She.E.O Series

2024 is the year of the Dragon which is supposed to bring Opportunities, Changes & Challenges. In honor of all three of these themes I want to network with as many Motherhood local businesses to collaborate and thrive with! Each episode I am going to interview a local small business owner in the Metro-Detroit area, and photograph them. I am so excited to meet every business that has volunteered to be interviewed, so we can all learn more about why you (and I) should utilize their services to learn, heal & empower your journey into and through motherhood! I am a new mom as of last year and I feel like I am always learning something new about my own body, so I really just want to help get this information out into new eyes & ears :). Let’s get started!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our Family Portfolio to book your next session!

About My Guest

Dr. Emily Jacobs is the founder of Empowered Moms, a community dedicated to helping mothers overcome fear, guilt, and self-doubt to live a life filled with purpose and passion. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Emily transitioned from her role as a Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist to a doctorate-prepared nurse coach, focusing on guiding women to rediscover their worth and pursue their dreams beyond motherhood. Through Empowered Moms, she aims to create a supportive space for mothers to connect, set healthy boundaries, and rewrite their stories to reflect their true aspirations.

Q&A

Q: Can you tell us about your journey and the experiences that led you to create Empowered Moms?

I created Empowered Moms with the concept that dreams don't end at motherhood. It wasn't something I planned from a young age, but when my oldest was born in 2017, I felt like all my dreams had come true. However, I was also struggling in motherhood and questioning my purpose, which sometimes made me feel ungrateful. Even though I deeply valued being a mom, I still felt like there was more I wanted to do. Over time, I realized other women felt the same way, but it wasn't talked about much because of the guilt and shame around feeling that motherhood might not be enough on its own.

I kept those feelings to myself for a while but eventually decided to start this community for moms who also wanted more for themselves. After being in entrepreneurship and mentorship programs, I recognized the importance of having a supportive community. In May 2023, I shared my idea with four other women, and they were immediately supportive. Since then, the community has grown from those four women to 30 people at our launch, and it continues to expand. The core of Empowered Moms is about bringing moms together in a nonjudgmental space, supporting them in whatever season they’re in with whatever they need.

Q: What are the core values and goals of the Empowered Moms Tribe, and how do they reflect your personal mission?

Our mission with Empowered Moms is to help mothers up-level their lives, moving beyond self-sacrifice to rediscover the missing pieces of themselves, whatever that looks like. It might be pursuing a hobby, starting a business, or even deciding to stay home—it’s all about making choices that resonate with your current season. I love coaching women on the idea that everything is temporary, and decisions don’t have to be perfect; they just need to feel right at the moment. My own journey wasn't predictable either; after 20 years in nursing, I thought I'd end up running a nursing school, but sometimes we have to let go of what's not working without knowing exactly what's next.

Empowered Moms is about growing the community and adapting to its needs, whether that’s more virtual events, in-person gatherings, or something else entirely. One of my favorite aspects is sharing women’s stories, whether at our networking events or virtually. Hearing others’ stories often reveals how similar our experiences are, and it helps break the isolation many women feel. Even successful mentors have similar limiting beliefs, showing that we’re not so different and can support each other. Ultimately, I want every woman I meet to succeed, whether that’s in terms of happiness, freedom, peace, or financial success. The energy I hope to foster is one of connection, support, and a genuine desire to see everyone win.

Q: How do you help mothers overcome self-doubt, guilt, and anxiety to start living a life they love?

I want to be transparent that I still struggle with guilt, self-doubt, and anxiety, just like everyone else. There's no magic fix; it's all about managing how much control these feelings have over you. Guilt, for instance, is a natural response, especially when it comes to decisions that affect our kids, like leaving them to go to work or pursue something for ourselves. I remind myself that guilt comes from caring, and I've learned to communicate that to my daughter, reassuring her that while it’s tough for me to leave, it's also important for my well-being. I strive to return home as a better version of myself, using the energy from my activities to be more present and positive for my family.

Self-doubt is similar; it’s about how much you believe in yourself and whether you let outside voices deter you from your path. We often hear that we can do anything, and while that’s true, it’s about figuring out what truly resonates with you and going for it, even if it’s scary. Trying something new, even if it doesn’t work out, is still an accomplishment because it means you’re pushing through fear. Often, people look back and wish they had taken those steps sooner, and I smile because I’ve been there too. The discomfort and fear are real, but what’s on the other side of that can be transformative.

