Dr. Tammira Lucas knows what it’s like to be a busy working parent. Splitting time between work and home, trying to fully meet the needs of both worlds. It’s that balance that inspired her to co-found The Cube Cowork, Maryland’s first co-working space for parents.
“Once I gave birth to my daughter, I knew that I wanted to show her something different. I wanted to be present with her, but I also wanted her to see that even if I failed, I took the opportunity to start a business.”
Dr. Lucas shared her tips for busy parents who also strive to be entrepreneurs:
You don’t need to separate your children from the business.
“My daughter is so incorporated into this business that she can run it by herself and she’s nine years old. I often have her at speaking engagements and meetings. Parents should never have to hide the fact that they are parents.”
Build a support system that does not include family members.
“Friends and mentors can come from anywhere, and reaching out to them when needed is an important tool of entrepreneurship. My family is a huge source of support, but stretching that support system to others helps expand your network.”
Understand that failure is not a bad thing.
“As parents, we don’t want to fail. As entrepreneurs, we have to be OK with failure. Not everything is going to be the way you want it to be. Failure is not final or fatal. It’s OK to fail. Whatever I do, even if I fail, I’m going to learn as well.”
Be a lifelong learner.
“This is a tip for everyone, parent or not. You really have to be willing and open to learning new things, and really understand new ways to conduct business. Also, really understand finance. If you can’t handle your personal finances, you’re not going to be able to handle your business finance.”
Push through the hard times.
“Hard times are inevitable, especially when you’re balancing multiple priorities. I remember that my work is bigger than I am. Even when it gets hard, I know that that’s the time that something bigger is about to happen.”
About Dr. Tammira Lucas
With over 14 years of experience and research in business and social innovation, Dr. Lucas is the co-founder of Moms as Entrepreneurs and co-founder of The Cube Cowork. She is recognized as one of Baltimore’s Top 40 Under 40, and is an award-winning author, speaker, and philanthropist currently serving as Executive Director of the Warnock Foundation. Connect with Dr. Lucas on LinkedIn and Instagram (maeentrepreneur).
