Today we’d like to introduce you to Collette Conner.
Collette, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I became a single parent after deciding to leave a bad marriage. I was left to raise three young boys on my own. I wasn’t financially equipped, nor was I emotionally ready to do it totally by myself. However, it was my new reality. So I was left asking, “what now?”
I began to go through the motions of just trying to survive as a single mom, just like many single moms do today. Statistics show many single moms struggle and live below the poverty line. Today, even more households are fatherless households. Absent of a father, leaving the mother to work it out for herself and the children.
So here I was living out this life I did not sign up for. I needed a plan, a hope, a vision, and a dream. My vision was to raise respectable young men who could stand on their own two feet. That was the vision. I knew for my family. Education was a way out. I had to change my mindset from the thought of just raising children, into shaping their narrative. We as parents must remember we are our children’s first influencer. Yes, we were influencers way before social media was even thought of. Of course we are not our children’s only influence.
Therefore I began to focus on seeking out more things that would expose them to a new reality. Any programs which were available, any activities which involved learning, from magnet school programs to writing assignments at home. Also for me, church involvement in children and youth activities was very important.
Fast forward to 2020. My older two sons are college graduates. My middle son is about to go back to school for his MBA. My younger son will be graduating from college this May. As a single parent, I have also over came sickness and setbacks, which surely could have derailed my purpose, but not so. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do next. It’s been a journey but looking back, its been laced with nothing but amazing grace. I am an author, blogger, speaker and freelance writer. My purpose is to inspire, encourage, and empower other single moms to have a vision for their families. In spite of the statistics of single parenthood, work toward a new reality anyway.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, singleparenthood is not easy. However, your prespective regarding it makes for an interesting journey. Some of the struggle was trying to balance work life and home life. At the same time, trying to make sure you have a path which ensures next level access for your children. Financial stresses were another challenge. Also making sure self care was a part of your day on the regular.
Please tell us about your work.
I am the author of “Been There Done That Keeping Your Sanity While Single Parenting”. I have been a guest on multiple podcasts and radio platforms. I have been a breakout speaker for several conferences. I have recently launched my blog, beenanddonethat.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future is to continue to inspire others through my writings. To expand my brand by tapping into other opportunities and platforms. Last but not least, to continue to inspire and empower more singlemoms to reach for ensure new realities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.colletteconner.com
- Phone: 8322935080
- Email: ctconner51@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram@collettetconner
- Facebook: facebook@collettetconner
- Twitter: twitter@collettetconner
- Other: linkedIn@collettetconner
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