My good friend, Bibi, is one of the most interesting people I know. She is a dynamic combination of detail oriented and creative visionary--someone who would never be in danger of missing the trees for the forest or vice versa. An artist by nature and training, Bibi has taught me so much about the necessity of living what I like to call "the aesthetic life". The sensory make-up of one's living environment ought to look, feel and smell beautiful. A cadet blue wall. A chaise upholstered in chinoiserie. A big pot of ham and black eyed peas simmering on the stove. These things not only enhance our lives but tell a story of who we are.
Bibi's most recent (and very cool!) venture is S2dio Supplies, an art supply store which she runs out of a truck in Winston Salem, North Carolina. This brief interview that Bibi did with the local public radio station perfectly captures her inspiration for S2dio Supplies. Please have a listen before reading the interview below! My interview with Bibi was more about how she runs a business as a wife and mom of two. Thank you so much for sharing, Bibi.
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What is the hardest part about having the entrepreneurial spirit?
I am comfortable exploring or at least considering several paths simultaneously towards multiple goals. Sometimes, I receive amble encouragement, at least towards one. Other times, I am going it alone or am even discouraged. I am often facing risks. Throughout this, I must ask my family to trust me and accept some risk even when we all know it is little more than a dream or an experiment. I ask a lot of my family and I know it. Fortunately, my husband is supportive and understanding as are my children.
But definitely, the hardest part is when I doubt myself. Invariably, it happens. I get frustrated when my experiments fail. I change course and lose faith in many ideas. I have had to learn how to ask myself for the support I need; how to trust myself when doubt sets in and to salvage something from the times I haven't succeeded. That took time. And honestly, it took having children. My resolve to give to them encouraged me to demand more of myself and to stick to my goals.
In any given day, what are your top priorities as a mom/business owner?
1. Start my day with my personal healthy habits (Yoga/Exercise, tea, meditation) focusing 100% on my personal needs
2. From 6-8 a.m. (weekdays), I focus 100% on the needs of my children, doing my part to direct a healthy family routine.
3. I write a prioritized To Do list for every day and every month. I try hard to stick the the priorities I set for myself.
4. I define my goals and values monthly. I check in on myself and ask myself if my past months goals and my actions were in line with my values. I then write a new monthly list of goals and priorities.
How do you define quality of life for you and your family?
Quality of life has much to do with how much time we can devote to each other and how easily or flexibly we are able to respond to each other's needs. It means the world to me that I am able to devote my energy to a professional pursuit but also devote myself to my family and be accessible to my children throughout the day. It is important to my children's health that they enjoy the security of a routine and the knowledge that I will be there whenever they need me. This can makemy day anything but routine and has meant that I accept more risk as I demand this quality of flexibility.
Also key to our quality of life is our feeling of community. I have learned the value of this and so I make certain to devote some time or funds to our neighborhood, professional and church communities.
Which women have inspired you in the arenas of home and work?
It sounds corny, but Marie Curie. I did a report on her in 3rd grade or something and she was the first remarkable girl and woman I had studied. She remained an inspiration for a lifetime. I always think back on her.
There was a home I visited once in Illinois owned by a friend of a friend, a woman I didn't know. It was a care free, comfortable home. Beautiful in its understated simplicity. Every room, every corner, even a nook in the garden seemed to invite you, lure you to sit, stay and get comfortable, please "be comfortable, relax" here the surrounding seem to say. That unknown woman's home has inspired me ever since.
My friend Reed Collyer owner of Collyer Catering & Market in Westport, CT is a personal inspiration. Her positive energy and determination to build her own business and still manage a family of 5 is an inspiration. I know her business has succeeded largely due to her sheer tenacity and likeability.
What do you love about raising a family (and/or owning a business) in Winston-Salem?
I am just starting up a new retail business. In the process, I am being introduced to a warm, welcoming and supportive community. It has been wonderful. The City is home to some remarkably creative artists and artrepreneurs. Each one that I meet inspires me to do more, encourages me with my goals and offers to introduce me to someone new.
Also of importance is the support we've enjoyed for our children's needs – because one of my 2 children has high needs. We have found, not only a supportive community with many services available, but also a supportive school system. The teachers and administration work with us to understand my children's needs. The are compassionate as they work to help him access his education. Success for my family depends upon such healthy cooperation —this has been huge. This support for and trusted assistance with my children has perhaps more than any other allowed me to relax, release my fight mode, open up to my community and truly start my own business.
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