It seems like every day, there’s something on the news that makes it feel harder than ever to be a woman in this world. But then I remember we’ve come such a long way. For instance, in 1930, Westinghouse Electric published a cringe-worthy ad featuring a picture of a then-modern kitchen and a headline reading, “Now Electricity Makes Women Free.” As wacky and infuriating as that sounds to us now, it was true. Refrigerators, electric stoves and dishwashers saved homemakers time, an evolution that eventually led to more women entering the workforce. Today, let’s give thanks to our blessed electricity and even more gratitude to how far women have come.
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: Both
The idea of a homemaker becoming a “butter-and-egg woman,” aka the household wage earner, was a difficult pill for some to swallow back in the 1930s. Now, it’s commonplace for both spouses to take on responsibilities outside the home, even when there’s a baby to care for. In fact, The Wall Street Journal recently reported on the trend of working parents taking a counterintuitive approach to work/life balance, with both Mom and Dad taking on new or challenging jobs at the same time.
While that may seem straight-up exasperating to execute, the goal is for both parents to seek fulfilling and rewarding aspects of work and family life. But fulfillment comes in different forms. For some women, it means climbing the corporate ladder. For others, it means hanging out the shingle for their own small business or dedicating their life to staying home with a newborn.
WOMAN TO WATCH: Trina Boos, Founder and President of Boost Agents
Today’s Woman to Watch is one working mother and thriving businesswoman who has discovered the secret to work/life balance. Maybe that’s because having kids was part of her business plan all along! Now she’s helping others find fulfillment in their own careers. Trina Boos is the founder and president of Boost Agents, a recruitment agency that pairs professionals with well-fitting digital, advertising, marketing and creative careers. As Trina puts it, she’s your friendly neighborhood headhunter!
Since 2011, Trina has grown her Toronto-based recruitment agency into a thriving business, placing thousands of happy employees in new careers. Often regarded as one of the most well-connected people in the business, Trina worked for one of Canada’s most successful advertising agencies before starting Boost Agents in her living room.
Launching and sustaining a booming business is no easy feat, especially when you’re a mom. While still breastfeeding her first kiddo, Trina developed a business plan for Boost Agents, one that included scribbled-on sticky notes splattered across her living-room walls. Then Trina met with bankers, accountants, web developers and designers before taking her business to the masses—all with a newborn baby in tow.
For Trina, it was a dream come true, but one that only came to fruition thanks to much planning. After all, having kids was part of Trina’s well-thought-out equation. She was determined to have three children by 2016, which meant birthing a baby every couple years. Factoring that into her business plan, Trina realized she had to create a company that could remain stable or, better yet, grow during those precious months when motherhood came first.
Being a mom isn’t secondary for Trina, but being a businesswoman isn’t secondary for her either. She’s unapologetic about her dedication to both. In fact, she’s even given speeches to entrepreneurs with a baby in her arms. With a retention rate of 98 percent for clients and a reputation of being attentive, tenacious and diligent, Trina is one mom boss who’s proving that, with a little focus and a lot of perseverance, women really can have it all!
QUITE THE QUOTE
I hope today’s story has inspired you to dismiss the naysayers and embrace the best life for you and your family. As writer Jill Churchill said:
“There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one.”
This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.
To learn more about our conversation, check us out at OnTheDotWoman.com and talk to us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter and Instagram. We’d love to hear your voice.