Being a mom is tough. I don’t know if anyone would disagree. Add being the owner of a business on top of that, and you basically have to be Superwoman. These following super women are local mompreneurs who are sharing the highlights (and difficulties) of being a mom and business owner.
Jerrika Brown
The Browns Agency
#1096 1135 South Main Street 215, Bowling Green
501-482-1052
Tell us about your consulting agency.
My name is Jerrika Brown, and I’m the CEO of the Browns Business Consulting Agency. We are a full-service business consulting agency specializing in branding and marketing, business development, and growth strategies for small to medium-sized companies. We work with celebrities such as Kerwin Claborn, and Mike and Kyra Epps, offering project management services for their brands.
Why did you decide to start this business?
In 2015, fresh out of college with a degree in Business Management with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship, I wanted to launch my first business at the top of 2016 to ensure my business would be successful. I sought advice from people who were already operational in their businesses, but to my surprise, no one I reached out to would help me.
I went ahead and jumped into my first business, Elegant Photography Company. I began studying and researching to understand small business development even more. It was a process, but I asked questions, went to classes, and did everything I could to ensure I could operate this business correctly. I became the person people came to for advice. I would give them the knowledge I didn’t have when I started because I enjoyed being a resource to my community.
In 2018 a friend of mine came to me and asked if I would teach entrepreneurship classes for the community. Full of excitement, I went to my notebook, where I kept all the notes I’d collected for the past six years, and I came up with 11 topics that new business owners needed to know. We launched two sessions in 2019; the first had 15 participants, and the second grew to 55 participants. After completing the class, those business owners returned wanting additional help, and to fulfill their needs, I created The Browns Business Consulting Agency. Doing what I love is how my business came about. To this day, I strive to be the light I didn’t have when I first started my company.
What is the best part about being both a mom and a business owner?
The best part of being a mom and a business owner is the example I’m setting for his future. My son always tells me he’s proud of me, which makes me feel amazing as a mom. He watches my every move while learning about how a business works. He now wants to start his own company at ten years old. Seeing him soak up the knowledge I give him is the best feeling in the world.
What is the most difficult part about being both a mom and business owner?
The worst part is ensuring you have a healthy work-life balance and having good time management skills to meet deadlines and spend time with your family. Work-life balance was easy for me when I first started my company. I used to say, “Give me five more minutes,” when my son wanted to watch a movie, but five turned into ten, and then before I knew it, another two hours went by. It took me a while to grasp, but I spent a lot of quality time with my son once I did.
What advice would you give to other moms who are interested in starting their own business?
The most extensive advice I could offer new moms is to give yourself grace and to know you don’t have to do everything right now. I would also tell new moms to start their business with healthy boundaries for their mental health and family, setting working and call-back hours. Implementing these two will allow the services you promised your clients to get done and the love your family deserves.
419 Q&A:
Where is your favorite go-to location in Toledo to unwind after a long day?
Toledo Botanical Gardens.
What do you think is Toledo’s best spot to visit with kids?
My son loves Fifth Third Field.
What’s something you say so often that your kid(s) can quote you?
“Everybody wants to be successful, but no one wants to put the time in.” -Kevin Hart
Krystal Rosser
Krystal Rosser419-901-7529
Tell us what your business is all about.
A Clean Experience, LLC (ACE) is a commercial and residential cleaning company servicing Toledo and surrounding areas.
Why did you decide to start this business?
ACE was started due to not being able to maintain employment and not having adequate daycare for my son. As a result of finding God and overcoming adversity, I want to help others.
What is the best part about being both a mom and business owner?
The freedom you have not having a set schedule! As a single mother, everything falls on me regarding our life, and things can change at the drop of a dime. Moving around freely without being time-bound helps me stay focused.
What is the most difficult part about being both a mom and business owner?
Developing bad eating habits. Not being able to access healthier food choices on-the-go really hurts my figure!
What advice would you give to other moms who are interested in starting their own business?
Go for it! God [gave me] the idea of me starting my own business, and I didn’t believe him. I was scared! I found myself sitting in doubt because I thought I wasn’t ready for the responsibility. Starting a business is no walk in the park. You gotta put in a lot of work, but it is definitely worth it in the end.
419 Q&A:
Where is your favorite go-to location in Toledo to unwind after a long day?
