In the Spotlight: Ana Hodges-Gazawi

I was introduced to Ana Gazawi (aka Quiskaeya) by former Moms of Hue author, Onica, and we quickly hit it off. She and I have a lot in common- parenting multiracial children, crocheting, writing, and more. Having recently found herself being hurdled in the “jobless” sector, she decided that this was the push she need to make become a bona fided work at home mom. She forewent the need to look for another job and instead dove head first into making working at home a reality.

She writes, blogs and is aspiring to be an entrepreneur of an online boutique of handmade fabric embellishments. You can find her rambling about the daily, quirky, cute things her 2 boys do at www.quiskaeya.com. In addition, to her dictations about family life, she also shares about her passion for Green Living,  anthropology, and her efforts to develop strong multicultural/multiracial identity in her children. In the summer of 2009 she was chosen to attend the Disney’s African American Mom Blogger Mixer. Ana also holds a bachelors degree in the Business field and Public Relations.

Learn more about Ana from our interview below.

Moms of Hue (MOH): What keeps you motivated?

Ana: First and foremost it’s my faith and spiritual belief that keep me motivated. These two things alone keep me grounded. Secondly, my children are the center of my world and everyday I am grateful for another chance to be their mother. They are my ultimate inspiration.

My kids and my husband are my biggest supporters. They have so much faith in my ability to accomplish my dreams. I am inspired by their support.

Ana: Organization isn’t one of my strongest qualities. I’m a procrastinator and I know this full well. I attribute motherhood as the reason I am getting better at organization. I realize there are two little people that desperately need me to set up some sort of structure in their lives so they can thrive. My organization has a reciprocal effect on lives of my children.

Prioritization is key for me in getting organized. Everyday I know there will be more things to accomplish than the amount of hours in the day. I commit to completing a certain amount of tasks. As long as I know that I have given it my very best shot, then there is nothing else I can do. I love the fact that every morning I wake to a new day that gives me a fresh start. Each day I resolve to be better and more organized than the day before. Sometimes it happens, a lot of time it doesn’t. Ultimately it’s about the journey and how I handle the challenges along the way, therefore, I take each experience with it’s growing pains knowing it’s making me a better person.

Ana: My greatest piece of advice for other moms of hue is to always stay true to themselves and what values they hold dear. Surround yourself with a community of people who have an unwavering support for your family’s well-being. Be ready to be a support to other mothers that might be struggling in motherhood. When we empower each other with encouragement then unwavering support, then we are better equipped raise our children with a positive view of the world.