TALKING MOTHERHOOD AND BUSINESS ~ WITH CHANEL @LADIESLOVEEVENTS

Hi Chanel can you tell us a little about where you're from?

I was born in Edmonton north London where I actually have lived my whole life (in different properties). My Mum was born in India and my Dad in Trinidad and Tobago. They are completely different to each other- a common case of opposites attract. My Dad being probably the most confident & loudest man I have ever met and my Mum a lot quieter but one of the sweetest kindest women you could ever meet. They play positive role models in both mine and my younger sisters life. We grew up in a mostly happy household, with a hard working Mum and Dad, we were brought up with good work ethics. Both Parents have now been in there jobs for over 25 years, my mum approaching 30 years. We went to church on Sunday's and spent a lot of time with our families-until our parents separated. My mum went through a silent hardship of credit card & loans to get through the hard times of being a single parent. We moved from location to location in temporary accommodations whilst my Dad took the money from the sale of our family home and spent it buying property back in Tobago. That was all a long time ago, my sister and I held some resentment towards our Dad in our older years finding out the truth of what our Mum has gone through. I knew I wanted a lot more out of life. I wanted a career, business, a loyal partner, a solid family, good friends, property and I'm getting there.

You are a mother, with a new business and young baby. How do you juggle the two?

I've always been a very ambitious individual- I have big dreams. Exactly one month after enduring a difficult & complicated birth to my beautiful daughter Montana (now 6 months old) I decided that it was time to make my dreams a reality. I started Ladies Love...Events as I want to give myself more financial freedom and time to spend with my family. Family is everything and life is short so I just want to embrace my life and take control of it as much as I can. I want something that I have built up from scratch, to show my children (I also have a four year old son named Malachi) so they will be proud of me. There is never a right time and life doesn't always go according to plan, so I just thought- no time like the present. Juggling Motherhood and a new business is hard work, I'm sure I not the first to say so and won't be the last. However the passion I have to succeed, is overwhelming at times and provides me with the constant get up and go mentality that I live by.

Tell us about your company LADIES LOVE EVENTS.

I have always worked in events In some way or another, since leaving college. Working in the beauty industry as I am a trained & qualified beauty therapist & make up artist, I have been an events manager, events co-ordinator & also an events host. As well as working on numerous events in that particular industry I also organised fund raising events such as fashion shows and dinner dances for Cherry Lodge Cancer Care home- as a volunteer. Seeing people enjoying themselves, laughing, learning & connecting with others at an event I have organised is the driving force of my passion for what I do. On a more intimate level I am that friend that organises for everyone to be around each other doing something new and fun- bringing everyone together even if it's just a cook up or games night at my place. I love to see people enjoy themselves, life can be hard, especially during these testing times that we are currently living in. I have some very special friendships, a great system of support from friends & family. I want to spread my love & positivity into other people's lives through my events- which brings me onto the name of my company LadiesLove...Events. All my closest friends are female! So the name really stems from the love I have for them & the appreciation of the times we have spent together throughout the years and the many memories we have made through hanging out, offering support, encouraging and laughing with each other. I want people to attend my events & leave feeling happy, positive, encouraged, excited and empowered. LadiesLove...Events is your one stop entertainment shop. Mic Hype and Fitness & Detox are two of many more events to come. I have always been into my fitness, my partner is a personal trainer so he keeps me in good shape and one of my best friends is a nutritionist and is always advising me on food. As a household we exercise and eat a well balanced diet. Since the launch of Mic Hype I have met some incredibly talented individuals and formed some nice relationships. This event is not only about everyone enjoying themselves but also helping the people that are performing to reach their full potential and really share the gift of talent with others.

How do your events impact others lives?

I want my events to spread positivity and love into people's lives. Each event I organise is carefully thought out and planned almost to perfection (as near to perfect as I can get). I want to give people something to look forward to and when they leave one of my events to feel empowered, entertained, educated and excited for the next event.

What is the biggest thing that becoming a mother has taught you?

Becoming a mother has taught me so much and continues to teach me new things all the time. It has taught me how to love unconditionally, it has given me the patience of a saint but mostly it has taught me self awareness and self discipline. For instance before having children I was so reckless with my money. Living with my Mum and paying near to nothing in bills, I can't believe I use to splash the cash every month- but now with 2 children, a household, nursery fees etc every penny is accounted for. That was a huge change for me. Also when I was younger, if I was ever going through a rough patch I would switch off my phone for days to make myself unavailable to the world but with kids you can't do that. I actually accidentally left my phone in my car a couple nights ago and was unreachable until the morning and I had my (separated) parents calling each other asking if the other had spoken to me lol & a friend drive round to my church in the morning to see if I was there. So there is no hiding away as a mother and as an adult really! My children really are my world and everything I do is to give them the best start and opportunities in life.

What would your advise be to any women who are not enjoying motherhood?

If there are any women out there who are not enjoying motherhood I would strongly advise that they look at every aspect of their life and make those changes to whatever is making them unhappy. Motherhood is a rewardingly beautiful, however sometimes difficult and challenging thing. There's a saying 'Being a parent is the hardest job in the world' & there is also the saying 'Being a Parent is the best job in the world'. It really does help to have a good support system around you, whether that is a partner, family or friend. Talk about whatever problems you may be facing- try not to face them alone. Communication is key, talk about your feelings. I could understand why some women might find motherhood not so enjoyable if they are not happy with certain aspects of their lives for eg: money, relationships, career etc. If things are not going right- being a parent can be even harder than it already is. However remember being blessed enough to be a Mum is a sacred gift. My gratitude for my children is endless. I have bad days like any other Mum but I am always grateful and remember how blessed I am. My advice would be to try and take control of your life, take small steps and recognise your achievements. Do not be too hard on yourself. Take time for yourself also. Becoming a mother does not mean you are no longer you- do one thing a month that you really enjoy, one thing that makes you feel good about yourself. Have something for yourself that you can look forward to and feel good about. Don't be too proud to accept help, people who want to help you- want to help because they care. Enjoy your journey and your child/ren as they do not stay children for long.

What are your plans for your brand for the coming year?

For LadiesLove...Events, this coming year is all about pushing the brand and building a healthy following. From January FITNESS & DETOX will be a monthly event and MIC HYPE is bi-monthly. Before the end of the year I will be launching a chat show on the LadiesLove Events YouTube channel, in the new year I will be launching confidence classes and empowerment women's lunches along with a make-up master class event and I have a few other events up my sleeve. All will be revealed In good time.

What advice would you give to other mothers who are considering starting a business?

My Advice to other Mothers who are considering starting a business is- to do it. If you have been thinking about it- just do it. Remember starting a business in no overnight job. It's a lot of work, time and effort. Just be willing to put in those extra hours. I hear women all the time saying they don't have enough time for this and that. If your business is something you are passionate about- you will make time. After I have tucked the kids into bed, done all the house chores etc I then spend a few hours working on my business. Whenever I get time whether it's a quick 5 minutes or an hour- I'm working on my business. Just think if you start it today- how far you will have got by this time next year.

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