Being a SAHM Doesn't Mean You Have to Give Up Your Dreams
Twelve years ago, I began my journey being a hairstylist. I actually thrived in cosmetology school, unlike ordinary schooling. It was a place for me to be creative and artistic, something you don't get at a four year college. During cosmetology school, I began to dream about my future as a hairstylist. The longer I was in school and the more I got to do hair, the bigger my dreams became. I was truly excited about what the future would hold for me.
Thirteen months of forty hour school weeks later, I became a licensed cosmetologist. I even had my dream salon job, at Toni & Guy, which I landed shortly before I graduated. This was one of those salons that took in only the best for their team. The training that came along with the job, was bigger and better than almost any other salon. I even got to train with some of the best hairstylists of all time, Zak Mascolo and Joseph Marzioli. The training was extremely difficult at times, but well worth it.
My dreams while working there got even bigger. Then I got pregnant and my world flipped upside down in the best way possible. Shortly after my daughter was born, I quickly came to realize that doing hair at a salon wasn't the best choice for me since my hours for work were mostly the hours she was awake. However, being a single mom at the time, there was no other option but to keep up the salon life. Every time I had to leave her at daycare, I felt as though a little piece of my heart was missing.
Two months later entered the most wonderful man that I now call my husband and my daughter now calls daddy. After we got engaged, I expressed my desire to be at home with her. He wanted so badly to fulfill the desires of my heart and decided to make it happen! Talk about a great guy! I had discussions with my bosses about eventually leaving Toni & Guy, which in the hairstyling world is typically a quick "pack up your things, you're gone" moment. However, they gave me a lot of grace and encouraged me along the way out. What a huge sigh of relief!
Just a month after our daughter turned one, I became a stay-at-home mom. My heart was full again! Don't get me wrong, I fully support all of you woman out there to choose what is best for you and your family, whether that is working or staying at home! As for me though, my heart needed to be home and immerse myself in the parenting world. I personally felt, and STILL feel fulfilled by being at home with my girls. Here's the biggest lie women hear from others as they decide which path to take. It's that their dreams and goals in life have to either die or be set aside till long in the future if they decide to become a stay-at-home mom.
I am here to tell you ladies, it doesn't have to unless you allow it! It is you who has the power to decide what you want your aspirations in life to look like.
While being home with our oldest, I was still able to continue to be a hairstylist. I made the decision to become my own boss and create my at-home salon. As time went on, we had three more little girlies. I guess God knew this hairstylist needed a clan of mini clients.
Seven years down this crazy road of being a stay-at-home-mom now and I still believe it was the best decision I could have ever made, for me at least! But I didn't have to lose my hairstylist dreams in the process, I just integrated it into a big plan for both motherhood and hairstyling to exist. My salon has improved with new hairstyling tools over the years, and my clientele has been filled with the most wonderful people!
There are no rules in motherhood for what you should or should not do. Just learn to make it work for you and enjoy all the different seasons motherhood has to offer!
