close knit community that had frequent daytime gatherings that I couldn't be a part of which was hard. I know I was lucky though because my boss allowed me to work from home pretty frequently. It's the little things that matter and I think it was very helpful for me to work for someone who was family oriented as well.
Tell us more about your new baby - Bizu Brooklyn?
Bizu Brooklyn is a high end, online children's & maternity consignment store. I was inspired by this amazing community in Brooklyn, and more specifically Williamsburg, and wanted to give moms outside of Brooklyn a chance to partake in our amazing culture of sharing. I am also catering to moms like me who have limited time and do all our shopping online!
How do you juggle your work schedule especially since you launched a new business?
As Nell Merlino, President and CEO of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence once told me, if you don't have time to do it all, outsource! Elance has been a great source of talent as has my own community right here in Williamsburg.
Did you have a support system near by?
Yes! The summer 2011 Hui Group, the one my daughter & I belong to, is very active. In fact, there are a number of other aspiring entrepreneurs in that group, and they've all been very supportive. Of course, my husband is also a great source of inspiration and motivation.
Tips for new moms?
It gets easier! I would sing the refrain from the Leona Lewis song to myself, "It'll all get better in time," over & over. Being a new mom is tough but it gets easier and it passes in a flash. Take the time to enjoy what you can, and when things get tough, just remember that that phase will end soon. This is a good reminder for me too because the terrible twos have been...eh...terrible. Say it with me, "it'll all get better in time."
Have a journey you'd like to share? Email us at motherburg@gmail.com
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.