As if running after her three boys, Enzo, 10, Cedric, 8, and Chase, 4, didn’t keep her busy enough, Mommy Sharon had to start a business – had to, because this ‘fourth child’ would make their family life richer.
She’s working ‘round the clock, but wouldn’t have it any other way. Read on to learn how she keeps going, the highs and lows of her parenting journey, and what it takes to be a successful mompreneur.
What advice would you like to give fellows moms who would want to follow in your footsteps?
Before I became a mom for the first time, I thought my experience as a preschool teacher would prepare me to be a good mom. I read up on a lot of parenting books and articles. I even talked to a lot of friends; and I thought that it would be like any other challenge I have faced before.
I thought that it would be like any other previous exam or project, and if I studied/worked hard enough I would definitely be good at it; but as soon as I held my son for the first time, I realized that no preparation was ever going to make me ready for this new chapter in my life.
Each child is unique and I had to be a different mom to each of my 3 boys; as each of them is unique in his own way. I am guided by my intuition, my passion to strive to be a good mom to each of them.
I believe I was meant to be their mom and it is my duty, responsibility to help them grow up to be good men and to help them develop to their full potential.
There are good days and bad days, I admit. Days when I feel like I should be doing more, days when I regret having done something as a mom. But I take on each day as a new day to spend with my little ones.
Each time I fall, I pick myself back up because I know my boys need me. It is with this same passion and persistence that I came to have my first business venture. I persisted, driven by my passion to get a license of Echostore/ Echomarket/ Echocafe in Quezon City at Eton Centris Walk in my quest to find a healthy one stop shop where I could shop, dine with my little ones.
A place where I could let my kids play in the play area (from a safe distance where I can see them) while I shop healthy, natural products for my family. Where we could all eat out as a family without guilt. A place where we could all relax and have fun as a family. My belief that there was a strong need for a place like this in Quezon City drove me to where I am now, but is the passion to spread the purpose of the store that drives us to do our best in the store every day.
Read: British mother opens an innovative breastfeeding cafe for nursing moms
Read on to find out why Mommy Sharon says she can “work 24 hours a day”.
What are the most rewarding lessons you have learned in your journey to reach where you are in the present?
I have learned that if your belief, passion, and determination is strong enough you can achieve anything you set your mind to; but not without hard work and perseverance of course.
Every time I have days when I feel overwhelmed with having to manage a business and raising my 3 boys, I remind myself that this is the path I have taken and I believe I can do it, because it is my destiny. I can work 24 hours a day, because I love what I do and I love what I am doing it for.
How did it enrich you as a person, woman, and mother?
I have 3 boys and a girl… Echostore Centris is my baby too and I give my 100% to each of them. In trying times I always remind myself of my purpose (be it a mom or a mom to a business).
This is what will keep you focused on your goals and this will stop you from giving up. I remind myself also that it is all right to make mistakes, as long as you pick yourself up and keep moving forward.
Each child has made me a better, stronger, tougher person. Every time I reach out and give something of myself to my “loves”, I get more back because I continue to grow in knowledge and love.
Photos courtesy of Kervin Luy and Sharon Chua
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