Real Moms, Real Talk: Miko Branch, Miss Jessie’s Book + Giveaway #MissJessiesBook

I’m so honored and excited to be a part of the Miss Jessie’s Book Blog Tour with some other unbelievably amazing women. There is something magical when sisterhood comes together in love and support. And in this case, we are rallying around our sister Miko Branch, Co-Founder of Miss Jessie’s.

Miss Jessie's MomsNCharge Blog Tour

Miss Jessie’s book: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch – Naturally comes out next week! Let me just set the record straight on one thing: this book is so much more than just hair. This book is about legacy, sisterhood, empowerment, and entrepreneurship. It’s straight up real talk, no chaser. It’s funny, it’s relatable, it’s inspirational. The only problem I had with this book is that it kept me from sleeping because I had to keep turning the pages to find out what happened next.

What I truly appreciated in reading this story was the authenticity in which Miko wrote about her and her sister’s journey to the mega brand that we know Miss Jessie’s to be today. As someone who grew up with four sisters, my heart ached for Miko when I first heard of the untimely passing of her beloved sister, Titi. It is so evident within the pages of this book, the unbreakable and loving sisterly bond that the two shared. I am truly inspired to a new level just seeing how Miko continues to push forward, in order to reach down and help other aspiring entrepreneurs to reach the level of success that they’re destined for. I just pray that seeing how others are being impacted by their story, it will continue to give her strength to push forward. We love you, and we appreciate you, Miko.

Miss-Jessies-book quote 2

“The greatest secret to success, is helping other people to become successful.” And this is exactly what Miko is doing with this book. This isn’t a “nice” read, this is a must read for any woman looking to follow their dreams and create a successful business for themselves and their families.

As an entrepreneur and  a mom, I always look to what other successful mompreneurs are doing. I know that it’s possible because I see women like Miko Branch making it happen, and making it happen successfully – not having to sacrifice running the business of her dreams to be a great mother. When I started MomsNCharge.com that was exactly my mission: to inspire moms to go after their dreams and goals; not when the kids start school or graduate from college, or get married, but now, today.

And to motivate you even further, I got to ask Miko a few questions regarding how she juggles motherhood, life and business:

Photo credit: Miko Branch, Co-Founder, Miss Jessie's

Photo credit: Miko Branch, Co-Founder, Miss Jessie’s

How do you juggle motherhood and entrepreneurship?

Miko: Juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship is definitely a challenging balance, but if asked to prioritize my duties in order of importance, motherhood always comes first. With this priority in place, essentially everything I do revolves around my son’s needs and his best interest. I try to do business during the hours he is in school or participating in enriching extra curricular activities, so when he does come home I am in a position to give him my full attention and spend time with him.

This isn’t a new phenomena in my household. When my son was first born, my sister and I brought our hair salon business into our home where I raised my son, so I could be near him as often as possible during his childhood. I never wanted to have to go to daycare or be raised under the supervision of a babysitter, so I did hair in my house. This definitely is evident of what my priority is when it comes to motherhood and business, and this sentiment still holds true as my son ages and my business continues to evolve and prosper.

How do you deal with mom guilt?

Miko: I actually have very little mom guilt, because I am an incredibly dedicated mother. As I mentioned before, my son is my first priority, so I dedicate much of my time to him, working my business schedule around his schedule as best as I can. For the most part, I do get a lot of mommy time with my son. However, there are the occasional phases in which the workload is heavier than normal, and I want to spend more time with my child but have to adhere to other obligations. Though this can create momentary, mild sense of guilt, I just remind myself that the professional goal I am working towards will ultimately benefit him in the end. Also once the wave of heavy work passes, I always make a strong effort to make up for the lost time with my son, by doubling up on the time with him and doing something special.

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How do you take time out for yourself with your busy schedule?

Miko: I definitely have to make a conscious effort to carve out some time for myself, because if I don’t, there is always something else that comes up, for me to do. Setting aside a little “me time” is important to keep myself grounded and relaxed, so that when the pressure is on, I can navigate towards an effective solution efficiently. I do this by getting up incredibly early and taking a quiet walk around my neighborhood, doing some cardio, meeting up with friends, or even treating myself to a nice facial. My schedule has been particularly rigorous lately and between running Miss Jessie’s and our many projects, including the upcoming release of my new book, Miss Jessie’s: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch, Naturally, making time for myself can get tricky, but I definitely have to make it a priority as well.

