Moms Make Things Work In SoCal

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — On Mother's Day, moms can expect everything from handmade cards to fresh cut garden flowers from your hand-cultivated rosebushes, and even breakfast in bed. Above all, flowers—hopefully from an actual florist—will find their way to every mom's door. But what if you're the mom who makes those glorious floral arrangements?

San Clemente mom Jennifer Wilson, would be happy to create just the floral display for the mom in your life. She's been taking orders since the beginning of May, attempting to free up her own special day.

The owner of Saddleback Flower Shop, Wilson is up to her elbows in flower stems, but has engaged her following on social media with reminders of why mom is so special.

Wilson also reminded on the many different moms who can make a difference in people's lives, and not just the woman who raised them.

"Remember there are a lot of different kinds of Mom's," she said. People send flowers for the women who have made an impact in their lives. "Mom, stepmom, mother in law, wife, grandma, friend...It's good to remember all they do for you and your children and make them feel special and appreciated."

Patch took an informal Facebook poll this week of approximately 1,000 working mothers.

Over 350 moms polled worked outside of the home, while 210 were solely stay-at-home mothers.

Of our professional mothers, the jobs ranged from Director of Marketing, College Microbiology Professor, to multiple business owners.

Mother Heather Clemons Fast teaches Physical Education, Reading Intervention and works part-time retail.

"As part of my job, I just coached 20 students for "Kids Run The OC Marathon," she said. "We ran our last mile on Saturday."

Mother Nikita Ganatra owns and operates the Kumon Math and Reading Center in Foothill Ranch.

Mother Angie Miller works a 40-hour job away from home, as well as an extra part-time job from her home office, doing fulfillment packaging work.

"I know what's in every pile, but to everyone else, it looks like a tornado went through the house!" she said.

175 of the mothers polled were stay-at-home-working-moms, and a slightly smaller batch of 100 moms are small business owners from daycare providers, in home or online fashion consultants. Several Southern California moms run their own successful direct sales businesses such as Dotera, Lulu Roe, Plexus or other direct marketing business owners, Etsy shopkeepers or gourmet cookie bakers.

Mother Laura Bonnell is a blogger and kid's clothing designer.

"I have an Americana Kidswear brand Muklet , I'm a Blogger and I am a part time Fashion Designer, and drink a lot of coffee!" she said.

Mom JNine Tee founded and manages her own tech startup company, www.swykapp.com.

"My company helps women entrepreneurs launch and grow their own companies," she said.

The majority of our mothers use Facebook, or some form of social media to both stay in touch with other mothers or for business leads.

Often, moms help each other out with finding alternative work or sharing ideas for photography, catering or party planning. Several of our moms own food trucks, ice cream trucks and catering companies. Of all of the mothers polled, one of the more unusual businesses was Heidi Dawson of Orange County.

"I own an outdoor movie rental company," she said. "It's perfect for birthday parties, Barbecues, schools, churches, sports team functions, you name it," she said. The ability to own her own business and set up her own schedule is imperative for a working mother.

Of the Orange County full and part time working mothers polled, over half work outside of the home, use daycare, and many are single mothers.

Often, the mothers who work from home found it difficult to distinguish whether they were full time or part time working moms, wearing more hats than they know what to do with.

Mother Jenni Newman is a what she likes to call a "stay-at-home, part-time-working mom," and new business owner. Her career as a Notary pays the bills, but her heart is on her digital design company, Sweet Craftikins. She is also a part time attendance clerk for the Long Beach School District, and a third grade room mom for her child.

For many moms like Newman, motherhood has enabled them with the ability to juggle calendars, schedules and life in general. She does know how to say no when it counts, Newman said.

"Chaos loves me," she laughed. She admits that saying no is imperative at times, but still helps from behind the scenes.

Huntington Beach mom Stephanie John summed up the life of a working mom.

"I work in direct sales and I chase a three-year-old, especially destructive child around all day," she said. "It's total entertainment, 24/7."

Mother Lasanthica Benedict has what she calls "the best job on earth."

"I'm a newborn, baby and children's photographer," she said.

"This photo was recently accepted into the Juried Student Show at Cypress College," she said. "I could not be any prouder of my little models," she said.

For moms who stay at home raising children, they have the most important job in the world, and one you cannot call in sick to, or take a vacation day away from...except of course, for Mother's Day.

So go order mom some flowers.

Or, if you're feeling grandiose, send Mom to Disney's Aulani.

~Happy Mother's Day, from your friends at Patch

See Also:

• The Best Advice My Mother Ever Gave Me
• Where California Vacations: Visit Disney's Aulani Resort

Courtesy Photos