Birmingham Moms Blog :: Introducing Kendra

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Hello, beautiful Birmingham moms! My name is Kendra, and I am a Birmingham native. Born in the 1970’s at St. Vincent’s Hospital, I love this city. I have lived here all my life except for brief stints for schooling in Huntsville, New Haven (Connecticut), and Madrid (Spain). We are watching as the Magic City is growing and evolving, and there is no other place we would rather be.

Circa 1978…I am the little lady in red.

Birmingham

Honeysuckles, sugar cane, homemade biscuits and cobblers, homegrown veggies, a breeze blowing through my hair, no shoes (or jelly sandals at most), sundresses, watermelon, mud pies, and FREEDOM . . . . These are the things I remember from childhood as I spent time alongside my grandma, a mother of nine children. She lived in the rural outskirts of Birmingham where there was rolling countryside and nature galore! My older brother and I enjoyed riding bikes (without helmets), eating plums right off the trees (without even rinsing them off 🙂 ), playing hide-and-seek and 1-2-3 red light. We never had gadgets or technology. We simply loved being together, having fun, and being carefree.  

Hanging out at grandma’s, riding a horse (dog)? 🙂

At the same time, we enjoyed urban/suburban life in the Magic City. Growing up in a middle-class suburban neighborhood, I remember visiting my parents’ workplaces downtown and loving the bustle of the city. The urban area felt alive, vibrant, and happening. 

We had the best of three worlds–rural, urban, and suburban. This opportunity still exists in Birmingham today! Our children can enjoy the new restaurants on 2nd Avenue North, the new Pizitz, Uptown, Five Points South, and the historic and graffiti-rich buildings of the Southside. Yet, within minutes, we can ride a horse, learn about nature, explore farm life, enjoy wholesome relaxation, and retreat to a place where time stands still. 

Moms 

I am married to my husband of 14 years, Reggie, a.k.a. “Big Reg”, and we have been blessed with two precious kiddos, a girl (age 11) and a boy (age 6). After a 12-year career in pharmaceutical sales, I quit my job four years ago to stay home with them.  

2016 – Reggie, me, and the kiddos!

 While home, I decided to start a business two years ago called The Paisley Pea, an online baby and maternity brand. The company was born from my passion for sewing, and it has now grown into a substantial business with 75 retailers across the country. I struggle daily to balance work and family, but I have gained wisdom through the years on how to manage. I look forward to sharing advice to help those in the same boat. With a husband who travels extensively for his job, I will tell about my experiences on this topic as well.

Leaving corporate America showed me that the role of a caregiver (stay-at-home-mom) is underestimated, devalued, and much harder than I had imagined. In essence, it is one of the hardest jobs on earth, with much of its reward being intangible.  Yet, it is one of the most beautiful and important jobs on earth.  I love spending quality time with the kids –going to the park, making crafts, laughing at (and writing down) the funny things they do. They enjoy the things that are free . . . togetherness, cuddles, love, and fun. The little things matter the most.

Blog

Our kids exploring nature and farm life.

Birmingham Moms Blog is a new “sisterhood” community for moms in the Magic City. I look forward to sharing a unique perspective on business ownership and being a MOMpreneur. As a contributor, I commit to sharing both struggles and triumphs to inspire and encourage other moms on their quest. I am excited about learning from our diverse group, and I look forward to keeping up with all the happenings here in “the HAM”. 

 
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Kendra L
Kendra, a Birmingham native, is happily married to her husband of 14 years and is the mom of two sweet kiddos (10-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy). A former pharmaceutical sales representative of 12 years, she now stays home with their kiddos while running a small business. Two years ago, The Paisley Pea, an online baby and maternity brand, was born from her passion for sewing and all things earthy! The company has now grown into a substantial business with 75 retailers across the country. When not running the business, she enjoys crafting with her children, entertaining, exploring other cultures, music, and being a nature-lover! She is excited about sharing her experiences as a MOMpreneur to encourage other moms in their quest.

6 COMMENTS

  1. I really enjoyed reading this!!! Your perspective on the “Ham” is refresing and enlightening of course, for those who may have never visited!
    I’m proud to say you are my classmate!!!! You and your family are beautiful!!!! Congratulations and I look forward to reading more from you!!!!

  2. We are so proud of you and Reg in what you are accomplishing together. Not only do you have a successful marriage but you have both independently made your own mark. We pray for continued success in your lives and the lives of your children. All our love to you. Uncle Joe and Aunt Sue xoxo

  3. Awesome Kendra! So glad we met and have become friends! Your blog is inspirational! Can’t wait to read more!

  4. Kendra, what a wonderful surprise to read your blog post! What an inspiration and encouragement you are! Thank you for sharing some of your life story with us. I am blessed to know your beautiful family!

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