What two pieces of advice can you share with other moms who are trying to build a business while still being a great mom?

It is all about how you prioritize, and being a good mother should always be number one. If you lead with that, then your business will end up supporting everything you are trying to do, as a great mother. If this means moving your business closer to where you also plan to raise your child, that is an option you can make happen. If you have to shift your work schedule to operate during hours that your child is at school or asleep, giving you and your child more time to spend together during the day, that is another adjustment you can make to accommodate this priority. So if you have your priorities in place first, it is possible to find this balance between being an amazing mother and successful business woman. Everything in your life will fall into place as it should, allowing you to really have it all.


Thank you so much Miko for sharing these words of wisdom with us. And thank you to the entire Miss Jessie’s team for allowing me a sneak peek into this incredible story. Rest in Paradise Titi, knowing that Miko continues to carry the torch.

I want to share the inspiration, sisterhood and empowerment of this book and the Miss Jessie’s products with one of you! Here’s how to enter the giveaway (you MUST complete both steps!):

1. Fill out the PromoSimple widget below with your information.

2. Leave a comment on this post telling me about how you plan to leave a legacy for your family, and generations to come.

Miss Jessie’s: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch—Naturally is now available on Amazon.com.


*Disclosure: I was given a free advanced copy of this book & Miss Jessie’s product for this review. I have included affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own.

 

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33 Comments

  • Tamara Jones
    April 10, 2015 at 10:50 AM

    My plan to leave a legacy for my family and generations to come is simple. The legacy that i will lead is two fold; 1. Leading by example in all that I do, and 2. Blazing trails and uncharted territory in life and in business. The one thing that i hope that my 4 children not only remember about me but follow themselves is that we are called to and have the God-instilled power within us to lead by example. I want my children to continue to lead others, lift others, encourage others and empower others. Secondly, I want them never to operate in fear and to walk boldly in areas that others have not, to blaze trails and never give up. These actions will have a domino effect that can impact so many lives. I want my children to operate in love and not fear. The business that I am staring will change lives, this business I plan to leave to my children and then to be passed on to the 3rd and 4th generations.

    • Christine St.Vil
      April 13, 2015 at 12:49 PM

      Yesssss Tamara!!!! That is awesome! I love the idea of instilling the mindset of being a trailblazer and pursuing opportunities that others don’t consider.

  • Stacie
    April 10, 2015 at 10:53 AM

    I plan to leave a legacy for my family by teaching them about God’s love and how to live a life full of love and faith. And of course, how to be your own boss and do what makes you happy!
    Stacie would like you to check out…New Dial Miracle Oil Hand Soap Giveaway!My Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      April 13, 2015 at 12:47 PM

      I’m all for that Stacie and love it! The world would be so much happier if everyone adopted a life of love and faith 🙂

  • Michellette "MimiCuteLips" Green
    April 10, 2015 at 11:23 AM

    I try to show my children by being a living example. I show them the importance of being a hard worker. They’ve come to my 9-5 to see what Mommy does and how she makes a difference there. They also see my blogger work and they know that is something Mommy created for herself. They also see and help me with my From Mi To You custom junk chucks. They learn about being an entrepreneur and they help with my marketing. We also vacation so they see hard work pays off and the importance of taking care of a family, having your own and how rewarding all of that can be for a person and their family.
    Michellette “MimiCuteLips” Green would like you to check out…Easter #OURPROJECT52My Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      April 13, 2015 at 12:46 PM

      I love how you incorporate your children in what you do, so they can see first-hand what it truly means to work hard and be able to provide anything that they need. I think that’s so important.

  • Laila (@FrontRowMama)
    April 10, 2015 at 11:25 AM

    I am definitely trying to share with my son the importance of our faith and having multiple streams of income. I want to build a legacy of spiritual and financial wealth in our family.
    Laila (@FrontRowMama) would like you to check out…18 Things I Want My Black Son to KnowMy Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      April 13, 2015 at 12:44 PM

      I love that Laila and believe that faith and finances go hand in hand. Thanks so much or sharing!

