Do It All Mamas (& Papas): Meet the mom behind She's Got Papers

September 10, 11:07 AMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Early Childhood Parenting Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Tanea Smith

In today's Do It All Mamas (& Papas) the spotlight is on Tanea Smith, mom to 14 year old Brandon and 2 year old Jada Jasmine and the founder of She's Got Papers, stationery for ladies of all ages.

Examiner: Tell me something unique/interesting about yourself.

Tanea: The Rocky Trilogy is my favorite of all time. I can recite almost every line from Rocky 4 verbatim. I'm such a fan of the underdog and nothing makes me happier than to see someone put everything they have into getting where they want to go.

Examiner: What is your business all about? 

Tanea: She's Got Papers (www.shesgotpapers.com) is a collection of stationery designed specifically for baby girls, teen girls and ladies. They are reflective of every stage of life and inspires the writer in all of us, hopefully!

Examiner: What is your favorite product that you make or sell and why do you like or recommend it?

Tanea: My favorite product is a piece from my Ascension Collection called "Resilience". It is my favorite because it is a design and message that every woman can relate to at some point in their lives. Be it the loss of a loved one, of a job or being overwhelmed with life, period. It's especially perfect for where we are as a nation as well. 

Examiner: Why did you start your business?

Tanea: I started it out of a sincere passion for paper and for words. I've been an avid journalist since I was a little girl. After the birth of my daughter in 2007 I started to think about what life after Corporate America would be like. The timing couldn't be more perfect. 

Examiner: What secret do you have to share with other parents about "having it all" with your family and business?

Tanea: I don't think you can have it all. And if you do, you definitely can't have it all at the same time. My best advice ~ "Pace Yourself". 

Examiner: What is the number one piece of advice you have for other parents?

Tanea: My children are at very different stages in their lives as there is a 12 year gap between them. I'm learning, particuarly with my teenager that there is no one size fits every child and there are no perfect answers. You do the very best that you know how to do at the time and if you should fail, you get back up and try again the next day. It is an absolute on-the-job training type of gig.

Examiner: What is your (and your kids) favorite family activity?

Tanea: Jada is only 2 and she loves to play kitchen. She's an expert at chicken any style. Barbecue, fried, baked ~ she's a regular B. Smith! Brandon loves to play Boggle with my fiance and me. They've yet to beat me, but it's lots of fun to watch them try. 

Examiner: Anything else you want to add?

Tanea: Learn and love as you go along. Have fun with it!