Home! After being out in public all day interacting with people and being overstimulated I just want quiet time with my child.
What do you think is Toledo’s best spot to visit with kids?
Urban air! We get our cardio in, and it’s fun.
What’s something you say so often that your kid can quote you?
Don’t give up! He likes playing games, but he doesn’t lose very well, and then wants to quit. Don’t give up, keep trying!
Ronnasia Hopings
Ronnasia HopingsThe Tax Joint, LLC
Tell our readers about The Tax Joint.
I have a tax firm that specializes in personal and small business tax returns. I help taxpayers maximize their refund and get the refund they deserve, especially my small business owners.
Why did you decide to start this business?
When I first became a tax preparer in 2019, I worked for a company called Maximum Solutions, which was owned by my aunt, Dominique Hopings. She suddenly passed just one year after I started working for her. I was one of the preparers with the highest volume in her office.
My aunt had already wanted to put me in my own office, but she passed before she could. I began looking for a mentor so that I could keep the business going, but my mentor found me, and guided me by showing me the correct steps into opening my own office. In 2020, I opened my own office while I was pregnant with my only child and my business has taken off since then.
What is the best part about being both a mom and business owner?
The best part about being a business owner and a mom is that I get to make my own schedule that better equips my daughter.
What is the most difficult part about being both a mom and business owner?
The most difficult part of being a business owner and a mom is feeling like you’re spending too much time in the office and not enough time with your child. I’m a single mom as well, so if the daycare is closed, it’s “come to work with mommy day,” and since I’m self employed, I’m not allowed to call off. So some days my child is in the office with me because you don’t get sick or personal days for your own business. If you reschedule a client, you look unprofessional.
What advice would you give to other moms who are interested in starting their own business?
My advice for moms who are interested in starting their own business is to go for it! Don’t hesitate to do it! I tell my daughter all the time, “This isn’t just mommy’s business; it’s YOURS!” So don’t procrastinate and build a legacy instead.
Dr. Shanda Gore
Tell us about your business.
Mays & Associates, Ltd. (MAYS) is a global diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic planning and consulting firm based in Northwest Ohio. MAYS works with its clients to create customized, long-lasting diversity, equity and inclusion solutions based on each organization’s unique culture and goals. A full-service diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm in Northwest Ohio, we support DEI and HR managers, presidents, CEOs, directors or officers with their initiatives. We also serve as the main DEI department for those organizations that do not have an expertise or budget for an internal department.
Our associates are now all over the U.S. MAYS is a certified minority and woman-owned business and has worked with a number of industries including K-12 school systems, higher education public and private, financial institutions, large athletic organizations, public municipalities, transit systems and law and engineering firms.
Why did you decide to start this business?
I founded MAYS on the legacy of my father, Arthur M. Mays, who made inroads by often being the first African American in professional positions and who purposefully paved the way for others to follow. MAYS provides solutions to the ever-increasing challenges in the recruitment, retention and support of a culturally-diverse workforce and educational environment. “Mays” as his friends called him, along with the support of his wife ( my mother Betty Tomlinson), broke down barriers and demonstrated that there is strength in diversity. My parents always reminded those closest to them that each individual, through the power of education, can make a difference.
What is the best part about being both a mom and business owner?
I went to college specifically for a doctorate that had an emphasis on leadership and diversity after my son was born. However, I began doing DEI and leadership work right away before my children were born and realized that the barriers that my children were facing based on their different dimensions of diversity were being addressed at almost each workshop I did.
Now, 24 years later, I just surpassed 16,000 individuals who have been through one of my training workshops, and I find now that young adults help motivate me to keep doing this work. The other members of the MAYS firm are parents and grandparents, and we all have this common thread of doing all we can to build a better future for them.
What is the most difficult part about being both a mom and business owner?
Time is the new and the most precious commodity. I recently conducted a DEI clinic for a number of football officials and one of the speakers emphasized this same point stating that we each only get 1,440 minutes in a day and it is our choice how we will “spend” them. I have prioritized my days to incorporate our two wonderful young adults in what I do and to see how I can assist in their own development and support them.
My husband and I understand you never truly stop being a parent, but because of their own lives and schedules, time becomes more “squeezed,” so you have to be intentional. My hope is that they will look at time the way we do. My faith, my family and my work, in that order, is how my time is spent.
