Meet WAHM Lindsey Riel of Pretty Darn Cute Designs

If you own your own business, what is the name of your business and what do you offer/sell?
I own Pretty Darn Cute Design, a web and graphic design company and work solely from home.

Did you always plan to be a WAHM? If not, what made you decide to work from home?
I never really knew what I wanted to do until my Husband deployed shortly after we were married. He sent me a computer and the rest is history.

How long have you been a WAHM?
I’ve worked at home for 8 years, but been a WAHM since my first was born in 2008 🙂

How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have 2 little girls! Chloe is 5 and Evie is 18 months.

What is your workstation setup like? (ie. In the kitchen, room to room, in an office/study, etc.)
I turned a spare bedroom into my home office: http://prettydarncute.com/2012/11/the-pdcd-office-2

What days/hours do you typically work?
I’ve played with schedules over the years, but found that sticking to one is just not possible for me to maintain my sanity 🙂 I work 24/7 from my phone and office when I’m able to sit down.

Do you have a nanny/mother’s helper while you work?
I do not. I have considered it in the past, but am too much of a control freak 🙂

How does being a WAHM affect your husband/partner?
In the best way possible. He can go to work without worrying about the kids, and knows I’m fulfilled by staying home with them and also fulfilled by my work.

What are some of your frustrations with being a WAHM?
Well, there’s the obvious toddler crawling in my lap and beating the keyboard while I have my FTP client open 🙂 But really my frustrations tend to be more with myself. The days that I set my expectations crazy high, knowing there’s no way possible to get everything done and then being upset with myself for setting the goal and failing to achieve it. I know this about myself, but still do it every so often.

What is the single most gratifying part of being a WAHM?
Spending time with my kids. Snuggles, hugs and kiddo conversations make me feel whole.

Describe a typical day in the life for you as a WAHM.
I actually wrote a blog post about just this: http://momandwife.com/2013/07/learning-to-relinquish-complete-control 🙂

What food/toys/technology/etc. could you not live without as a WAHM?
Caffeine, caffeine and caffeine 😉 My Computer for certain is also something I must have in order to work.

How do you think being a WAHM has helped you and your family?
It’s been a hugely unexpected financial blessing and an outlet for my creativity that helps me feel whole which in turn makes me a better Wife and Mother.

What advice would you give to a mother working outside the home who wants to transition to being a WAHM?
Just do it. Stop planning and letting your ideas live in your brain and start doing.

What sacrifices have you had to make in order to be a WAHM?
I had great expectations of myself to do all kinds of fun crafts constantly, and keep our house in perfect condition. I do not always have time to make those things happen, or get dinner on the table every single night and I tend to get upset with myself when I fall short of those expectations due to work obligations.

What are some of the misconceptions you feel exist towards WAHMs?
That because we work at home we’re free to do anything at anytime, when it’s actually quite the opposite.

What sounds do you like to hear the most while working?
Silence 🙂 Oh naptime, I love you.

Is there anything else you want to share about life as a WAHM?
As with anything in life you’re going to have your frustrations, no matter the circumstances, but I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to stay at home with my children and contribute financially to our family. Never in a million years could I have dreamed of a more perfect situation for me. My advice to anyone who wants to start working at home is to pray that God will guide you through this journey and that what you do fulfills you by honoring Him in every way possible.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story Lindsey!

You can follow Lindsey on her website and blog and on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram (also checkout her other blog Mom and Wife!)