Sydecar’s Post

My Journey so far... A single mom with a heart full of dreams and the courage to face life's toughest challenges. My journey isn't just about running a business; it's a testament to resilience, strength, and the unwavering spirit of a single mom. Overcoming Separation and Bereavement: No stranger to the heartache of a difficult separation, I found myself navigating the storm of emotions while raising my teenage son. Tragedy struck when I lost a dear family member, my beloved dog and my home, in the space of just 2 months, adding grief to an already heavy heart. Yet, within the depths of sorrow, I discovered an unyielding strength to forge ahead. A Beacon of Hope: Determined to create a brighter future, I decided to channel my pain into purpose. I envisioned a life where I could be both a loving mother and a successful entrepreneur. With resilience as my compass, I ventured into the world of business, fueled by the desire to provide a secure and joyful life, both for my son, and for myself. Building a Network Amidst Teenage Antics: Teenage antics and rebellious phases tested my patience at times, but I transformed each challenge into an opportunity for growth. Instead of succumbing to frustration, I embraced open communication and turned my home into a supportive environment. As I worked tirelessly on my business, I involved my son, teaching him valuable lessons about perseverance and ambition. Entrepreneurial Triumphs: My business journey, so far, has not been without its hurdles, but with sheer determination, I continue to grow and build an enterprise. Networking became my secret weapon. Connecting with other's running their own businesses, I discovered a community of strong, like-minded individuals who shared insights, advice, and encouragement. Striving for a Community of Support: My hope is that my story deeply connects with fellow single moms who are entrepreneurs, trying to find that all important balance between work and life. I hope, in sharing my story, I can provide a beacon of hope and inspiration for those navigating similar paths. My experiences have sparked the desire to create a supportive community where single moms in business can openly share their victories and challenges, fostering a sense of unity and strength among them. A Message to Single Moms in Business: To every single mom out there navigating the dual roles of parent and entrepreneur, remember that your journey is uniquely powerful. Embrace the struggles, learn from them, and let them shape your strength. You are not alone - build your network, share your story, and let your resilience be the guiding light toward your dreams. Here's to the single moms who are not just running businesses but also nurturing futures full of promise and possibility. Please share your story with us or DM me to connect

I f**ked up. As a parent, I tried to build a fortress around my kids, thinking it would somehow shield them from life’s curveballs. BIG MISTAKE! Especially when you’re raising daughters in a world that’s anything but predictable. Full transparency: I was overprotective, but life had other plans. I learned that parenting is about striking a delicate balance between letting them fight their own battles and knowing when to step in. I wanted my daughters to blaze their own trails, in creativity and genius, without me hovering over every decision. For example, my youngest daughter Carinne. She’s got music, acting, and art in her soul, a black belt in karate, and swings a mean golf club. Oh, and her brain works magic with numbers (something that clearly skipped a generation and I could never master like her thanks to my dyscalculia.) This journey punched me in the face with a reality check: raising kids and running a business aren’t that different. Parenting and entrepreneurship are about knowing when to hold tight and when to let go.  Both are about empowering those we care about to step into their own spotlight, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones. So, to the parents grinding it out there, and to my fellow badass entrepreneurs trying to shield your legacy while letting it grow, it’s time to EMBRACE THE MESS! The setbacks. The “I screwed up” moments. The instances where we failed forward.  Because that’s where the real growth happens. Let’s get real about the challenges, the victories, and everything in between. Because if you’re looking for a person or a community that sugarcoats the hard stuff, this isn’t it. But if you’re here for the vulnerability, the hard stuff, and the beauty that accompanies the journey, welcome aboard. Drop a comment if you’ve been there. I'd love to see what real growth looks like. #RealTalk #ParentingInBusiness #GrowthMindset #NoSugarcoating

4 Days off a Year... On Family day I look back at the history of my family. Reflecting on my past as a single mom, I remember juggling a full-time job with shifts at a bar during weekends and nights. It wasn't a choice driven by desire; it was necessary. This is a struggle we have - when we just don't have enough to get by. I always felt torn, missing my kids, and burdened with guilt for not being there when they needed me most. Yet, I had to provide for them, ensuring we had a roof over our heads and food on the table. I was in survival mode, plain and simple. Throughout the year, I'd barely have 4 days off. They were the Monday of long weekend holidays - like Family Day. I'm incredibly grateful for my husband and partner, who embraced my children as his own and brought financial stability into our lives through his awareness and planning. No longer am I forced to work gruelling hours and multiple jobs. However, this journey taught me a valuable lesson: necessity can drive us to unimaginable lengths, but it's essential to strive for a balance between survival and living. Today, I still work hard, but it's out of choice and because I love what I do. I share this today on Family Day for two reasons. First, because today is a day to cherish our families. And if we can, to spend quality time with our partners, our children, and grandchildren. In some ways, our community is an extended family (and this may be a day to volunteer for organizations that need our help and are close to our hearts). Secondly, our families take different forms... single parents, partners, generational families, and others. I understand the struggle of single moms. I've walked in those shoes, torn between family and survival. My heart goes out to you. And I want you to know that there's hope for a brighter, more balanced future. It may be in the form of a side business, a promotion or a partner. Anything is possible. #FamilyDay #SingleMomLife #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner

As a #mompreneur with 3 small children… these are my non-negotiables. 1. Internal harmony: Working too late and haven’t spent quality time with my children and I feel it in my heart. Everything stops. Nothing is worth the joy on my children’s face. My commitment to motherhood is not relegated to society norms- it’s tied to being in harmony with my priorities- Faith, Family, Legacy (and in that order). 2. Ruthless delegation and training: Time > money. Especially with small children, I’d rather help train my team and downsize my living standards and pay them more than myself to get the internal harmony that I need as a mother and a leader. 3. Grace: Not everyday is perfect and that is okay. But everyday needs to have progress even if it’s just 1%. 4. A soldiers mentality with a mother’s heart. Business is war but humans deserve love. I bring my full self to the table when it’s work time - the sweet side and the solid side. 5. Real gratitude. Because it’s genuine and not someone telling me “just be grateful” etc. I truly love what I do and the opportunity to do it is a gift in and of itself - no matter the condition. I am thankful. Being a mom and an entrepreneur is tough… but it’s beautiful (and scrappy 😎) here and I love this for me… 💕 Shoutout to all the mompreneurs, you (and your joy) are the future ❤️💕🙏🏾 #mompreneur #seoexpert #seoservices #founderjourney #founder

💘 IF YOU’VE EVER FELT LOST IN THE SEA OF ENTREPRENEUR MOM-LIFE… 💘 If you’ve ever wondered if there was another way to do what it is you’re doing… 💘 If you’ve ever wanted to connect with other moms traveling through the same journey as you… 🤩 This is the place you need to be! 🤩 --> https://lnkd.in/g8yq4zqz <-- This group will benefit you as a mom and business owner immensely, but ONLY if you show up and take the support. With an all-access pass for 1 month at a time, you’ll get acclimated, meet and connect with other amazing moms, hear from incredible guest experts, get extra advice when needed, and receive all the support and tips in your mompreneurial journey you are looking for each day. Choosing a 12-month commitment can make a BIG difference. Dive deep into the support, hear all of the fabulous guest experts, connect with other phenomenal moms, and get the tips and advice needed on your mom entrepreneurial path. Add the 1-1 sessions to gain the extra accountability and brainstorming that is so necessary when you’re juggling so much. The door is open, go ahead and walk through. We're waiting for you! 🤩💘 https://lnkd.in/g8yq4zqz 💘🤩 #opendoor #comeonin #brainstorming #accountability #community #communityovercompetition #commitment #mompreneurlife #momsinbusiness #connection #momjourney #motherhood #businesssupport #momssupportingmom

👨💼👩👧👦 Running a business with young kids often feels like trying to nail jelly to a wall... blindfolded... whilst being attacked by bees. 🐝 🚀 Children massively level up the difficulty of being a business owner, last week I had to somehow manage a packed diary with my two girls coming down with a sickness bug 🤢 There's something about the prospect of sick at any given moment that sharpens the mind! Just like nailing jelly to a wall, it was messy and unpredictable (too vivid? maybe). Somehow, I got through the week having not missed a single meeting or commitment, albeit with minimal sleep 😴 Last week was a reminder that success in business is much like parenthood - it's about embracing the unexpected, learning from the challenges, supporting people in the team that need it the most and celebrating the small victories along the way. 🎉💼 To all the fellow business owners and parents out there, keep nailing that jelly to the wall, blindfolded, and surrounded by bees - life wouldn't be the same without it! 🌟🐝 I'll be having a glass of whiskey tonight, followed by a well needed lay in tomorrow morning and if you believe that, you're definitely not a parent 🤣 #entrepreneurship #parenting #worklifebalance #fridayfeeling #challenge #founderjourney