Anxiety often stems from not doing the things that light us up or feeling torn between obligations. I notice it in myself when I’m overwhelmed or irritable because I didn’t plan properly or didn’t carve out time for my own needs. To manage anxiety, I try to get curious about its root cause—why it keeps coming up and what it’s signaling. It’s about diving into those feelings, understanding them, and making adjustments. I help my mentees navigate these same challenges through coaching, encouraging them to explore their doubts and anxieties so they can make meaningful changes.

Q: What specific strategies or techniques do you teach to help mothers discover their strengths and enhance their confidence?

Confidence can be really challenging, especially when transitioning into motherhood. Before having a child, you might have felt confident in your routine and abilities, but motherhood throws everything into a new light. It's like starting a new job where you're unsure of everything again. Confidence often comes from experience, and experience comes from doing things repeatedly. For example, if you want to build confidence in social media or public speaking, you need to practice regularly. Even though it feels uncomfortable, it's necessary for growth. I’ve found that practicing things like speaking on social media can help build confidence, even if I’d prefer speaking on a stage, which is less frequent.

Another key to building confidence is keeping promises to yourself. For instance, if you commit to waking up early and taking time for yourself but keep hitting the snooze button, you're undermining your own self-belief. Confidence grows from following through on your own commitments, so it’s crucial to be consistent in what you say you will do.

Q: How does your program support mothers in creating and sustaining healthy boundaries and saying “no” to constant demands?

I want to share some tangible tips for creating and sustaining boundaries. First, reflect on your current view of boundaries. How do you feel about them? Observe how others set boundaries and how that makes you feel, as it likely mirrors your own feelings about boundaries. Remember that when someone sets a boundary, it's about their limits, not a reflection of you. Recognize this to avoid taking it personally.

Next, if you have people-pleasing tendencies, which many of us do, it's important to set limits while still being kind. Understand that your limits can change frequently, especially in demanding situations. Communicate your needs lovingly, and if you need help, check in with others first to see how they’re doing before making your request.

Lastly, slow down your response time. When you respond too quickly, you teach others that you’re always available, which can lead to stress and resentment. For example, in a hospital setting, not every request is an emergency. Take a moment to assess your situation and whether you can accommodate the request. If needed, give yourself time to consider and respond later. You can also suggest that they check with others if possible, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Communicate with kindness and honesty to maintain healthy boundaries.

Q: Can you elaborate on the Empowered Moms Tribe membership and its key components, such as virtual masterclasses, hot seat coaching, and monthly networking calls?

In Empowered Moms, we offer several free resources. We host a free monthly virtual networking event on the fourth Tuesday of each month, which allows participants to meet and connect with other women. The last event had around 15 attendees, and it's a great way to make new connections. Additionally, we have a Facebook group with about 600 members. Engagement varies, but it's a useful platform for networking and staying updated.

We also have a membership option for $25 a month, which is less than the cost of a cup of coffee; I just love saying that it is less than a cup of coffee! This membership includes access to a monthly master class with a guest speaker and a Q&A session, as well as monthly coaching calls with me. These coaching sessions are open to all members and often include insights from other participants, which can be very valuable.

For those in Michigan, we offer free in-person networking events as part of the tribe. For non-members, these events cost around $20, and the fees are donated to various charities. Our goal with the tribe is to provide a deeper connection and more support for those who need it.

Q: How does the Empowered Moms Tribe foster a supportive community and collaboration among its members, especially for those looking to start or grow their own businesses?

I believe the real value of our community lies in its members. For example, if someone wants to start a website, there’s likely someone in the community who specializes in web design. Or if you need a photographer, you can find one through these connections. Being part of such communities allows you to access a wealth of support. You don’t have to do everything alone. Even though I run many aspects of Empowered Moms by myself, I still have a network of people I can turn to for advice and support. If I were considering trademarking something, for instance, I’d know who to consult because there are experts in the community who specialize in that area. Whether you're starting a business or just looking for support, joining these networking groups can be incredibly helpful. People are eager to offer their assistance, and there’s always someone willing to guide you. Our Empowered Moms membership and tribe are inclusive of all moms, not just entrepreneurs. We have a mix of members—some are returning to corporate jobs, others have hobbies or different interests. Everyone can benefit from the friendships and collaborations within the group.

Q: What role do the in-person gatherings and networking events play in building connections and support networks for mothers within the community?

