Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Fraga.
Hi Katrina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Every since I was a little girl, I wanted to be an entrepreneur. My mom would laugh because I would sell my old hair ties for .25 cents to my friends in elementary school! As I got older, I went on a traditional career path and became a teacher. I loved teaching and working with my elementary babies but, after 7 years, had to step away to take care of my own babies.
In 2020, when covid hit, I had to find a way to make money. My uncle showed me how to make jewelry and I became obsessed. I would stay up for hours working on new ideas. Eventually I opened a small business named TyLu Jewels (named after my kids-Tyler and Olivia) and started selling online and at markets.
Today, while still making and selling jewelry and purses, I have decided to follow a new dream. I combined my love of teaching with creativity and published my 1st in a series of children’s books. Tyler the Tiger and Olivia the Otter being published has been a dream come true.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think any entrepreneur can say it is a “smooth” road. Nothing in life is smooth and I think that is what makes you appreciate the “wins”, when you get them.
After I thought I had life all figured out, it all crumbled in 2020. My finances, my personal life, my dreams…all crashed. For a few years I felt like every step forward, I was pushed 5 steps back. The thing about a mom with a mission is, she ALWAYS gets back up. I knew I had little eyes looking up at me. I knew quitting was not an option. I didn’t want my kids to just see me survive, I wanted them to see my thrive. With firm faith in GOD and a family village that supported me, I got back up and, one step at a time, I am making my dreams come true.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I like to think I am a woman who wears many hats. I do have a day job as an IT Recruiter but I hope to turn my side gigs into main gigs some day. My businesses consist of TyLu Jewels (handmade bracelets, necklaces, and statement purses) and my new series of children’s books.
I am really proud to be able to juggle work and family. I think every mom struggles with this. Sometimes there may be too many balls in the air but, one way or another, we make it work. My children’s books are fun rhymes that focus on lessons that I think are good, not only for our kids to know, but also for parents to remember…YOU ARE ENOUGH.
What matters most to you? Why?
My kids and nephews. They are my “WHY”. I am beyond blessed to have them. I know God entrusted me to raise these tiny humans. In this crazy world, I want them to always see me as an example of following your dreams. There will always be people that do not believe in you but I want them to know that I believe in them and I want them to always believe in themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katrinafraga.wixsite.com/momof2withoutaclue
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momof2withoutaclue and https://www.instagram.com/tylujewels
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-fraga-4180b6247/
- Other: https://a.co/d/jgvWwyB
