There are several sayings and phrases about mothers and the importance of being or becoming a mother. Motherhood is only one potential facet of a woman’s life and it’s a choice that a woman should always be allowed to make. Although we celebrate motherhood, we should take into account not diminish or demean women who choose not to be mothers or have the unfortunate inability to have children As a teen mother who raised my son as a single parent, who later suffered miscarriages due to more than one reason, then decided to no longer attempt to have children over eighteen years ago, I sympathize with women in the various stages of their life journey making the hard choice; to be or not to be a mother
We’re taught that motherhood is a blessing I commend and applaud any woman that can navigate the experience of motherhood. Motherhood is also a sacrifice, unpaid labor, and a responsibility that should not be taken lightly Postpartum depression is still stigmatized and often unaddressed. The maternal mortality rate is extremely high, especially amongst Black women, and reproductive rights are being stripped from state to state. As beautiful as motherhood is and can be, unfortunately in the United States it is often weaponized against women in an effort to keep us poor and underemployed. Single mothers are often blamed for a myriad of societal issues that are actually the result of white supremacy, racism and classism.
Some mothers who are married express how exhausted they feel at times due to lack of involvement from their spouse because raising children is “supposed to be the wife’s job”. Legislators won’t pass important laws and policies to enhance the experience of becoming mothers, such as Comprehensive Child Care with federal funding included. The ERA never passed, and women experience wage inequality across every industry. Women who are fortunate enough to become high-wage earners often face dilemmas when searching for a mate because they’re told they shouldn’t have prioritized their careers over becoming a mother. Women who decide for themselves not to become mothers are told they should be ashamed of themselves and that they are not “real women” if they are not also moms. It’s wild out there Women can’t win no matter which direction they choose
Motherhood, much like life, is a trial by fire. You don’t really know what you will, can, can’t or won’t do, until you’re right in the midst of it, making decisions, learning from your mistakes, and growing into wisdom. You can have the best examples of mothers in your family and still make mistakes with your own children. You may have the least desired examples of mothers in your family and become the mother that breaks generational curses
Some people struggle with their relationships with their mothers I understand that. I personally feel blessed to have had an extended circle of mothers that raised me My mother wasn’t present in my life, but both of my grandmothers and my aunts raised me. I learned lessons from them that shaped and molded my life, my goals, my experiences and my parenting skills They were perfectly imperfect people and they weren’t always right, but they were always doing the best they could with the information they had at the time They took on the responsibility of raising me as my mother’s only child in a village seriously. They protected me, nourished me, invested in me and built me up as a little Black girl when this world told me I was ugly and unwanted. They gave me opportunities that shaped my interests, built my talents and opened doors Their love for me has been the foundation for my self-love, self-confidence and how I love my son.
Their wisdom, education and activism are the foundation for how I walk into spaces that may not always be accepting of me, in order to advocate for others and myself, even when I’m tired. Their faith and spirituality are the foundations for how I cultivate my own and preserve my peace in a world that wants me to think I’m not enough. The village they built sustains me, even as they join the Ancestors. I am thankful because they didn’t just show me how to be a mother. They showed me how to be a woman, unapologetically.
On this Mother’s Day, I hope you all experience joy and where needed, healing.
Angela T Jones Managing EditorA published author, a gifted speaker, a credited movie producer, Angela is the Vice President of Operations for Detroit CEO Media, the Managing Editor of Detroit CEO Magazine, and the Host of its companion podcast In Coversation w/ Angela T. Jones.
Sending heartfelt Mother's Day wishes to the extraordinary women! Your unwavering strength, boundless love, and tireless dedication inspire us all. We celebrate not just motherhood but also the nurturing spirit, resilience, and compassion that you embody. In every challenge you face, you rise with grace and determination, lighting a path for others to follow. Your support and encouragement uplift those around you, nurturing growth and empowerment.
