:: Mompreneur Spotlight ::
Angelique L. Rewers
Baltimore, Maryland
Astrological Sign: Capricorn
# of children: Two
Ages: 12 weeks old (twin boys)
Favorite Business Book: Outliers: The Story of Success
Favorite Family Book: The Bible
Favorite Quote: “The suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.” – Oscar Wilde
1. Which came first: the biz or the kid?
The biz. Thank goodness. Fortunately I was up and running for a few years before the kids came.
2. What is your biggest productivity secret- the thing that helps you accomplish the most in your day?
It’s not one thing; it’s the whole system working together. Several years ago I hired a productivity consultant, Leslie Shreve (www.productiveday.com). Honestly, since I was already a really organized person, I didn’t know if I’d get anything out of it, but I thought “what the heck.” Turns out it was the best investment I made in my business. I know where everything is and I know exactly what I need to do each day. Most importantly, because the systems work, I’m able to easily reprioritize as needed when new things inevitably pop up.
3. How well do you feel you are balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship? Any tips?
It’s definitely a challenge. I went back to work when my sons were about three-weeks old. Some people gave me grief, but I’ve put a lot of time into building my business, and clients will only wait so long.
The best advice I can give to others is to have a team. Delegate whatever you can. We hired a nanny to work Monday to Friday, so instead of spending time running the boys back and forth to daycare, I have someone who also pitches in with laundry, dishes, straightening, vacuuming, and more. Plus, I’m able to enjoy more time with my sons when my schedule is light. I also hired a housekeeper, my neighbor’s son to cut the grass, and a virtual assistant to help handle my administrative tasks. I use a grocery delivery service. And if there’s anything else I can offload, I will.
4. What was the tipping point for you when you realized you were truly an entrepreneur?
It was about three months into starting my business when I realized being an expert at just the communications and marketing piece wasn’t going to cut it. A client needed me to go on a last-minute, extended business trip, but I didn’t have a business credit card, nor did I have a personal card with enough of a credit line to support a trip of that magnitude. Fortunately, I’m married to a CPA and he helps keep me in line.
5. What one word describes your purpose in your family, your biz and your life? Happiness.
6. Where do you find your greatest source of support for your goals in your family, business and life?
When it comes to family, my greatest source of support is my husband. For business it comes from other successful women. I’m a big fan of both Ali Brown and Heather Dominick and look to them for ideas, inspiration and guidance. And of course, I don’t know what I would do without my remarkable business partner, Toni Cascio. In life, it’s both my friends and my spirituality.
7. What do you do to recharge your spiritual batteries?
Every year, my mom and I take a trip to a holistic spa in Ft. Lauderdale. I look forward to it all year long.
8. One thing you can’t live without:
Can I have two? My Laura Mercier illuminating tinted moisturizer. Even if I don’t have time for make up, this makes me look great. And my iced decaf grande soy lattes. God bless Starbucks.
9. iPhone or Blackberry? iPhone… hands down
10. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate… is it even a contest!?
11. PC or Mac? Mac… I converted a few years ago and haven’t looked back since.
12. Which do you do most often: Eat out, Order In or Cook it yourself?
Order in. The local delivery guys are practically members of the family.
13. Who is your biggest supporter?
My husband might not like me saying this, but it’s my best friend, Jenn. She tells me all the time that I can do anything. And she means it. (Although she might deny it if you ask her outright.) And, unlike my husband, she doesn’t have to worry about whether or not my next business idea will impede our ability to pay the mortgage.
14. Who is your greatest inspiration?
I’m inspired by anyone who sees something they want and goes after it. It drives me crazy to hear someone say they want something and then do nothing to achieve it.
15. What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
My business is going through an incredible transformation right now. I’m moving from working with corporate clients to instead supporting other women entrepreneurs in building and growing their businesses. This was something I didn’t know I had a talent for or desire to do until my work with several women entrepreneurs quickly evolved from providing marketing copy into helping them strategize and grow their businesses. The things many entrepreneurs are struggling with come naturally to me. Five years from now, I see myself working with amazing women who are doing amazing things.
Name of Business/es: I have two…
Richer. Smarter. Happier.
Bon Mot Communications LLC
URL/s:
http://www.richersmarterhappier.com/blog
http://www.thecorporatecommunicator.net
Twitter Name: @arewers
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/angelique.rewers?ref=name