What advice would you give to other moms who are interested in starting their own business?
I have three main suggestions. First, make sure that you have made a clear distinction between what a hobby is and what a business is. So many times our passions may lead us to think that this can be a “business,” but you have to do your homework on the market and build slowly. Quitting your day job to take that leap without proper planning will just build anxiety and stress.
Second, stay focused on what your purpose and goals are for the business, and if there is something that does not quite fit in your business model, find another avenue for it. For example, I and a group of other entrepreneurs have a passion to get more women involved in golf and to bridge minority and disadvantaged communities that may not have had a chance to learn the sport. We came together to make sure this desire has a home in the nonprofit M&A Culture Building Institute. This dimension does not fall in any of our own specific for-profit business models but we have come together and leveraged the desire to do that nonprofit work.
And lastly, I also would suggest making time for yourself to do what is fun. I play golf for fun and business, but I also play bass guitar for relaxation and for the challenge of playing live music with others. I am blessed and thankful for the opportunity to do what I love, in whatever I do.
419 Q&A:
Where is your favorite go-to location in Toledo to unwind after a long day?
Tolhouse and Barnes & Noble.
What do you think is Toledo’s best spot to visit with kids?
It changes as they go through different seasons of their lives…The wonderful Metroparks. It is free to run or walk there and works in a healthy way to exercise and potentially to hold those so important conversations. My son and I run with Coop’s Crew in the parks and it has been the best experience.
What’s something you say so often that your kids can quote you?
Keep up the good work. You can do this. I love you!
Ambrea Mikolajczyk
Ambrea Mikolajczyk ARK Restoration & Construction
Can you tell us a little about your business?
For 15 years, I and my husband Kevin have been investing in and renovating forgotten structures throughout Northwest Ohio. We purchased a house and a duplex at auction in 2006, both fixer-uppers in which we managed the complete development of the properties. It was after the completion of these that we soon discovered our passion for revitalizing structures that had been long forgotten about in communities that lacked investment.
I resigned from my career as a pharmaceutical sales manager in 2017 to dedicate my skillset fulltime to ARK Companies. To date, the two of us have purchased, renovated and redeveloped numerous single-family homes, duplexes and multi-family dwellings.
Our most recent project, an 80,000-square-foot former Wonder Bread Factory was awarded both state and federal historic tax-credits, only the 10th building to receive the honor in the City of Toledo. The historic building was converted into 33 loft apartments and one commercial space into which we moved ARK headquarters.
We employ 20 individuals across our four companies, Torrey Hill Apartments, ARK Development, ARK Restoration & Construction and ARK Real Estate Services. Together with our team, we own, develop, construct and manage a portfolio consisting of nearly 250 units. The company is a Certified Minority Owned and Woman Owned Business through the state of Ohio and the City of Toledo.
The company’s mission is to restore communities, delivering innovative ideas and building towards the future.
Why did you decide to start this business?
I decided to start the business because there was a tremendous need to restore dilapidated and rundown structures throughout our community. I was successful in my career but felt passionate about old architecture and moving our neighborhoods forward in a major way.
What is the best part about being both a mom and business owner?
The best part about being a mom and entrepreneur is setting a positive example for my kids and their friends. Showing them how passion and work are not mutually exclusive, and that hard work, dedication, and sacrifice can lead to a big reward even though the journey may be laced with thorns and pitfalls, but the impact is well worth it in the end. You can take care of your community by using your experiences, education and skills to bring about positive change.
What is the most difficult part about being both a mom and business owner?
The difficult part about being a mom and entrepreneur is appropriate time management. I have a hard time saying no, because I feel I can make a difference in all the rooms. However, as I grow, I am learning that “No” is a complete sentence and I need to only say “Yes” to the things that are in alignment with my goals. If I do not, it will be hard for me to stay focused on what is most important to me. I find myself being spread too thin often and better time-management is something I am always working toward.
What advice would you give to other moms who are interested in starting their own business?
My advice to other moms is to DO IT!! Do not wait, or the opportunity to do so will pass you by. You will be scared, imposter syndrome will set in, mom guilt may overwhelm you but you HAVE to do it just the same. If you do not, you will never know what could have been, what you are truly capable of, what impact you could have made, or what change you could bring about to make all of our lives better.