Introducing Family First Fridays! As a dedicated business coach and a father, I've always believed that success isn't just measured by professional achievements but also by the moments we share with our loved ones. Balancing a career with family life can be challenging, and that’s exactly why I wanted to start this series. Every Friday, I'll share tips, activities, and personal stories about how we can better integrate our family lives with our demanding careers. From setting joint goals to fun weekend activities that recharge both our hearts and minds, I hope these posts will inspire you to put your family first, fostering stronger bonds and creating lasting memories. Why focus on family? Because at the end of the day, our families are our biggest supporters, grounding us and giving us the motivation to persevere through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. I've found that a happy, supportive family life fuels success in business by providing a solid foundation of stability and love. Join me every Friday to explore ways we can all bring a little more joy and connection into our family lives. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling schedules or someone looking to reconnect with loved ones, I hope you’ll find something valuable. To kick things off: What’s one activity you enjoy most with your family? Let’s share some joy and ideas! ............................. 📩 Share this with your pals. 🔔 Ring the bell for more wisdom. ☕ And hey, why not join our mastermind group? It’s like a coffee break with your smartest friends!

“How do you work with your spouse for 7 years AND stay happily married?” 3 lessons Amanda Pang and I have learned: 1. From the start, we set aside 10 years for our entrepreneurial journey where we were committed to a lifestyle change and ready for little-to-no income throughout. Thinking in any shorter timeframe would have set us up for failure: either we would have been too focused on flipping in 1-2 years or we’d be underestimating the time it takes to build a brand. In both cases, the likelihood of success would have been very low. 2. We were 30, recently married and without kids. We knew this chunk of time was rare and unlikely to come by again. We put all of our eggs in one basket so that giving up was simply not an option. If we fail, we would fail epically. At least there would be no regrets. 3. There is a huge difference between disagreement and disrespect. We disagreed because we both cared so much about our mission. We disagreed because just like any good partner, her strengths made up for my weaknesses, and vice versa. Most importantly, we disagreed while always staying committed. The best thing about working with your spouse? The highs are higher and the lows are GIFTS🎁 to stick together. A startup is just like any relationship: the highs are always sweet. The true test is revealed during periods of hardship: will you still stick by each other at the bottom? We always have 🤝, and that’s made all the difference. For any couple contemplating starting something together, happy to share more (and convince/nudge you to do so!) Family First!

👨👩👧👧 From Inspiring Roots to Blooming Futures: Embracing Entrepreneurship and Parenthood! 👨👩👧👧 Reflecting on my journey, I can't help but draw inspiration from the remarkable path my parents paved. Growing up, both of them being self-employed meant more than just business decisions; it meant being present in every moment of my life. They cheered from the sidelines, volunteered at school events, and never missed a game – a presence that left an indelible mark on me. Their dedication taught me the value of being your own boss and shaping your destiny. It's one of the driving forces behind my decision to start my own business. 🚀 Today, as I stand at the helm of my venture, I'm grateful for the lessons they instilled in me, lessons that continue to guide my every move. As a parent now, with two daughters of my own, I'm eagerly looking forward to continuing this legacy of involvement and engagement. Just as my parents were there for me, I aim to be there for my daughters – not just as a business owner but as a hands-on, present parent who cherishes every moment and contributes to their growth journey. The combination of entrepreneurship and parenthood is a beautiful synergy, a balance I aspire to strike with the same dedication my parents demonstrated. Their impact on my life echoes in the choices I make every day, and I'm committed to creating a nurturing environment that allows my daughters to flourish. Here's to the entrepreneurs who inspire us, the parents who shape us, and the future we're all building – one moment at a time. 🌱 #Entrepreneurship #Parenthood #Inspiration #BusinessJourney

Is it important how we raised? how did we grow? There is no straight yes or no answer. were we told what we can and cannot do in our childhood? or were we given a wide range for self discovery. It is also having impact in our life. It is true that the way we operate, as adults, and the way we relate to others is based mostly on how we grew up/ our grooming up. When we think about structured: 1. we think order. 2. we think, we do this, we don’t do that. 3. we think we should do things this way( previously prescribed), not our way. 4. we do things how our parents have told us to do it, not how we want to do it. When we think of unstructured: 1. we think of an open field, do what we want within a loose parameter. Which one could be the right one? 1. Growing up unstructured makes us seek structure? 2. Growing up structured make us seek the unstructured? 3. Or Growing up structured make us appreciate structure?or vice versa? In friendship, business, relationship, family, love — there is endless complain when structured mix with the unstructured. We must appreciate: There is more than one way to do a thing.Each person does something in his own way, each person can govern his life in his own way, each process functions in its own way. So if one doesn’t work for us,we may try another. There must be a perfect blend, but we have to invest time to find it. And where it doesn’t exist at all , we should dare to create it. we may not create a universe of our own choice but may create our own family and community and ecosystem. let's be the change maker!!! #mustafizavan