Real Moms, Real Talk: T. Espi of Fab Impressions

Since beginning my business venture with Moms ‘N Charge, I’ve crossed paths with, and came across some amazing moms who are doing some amazing things (thank you, Madame Google).   I  personally enjoy reading about them and learning from them, so I thought others would love to as well.

To start off, I chose someone whom I know personally, and who inspires me to do better and be better.   And that super mom happens to be a good friend of mine, Taheera Espinoza (AKA T. Espi).  Below are a few questions I asked of Lady T…you just might learn something new, and get inspired in the process 🙂

Photo taken by Crystale of E.Y.E. Imagery (www.eye-imagery.com)

C: I’ve known you personally for several years, but for all of our readers who don’t, tell us about your background.

T. ESPI: I spent 10 years in the Air Force as a Medical Technician.  When I separated, I decided I didn’t want to stay in healthcare so I took a job at a huge new resort hotel as a Workers’ Comp Coordinator.  This is where I got very familiar with HR and the rules (spoken and unspoken) of the corporate world.  I recently launched Fab Impressions in order to create a space that shows young women that you can be fabulous, fashionable AND appropriate. I was just tired of seeing young women dressed like street-walkers.

C: How did you determine you wanted to become an Entrepreneur?

T. ESPI: I’ve always wanted to do my own thing.  I just never knew what that thing might be.  After leaving my job at the hotel and having baby number two (not in that order), I knew it was time to start really putting thought and energy into working for myself so that I could spend more time with my family.

C: What keeps you going on a daily basis?

T. ESPI: My babies. There are days when I just don’t want to do anything.  I just want to give up.  Starting a new venture is hard work.  At the end of the day, I am doing this to gain not only financial freedom but freedom to spend time with my sons.  I want to be there for them whenever they need me and not have to ask permission to take time off to do so. 

C: How many kids do you have and how old?

T. ESPI: I have two little boys who will be five and two years old (September and August respectively). 

C: How do you balance family, work, school and business?

T. ESPI: Ha! That is an ongoing process.  My husband is very hands on with the boys and is very supportive of my goals so that is a huge help.  My day job is also pretty lax (shhh, don’t tell them I said that).  **Don’t worry T, your secret is safe with us ;)**

C: What’s your favorite thing to do when you have some downtime?

T. ESPI: Other than sleep?  I like to zone out and watch T.V. or read a magazine. 

C: What’s your biggest pet peeve?

T. ESPIGoodness, there are so many.  I’ll have to get back to you. **Uh Oh…well we will definitely be waiting on that one :)**

C: What’s one thing that most people may not know about you, but is a big part of who you are?

T. ESPI:  I am totally stubborn and resistant to change.  It often makes for uncomfortable situations but I am definitely more cautious than some would think. 

C: What advice do you have for other moms who are trying to start their own business?

T. ESPI: Stop thinking about it and do it.  There will never be a perfect time to do it.  The stars won’t align just so, your finances wont be perfect and so on.  Stop waiting for the opportunity and make it happen.  Also, build a network of other strong like-minded women. My friends have been invaluable through this process in so many ways, to include the occasional reality check (okay, maybe more than occasional). 

C: Finally, where do you draw your inspiration from?

T. ESPI: Everyday life.  I look at young women who are dressed like extras from the players club, and I know that what I am doing is absolutely necessary. 

Thank you Lady T, for sharing a little bit of yourself.  We look forward to seeing the great things that Fab Impressions has in store for you, and all of the young women that you will be serving.

To find out more about Taheera, please visit her website and blog at www.fab-impressions.com, “Like” her Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/FabImpressions, and follow her on Twitter @T_Espi.

If you know a Mom ‘N Charge that should be featured in Real Moms, Real Talk (or, if that person is you), please send an e-mail to christine@momsncharge.com with the subject title “Guest Feature: Real Moms, Real Talk”.

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7 Comments

  • T. Espi
    August 14, 2012 at 1:38 AM

    Awww, thank you Chrissy. You are a huge part of why I am able to move forward and I pray that we can continue to inspire and motivate one another.

  • Julian
    August 14, 2012 at 1:54 AM

    Great interview Chrissy! Looking forward to the next one. Keep up the good work.

  • Maama
    August 17, 2012 at 4:09 PM

    So proud of you, sweetie. The website looks very good and the contents are wonderful. I like your interview with Taheera. She should visit Churches and help with the proper dressing.

    • Christine St.Vil
      August 18, 2012 at 12:36 AM

      Thanks mom! Yes, I think that would definitely be a great market for Taheera to talk to as well 🙂

  • Part 1: Real Moms, Real Talk: Lenore Waterman (US Air Force Retiree & Breast Cancer Survivor)
    October 29, 2012 at 3:28 PM

    […] had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Lenore because she is the sister of my good friend Te Espi (who was our very first RMRT interviewee). To say it was an honor to chat with her on a more […]

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