As mothers, mentors, and role models, you shape the future with your wisdom and kindness. I pray you feel deeply appreciated and cherished for the countless sacrifices you make and the endless love you give. Your presence enriches our lives in ways words cannot express.
Let's honor and celebrate the incredible women who continue to push boundaries, inspire change, and spread love and positivity wherever they go.
Happy Mother's Day!
P.U.S.H. with Janay
Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us! I'm excited to share your story with our readers! Let's start with “Who is Princess Scott?”
I'm a Detroit native, who was raised in the heart of Tennessee in my early years. I am the 2nd oldest of four children, and we were primarily raised by our father, girls’ basketball legend, Dwayne Scott. My grandma, Mary, raised me to love and fear God. As a student athlete and St. Martin DePorres alumni ( DP 4 LIFE), I gained woven threads of resilience, determination, and unwavering passion As the CEO of Design Headquarters (DHQ), I balance being a wife, mother of two future culture shifters and bonus mom of an incredible scholar athlete. Currently I serve my community as a volleyball and basketball coach.
I've heard as women, we associate resiliency with being the strong one, overcoming hardships to succeed, and sometimes a fixed trait. While some parts of these concepts are true, the fact is resiliency isn't measured by handling situation on your own and always winning. Being resilient is a dynamic skill that is shaped on a day by day, hour by hour basis. I heard so many times "you got this" "you're a strong woman". The truth of the matter was and still is, I was not strong. I was worried at times, prayed countless hours for guidance, cried several times but never once gave up. I am resilient. I’m not going to allow a situation to define who I was. I define who I am through situations.
Please
share
your thoughts on the importance of mental health awareness and advocacy as an entrepreneur.
I was previously diagnosed with depression back in 2016. Mental health awareness is vital for everyone, especially entrepreneurs of color Speaking specifically as a momtrepreneur, I sometimes put everyone before myself which left me feeling depleted and oftentimes underperformed It's essential to identify and schedule required selfcare. Doing so will help preserve you to sustain a successful business
You put your business on pause once your husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Did doing so affect your resolve in any way?
As ironic as it may seem, God testing us with this diagnosis was very impactful for my purpose. I completely allowed myself to learn and grow during that season It taught me patience, perseverance, unconditional love and how to be a better wife. I saw faith and strength in my husband. This test has proved to me that my purpose is so much greater than I could ever imagine. My perspective has changed. I am a better human because of this.
How has this prepared you to pivot for this next phase of your brand story?
I was forced to pivot. You know how God tells you to do something but you are too afraid to do it That was me Well, He gave me no choice It's a scary pivot for me. However, understanding that God knows what's best for me, more than I could ever imagine, has been my saving grace Talking and relying on Him in all aspects of my business has given me solace. My agency isn't designed to service everyone but as long as I'm doing the right thing, building the necessary partnerships and positively impacting the right companies, I'm working in my purpose
What was the turning point for you in your decision to end your entrepreneurial sabbatical?
I decided to return back to entrepreneurship before receiving the amazing news of my husband diagnosis being placed in remission My husband encouraged me to get back to it. He knew I wanted to make sure he was good before shifting my focus back to business
What advice would you offer to fellow women entrepreneurs who might resonate with your journey?
Release the guilt of taking a pause and give yourself permission to rest, regroup, and refocus without judgment Understand that self-care is essential for your long-term success and that prioritizing your well-being is not selfish but necessary Recognize that allowing yourself time and space makes fertile ground to recharge and reconnect with your passions and purpose
Finally, please share your elevator pitch with our readers, as our goal is to share your brand story as a resource for the masses.
Here at The DHQ, we relieve 6 & 7-figure CEOs from the stress of online marketing, allowing them to live in their purpose. Basically, we fire you from your social media management so you can live your best life. I mean you deserve it.
The mission at The Design Headquarters is to give innovative, high-end design services to enhance every creative opportunity. We enrich both the business and its clients through effective visual solutions and do so with professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication. Contact 248-939-4686 or email info@thedhq.com for more information.
