MetroMom Tamarra Billings
Owner of La Bella Belly Maternity and mom with another baby on the way

In 2003, Tamarra experienced some major milestones in her life: She celebrated her 30^th birthday, received her MBA (finally after attending at night while maintaining her full-time corporate job), and found out she was pregnant with her 1^st child (after 20 months of trying to conceive).  All of these things happened by June, and her life was never the same again.

MB - What inspired you to leave the corporate world to become a Mompreneur?

While I was working full-time, I spent 3 ½ years working on my MBA at George Washington University going to school at nights and on weekends. The personal sacrifices that I made during this time were completely lost on my corporate management (of course). I knew that one day I would much rather work this hard for myself and my own family.

MB - Why did you choose to focus on maternity?

While I was in business school, I got married and 6 months later began working on starting a family. I would spend the next 2 years trying to get pregnant. When I finally became pregnant through fertility assistance, I was overwhelmed with excitement! I had a fabulous 1^st pregnancy and knew during this time that one day I wanted to do something around parts of my life that genuinely made me happy. And, anything having to do with pregnancy, fertility, and maternity was for me. I think it’s an absolute miracle.

MB - Do you have advice for other moms with dreams of starting their own business?

Whatever you do, have a passion for it. People usually only think about the “hard work” and can only guess what “personal sacrifices” will be required for starting your own business. While these both are factors, something that often goes ignored is the passion you must have for your business. When some days are rougher than others (and they will be)—sometimes you have to reach deep down and find the passion to keep it going.  I believe that when you are genuinely passionate about your business—people will trust you and support you.

MB - What are the challenges of balancing family with your own business versus clocking out of a corporate job?

HA—Where do I begin? Just kidding. One of the reasons that I started my own business was because I wanted to spend more time with my family. Within months, I realized that this would be my biggest challenge. Owning a retail store requires you spend lots of time meeting and getting to know your customers and surrounding community. For the first 6 months of opening, I worked alone in the boutique. My day at the boutique would start after I would drop my 3 year-old son at school every morning. I was there before the boutique opened and well after it closed. So for me, it was (and is) finding more time to spend with my family and truly being in the moment when I am with them. (A supportive husband doesn’t hurt)

MB - What is your most memorable moment of becoming a mom?

Wow—there are many. The one that comes to mind now would be something that my son said at his first soccer game a few weeks ago. I showed up to the game late and he was on the field in the middle of playing. He kicked the ball really well and was looking for his dad (who brought him) in the crowd of parents looking on. He surprisingly saw me and he stopped mid-field and screamed, “Mommy, Mommy—did you see me?  Did you see me?” And he ran right to me and completely forgot about the game! I’m 5 months pregnant now and completely emotional—so, I burst into tears and hugged him like crazy. 

MB - Many of us take infertility for granted unless and until we struggle with it. What encouragement can you give to women who are trying to have children?

My two cents would be to KEEP TRYING. My struggle with infertility was not just about going through all of the tests, the poking and the prodding, etc. When you have a Type-A personality (like me)---infertility can be a very humbling experience. I realized a lot of things about myself during this time and I believe I am a better person because of it. Looking at my beautiful son every day reminds me that all of it was more than worth it.

MB - What is the best advice you received about being a mom or raising a child? 

Do your best and FORGET the rest!

MB - Do you have a motto you would like to share with other moms?

If you're never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances. Living means taking chances!

MB - What is your favorite MetroMoms event to date and why?

I have to be biased and say the Mother’s Day event at my boutique. I loved meeting the new expectant moms in the area and enjoyed the informative presentations…there is always something new to learn!