In this heartfelt episode, I share the transformative journey of becoming a Single Mother by Choice (SMC) and how it has profoundly reshaped my life. From confronting my deepest fears to embracing a slower pace dictated by the tiny legs of my toddler, this path has taught me invaluable lessons about legacy, grace, and simplicity. Join me as I discuss the importance of health, estate planning, and maintaining perspective through the joys and challenges of solo parenting. Whether it’s reclaiming the simple joys of road trips and pillow forts, or navigating the complexities of dating as a single parent, this episode is filled with personal insights and reflections. Don’t miss out—listen now and discover how becoming an SMC might inspire changes in your own life! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others who might find it meaningful.

Join Aishaas she chats with Charon, a 28-year-old finance professional from Chicago, about what it's like to consider becoming a Single Mother by Choice (SMC) while living a balanced life. Sharron shares her journey through the thinking phase, highlighting the importance of self-reflection, financial preparedness, and the emotional rollercoaster of facing criticisms and support from different avenues. Listen as they discuss dating, managing ADHD and autism, and living life to the fullest. Tune in for practical advice and inspiring stories, and don't forget to follow Start to Finish Motherhood on Instagram or email Aisha to continue the conversation!

00:00 Introduction to Start to Finish Motherhood 01:45 Meet Charon: A 28-Year-Old in the Thinking Phase 02:26 Navigating the Thinking Phase: Challenges and Reflections 04:21 Support Systems and Safe Spaces 05:50 Dealing with Unsupportive Friends and Family 12:33 Dating as a Single Mother by Choice 18:12 Unexpected Encounters at Trader Joe's 18:27 Trader Joe's Love Language 20:41 Living Life: Fresh Starts and Haircuts 22:05 Content Creation Journey 24:50 Future Plans and Geographic Considerations 29:13 Advice for Aspiring Single Mothers by Choice 34:17 Final Thoughts and Social Media Handles

Join Aisha and guest Joudan from Noir Adoptions on this insightful episode of Start to Finish Motherhood. Discover the various pathways to parenthood, with a deep dive into adoption from an expert in the field. Jordan shares her personal journey, invaluable tips for prospective adoptive parents, hurdles for single Black women in adoption, and the crucial differences between private and foster adoption. Find out how Noir Adoptions supports Black families in the adoption process and get practical advice on home studies, ICPC, and creating impactful adoption profile books. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation and be sure to follow Start to Finish Motherhood on Instagram or email Aisha for more guidance!

Click here to learn more about Noire Adoptions

00:00 Introduction to Start to Finish Motherhood 00:32 Exploring Paths to Parenthood: Adoption 01:24 Meet Jourdan: Founder of Noir Adoption 01:56 The Journey of Noir Adoption 02:45 Challenges and Successes in Adoption 04:42 Addressing Biases in Adoption 07:56 Understanding Different Types of Adoption 14:07 Navigating Adoption Costs and Legalities 18:40 Adoption for Single Black Women 22:30 Financial Aspects and Grants in Adoption 28:17 Navigating Interstate Adoption Paperwork 30:50 The Home Study Demystified 32:32 Background Checks and Financial Assessments 38:22 Creating Your Adoption Profile Book 42:02 The Role of Agencies and Consultants 44:04 Jordan's Role in the Adoption Process 50:05 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Join Aisha and her guest, Vero, in an enlightening and deeply personal conversation about breaking generational trauma, mother wounds, and the journey towards healing.  Aisha opens up about her challenging childhood and how it shaped her, while Vero shares her insights on mindfulness, mother wounds, and the finite pool of worry. Together, they explore the powerful impact of relationships, both human and with nature, and discuss how confronting fears and nurturing the spirit can lead to profound growth. Tune in to be inspired by their stories and grounded advice, and don't miss Vero's top book recommendations for further reading. Follow Vero's work with the AfriTech Fellowship on LinkedIn!

Vero's book Recommendations (includes affiliate links):

Discovering the Inner Mother, by Bethany Webster

It Didn't Start with You, by Mark Wolynn

Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Taming the Tiger Within, by Thich Nhat Hanh

About the Mother Wound

In this insightful episode, we welcome back Nicole, a certified financial planner, to tackle one of the biggest fears for single mothers by choice - facing unexpected job loss, job interruptions, or health crises. Nicole shares invaluable strategies on partnering with financial planners, negotiating job offers, and preparing for both the unexpected and the future. We delve into the importance of having an emergency fund, life insurance, and disability insurance, as well as the often overlooked concept of FU money. Listen in as we discuss real-life experiences, the emotional aspects of financial planning, and how to build a solid support system or 'village' to help you navigate through life’s ups and downs. Don't miss out on these crucial insights that can empower you to secure a stable financial future! Reach out to Nicole at 2nd StoryWealth.com or call 215-714-7144 to start building your financial resilience today.

Aisha sits down with Dr. Maya, a dynamic fertility strategist, coach, and pediatrician, as she shares her compelling journey through the fertility ecosystem. From dealing with personal fertility challenges to advocating for maternal health, Dr. Maya opens up about the misconceptions surrounding single working Black women, her decision to preserve fertility, the intricacies of assisted reproduction, and her transition into a leading fertility coach. Tune in to hear about her experiences with egg freezing, IVF, and navigating the dating scene—all while empowering other women and birthing people along the way. Don't miss her invaluable advice on embracing transparency, breaking down barriers, and fostering a supportive community.

Dive deeper into her story and learn practical tips on fertility by following @TheDoctorsWomb on Instagram and other social media platforms.

Send your questions and join the growing conversation today!

In this episode Aisha sits down with Keisha to discuss her inspiring and tumultuous journey to motherhood. From navigating fertility challenges to finding donor embryos and ultimately turning to adoption, Keisha shares her story of perseverance, community support, and unwavering determination. Listen in to learn from her experiences, hear her advice for single mothers by choice, and discover the joy she found in finally becoming a mom.

Follow Start to Finish Motherhood on Instagram or email Aisha to keep the conversation going! 

This is a rebroadcast of the Bonus Episode from season 1...

In anticipation of Father's Day, Aisha Jenkins challenges the assumption that Single Mothers by Choice harbor resentment towards men. Her lens is shaped by her own positive experiences with her step father and close relationships with brothers and friends who actively participate in her children's lives.

Aisha's guest, Clinton Johnson, joins the conversation as one of those trusted male friends. They discuss their collaborative work and exchange insights on navigating single parenthood. Clinton shares his experiences from two decades ago, allowing for a comparison with Aisha's current journey. The discussion delves into the stereotypes surrounding single parenthood and how these perceptions impact various aspects of life, from education to the workplace.

Together, Aisha and Clinton challenge societal norms and shed light on the diverse experiences of single parents.

Clinton Johnson along with Aisha and others are founders of NorthStar of GIS an organization focused on increasing representation and inclusion in geostem fields.

In this episode Aisha is joined by Karmen, a single mother and professional photographer, for an enlightening conversation on the importance of getting in the picture with your kids. They delve into Aisha’s personal story of cherishing rare family photos after losing her parents, the challenges and joys of being the family photographer, and practical tips for capturing candid, memorable family moments. Carmen shares her expertise on simple yet effective techniques for taking great photos at home, the value of professional photography, and creative ways to ensure moms are included in the frame, despite the messy realities of life. Tune in for heartfelt advice and inspiration on making every family moment count!

Find Karmen on IG @kelainephoto

Karmen's podcast @thingsiwishiknew.pod