  • Melissa
    April 10, 2015 at 12:24 PM

    I LOVED this read! I am not yet a mother but I always love getting this perspective now before I become one so that I can start to prepare!
    Melissa would like you to check out…Making The Case for More Diversity In Marketing with Clorox and TwitterMy Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      April 13, 2015 at 12:42 PM

      Aww thanks so much for stopping by Melissa! I can tell that you will be a phenomenal mother when the time comes 😉

  • Ariel
    April 10, 2015 at 5:01 PM

    By being the best version of myself — in womanhood, motherhood, and entrepreneurship. I want my son to know that the sacrifices I’m making now are for his future. Even though he’s five, I’ve started to include him in my “work”; showing him my blog, explaining my work, that I’m a writer, what social media looks like, etc. Every day we say the phrase ‘Keep Trying’ and ‘Do Your Best’ because they’re actions that we both should and can apply to our lives. Thanks for this, Christine!
    Ariel would like you to check out…Why Feeling Beautiful Should Be a Daily GoalMy Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      April 13, 2015 at 12:41 PM

      I love that Ariel, and I do the same exact thing with my children. I believe it’s important that we include them in what we’re doing and show them instead of keep it away. I’ve found that they get excited about it, which helps to deter any feelings of mom guilt that may arise 😉

  • Kirstin N. Fuller (@thetravelindiva)
    April 10, 2015 at 5:11 PM

    I plan to leave the legacy of financial independence thru successful businesses for my family especially my nephews. I’m building a brand and they already see that thru hardwork and dedication anything can be achieved as long as you believe in yourself and your dreams.
    Kirstin N. Fuller (@thetravelindiva) would like you to check out…Travel Easier with the Apple Watch!My Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      April 13, 2015 at 12:40 PM

      So simply, but so very important Kirstin about the need to believe first in yourself. Without that, you can’t truly get to the level of success that you are destined for. Thanks so much for sharing!

  • Tiffany
    April 10, 2015 at 6:42 PM

    My legacy – although I have no children yet – is one that I finally decided to build when I turned 30, six years ago. It took me a while to see the value in what I have to offer others, because I’ve always been the one to take the not-so-straight-forward “scenic” route to my successes. I used to feel a tad bit of self-hate because I didn’t do things in traditional and socially accepted ways. I often hated that I wasn’t that “straight A” student who graduated by 22, found my husband by 24, and had 2.5 kids in the suburbs by 26. What I want my sister, my niece, my future children, and any young women I impact to understand, is that it’s OK to love yourself exactly where you are in every stage on your journey. All of you. It’s absolutely necessary to understand that your steps are ordered, and your path is different from anyone else’s in the world. It’s OK to think outside of the box we so often put ourselves in. It’s OK to not be married before 40. It’s OK to rock your natural fro. It’s OK to love who you love. It’s OK to not want to settle down. It’s OK to be a social butterfly. And it’s equally OK to be a hermit sometimes. Of course, I want what everyone else wants for their families…spiritual and financial freedom. However, I feel like there’s no real living in being financially successful if you don’t truly know how to practice self-love and appreciation for how you arrived there. That simple message is what I hope to convey. And travel. Travel for the hell of it…birthday, anniversary, new job, or because it’s Saturday. Travel. I pass the torch and the travel bug to anyone I meet. It’s a great big world out there and to only see the miniscule piece you occupy would be a great disservice to yourself and your children!

    I love what you do Christine! Keep it up 🙂

    • Christine St.Vil
      April 13, 2015 at 12:39 PM

      OMG this was everything Tiffany!!! Thank you SO much for sharing these very important words of advice and encouragement. “It’s OK to love yourself exactly where you are in every stage on your journey” — absolutely yes! Too often we allow society to dictate where we should be in life, by what age, and how we should “do things”. It’s definitely not true. And I agree that we can’t truly have success without self-love being at the forefront. Thanks again for sharing and for your words of encouragmnet 🙂

  • Cache
    April 10, 2015 at 10:35 PM

    LOVED IT ! I do not have children of my own yet but I do indeed tend on bring my children up with God’s word , so that they may face whatever trail life throws at them with a tremendous amount of faith , knowing that they will always be well taken care of in the Lord’s hands. By teaching them the word of God and making sure they know who he is and what he can do , surely it will be a well accomplishment on my side when I become a mother some day 🙂

    • Christine St.Vil
      April 13, 2015 at 12:36 PM

      Yesss, LOVE that Cache and I definitely agree! My faith plays a huge role in what I teach our children because that’s where everything begins. Thanks so much for sharing!