I think networking and gatherings can feel intimidating at first, especially if you haven’t done it before. I always tell people that if they feel a little pull or hesitation, like, "I should probably be there," they should just try it because everyone has had a first time. I love sharing my own first experience; at our last networking event, another lady and I were joking about it. My first real networking event wasn’t at someone's house where I knew people and felt too comfortable—it was at an actual event. I was so nervous, rehearsing my pitch in the car and sweating. I even practiced with my husband, but he told me not to give people my resume because no one cares. When I got there, I fumbled a bit, but the first person I met was so welcoming that I relaxed a little, and things started to flow naturally. Funny enough, I found out a year later that it was her first networking event too, even though I thought she had been doing it for years! We ended up sticking together and talking more than we probably should have, but it was comforting.

Q: How do you address the unique challenges faced by mothers who are also entrepreneurs, and what advice do you offer them?

I believe that for moms who are entrepreneurs, it's crucial to always understand why you want to do something in the first place and what it will bring you. This sense of purpose becomes the driving force when things get tough because they undoubtedly will. Every business owner I know has had a moment where they just wanted to give up, but knowing why you're doing it and who is going to help you get there is what keeps you going. There are great books on this, like Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" that emphasize the importance of knowing your why and who, rather than just focusing on what you're doing. For example, instead of saying, "I'm a coach, I'm an author," I should be telling people, "I'm Emily, and I help ambitious women dream big." The "what" and "how" can come later, but leading with why you're doing it is more powerful.

Q: What impact do you hope to achieve with the Empowered Moms Tribe, both for individual mothers and the broader community of women-owned businesses?

I really want to show people, especially moms, that it's possible to achieve their dreams. I used to see other successful women and think it was impossible for me because I made excuses like they must have help, wealth, or no kids. But then I met my mentor and she encouraged me by saying, "You will," when I told her I wanted to do what she was doing. Now, I've achieved those things, and it’s about realizing that with the right support, nothing is out of reach. I want moms to know it's possible and it's also their responsibility not to lose themselves in the process. If they do, they might end up feeling bitter or resentful towards their families, which isn't fair to anyone.

It's important for moms to go after their dreams, not just for themselves, but to set an example for their children. I’ve been inspired by mentors like Ed Mylett who emphasize this, though sometimes their messages can feel extreme. Still, I get it—if we don't chase our dreams, how can we expect our kids to chase theirs? Balancing being a mom and pursuing personal goals is challenging, and it’s never a perfect balance, but it’s necessary.

Q: Can you tell us more about the Empowered Moms Live Event happening on October 6th? What can attendees expect from the inspiring speakers, catered lunch, swag bags, and the local women-owned vendor marketplace?

I'm so excited about the event coming up in two months; it's hard to believe how quickly the time is flying. Last year, I went in with no expectations, and it turned out great. This year, I'm trying to maintain the same vibe but, of course, I want it to be just as successful, if not better. When people attend, I want them to arrive with a mix of excitement and maybe a bit of nervousness, but leave feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and having made new friends. I want the speakers to pour into the attendees, but not just by talking at them; I want them to engage, interact, and relate their stories so that attendees feel connected and challenged in their thinking.

One key aspect this year is encouraging people to change seats and interact with different people, even if it feels a bit uncomfortable. You never know—meeting one new person could change your life, whether it’s making a new friend, finding a collaborator, or connecting with a potential business partner. Events like this are filled with opportunities, and I want to make sure no one leaves feeling alone.

The vendors are all women-owned businesses, many of whom are moms, and they're thrilled to be part of this. We have amazing sponsors too, and we couldn't do this without their support. My favorite part of the event is the attendees because I've been in their shoes and I still attend events myself. I want them to come with open minds, and we’ll provide journals for them to take notes because they’re going to want to write things down.

I often hear moms say they wish they had a day to themselves, and this event is meant to be that day. I know it can be hard to schedule, but if you're saying you need this and it's still a couple of months away, then what's really stopping you? It's about making the effort, putting yourself out there, and choosing to be in the room. Even if it's hard to attend, it’s worth it, and I just want to encourage moms to take that step.

Get In Contact with Dr. Emily Jacobs

To get in touch with Dr. Emily Jacobs you can visit the Empowered Moms website and use the contact form available there. Alternatively, you can connect with her through the Empowered Moms social media profiles for more direct communication. OR join us at the October 6th Live Event! P.S. I will be attending and am excited to meet you!

Jasmine Robertson