We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Marisha Michelle Roberts. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Marisha Michelle below.
Dr. Marisha Michelle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
When I became pregnant again my enthusiasm took over. Crafting, DIY costumes, exploring every kid-friendly nook in Atlanta—I was determined to create this picture-perfect childhood for my oldest daughter, all while juggling a career as an Optometrist. As the excitement of motherhood unfolded, so did the overwhelming realization that I had lost a crucial part of myself in the process. Seeking comfort, I rediscovered the peace that comes from regular church attendance and embraced the significance of maintaining an identity beyond my role as a mother.
It was during this pivotal period that a research article caught my eye, emphasizing the quality, not quantity, of time spent with children. This revelation inspired the creation of the “15-Minute Rule” in my own life—an intentional commitment to devote 15 minutes of one-on-one time every day, engaging in activities each individual child enjoyed. The impact was profound; sibling arguments decreased, honesty and transparency increased, and our shared happiness soared.
Realizing that motherhood shouldn’t require sacrificing personal passions, health, or self-care, I envisioned a solution that could resonate with other mothers. The “Quality Time Collection” was born—a curated selection of our most cherished activities, crafted into a platform that encourages mothers to spend 15 minutes of daily quality time building unbreakable bonds with their children, all while alleviating the weight of mom guilt.
What excites me most about the “Quality Time Collection” is the potential to empower mothers to embrace their multifaceted identities. It’s a celebration of the delicate balance between career, personal passions, and the profound joy of motherhood. With every activity, we hope to inspire more mothers to utilize those 15 minutes, creating everyday moments that last a lifetime.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have been a practicing Optometrist for over 10 years. The transition from being a career-focused individual to a passionate mother was both overwhelming and eye-opening. My journey into the world of motherhood inspired me to create something unique for fellow moms. Recognizing that motherhood should not entail sacrificing personal pursuits, health, or self-care, I conceptualized the “Quality Time Collection.”
What sets the “Quality Time Collection” apart is its focus on empowering mothers to embrace their diverse identities. It celebrates the delicate balance between career, personal passions, and the profound joy of motherhood. I take pride in providing a solution that resonates with mothers who aspire to create meaningful moments without compromising their individuality.
We currently offer mommy and me prayer coloring book for mother-daughter
and mother-son which feature diverse images of mothers and children,
monthly prayers for encouragement and side-by-side images for coloring together
while conversing. In addition with have a card game with beautiful images iof black
mothers and their children which can be used to play 2 classic games and a brand
unique game. Each activity is designed to easily fit in any schedule helping moms eliminate guilt, enhance their connection with their children, and create lasting memories through manageable yet impactful interactions.
I am most proud of the positive impact the “15-Minute Rule” has had on my own family and the potential it holds for others. The main message I want potential clients and followers to know is that the “Quality Time Collection” is more than just products—it’s an invitation to explore how 15 minutes can foster moments that last a lifetime. It’s a celebration of the beautiful complexity of being a mother while honoring personal aspirations.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I initially set out to encourage working moms to embrace the ’15-Minute Rule,’ my vision took the form of a mommy and me loungewear brand. In my excitement, I immediately purchased a substantial amount of inventory. However, as I began building the brand, I came to the honest realization that fashion wasn’t my true passion.
Recognizing the misalignment between my business idea and my personal interests was a pivotal moment. Instead of continuing down a path that didn’t speak to me, I made the courageous decision to pivot my business concept. It was not an easy choice, especially considering the investment I had made in the inventory.
Choosing authenticity over costs, I decided to donate the clothing and absorb the financial loss. This pivot allowed me to refocus my efforts on building something that genuinely resonated with my experiences and had a positive impact on my life—the ’15-Minute Rule’ and the subsequent creation of the mommy and me activities brand.
This experience taught me the importance of aligning business ventures with personal passions and doing research prior to purchasing inventory. While the initial setback was a challenge, it paved the way for a more meaningful and authentic journey. The pivot not only brought me closer to my true purpose but also allowed me to create a business that genuinely connects with and benefits other working moms.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has undoubtedly been in-person vendor events. Initially, I faced the challenge of participating in any local event without a systematic approach. I would invest in vending opportunities without a clear understanding of their alignment with my brand.
However, as I evolved, I became more intentional about the events I chose to invest in. Instead of paying any amount to attend, I strategically selected events that resonated with my brand and target audience. This intentional shift in my approach has proven to be a game-changer.
By carefully curating the events I participate in, I’ve experienced an increase in clientele. These in-person events have not only expanded my customer base but have also played a crucial role in developing new and meaningful relationships. These connections have become instrumental in both my personal growth and entrepreneurial journey.
Moreover, engaging in vendor events has been a transformative experience in another aspect—it has made me more comfortable with telling my brand story. Through face-to-face interactions, I’ve learned to articulate my journey, values, and the mission behind my brand. This newfound confidence in narrating my brand story has not only deepened connections with potential clients but has also contributed to the overall success of my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.qualitytimestogether.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qualitytimestogether/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qualitytimestogether/
Image Credits
Kalita Conley, 323 Creative Designs