The world needs what you have, so please share with us! When you do, Toledo has a number of free small business resources that could help you out significantly. Start with tolramp.biz, an idea I had that came to life via The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, The City of Toledo and Kroger to make it easier for entrepreneurs to get started in Northwest Ohio.
419 Q&A:
Where is your favorite location in Toledo to unwind after a long day?
I could never choose one favorite place. I have a few. Tolhouse, Toledo Spirits and Chop House all make me very happy after a long day.
What do you think is Toledo’s best spot to visit with kids?
We are so fortunate to raise children in Toledo. There are many family-friendly things to do. We frequently visit and are members at the Toledo Zoo, Metroparks Toledo, the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Mud Hens, and Imagination Station. We also frequent The Lucas County Libraries, The Art Loop, high school sporting events, University of Toledo events, concerts at Huntington Center and Promenade Park, Jeep Fest and other parades in downtown Toledo.
What’s something you say so often that your kids can quote you?
“Look at that building! The architecture is beautiful.” They mock me and Kevin all the time.
Crystal Taylor
Crystal TaylorCan you tell us a little about your business?
I own Crystal Clear Communications. We are a business and nonprofit development strategy firm. I have an amazing team of professionals that are local and across the country. Together, we work with our clients to help them create and implement growth strategies. We tailor our services to each client’s needs, providing strategic planning retreats, professional development seminars, annual reports, white papers, nonprofit board development, grant writing, grants management, social media strategy, and social media management, to name a few.
Why did you decide to start this business?
I have been providing services since 2012 but launched my business fulltime in 2016 after a job ended abruptly. After a few months of serious soul-searching, I took the leap and haven’t looked back since. I am happier, healthier, and more fulfilled because every day I get to do what I love with people I choose to work with. My business was truly a “lemons into lemonade” situation.
What is the best part about being both a mom and a business owner?
The freedom to set my own schedule is by far the best thing about being a mom and a business owner. My children are adults – 32 and 31 – and I have a granddaughter who turns two in March.
Being in business for myself gives me the freedom to set my own schedule so that I am available to support my family as chauffeur, last minute baby-sitter, or whatever they need. My business is home-based, so as long as I have the internet and my computer, I have my office. That means I can work from anywhere. My youngest lives in Cleveland, and I can pick up and hang out with them and not miss a beat.
What is the most difficult part about being both a mom and a business owner?
I can honestly say I am living my best life. Since I don’t have children in the home, I don’t have the stress of making sure they get to all their appointments. Of course, being in business for myself means I am responsible for every aspect, so when projects and deadlines are looming, it can be hard to tell my sons and their wives I can’t do family things because I have projects to finish.
What advice would you give to other moms who are interested in starting their own business?
Do your research. Know the time commitment of your business. Determine the cost of doing business while you have small children. What are you going to miss? Are you able to create and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
This country prints money every day. It will always be available. Your children don’t stay children for long. Don’t miss out on moments you can’t ever get back because you are striving to grow a business. Doing the research up front can help you determine so many things, but it’s a step most people overlook.
Mee (Lady Mystique) Sanders
Enchanted Mystic Arts House of Intuitions, LLC
Can you tell us a little about your business?
Enchanted Mystic Arts House of Intuitions at 425 Jefferson Avenue is a retail and services shop located in downtown Toledo’s Historic Secor Building. We are a metaphysical and spiritual place that offers many varieties of crystals, candles, oils, incense, jewelry, holistic items and so much more. We offer classes and workshops both in-house and outside at other establishments with our qualified instructors.
We also conduct private and public events of our services and items for all occasions and each one is set-up to be unique for the occasions. We offer services in psychic readings, medium, palm, runes, tarot, oracle crystal and angelic readings. We offer services of Reiki, Angelic Reiki, Sound Healings and Pyramid Power Healings treatments. We offer services of Home and Business spiritual cleansing and blessings. We offer consultation services so we can do the best work for you and your needs. We take walk-ins, and appointments can be booked ahead of time in person or online on our website.
Why did you decide to start this business?
I started this business when I knew that my life’s purpose was to help others in spirit that are here on earth and those that have passed on to the afterlife. That there was a reason that I could work easily with the Angelic Realms, Ascended Masters and Deities and more to help not only myself but others. That I am gifted with the knowledge of what God has called me to do here as a different type of Light-Worker messenger and healer, and that I am called to help as many as possible that only come to me because the spirit brought them to me.
