One of my favorite things about publishing Macaroni Kid Chicago Midtown is the chance to connect with other parents in our community. Often times these connections inspire us and remind us of the ability of one person to make a difference. It is with this in mind that I have launched this article series called Parent with a Purpose. My hope is to introduce you to some amazing parents living right in our community who not only are doing unique and wonderful things but also deserve to have some attention brought to their mission.
I'm excited to introduce you to Lidia Varesco Racoma, a local mom and a branding and marketing designer.Â
Let's learn more about this local mom's story and find out how we can be a part of her purpose!
What is your MISSION/PURPOSE? What do you want to accomplish? My mission is to help make the world a better place for my kids (5-year- old and 18-month- old). As a branding and marketing designer, I help nonprofits and other education-oriented organizations share their mission and connect with their audience. Iâm currently developing an affordable branding program that small organizations can utilize to make their branding more effective. Iâm also passionate about educating and inspiring moms in businessâespecially moms-to-be who may be nervous about juggling new motherhood and business. I started my Facebook page
Biz Mama to share inspirational interviews with moms in businessâas well as useful articles and posts.
What inspired/encouraged you towards this mission? Is there one specific moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do? After my first child was born, I became more passionate about doing design work with a purpose. I had already been working with several mission-based organizations, so I was inspired to focus more in this area.Â
As a new mom, I also realized how hard it was to run a business while chasing a baby. Joining a local moms in business group made me realize that it WAS possible, with the support of fellow moms who were going throughâor had been throughâwhat I was experiencing.
How did your life before children influence the parent you are today? What part do your children play in your current mission? As a graphic designer, I use my creativity daily in parenting. Iâve always been a compassionate and understanding person so that also reflects in how I relate to my kids.
My kids inspire me in so many waysâŚwhen I became a mom, I was inspired to launch a line of locally-produced baby and kids tees called typebaby (my top seller is the Chicago flag-inspired âLocal Loveâ design). Last year, I embarked on a â100 Day Projectâ with my 5-year- old son, where we created a daily art journal together for 100 days. Iâm planning a 100 Day Project again this year and hope he will be equally inspired!
What lessons/values are you learning through this process? What lessons/values do you hope your kids are learning? The biggest lesson Iâve learned from my children is patience. And also to honor and accept their unique personality traits. They are both âinvolvedâ in my business life in many waysâmy 5-year- old especially loves to see what Iâm working on. I hope the perseverance and passion of running a business will inspire both of them to follow their dreams and do things that make a difference.
What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it? It doesnât happen often, but if work is slow and my toddler is napping, I sneak in a 30-minute nap between work and school pick-up. I also try to read a few pages of a book or magazine every night to disconnect from technology.
What can we do to support you and your purpose? If you know any education-focused organizations who need help with their branding and marketing, please send them my way!Â
Also, I would love help sharing as many âFeatured Biz Mamaâ stories are possible. Please like or share my Biz Mama Facebook pageâor submit your story
here.
@lsvdesign (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
How awesome is Lidia?
Macaroni Kid isn't the only one impressed by these local parents. I'm happy to be able to offer goodies from other Chicago local businesses to Lidia to thank her for her work in the community. Thank you to these awesome sponsors for helping me recognize Lidia and all of our Parents with a Purpose!Â
Do you know someone who fits the Parent with a Purpose bill? Maybe it's your neighbor, friend, child's teacher - send them our way! All you have to do is email me their name, email and why you think they're perfect for a Parent with a Purpose feature and I'll take it from there!
saray@macaronikid.com