With love from me to me

Dear Past Self,

In the realm of motherhood and entrepreneurship, people like to talk a lot about a balancing act. For someone like you, juggling pregnancies while keeping your store afloat, missing precious moments like your children's birthday parties and school plays, and even facing ostracism from carpools and WhatsApp mom groups for your disdain of idle chatter and bake sale contributions, the journey has been conflicted, but you probably wouldn’t have it any other way.

I see you there, you're on the way home from the Javits Center on a smelly bus. Hungry. Exhausted. Pregnant. Back to Philadelphia you go, your mind buzzing with strategies, deals, and the incessant hum of productivity.

I see you late at night on the NJ turnpike, reading voicenotes to your phone of things to do in the morning, processing the day that has been and the day that will come. Meanwhile, others are discussing PTA meetings, cupcake recipes, and the latest playground gossip. It's not that you don't care about these things; it's just that your priorities lie elsewhere—building a legacy, creating opportunities, and making a mark in the world of business.

The decision to keep your store open instead of attending your children's birthday parties wasn't an easy one, but let’s be honest it wasn’t that hard either. It was a choice made with the long game in mind. It meant missed moments but also paved the way for financial stability, professional growth, and setting an example of resilience and determination for your children.

As for the school plays and carpools, they symbolize the societal expectations placed on mothers—be present, bake cookies, engage in small talk. But you defied these norms, apologetically focused on your goals, afraid to stand out and prioritize what truly matters to you but more afraid not to.

You're not interested in small talk; you're interested in meaningful connections, impactful conversations, and moving the needle forward. Some of those things are about connection with your kids, and lets be honest, some are more performative and thats fine, if it feeds you.

There may have been many a missed opportunity for social validation, but it was a conscious choice to invest your time and energy where it mattered most—your business, your family, and your personal growth.

Well, report from the future. Our boys are now master chefs in the making, whipping up gourmet meals and doing their own laundry like pros. It's like having mini Gordon Ramsays running around, minus the foul language (most of the time).

As for our daughters, they've got an eye for beautiful things and a work ethic that puts most adults to shame. They understand the value of earning their way and appreciate the effort that goes into creating something special.

We’re doing great.

Your Present Self