August Mom of the Month: Jerrika
Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Jerrika, I was born and raised in Baltimore City. I’m a boy mom and my son is 8. I attended Delaware State University and obtained my degree from Morgan State University. I got into doing makeup part time right after I had my son, as a way to make extra money. I eventually went full time with my makeup career. During the pandemic, I thought it was important to create a space for moms to be themselves, so I created the Imperfect Mom Tribe to connect moms with each other and help eliminate the idea that moms had to be perfect.
What is the best part about being a mom?
Growing with my son is the best part of being a mom. There are so many different stages of motherhood and childhood, so the journey we go through together is a special experience.
What do you find challenging about motherhood?
The biggest challenge is trying to always get it right and live up to perfection. Even dealing with your own personal stuff and still have to show up for my son no matter what.
What’s one thing you had to overcome with being a mother?
Asking for help. I grew up with my mom who was a single mom, and I never saw her ask for help. My mom always did everything herself, working multiple jobs to take care of my sister and I. Now I ask for help, and if my mom says no, I ask her why now lol
What’s something that’s important to you?
Generational wealth is important to me. When I grew up, I was never taught how finances work. Now we hear so much about generational wealth and financial freedom, so it’s important for me to teach my son about finances, saving and paying bills. I didn’t always know everything about it, so it’s important for me to teach my son.
How has balancing everything during a pandemic been?
I am so glad the kids are going back to school. I thought it would be easier with him being home from school and me being able to work on my businesses, but it was a lot to balance. l thought I would have time to do things, but it was really hard for me to cook, help my son with homework and balance everything.
What inspires you to be the best mom you can be?
My child inspires me. Knowing my child is taken care of at the end of the day inspires me to be my best. Not that I had a bad childhood, but I try to give him things I may not have gotten growing up.
What will you tell your son about how to be optimistic in today’s world?
I really try to talk to him about doing the right thing. And if he has questions to ask. Sometimes we were brought up not to question adults, but I encourage him to ask me questions about anything. I want him to show his emotions and take people’s feelings into consideration.
What are 3 things you can’t live without?
Food, faith, and joy. I love to eat and cook, that is really my happy space. With faith I feel like I’m nothing without faith, when times are hard this is what I turn to. If I’m happy and joyful, I’m good!
What would you do if you have 3 hours of no responsibilities?
Watch TV, relax and take a long bath with some candles and a book, and eat!
What’s one thing you wish another mom would have told you about motherhood?
It’s okay to not want to be a mom all the time. And that it’s okay to not like all aspects of being a mother. Being a mom not only impacts your physical but your mental too.