We recently connected with Khadijah Phillips and have shared our conversation below.
Khadijah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
As a mother of two children on the autism spectrum, I’ve personally experienced the significant lack of programs and resources available to caregivers in our community. This issue becomes even more pronounced in the black community, where resources for children with autism are often scarce, and support for their caregivers is almost nonexistent. This realization led me to establish the Autism Mom Club, with a primary focus on addressing the needs of parents.
One day, while contemplating what was missing beyond the therapies and interventions my children were receiving, I began to make a list of my own needs as a caregiver. I realized that, as a mother, I needed assistance with everyday tasks like laundry, cooking, and cleaning, especially since I was frequently drained by the end of the day. Furthermore, I recognized the importance of having a safe and reliable place for my children to go when I needed a break.
Parenting children on the autism spectrum presents unique challenges, and finding trustworthy individuals to care for your children while you run errands, take a nap, read a book, or simply engage in some self-care can be exceptionally challenging. This is where the idea of community support comes into play. Our communities used to be tight-knit, with people helping each other out in various ways. I chose to name our initiative the Autism Mom Club because I wanted it to reflect the spirit of a community coming together to help one another in ways that might not be immediately obvious to those who aren’t in our shoes.
Ultimately, our goal is to rally others to join our cause, recognizing that parenting is a difficult journey, irrespective of the circumstances. The Autism Mom Club is about creating a support network where caregivers can find the help and understanding they need while emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in easing the challenges that come with parenting children on the autism spectrum.
Khadijah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a mother of two children on the autism spectrum, I’ve personally experienced the significant lack of programs and resources available to caregivers in our community. This issue becomes even more pronounced in the black community, where resources for children with autism are often scarce, and support for their caregivers is almost nonexistent. This realization led me to establish the Autism Mom Club, with a primary focus on addressing the needs of parents.
One day, while contemplating what was missing beyond the therapies and interventions my children were receiving, I began to make a list of my own needs as a caregiver. I realized that, as a mother, I needed assistance with everyday tasks like laundry, cooking, and cleaning, especially since I was frequently drained by the end of the day. Furthermore, I recognized the importance of having a safe and reliable place for my children to go when I needed a break.
Parenting children on the autism spectrum presents unique challenges, and finding trustworthy individuals to care for your children while you run errands, take a nap, read a book, or simply engage in some self-care can be exceptionally challenging. This is where the idea of community support comes into play. Our communities used to be tight-knit, with people helping each other out in various ways. I chose to name our initiative the Autism Mom Club because I wanted it to reflect the spirit of a community coming together to help one another in ways that might not be immediately obvious to those who aren’t in our shoes.
Ultimately, our goal is to rally others to join our cause, recognizing that parenting is a difficult journey, irrespective of the circumstances. The Autism Mom Club is about creating a support network where caregivers can find the help and understanding they need while emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in easing the challenges that come with parenting children on the autism spectrum.
I’ve always been a serial entrepreneur and run other successful businesses, I guess it’s in my blood to work hard to build something my family can be proud of. I also run a business called Besties Media where we help build and grow brands who have a story behind the brand.
Have you ever had to pivot?
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve always been a serial entrepreneur and a hardworker. There were times where I would work two jobs, and get home as my children were waking up for school. I was the employee who worked the shifts no one wanted and worked by business on my breaks. It wasn’t easy but I had to be done. .However, when my twins were diagnosed, I had to make a significant shift. Traditional job opportunities were not feasible given the numerous appointments and the time required for their development. Consequently, I had to make drastic changes. Despite the challenges, I founded a completely new business inspired by their diagnoses, recognizing the essential need for our services.
Our mission is to provide mothers with greater ease, focusing on empowering them to create flexible schedules and generate their own income. This empowerment is not only about financial independence but also about granting mothers the freedom to prioritize their precious time with their special babies. Additionally, we aim to alleviate some of their responsibilities around their home, offering peace of mind by freeing up their time at home.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Over the last 5 years I have built a nice following on Facebook. It all came from being my authentic self and being transparent. I’m naturally a giver and supporter of all those trying to grow a business. Most of us are living in survival mode with hopes that our businesses will give us the funds we need to have a life of ease. My friends online are like my family, they call my babies their nephews because I share some of their life with them and as a result they can feel that I am genuine and people love that. With all the staged things we see online the best advice I can give anyone is show up as yourself and you will find your tribe.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bestiesmedia.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bestiesmedia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BestiesInBusinessInc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khadijah-phillips-127bab180/
- Youtube: www.youtube,com/khadijahedge