I am excited to share this week's Spotlight Mom, Jennifer Maggio with you. She has such an inspirational story that single moms will find comfort in. Jennifer is a full-time author, speaker, and columnist who dedicates her time to empowering and encouraging single moms and abused women across the globe through her story. She shares her struggles and successes in hopes to inspire these women. In addition, she also launched a new magazine in March, Overwhelmed: The Single Moms Magazine. Even though I have never walked in Jennifer's shoes, her story is inspiring to any woman and I wish her much success with her mission of helping abused and single moms find hope. She is truly a great mom, and we should all tip our hat to the hard work she is doing. Jennifer is truly changes lives and she should be commended for it! You go, Jennifer!!!!
And, now on to my interview with Jennifer. Enjoy!
Name: Jennifer Maggio
Company Name/Product/Service: Jennifer Maggio, Author/Speaker
Company Location: Baton Rouge, Lousiana
Company Website: http://www.
Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/#!/
Twitter Handle: @ jennifermaggio
Age of Company: 5 years
Favorite Inspirational Quotes: "Though you walk through the rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. Though you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up."
Favorite Book: The Shack
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have? What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.
I am the happily married mother of three wonderful children - Dylon - 15, Ashton - 14, and Adrianne -4. I enjoy running and attending my children's endless sporting events. I was a single mom for 7 years and currently run one of the nation's largest single mom support groups. I have helped to launch more than 100 similar support groups around the globe.
I am the happily married mother of three wonderful children - Dylon - 15, Ashton - 14, and Adrianne -4. I enjoy running and attending my children's endless sporting events. I was a single mom for 7 years and currently run one of the nation's largest single mom support groups. I have helped to launch more than 100 similar support groups around the globe.
Briefly explain your business. How did it come about?
I am a full-time author, speaker, and columnist whose time is dedicated to the empowerment and encouragement of single mothers and abused women across the globe. At 17 years old, I found myself pregnant for the third time, severely abused, and homeless, and I felt I had no future or hope. The next seven years took me on an unspeakable journey of hardship that taught me a great deal. I ultimately found corporate success and pulled myself out of the pits of despair, but I never forgot what it was like to be there. After almost 10 years in Corporate America, I left behind the lavish vacations and six-figure income to pursue my God-given passion of working full-time with single mothers. My writing and speaking career birthed out of that very journey and the passion to see others find the freedom that I now have.
What is a typical work day like?
Much of my work week is responding to countless emails and phone calls in relation to single mom needs and how to best meet those needs. I am on an average of 5 radio or television shows a week. I am working on my third book, so I try to balance writing within the day, as well. I also spend time counseling single moms.
What has been a struggle while starting up your company?
Developing a platform as a speaker and author takes a great deal of time and patience. Also, becoming self-employed requires organization and balance between work and home.
What did you do in your past work life?
In Corporate America, I worked full-time as an assistant Vice-president for a Fortune 500 Company, where I did financial counseling.
What have been some of your major successes?
I became an 11-time Circle of Excellence Winner in Corporate America before I left that career behind. Since launching my new ministry, I have written two books that have released in the last 12 months. Both have been met with fast success and critical-acclaim, selling out in bookstores everywhere. I launched Overwhelmed: The Single Moms Magazine in March 2011 and have been on more than 100 radio and television shows in the last 12 months. But perhaps my biggest success is seeing the changed lives of single mothers who desperately want to find freedom in their lives!
What have been some of your major challenges?
The biggest challenge for me in moving away from Corporate America and into full-time entrepreneurship has been leaving behind the security that Corporate America offers. There is no lavish salary or bonus checks to earn. It is all on your shoulders and that's a scary place to be, at least, at first.
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
When I am exhausted, over-worked, and underpaid, the motivation that keeps me putting one foot in front of the other is my faith. I know that there are hurting women across our globe that need hope. I begin to think of where I once was and it rejuvenates me every time to find the women who are there now.
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
When the work day is over, IT IS OVER. Do not answer "one last email" or "one last phone call", because it turns into an hour of work.
What is next for your business?
I am currently working on my third book, which is an intense labor of love, that is beginning to take shape. It will be the next step. In addition, we are scheduling single moms' events and conferences around the nation for 2012.
Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?
Research your business and be certain that it is something you want to pursue long-term. This will prevent those I-just-want-to-quit days.
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