Each year, North State Parent celebrates the entrepreneurial women of the North State who have integrated their own business or side hustle into the challenging and rewarding job of motherhood. These women, and many more like them, are our “Mamapreneurs.” They are showing by example what it means to weave together the twin threads of family life and business life. They make this challenging balancing act look easy, and they tell us that the hard work is continually inspiring.
With everything they do, they’re modeling responsibility, integrity, resilience and a can-do spirit that encourages the next generation to express their interests and do what they love. They’re showing their children that they can be the leaders in their own lives and that’s good business!
These stories of active Mamapreneurs show how women can be the leaders in their own lives, expressing their unique interests and passions and using their talents to deliver valuable resources, services and products locally and with online businesses.
North State Parent loves supporting entrepreneurial women! Do you have a Mamapreneuer in your life and would you like her to be featured next October? Be sure to nominate yourself or someone you know as a Mamapreneur for 2021! Call North State Parent at (530) 926-1287 or email pn@northstateparent.com.
Kimberly Lange, DDS
Youthful Smiles
In Business Since 2000
“Many households, by choice or necessity, must function with two working parents. That’s the case for my family. Running a business, managing a home and being a parent can be difficult to handle. I’ve found letting go of guilt goes a long way. Nobody’s perfect all the time, and we need to not sweat the small stuff.”
“The other thing that helps with a dual-employed household is stepping out of traditional roles. My husband makes lunches and helps with dishes and other chores. Whoever is available gets the job done. I encounter a lot of single dads in my practice who are doing a great job raising kids.”
“Your kids eventually get to an age where their schedules are as packed as yours! Grandparents can be a great help. I also urge people to utilize extended family for help if available.”
650 Rio Lindo Ave., Ste 4, Chico
(530) 343-3137
youthfulsmileschico.com
Megan Hillyard, DVM
Country Roads Mobile Veterinary Service
In Business Since 2019
As a veterinarian in the area for 11 years, I wanted to continue providing quality care for dogs, cats, goats, horses and cattle but with more flexibility. I knew I would have to start my own business in order to do all this. I have a lot of support from my husband, children, parents and siblings; and my clients. It is good to have a lot of people cheering for you and wanting you to be successful.
My children can watch me and help me more than if I were going to work every day at a clinic. I am proud of my skill set and the work I do, and am happy I get to share it with them. I can take my children on some of my appointments and my daughter loves helping. Newborn puppies and kid goats are the best!
PO Box 1645, Cottonwood
(530) 356-0031
http://www.countryroads.vet
Nikola Hawes
Historic Hawes Farms
In Business Since 2005
The original farm was purchased in 1863 and we are fifth generation. Our kids are becoming more involved and are the sixth generation. Since 1863 the farm has raised and grown cattle, hogs, sheep, horses, wheat, alfalfa, walnuts, pumpkins, and corn.
We include our children in almost everything we do. They ride in the tractors with their dad, greet customers when they walk into the store and always pull and hoe weeds in the pumpkin patch.
I absolutely love the fall and hosting the tens of thousands of families visiting our farm.
Running a family business and raising a family are very similar: We set expectations and standards, and work to be a coach/parent to help our kids and staff achieve goals.
6465 Deschutes Rd., Anderson
(530) 365-2332
HistoricHawesFarms.com
Lacey Furnari
Shasta Sleep Services
In Business Since 2016
What I enjoy most about combining being a parent with running a business is the conversations I am able to have with my kids. We talk a lot about attempting something new and scary even if you fail or run into challenging times; about trusting yourself and your abilities; and about creating the life you want to live rather than living the life someone told you you're supposed to want to live.
Someone recently told me that, "The art of knowing is knowing what to ignore.” That has simplified things both personally and professionally for me. In challenging or disappointing times, I like to practice meditation, art and dancing — all with my kids!
The recent challenges of 2020 have put these practices to the test and they have seen us through some difficult times.When complications arise my 5 year old daughter, Mara, likes to say “Have confidence, mama, you’re doing great!”
2530 Old Eureka Way, Redding
(530) 691-4050
ShastaSleepServices.com
Vici and Tyler Miranda
Tehama Property Management
In Business Since 2009
Vici and Tyler Miranda are both Realtors at RE/MAX Top Properties and Vici is the Broker of Tehama Property Management. Starting a property management business was their key to surviving the market recession. After 11 years it has become a full time operation, with several full time staff to offer great landlord services.
