Monica Froese is a working mom who lives in Buffalo, New York with her 3-year-old daughter and husband. Her passion is to empower other working moms and bring attention to the antiquated workplace policies that mothers face in the United States through her website Redefining Mom. In April 2015, she traveled to the White House to provide feedback on how current policies impact working moms in a small roundtable with President Obama’s senior adviser. Monica worked at a Fortune 100 tech company since she was 20 years old. She ultimately decided to achieve her MBA and is currently a Marketing Director for a cloud solution provider as she pursues her dream of running her own business that helps moms find flexible work arrangements.

Tell us a little bit about your family and your Boss Mom journey.

Hi Boss Moms! Thank you for letting me share my story with you! My name is Monica and I live in Buffalo, NY with my husband and 3-year-old daughter. My Boss Mom journey started unintentionally in July 2013 when I decided to start my blog called Redefining Mom. After returning to my corporate marketing career after maternity leave, I felt overwhelmed and stressed out. I started Googling flexible work options and desperately searching for answers on how to adjust to being a working mom. When I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, I decided to start my own website for working moms.

Shortly after that, I began writing for Working Moms Against Guilt and started connecting with many amazing moms. But still, I wanted more. I wanted to turn my little corner of the internet into a business but didn’t know how. Plus, my corporate career was very demanding and I didn’t have the time to invest on seriously growing my business.

In January, I took a huge leap of faith and quit my corporate job after 10.5 years. I now work from home for a smaller company as the Director of Global Marketing. It’s been a huge change going from a Fortune 100 company to a small company with less than 20 people, but it’s also been the best thing I’ve ever done to give myself the freedom to build my own business on the side.

My passion is to help other working moms find the balance they crave through flexible work options, including helping them to start their own online business.

What are some of your favorite go to meals when time is tight and dinner MUST get on the table?

Such a good question! Everyone needs that one go-to meal that’s easy and the family loves. For me, the crock pot is our saving grace. I love the idea of dinner cooking itself while I am working. Shredded Buffalo Chicken is our favorite go-to meal.

Where do you go for inspiration?

I listen to a lot of podcasts that keep me motivated and educated on the newest trends in business. I’ve recently began attending events for bloggers and the in person connections I’ve made with other women pursuing the same dream as I am has been extremely inspirational.

What are you currently reading or listening to (podcasts, books, blogs etc)?

Right now I committed to myself that I would take some “me time” and read a fun romance novel for 15-20 minutes before bed. I am currently reading See Me by Nicholas Sparks. My must have podcasts while I work out are Boss Mom, Being Boss, and Brilliant Business Moms.

What is one piece of business advice that you’d give to a mom just starting out?

In the beginning it will seem near impossible to even consider the fact you can create your own business. This feeling is completely normal. You will doubt yourself often, even when you begin to make money. It’s important to remember that these feelings are normal and to not dwell on them for long. What’s the worst that can happen?

What are some of your favorite quotes or words to live by?

“This too shall pass.” When things get tough, I like to remember that it’s just this season of life and it always gets better. Learning to embrace even the toughest days has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face.

In one word, sum up your life as a Boss Mom.

Driven.

What are three core values of your business and how do those values relate to your motherhood?

Perseverance, compassion, and authenticity. I work hard to “keep it real” in both business and motherhood. Finishing what you start is an important lesson for both kids and adults. Learning to understand and respect other people and their choices is critical. Being who you are even in the face of criticism is invaluable!

Get to know Monica: Website / Pinterest / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Also, Monica has a free ebook!  Five Productivity Hacks for Busy Working Moms provides actionable steps moms can take to get time back in their day and create a better balance.