MBP: You work full-time in real estate. How has being a mother impacted your personal and professional life?
Stacy: Being a mom always comes first. I have to say, juggling the demanding job of real estate, as well as being there for my kids for all of their extracurricular activities, is hard, but I make it work every day. I will always be there to support my kids, and I will adjust my work schedule accordingly.
MBP: How do you balance all your responsibilities and handle the feeling of being overwhelmed or stressed as a mother?
Stacy: Being a REALTOR can be a stressful job, but I have learned, over time, to organize my days to help me get the most out of the time I have while my kids are at school.
I will ‘stack’ my days. If I’m out and about, I will work to schedule meetings, showings, etc, all in the same day. I also have days that I work from home, where I’m doing follow-ups, scheduling Facebook posts, and getting caught up on paperwork. This seems to work for me, so I have days at home to get stuff done, and then days where I’m out and about.
I will also work some at our local coffee shop, Mokas, in Saraland. I have learned over time that setting boundaries when it comes to family and work is necessary, and it’s not an option for me.
MBP: What have you learned about yourself through motherhood?
Stacy: I’ve learned to never say never…because my kid will do the exact thing I said they would ‘never’ do.
MBP: What are the ways you create a positive support system and community for your family?
Stacy: We have a very small circle of friends, and I have taught my kids that they don’t need 25 best friends. Nothing but drama comes with that many friends.
I have taught them to be kind to everyone, but keep their friend group small. Quality over quantity. We know that if we ever needed anything, we can ask our small group of friends and they would be there for us in a heartbeat.
MBP: How are you handling your children’s transition into young adulthood?
Stacy: As my children transition into adulthood, it’s such a beautiful thing to watch. Parenting is hard, and I was strict on my children as they were growing up, and that has paid off. I know that I have raised them to be well-rounded adults, responsible, with a good head on their shoulders. They are both driven and focused, and I can’t wait to see where God takes them. The sky is the limit , and I’m thankful I get a front row seat. It’s bittersweet as different seasons of their life come to an end, and new seasons begin, but to see who they are becoming makes my heart happy. The goal is to raise children who don’t just need you, but who want to spend time with you when they’re grown.
MBP: What are some of the most important lessons you hope to teach your children?
Stacy: Always keep God first in your life, relationships, jobs, and extracurricular activities. Keep a small group of close friends. I tell my kids to always be kind because we never know what someone is going through, and to always live in a way where others see Jesus in you.
MBP: What is one piece of advice you have for moms working full-time and balancing teenagers?
Stacy: One piece of advice I have it to make time for your teenagers. Listen to them. Put the phone/laptop computer down when your teenager wants to talk to you and look them in the eye. Be present. I have made it a point that when my teenagers come in and they are talking to me, I stop what I’m doing and focus on them. Our kids need our full attention, not us half-way listening while sending a text or typing an email.
Also, spend quality one-on-one time with each child. We need that one-on-one time with our kids, and I feel teenagers need their parents more now than ever before. We need to be their safe space and an ear to listen to when they need to talk.
MBP: If money were no object, what dream vacation would you and your family like to go on?
Stacy: We love the beach and NYC, so either one of those!
Rapid Fire Questions:
- Board Games or Video Games? Neither
- Hoarder or Minimalist? MINIMALIST
- Early Bird or Night Owl? Early Bird
- Main Course or Sides? Sides
- Exciting Holiday Party or Quiet Family Night? Quiet Family Night
Stacy Cole and her husband, Josh, have been married for 20 years and have built their life in Saraland. Josh is in sales at Industrial Valve, and Stacy is a local REALTOR, specializing in selling homes in the Satsuma/Saraland area. Together they have two teenagers — Brady (17) and Jacee (14). Brady plays football, is very involved in their church, and enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Macy. Jacee is on the high school swim team and soccer team. As a family, they love to cruise, go boating, and hang out at the pool.
