TDR Brands International spotlights Power Moms who show inner strength and courage, while simultaneously loving and nurturing family, during the pursuit of their dreams.
Tierra Destiny Reid: Please give us a brief recap of your career.
Eardie Houston: After earning my Doctor of Pharmacy from Florida A&M University (FAMU), I completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. I then began my career in the pharmaceutical industry as a Medical Science Liaison, which allows me to educate and influence key internal and external stakeholders in the medical community. Currently, I am a Senior Medical Science Liaison with one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies in the world. As an avid learner, I've continued to set goals for myself. Since beginning my career, I've earned a Master of Business Administration degree, as well as several other certifications. I've also used my experiences to mentor and coach others seeking to begin or advance careers in the pharmaceutical industry.
TDR: Please tell us about your children.
EH: I am the proud, imperfect, grateful mom of 3 amazing children. David & Joshua are my 4 year old twin bible scholars who believe that the bible stories are about them. Christian is our 1 year old princess, who thinks that everything else is about her!
TDR: How are you juggling your passion with the responsibilities of parenthood?
EH: Very carefully. First, I am very fortunate to have a very present and engaged husband. He's my biggest ally in parenting adventure. I also make continuous efforts to trim the fat of my "extra" activities. This means limited television and being mindful of other time stealers. I also believe in the importance of being present. Fully in the moment. This helps me maximize my time with my husband and children.
TDR: What are some of your biggest challenges and how do you work to overcome them?
EH: One of my biggest challenges is childcare. While we have the basics covered (preschool, daycare), since we don't have any relatives in our region of the country, it's often a challenge to get childcare outside of school hours. I've learned to be efficient with my time. I utilize evenings when our children are asleep. Also, my husband and I are blessed to have a community of love around us and our children that we're learning to lean on, when appropriate. Definitely still growing in this area, but I find that if you're committed to a goal, the time and resources will become available as I position myself to receive them.
TDR: What are 2 resources you use to help you stay motivated?
EH: I find enormous encouragement and inspiration in the Bible. Sounds cliche, but it's so true! This book is filled with so much wisdom. Hard to not feel empowered after reading it. I also get a great deal of inspiration from other people who are walking in their purpose.
TDR: What is your favorite way to pause?
EH: Travel is one of my favorite activities. A nice getaway that allows me to unplug and recharge usually helps when I feel the need to energize and/or gain clarity.
TDR: What has been the scariest moment or crossroad in your journey?
EH: I've recently had a period of time when I walked away from my career. I had no long term strategy, no contingency plan, but I knew that it was time to walk away and, well, just pause. Once the panic subsided, I was able to enjoy 18 months away from a high-stress career and relinquish the control that I thought I had over my future. Very scary for a girl like me. However, it turned out to be one of the most amazing things I've ever done.
TDR: What would be your greatest advice to other "Power Moms" wanting to pursue their dreams?
EH: Don't believe the myth that your life ended when your child's life began. Rather than viewing your children as an excuse of why you can't do something, use your love for them as the reason why you WILL. What a beautiful example we are for them when we become all that God desires us to become.
TDR: What word best describes the legacy you want to leave for your children and why?
EH: “Possible” - As a child, I was told on more than one occasion that my goals were too lofty for a child of a single mother living in the trailer park, that my dreams were impossible; now, I'm Dr. Eardie, it's possible! Growing up in a broken family and surrounded by much of the same, I didn't think it was possible to have a healthy, happy, loving marriage; I'm so thankful to share love and life in ways that I never even imagined. It's possible! A few years into our marriage, I was diagnosed worth infertility. I have since given birth to 3 healthy children. It is possible! Much of the legacy is still being shaped, and I know that much of it will exemplify Matthew 19:26, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
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Connect with Eardie:
Twitter – DrEardieHouston
Instagram – DrEardieHouston
Periscope – DrEardieHouston
Facebook – Terenceeardie Houston