I am humbled by what God has gifted me with and I understand my assignment this lifetime. I (speaking for me only) respect and believe in nonjudgement for all other Light and Dark Workers and understand we are all here to keep everything in balance in this universe as we are called in our nature to do.
What is the best part about being both a mom and business owner?
The best part about being both a mom and business owner is that I am able to show my children that anything you want and desire in life is possible if you really want to do that. They have watched me all their lives be this “Magical Mom” that they probably thought was weird, out-of-this-world and so very different and made all that into a business to help others and watch people come into the shop looking for what I do. I know they are very proud of me.
What is the most difficult part about being both a mom and business owner?
The most difficult parts of being both a mom and business owner are that my time and energy can be depleted pretty fast some days. I can be exhausted due to the fact that spiritual work is energy work on a whole different scale level of exhaustion, and time seems to not exist the same as when I am connected to different multiverses. So now my children understand that helping others is a true commitment on my part. I feel the difficult part is that even though I do my mom duties still, I can be tired and drained when I do those things sometimes.
What advice would you give to other moms who are interested in starting their own business?
My advice to other moms who are interested in starting their own business is to do that business you want to do. Make sure to do your research, actually get involved with others that want to mentor you, and that you are doing what you want to do so that you can learn the blueprint. Then tweak it to be yours so that you can have something that works and identifies you.
419 Q&A:
Where is your favorite location in Toledo to unwind after a long day?
Wildwood Metropark is my personal favorite.
What do you think is Toledo’s best spot to visit with kids?
Depending on the season and weather, Toledo Zoo and Imagination Station.
What’s something you say so often that your kids can quote you?
“It is what it is…”
Tera Johnson
2111 N. Reynolds Rd.
567-315-8431
Can you tell us a little about your business?
We are an ice cream and gourmet treats shop located in a community that we love serving. We have been in business for four years making and creating new delicious treats.
Why did you decide to start this business?
Creating treats is a passion of mine. Making people smile and relive their childhoods is what made me start Sweet Experience.
What is the best part about being both a mom and business owner?
The best part of being a mom and business owner is teaching my daughter and my grandchildren the old-school way of making treats, and learning the new-school way from them. Making memories.
What is the most difficult part about being both a mom and business owner?
The most difficult part is not having enough time to spend with my family.
What advice would you give to other moms who are interested in starting their own business?
The advice I would give is to celebrate your small wins. It will keep your spirits up and help you keep going.
419 Q&A:
Where is your go-to location in Toledo to unwind after a long day?
My favorite go to spot is Barnes & Noble.
What do you think is Toledo’s best spot to visit with kids?
Toledo’s best spot to visit with the kids is the parks. We have a lot to check out at the Metroparks.
Kristie Knighten
Kristie KnightenTell us about KpK Unlimited.
KpK Unlimited started as a comprehensive event planning and services company. Keeping the unique comprehensive format, we recently narrowed our offerings to focus on customized apparel and gifts. We help with all that is needed to create the look and to produce the quality customized apparel deserved.
Why did you decide to start this business?
I had an unusual opportunity to produce my own personal event for use as an example for my job. The event was so important to me, both personally and professionally, that I opted to govern all aspects of it. Seeing that approach result in such a successful and unusually cohesive event, and “The KpK Way” was born!
What is the best part about being both a mom and business owner?
Being a mom and business owner allows me to be my most creative self, and take control of my time, energy, and power to prioritize what’s most important to me: God and family.
What is the most difficult part about being both a mom and business owner?
The most difficult part about being both a mom and business owner is the farcical notion of “work=life balance.”
What advice would you give to other moms who are interested in starting their own business?
My advice to others who desire to be both is to GO FOR IT! It’s hard but worth it.
419 Questions:
Where is your favorite location in Toledo to unwind after a long day?
My favorite go-to location in Toledo is my flower garden. It restores me.
What do you think is Toledo’s best spot to visit with kids?
The best spot to visit with kids depends on the occasion and the child. If left up to me, I value an opportunity to create imaginative play.
What’s something you say so often that your kids can quote you?
I tell my children, “Remember, YOU’re the prize”! It serves to replenish self esteem, encourage assertiveness, and dissolve disappointment.
