Mother Hustler
Kyah Shenee' • December 9, 2020
"I had found myself turning down business due to me having no one to babysit my kids and needing to spend time with husband who was an over-the-road truck driver. "
Get up Kyah! You can do it Kyah! The voice in my head screams as I'm laying in my bed with a billion things going through my head. I don't feel the need to get up. I'm tired... I'm frustrated, and I can't seem to get any energy. What's a mother to do? Get up anyway, and keep pushing for her husband, her children, her students and her business. We as women have so much pulling at us because we are the foundation that keeps our families from falling or caving in. We usually cook, clean, and do the things no one else wants or likes to do. We as women are special creatures that can achieve almost anything. Let me give you a little motivation... I started a Master's program a few months after my twins were born and finished with a 4.0 grade point average. Let me be clear... It was not easy. I repeat... It was not easy, but it was worth it. I also was in the process of planning my wedding and working full-time. I also changed my career path from a library manager to a special education teacher.
Adding children to the equation adds additional complexity and possibly puts a woman's dreams on hold or even make them obsolete, but it should not. I thought my business dream was obsolete, but it just was slightly delayed. In 2017, my business, RSW Creations slowly drifted off the radar because I had to devote my life to my family. I had given birth to two little boys that needed their mother. As I drifted off the radar, in the back of my mind, I kept telling myself, "RSW Creations will come back." I did a few projects for people I knew and some people I did not know in hopes I would keep RSW Creations somewhat relevant. It didn't work. However, I did not let that discourage me or alter the vision I had for my business. Three years later, RSW Creations got back on the radar thinking it was ready for whatever. At least that is what I thought... Progress with my business kept being constantly delayed due to my commitment to my husband and children. I had found myself turning down business due to me having no one to babysit my kids and needing to spend time with husband who was an over the road truck driver. Then COVID-19 swept the nation by surprise. Wowwww! Another business owner, Lakesha Clark of Upper Echelon Catering & Events and Leafy Salads & More tried to keep me from falling ten steps back with the idea of "front porch photo shoots," but no one booked me due to the pandemic.
At first, I was willing to throw the whole business away, but I loved photography and was not raised to be a quitter. So, I did not let the hurdles stop me. I got right back in "Mother Hustler" mode and tried again. Now, I'm getting booked without even advertising to the extent I was earlier this year due to my professionalism and drive. RSW Creations is not perfect by far, but we strive for perfection daily. RSW Creations' sets monthly sales goal, and we often meet them. However, we greatly surpassed goals for August by capturing our first COVID-19 wedding and December with our Holiday Pickup Truck photo sessions. Plus, bookings are still coming in for our holiday studio sessions. This blog is dedicated to all the "Mother Hustlers." Do not give up on something you love and want. Also, consider turning something you love into a business if possible. Most importantly, add something to your community that is positive and needed. Hancock County's photographer and graphic/website designer is back and readily available to assist all citizens in Hancock and surrounding counties. I am truly thankful for all of my customers because they along with my husband and family keep me inspired. Book your holiday studio session today!
About the Author
Kyah Shenee' is also known as Rakyah Washington. She is a wife, mother of twins and two bonus daughters, special education teacher, small business owner and an adult with a disability. She has bachelor degrees from the University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education from Georgia College and State University. Hobbies include drawing, painting and writing.
