Boss Mom of the Week: Mandy Richardson
Mandy Richardson, founder M is for Monster is our Boss Mom of the Week this week!
Tell us a little bit about your family and your Boss Mom journey.
We are the typical midwestern family. I have four kids, a 16 year old stepdaughter, 7, 5 and 3 year olds. We are always running somewhere, whether it be tball, softball, soccer or swimming.
My three year old actually started me on this path to being a Boss Mom. After he was born, I had little time to do anything. He was a demanding baby, only wanting mama and only happy if I was holding him. My other two were getting stuck in front of the TV while I tended to him. I started getting serious mom guilt about not spending time with them and especially not teaching them the same things I had taught hundreds of other kids when I was a preschool teacher for 10 years.
I thought for sure there had to be a solution to my problem. Kits already made up for you to just pull out and start learning through play. I found boxes such as KiwiCrate and Green Kids Craft but they didn’t last more than 15 minutes and then I was back at square one.
So while I had a few minutes here and there, I started planning in advance and getting the materials when my husband took over in the evenings. I prepped the activities by designing and creating the papers to go along with the activities. When the kids started getting antsy, I would pull out a packet and they would start having TV-free fun. And they were learning their letters, numbers, colors and shapes. I didn’t have to run looking for the paint or crayons because I already had it ready to go in the box I was keeping it all in.
I was able to hold my needy baby while helping the kids with their projects. I started to feel like a Super Mom again. When William stopped being as needy and we got the three kids under four thing down, I decided I should start offering these kits to moms who needed it as much as I did. So M is for Monster was born.
What are some of your favorite go to meals when time is tight and dinner MUST get on the table?
I have two go to meals. Tacos and tomato soup and grilled cheese. All three of my kids will eat both meals without complaining and they are super quick and simple clean up. Win-win!
Where do you go for inspiration?
Pinterest! Always pinterest!
What are you currently reading or listening to (podcasts, books, blogs etc)?
I am always reading business mom blogs. Currently, my favorite is http://www.brilliantbusinessmoms.com/ Seriously, they rock.
What is one piece of business advice that you’d give to a mom just starting out?
Deep breaths. You’ll have ups and downs and those downs can get to you in ways you never thought possible. Go to your happy place. Take some time for yourself and just be. Start again when you’re spirit is fresh. You’ll be glad you walked away for a few hours.
What are some of your favorite quotes or words to live by?
Be a pineapple: stand tall wear a crown and be sweet on the inside. Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.
In one word, sum up your life as a Boss Mom.
CRAZY
What are three core values of your business and how do those values relate to your motherhood?
Treat other how you want to be treated.
I always try to think from my customer’s perspective.What their wants and needs are. This is so true in motherhood too, because you need to think from your child’s perspective. Thinking about how they feel and think will help you understand who they are.
Keep going.
Sometimes, business is hard. It’s hard to wear a lot of hats and be everywhere without seeming like you’re being pulled from every angle. The same is true of motherhood.
Listen first, talk or act second.
Sometimes, your customers will give you your best ideas. Embrace the constructive criticism. It’ll take you much farther than if you hadn’t listened. Same as when your child looks at you and tells you you need a time out. Because, more than likely, you do.
Connect with M is for Monster & Mandy Richardson!
