Through her service-based company, Business Moms Inc., Walker coaches women all over the country in business management, social media marketing, partnerships and networking opportunities. She currently has 22 active clients in Ohio, Georgia and Illinois in the fashion, beauty and publication industries.
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"One day I simply went for it. I took a leap of faith. And stepping out on FAITH is all you need. I encourage all my mothers who are interested in starting their own business to just do it. Take the time or even a moment to self serve," Walker said.
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On Mother's Day, Walker will release her third book titled The Mommy Hustle, a manifesto and self-help book to "inspire determination, courage, faith and empowerment to create your own opportunities."
We spoke with Walker to chat about the struggles and difficulties unique to at-home working mothers, and how she’s learned through experience to coach and guide future mompreneuers.
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Why did you begin coaching other moms in business?
I started Business Mom Inc. because I hated having to choose between family and business. I often felt bad when I had to attend a business meeting and had to miss games or reading bedtimes stories. I then came to realize I’m a business owner who happens to be a mother, and sometimes I have to choose business over family time to provide. We are often so worried about what others may say that we forget what is very important, which is providing for our families by any means necessary. We are often so worried about everyone else that we forget to take care of ourselves. Being a business mom doesn’t mean I never have moments where I cry, stress, get angry, mess up or fail. It means I have only a few seconds to indulge in self-pity, then after it’s go time.
What needs do you specifically see unfulfilled for mompreneurs? And how do you service these struggles?
Stay-at-home moms are undervalued by society. To be happy and successful as a mommy hustler means believing nothing is impossible. A lot of moms struggle with confidence and support. I really try to help our moms figure out a plan for their business, and weigh in on the pros and cons of the business. We analyze everything from product cost to shipping charges. We want our moms to not stress over the little things, but enjoy finding her voice in business. In my book, I elaborate on how to start your business taking the stress out of business it is like a guide for new business owners. I also assist with time management and accountability assessments.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
When did you begin writing “The Mommy Hustle?”
During winter of last year, shortly after the birth of my daughter. It took about two months to complete. I was about 3 week postpartum and my kids were home from break and we were all enjoying the new baby. I just got to thinking about how much effort it takes to make sure my kids have everything they need. I mean here I am, just got home from giving birth, and I’m thinking like man there is no book about what it really takes to be a mother and business owner. Everyone thinks it’s all glitter and gold... it’s not. It takes a lot of dedication, determination and support, and that’s what I offer.
What inspired you to “put pen to paper?”
When searching for a book about mothers hustling to be the best mom and business women, I couldn’t find a single one. I couldn’t find a book that could relate to a single mom doing it on her own and not complaining, because she is all her child has. I couldn’t find a book about a recently divorced mother picking up the pieces of her life and starting a new business. I couldn’t find a book that can relate to the average hustling mother just trying her best to manage the stress of business and motherhood.
What do you think it is about being a stay-at-home mother that lends itself to entrepreneurship?
To be a stay-at-home mom, we must believe that what we are doing serves a purpose — and the same goes for entrepreneurs. In the beginning, it was a challenge just to believe in my dream. As a stay-at-home business mom, I’ve learned to stand up for myself and what I believe in. Not allowing society to tell me what I can and can’t do because I’m a stay-at-home mom owning a non-typical stay-at-home business.
How do you and the women you guide make a statement about what options can and do exist?
Being a business mom alone tends to put sour tastes in the closed minds’ mouth. The women I work with break down the barriers of what a typical stay-at-home business should be. We often face obstacles that the average person will face in business. But the difference is when our kids or home are in shambles, we don’t stop being in business because we have dealt with just about any and everything that could go wrong from the experience of being a mom. Like many say, you don’t have to get ready when you stay ready.
What message would you like to share with our readers – mompreneurs or otherwise?
My motto: “The Moment I became a mother, my hustle got beastly.”
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Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Walker also runs Dionna's Helping Hands, an organization dedicated to serving the Dayton-area community through charitable gifting events such as prom attire.
HOW TO GET ‘THE MOMMY HUSTLE’
You can order The Mommy Hustle via businessmominc@gmail.com or purchase off Amazon. You can also follow Walker's businesses on Instagram and Facebook.
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