ing coffee and feeling the presence of Jesus. WHAT’S A CHALLENGE YOU FACED AS A MOMPRENEUR? TESSA: Balancing time has been really hard for me. It’s hard to feel like you’re giving enough to your business and your family. I have to learn to give myself grace and set realistic boundaries. I’m not the best at delegating and asking for help, but I do have the most amazing employees and friends who help me balance that. ANY TIPS FOR MOMS LOOKING TO VENTURE INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP? TESSA: Don’t wait for the perfect timing. It doesn’t exist. Surround yourself with peo- ple who believe in your vision and remem- ber your why when things get tough. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR PRE-MOM SELF? TESSA: You don't always have to have the house perfectly clean or the perfect dinner on the table. The kids want Chick fil A anyway! Create a welcoming space for your kids and their friends. That’s where all the memories are made. Oh, and if you have the good snacks, the kids will come.
need more than just parents to pick them up; they need good friends and mentors.
Rapid-Fire Questions Favorite date night… always a dinner. Ruth’s Chris is my favorite. One word that best describes your family… fun. Favorite movie or television show… Sweet Home Alabama . Favorite food… pasta. Hidden Talent… karaoke…even though I have no talent. Book you’re reading right now… Gently and Lowly by Dane Ortland.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE INEVITABLE CHAOS THAT COMES WITH PARENTING?
TESSA: I wish I could tell you that it was always with calmness and patience, but it’s more like mistakes and apologies. I can process progress. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS, AND WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED? TESSA: God placed this dream on my heart to create a space where people can en- counter Jesus through his love and through books. What keeps me going is knowing that it’s bigger than me. It’s a ministry, not just a business. HAVE YOUR CHILDREN INFLUENCED ANY ASPECTS OF YOUR BUSINESS? TESSA: Absolutely, I think about what kind of world I want them to grow up in, and that impacts everything from the vibe in the store to the types of books we stock. They’re a big part of my why. It’s been really sweet to see my teenage daughter and her friends just hanging out in the store, drink-
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