The best piece of advice received certainly rings true — if you support the community, the community will support you. Vici is currently a City Parks Commissioner and Chairperson for The Big Splash Project- working to build a splash park and revitalize Red Bluff City Park.
“Juggling is truly our parenting style. Tyler and I both work very full time positions, while raising a fun and busy boy with special needs. It’s a real challenge at times, but we have a great village of support in our work and personal lives.” -Vici Miranda
320 Oak St., Red Bluff
(530) 527-2256
tehamapropertymanagement.com
Nicole Roberts
Nicole Roberts Photography
In Business Since 2008
Nicole Roberts has been taking photos from a very young age, and she says, “My first daughter inspired me to start the business - I did my first newborn photo shoot when she was just a week old.
“Being a photographer is not about just taking pictures. It’s about what is happening in that very moment. Not only are my clients capturing a special time in their lives, but I get to experience it with them. In one second, we can remember a lifetime.
“Nicole Roberts Photography is one of the biggest accomplishments of my life, along with being a wife and mom. I lead an example for my daughters that you can be a working mom with a successful career. I greatly enjoy being able to teach my children my craft and valuable skills they can use in their futures.
633 Orange St., #5, Chico
(530) 895-8000
nicolerobertsphoto.com
Cyndi Pereira
Thrive Homeschool Program
In Business Since 2010
Now offering in-person Distance Learning Support and virtual options
Cyndi was inspired to start her business from a deep desire to provide an alternative education that allows children to learn in freedom with a style that fits them best. She says the best advice someone has given her over the years is simple: “Do what you love and follow your dreams.”
Combining parenting with running a business is always a challenge, but Cyndi says, “Thrive actually helps me juggle being a parent because it is providing a wonderful alternative education for my own kids as well. I get to bring them with me to work and they get to take the academic and enrichment classes that I’m putting together for the community. I believe that my relationship with my children is even stronger because I get to spend more time with them. I often use their input to improve what we are offering other kids.
“We got through some big challenges like the Camp Fire and COVID because we take those difficult times and do what we can to support our community. After the Camp Fire we were able to offer extra free activities for families who lost their homes and support even more families with free summer day camp. We turn challenging times into times when we can even better support our families and the community.”
1361 Hawthorne Ave., Chico
(530) 809-4638
http://www.ThriveChico.org
Glenda Grant, Realtor
Waterman Real Estate
Joined in 2012
Realtor #01839815
“When I joined my mother, Susan Grant, in the real estate business in July, 2012, I had been working in a corporate position in the Bay area, and I was really starting from scratch, as I did not know anyone in Redding. At the time, I was a single/solo mother to my daughter, Gabby. My own mother suggested I get into real estate and move to Redding.”
Eight years later, Glenda has found her community and her career as a successful Realtor with Waterman Real Estate, and she has put down deep roots. She serves the Board of Realtors as its treasurer, and balances her career, her volunteer work and daily parenting with homeschooling her 11-year-old in the California Adventure Academy and guiding her two-year-old in Grant Yellow House.
Glenda actively leads others to get involved and contribute to the community. Currently Treasurer of the Board of Realtors, she was a Director for three years, and has been Chair of the Young Professional Network for four years. The Shasta County real estate community has honored her with numerous awards, including Agent of the Year.
She also serves on the Leadership Redding Steering Committee to encourage community members to become involved in continuing efforts to improve Redding.
“My life is juggling,” she says. “It’s like a jigsaw puzzle fitting in appointments here and there, and making sure my clients can pick the best times for their needs. I enjoy the flexibility and the chaos!
Glenda also gives a big thank-you to her family and their support. “My parents are local and they help a lot,” she says. “I could not be as
successful and involved as I am without them.
“For me, the best advice I’ve ever received is, “Find your passion and match it to a career.” For me, helping people is my passion, so helping people buy and sell homes fulfills that passion. I love helping people buy homes and sell them, finding the best fit for their lives and lifestyles. Helping people make the important connections that go along with the purchase and sale is another bonus that makes my career so enjoyable.
1760 Churn Creek Rd., Redding
(530) 941-0252
FindHomesInShastaCounty.com