  • Nicole
    April 11, 2015 at 3:34 AM

    i plan to leave a legacy of thinking, reading, creating, and challenging authority! Love the story!
    Nicole would like you to check out…Are you getting things done through brute force?My Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      April 13, 2015 at 12:35 PM

      Thanks so much for sharing Nicole! Keep going and your family will definitely be proud of your legacy.

  • Mrs. Pancakes
    April 11, 2015 at 8:26 AM

    It’s wonderful to see such a strong and successful down to earth woman! Looks like a great blog tour as well!!

  • Keosha Scott
    April 11, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    I plan to leave a legacy where my kids will appreciate all the heartache I went through raising them alone so I can live to see them prosper. I was in an abusive relationship with their father and always wanted to use my experience and education with domestic violence to change women life. I’m going to college now to become a Psychologist. With my degree I hope to heal souls while raising my kids to respect, love themselves while striving for greatness in the light of the God. My son is autistic and all I want to be for him is his strengthen when he can’t do something. I want to teach him that hes different because hes unique and definitely rise up to greatness one day because mom made sure it happened. My daughter is so smart and i just want her to grow up embracing everything great about her flaws and all like every black women should. I became natural just for her and it has completely change my mindset about beauty and my lifestyle in general. Thanks for this opportunity to share my short story.

    Keosha Scott

    • Christine St.Vil
      April 13, 2015 at 12:33 PM

      Aww thank YOU so much for sharing your story Keosha. It is truly powerful and I have no doubt you will help transform many women’s lives simply by continuing to share your story. I too, wanted to set the example for my daughters by becoming natural.

      • Keosha Scott
        April 19, 2015 at 5:38 PM

        Thank you for reading my comment. I hope to achieve all my goals. All I want is for my kids to know that no matter how rough the road may be, you can do anything if you just believe and never give up. I hope my legacy empowers and change the world and I hope the most that my kids be proud of the woman I presented to the world.

  • Monica Byrd
    April 12, 2015 at 8:24 AM

    I plan to leave a legacy for my son Elijah by – through his eyes – explaining things to him and showing him hard work, and dedication and by bringing him along to my events so he can see the real passion in me and know that I’m doing this for the family!

    I look forward to him learning from my brand as a Marketing, Branding and Creative Consultant, Blogger, Fashion and Beauty Ambassador, Haute Mom Expert and Creator of the following brands:

    * Fashionista Flea Market
    * Baby Bash and Bling Expo & Show featuring Bump the Runway
    * The Haute Experience: Roundtable Discussion Featuring Hair, Beauty and Style Brands and Bloggers
    * The Haute Collection: Fashion, Style, Decor and Home Living Gifts
    * Bump in the City Stationary Collection
    * Fashion Rules by a Wifey + Haute Mom Collection

    And using these tools to fuel his own path! Thanks Christine for the opportunity!!!!

    Monica

    • Christine St.Vil
      April 13, 2015 at 12:31 PM

      Wow, you are so inspiring Monica! Talk about leaving behind a legacy. This is awesome and I know your son sees your hard work and will always be proud of you 🙂

  • Donnalee
    April 12, 2015 at 5:44 PM

    It’s great to see Miko still thriving after all that her family has been through.
    Donnalee would like you to check out…15 Hilarious Images From President Obama’s Visit to JamaicaMy Profile

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    April 13, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    […] I shared last week that I just read Miko Branch’s new book: Miss Jessie’s: Creating a Successful … […]

  • Natasha Blevins
    April 13, 2015 at 9:20 AM

    The tour is an awesome way to get followers connected with others and build brands at the same time. Looking forward to reading this book.

  • Tyneisha
    April 14, 2015 at 9:18 PM

    I plan to leave a legacy for my family by teaching them that God can conquer all. Life is full of ups and downs but as long as we remain steadfast in our faith, we will persevere with the power of the Lord’s strength!

  • latanya
    April 15, 2015 at 1:25 PM

    I plan to leave a legacy that if you put God first, then all things will be added to you. With faith, hard work, dedication, and determination, you can achieve your goals.

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    December 31, 2015 at 9:34 AM

    […] April: Invited to keynote a Women’s History event for VA Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta & Hired as onsite Sociald Media Manager/correspondent for Tots to Teens Expo; Miss Jessie’s Blogger Ambassador (check out the interview I did with Co-Founder, Miko Branch). […]

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