How Bringing Our Kids into Multiple Ventures Demonstrates the Heart of Entrepreneurship

As August comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the journey that has brought us here. This month marks the anniversary of when I first decided to get my real estate license back in 2011. At that time, my main reason was to be available for our only child. Over the past 13 years, the flexibility of real estate, while not always consistent, has allowed me to prioritize my family, which has always been my top priority.

I’m so grateful that many of the clients I’ve had the privilege of working with were understanding, especially when I brought my eldest son to showings, inspections, and even closings. As our family grew, my three kids often accompanied me on these real estate adventures. However, I never went full-time into real estate because I felt I didn’t have the bandwidth to fully commit while raising my family. Despite that, I’m incredibly appreciative of the experiences I’ve had and the relationships I’ve built.

In 2018, while my husband was still working in corporate America, we launched JJS Consulting Group, which has since become our primary source of income. This journey has been nothing short of amazing, and I’m so thankful for my husband, who is not only hardworking but incredibly smart. We named JJS Consulting Group after the first initials of our kids’ names, a reminder that everything we do is for them.

Aside from our entrepreneurial endeavors, I’m also a Spanish teacher, working about 15 hours a week at the school my kids attend. Teaching Spanish wasn’t something I initially planned, but I felt called by God to take on this role. Out of obedience, I stepped into it, and I’m so grateful that I did. Teaching in an area where it’s not easy to find a Spanish teacher has been incredibly rewarding. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be at the same school as my kids and to help these students learn a language that will open doors for them in the future. Knowing that I’m serving them in this way brings me so much joy.

Now, as we embark on the journey of opening Honey Rock Books and Cafe, we are involving our kids in every step, showing them the vast opportunities that come with entrepreneurship. For us, entrepreneurship is more than just making money—although, of course, money plays an important role. It’s about serving others, helping them grow, and showing our kids what it means to reach their full potential.

Since moving to Tennessee from South Florida, we are learning to become more intentional with our time, our business, and the values we instill in our children. This journey is about more than just us—it’s about the legacy we’re creating for our kids and the example we’re setting for them on how to serve others through entrepreneurship and beyond.

Reflections on the Journey

As I reflect on this month and what it signifies, I’m reminded of the many milestones we’ve reached since I first got my real estate license back in 2011. While some might look at all we’re doing and wonder how we manage it all, the truth is that entrepreneurship for us isn’t about juggling as many ventures as possible—it’s about being intentional with every opportunity we take. We believe in creating businesses that not only thrive but also serve others with excellence and purpose. Whether it’s through our consulting group, our upcoming bookstore cafe, or even teaching Spanish, every step we take is driven by our desire to build a legacy that reflects our values.

We’re not just building businesses; we’re building a way of life that we hope will inspire our kids and others to see the potential in serving others through entrepreneurship. We want our children to understand that success isn’t just measured by what we achieve, but by how we uplift and serve those around us. This is the journey we’re on as a family, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to share it with our community.

As I continue on this journey, I’ll remain active in real estate, continue teaching Spanish, and stay involved in our businesses. However, as we grow both JJS Consulting Group and Honey Rock Books and Cafe, we recognize the importance of delegation. We plan to hire the right people to help manage these ventures, allowing us to focus on our strengths while ensuring each business thrives. With multiple businesses, it’s essential to bring in support to sustain growth. Each of these efforts contributes to our family’s goals and values, and moving forward, it’s about balancing these roles and showing our kids that with dedication and focus, it’s possible to pursue multiple passions that matter to us.