We caught up with the brilliant and insightful EmmaSara McMillion a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
EmmaSara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, what do you think about family businesses? Would you want your children or other family members to one day join your business?
I can’t help but get excited when talking about family businesses. You see, I’m a mom of eight amazing kids, and our family’s entrepreneurial journey has been quite the rollercoaster ride. From setting up a humble farmer’s market stall to owning our own bakery and later venturing into the media industry with our TV show, “The Mother of Change Show,” our experiences have been nothing short of extraordinary. Along the way, we’ve learned valuable lessons about what works well in family businesses and how to navigate the pitfalls.
It all started so unexpectedly. With the first four kids, my main goal was to teach them about business and the importance of contributing to society. So, we decided to utilize our creativity at the farmer’s market, creating and selling baked goods and products. And guess what? Our gluten-free baked goods became a hit! That’s how our family bakery business was born. They were such a hit people couldn’t even tell that these baked goods were actually good for you. Not only did we sell at the market, but we also supplied local restaurants and coffee houses with our delicious desserts, and from there, we kept exploring new business ventures.
We even dabbled in the construction industry before finally finding our true calling in the media world with our very own TV show. Today, we reach millions of households worldwide through satellite, cable, streaming, and podcasts. It’s been quite the wild ride!
Just this week, my adult daughter thanked me for what she learned about commerce and how to sell. She expressed that these lessons have greatly benefited her in life. I love knowing that my kids have gained valuable knowledge on running a business, with all its ups and downs; it makes this adventure all the more worthwhile.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Life has a funny way of turning our greatest weaknesses into our greatest strengths. While I’m now known for my TV program, “The Mother of Change Show,” and my best-selling 400-page book, “Becoming a Mother of Change,” the truth is, I never wanted to have kids. Unlike the women who dreamt of a white picket fence and children playing in the yard, I was serious about not having children. I made sure to tell my then-fiancé about my decision, and he agreed. We got married, but life had other plans.
A year after our marriage, my husband changed his mind, and it took time and prayer for me to reconsider. It was then that I made a life-changing decision – if I were to have children, I would be fully committed to protecting and raising them in a way that defied the world’s standards of parenting. This newfound mindset, combined with positive lifestyle choices, led me to raise kids who not only became entrepreneurs but also achieved incredible success.
With ages ranging from five to twenty-three, my children have achieved remarkable accomplishments. Among them, six are authors, with one being the youngest published author in the USA. Another son, at the age of thirteen, became one of the youngest AWS Cloud practitioners in the world. One of my daughters won three film awards at twenty-two. My nine-year-old son wrote about the laws of thermodynamics, and another son was working for a space facility at nineteen and even bought his second plane that year. Two of my kids graduated at sixteen and entered college, with one of them closing 10K deals using entrepreneurship skills she learned.
So, here I am, the woman who once hesitated to have children because I believed the world was too cruel. Now, I find myself on a mission to train families nationwide on keeping their kids safe and raising them to be beacons of hope for the world. Additionally, I empower moms to adopt a new victorious mindset, allowing them to live confidently and triumphantly in motherhood.
My journey has led me to offer various avenues of support. From 1-on-1 coaching and group mentorship to courses and my TV show, I provide personal development resources for moms. Life has a way of nudging us towards uncomfortable directions, pushing us to embrace humility and gratitude throughout the process. It’s incredible how life’s unexpected twists can lead to our most fulfilling missions.
Our family’s journey has shown us the power of love, resilience, and truth in building a family business. From hesitant beginnings to empowering ourselves and others, we’ve embraced the unexpected and soared to great heights. In this crazy world of family businesses, you never know where life will take you, but I promise you, it’s one wild, fulfilling ride. Let’s celebrate family bonds, entrepreneurship, and the amazing things we can achieve together!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Honesty and integrity are at the core of who I am as a human being, and these values are reflected in my brand. I understand that some may find me polarizing, but those who resonate with me appreciate my unapologetic authenticity. My focus is on moms, families, and truth. I am deeply passionate about ensuring the safety of children and supporting families to thrive; it’s what drives me every day.
Being a woman of faith and prayer, I find great joy in sharing fuel for the soul. If you’re looking to live a more powerful life in faith, family, and finances, I have the tools to guide you. For moms in need of a boost, it’s my goal to provide a fulfilling transformative experience, leaving them feeling empowered and more confident.
Above all, I want every mom to know that even in moments of doubt, I firmly believe in their strength and potential. My genuineness has been a cornerstone of my journey, and those who have followed me know that they can count on me for truth and support.
If you’re seeking a trusted ally who values honesty, cares deeply about families, and offers genuine support, look no further. I’m here to empower you, and together, we can navigate life’s challenges and celebrate its triumphs.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A vital lesson I hope people learn from my mistakes is this: when investing in business services, always, always get a contract. Whether it’s a one-time service or an ongoing arrangement, having all the details listed concisely is crucial. Even if you know the people well or have received high recommendations, a contract is non-negotiable. I’ve made the mistake of forgoing contracts one too many times, and I’ve learned my lesson.
Remember, words can be cheap, and conversations alone don’t hold weight in business dealings. What truly matters is what’s written, agreed upon, signed, and dated. A solid contract provides the necessary foundation to move forward confidently in business deals. So, take my advice, and you’ll thank me later.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.motherofchange.tv
- Instagram: @motherofchange.tv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMcMillions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmasaramcmillion/
- Twitter: @iamemmasara
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MotherofchangeTV
- Other: Speaking www.EmmaSara.com
Image Credits
Family Photo- Erick Robinson Single shot- Erin Elise Enyinda