Cemone Glinton: June Feature Mompreneur: The Village Maternity Services

It was such a pleasure when Nicole agreed to be apart of this project - she is the first. I want to send a special thank you to the, " Village Maternity Services" you're awesome. Read about Nicoles journey of starting the village - Be inspired, stay focused, and fabulous.

The Village Maternity Services

Mompreneur: Nicole Vasicanna (Owner/Operator/Founder)

Years In Business: 2.5

⦁ When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?

I kind of have a smart mouth. Loved to argue and play devil’s advocate so I thought being a prosecutor would be the perfect profession. But while in high school, I observed that quite a few of my friend’s parents were in business for themselves, and I knew then that I wanted that lifestyle.

⦁ What was your first business idea?

I use to sew quite a bit in high school. I started making and selling pillows. Then we had a culture week at school and I created a skirt out of bandannas. A few people liked my concept and requested I design some items for them using their country’s flag.

⦁ What do you wish you knew before starting your business?

Nothing actually. I dibble and dabbled in a few other entrepreneurial adventures so I knew that there would be no clear, straight, and direct path. Yes, I do believe success leaves clues, but no one’s journey is exactly the same and I believe you have to start before you’re ready; and that’s what I did. I also know that every overnight success is really a journey of 10 years.

⦁ What did you learn from your worse boss?

Honestly, I haven’t had any bad bosses. But through observation I’ve realized that every boss is NOT a leader; but it can be a skilled that’s learned. However, I inherently believe that some people are born with a natural affinity towards leading and bringing out the best in others.

⦁ What’s your highest level of education?

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Where do you find inspiration?

Books. Audiobooks. Meditation. My village and circle of friends. Also meeting new people. I’ve become incredibly open to learning about different cultures, opinions, and ways of life.

⦁ As a (single mompreneur ) how do you balance?

There’s no such thing as balance in respect to most people’s understanding of it. I don’t think you can practically have balance on a daily basis. But over the course of a month, 2 months, 3 months period I work to create a structure that resembles balance. For me, this means making a conscious effort to schedule time with loved ones. Carving out alone time for me. And no longer being afraid to say NO to projects that are not in alignment with my goals.

⦁ How is it being a (single mompreneur) running a business?

I won’t say it’s difficult, but it’s not for the faint at heart. I’m okay with being without. By no means do I expect to be a permanent situation. But I do believe that when you sign up for this lifestyle you inherently are signing up for making many sacrifices. I do my best to shield my son from that. I will go without before he does. But I also don’t want to sugarcoat it either. I don’t think I would be doing him any justice if he though money grew on trees. He’s going to grow up to be someone’s husband and father. And if he’s going to do it well, that’s no easy task. These are lessons I don’t want to shy away from teaching him. I try to be strategic about what I expose him to. But I believe he understands that I work so hard in order to make his life better than mine.

⦁ What advice would you give other (single mompreneurs / mompreneurs)?

Just go for it and start. I think we get so caught up in the big idea. The final destination. While those ideas are amazing, they’re also grandiose and overwhelming. Start focusing on, “What can I do right now” What steps can I take now” and begin to take those baby steps. Moving forward is still moving. You just have to take the first step and start.

⦁ Sometimes you have to make tough decisions whether it’s personal, family, relationships or business. Do you ever feel misunderstood? Give examples or details.

Oh definitely. I think the hardest thing for me right now is juggling my financial resources and it may come across as me not wanting to spend time/ or hang out. But there are so many things I want to do, places I want to go, things I want to experience. I think those around me sometimes don’t realize I can’t say yes to every invitation because every penny adds up.

⦁ How important would you say is having a support system? Who’s a part of your circle?

HA! I wouldn’t be Nicole without my support systems. This is why my company is called The Village Maternity Services; because I believe in the power of the collected. My support system helps me with my son. My extended family plays a huge role in this, and I couldn’t do half the things I wanted to without them. I look to friends and family around me to keep me grounded & focused. To check me when I’m not living up to full potential and to help identify weakness and blind spots. I know who I am and what I want so, our opinions may clash, and I may not always take their advice. But I think the moment you believe you’ve got it all figured out you just lost your way. I’ve learned to ask for help and that I’m incapable of doing it all by myself.

A very difficult lesson I learned in nursing school while on the brink of almost failing pediatrics. I was working part time, full time nursing student, and my scholarship program required clinical/work hours as well. It took one of my lead professors sitting me down and saying, you need to ask for help. Who can help you? She flat out told me that if I continued to try and do this alone, that I would fail. This was a very difficult lesson for me as I HATE inconveniencing people. But she made me realize that those that care about you usually want to help, I just needed to ask.