One of my favorite things about publishing Macaroni Kid is the chance to connect with other parents in our community. Often times these connections inspire me and remind me of the ability of one person to make a difference. It is with this in mind that Macaroni Kid Springfield launched this series to spotlight these special people. My hope is to introduce you to some amazing parents living right in our communities who not only are doing unique and wonderful things but also deserve to have some attention brought to their mission.
I first connected with Maria Merced earlier this month when she reached out to me via Macaroni Kid's Facebook page. Through our email exchanges I quickly learned that Maria has a passion for getting books into the hands of families in the area. Please get to know this local mom a little better by reading her answers to our questions.
What is your MISSION? What do you want to accomplish?
My mission is to put these awesome books into children's hands in 2018, teach both my children to be kind, big-hearted, respectful, and to fall in love with reading. Our goal this year is for 2 million children to have our books! I would like for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, and daycare providers to know about Barefoot Books, an undiscovered treasure that many do not know. Barefoot Books is based here in Massachusetts, so I feel honored to be promoting their books!
What inspired/encouraged you to start? Is there one specific moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do?
My journey with Barefoot Books started one day during my maternity leave, and after having my precious down time from the kids, I was browsing through the internet, when I stumbled across a video on YouTube about Barefoot Books. My curiosity got the better of me, and I went to their homepage to find out more about them. My mind was blown! I totally fell in love with the colors, the message that every book portrays, everything that they offer to build self-esteem on children, and how they portray the message of diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance. The teacher and mommy in me fell in love. We currently live in a time where these positive messages are very much needed. We need to reinstall values and morals into our children, and what better way to do this than a book.
How did your life before children influence the parent you are today? (Work, experiences) What part do your children play in your current mission?
I used to be a Special Education Teacher back home in Puerto Rico. I used to teach English to special needs children (from K-6), and have always been an avid reader, and promoter of reading. Even though I am currently experiencing difficulty reading books for myself, I still satisfy my need for books and reading when I read stories to my children. I just love to look into their little faces when they see the pictures, snuggle with them, watch how they make story connections with day-to-day activities, watch them laugh at my funny voices, the list is endless.
What lessons/values are you learning through this process? What lessons/values do you hope your kids are learning?
I am learning about not being too hard on myself and being persistent. If something does not work, I need to find another way to get the message out, and change strategies. Starting a small business is hard work, and very challenging. I have a great husband that supports everything that I do, and that really puts my mind at ease. I want my children to see what I am trying to create with my small business of promoting Barefoot Books. I want them to learn that even though there are obstacles in your way, you just need to persevere and the end result of all that hard work will turn into a great one. I want them to be entrepreneurs and leaders. Children learn by example, and I want to be that inspiration for them.
What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?
Lately, it has been very hard to relax, since I started building my small business. However, I do try to have Girl's Night Out with my sisters and friends, every chance I get. My sisters and I have started a family tradition of every Summer having our Family Summer Vacation where we rent a house for the weekend. Looking forward to this year!
What can we do to support you in the community?
You can help me by going to my Facebook Page, and just learn about what Barefoot Books has to offer. You can follow and/or like my Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/barefootwithmaria/ and do not be afraid of asking me questions. You can send me a private message, if you are self-conscious and/or shy, I am more than happy to answer! Lastly, I would be more than grateful for leads on where I can promote Barefoot Books (i.e. homes, parents, grandparents, daycares, Book Fairs, Farmer's Markets, churches etc).
Hope to hear/see you soon! When you look into a Barefoot Book, believe me, you will fall in love!
- HEATHER MONSON is on a mission to make sure children and families are mindful of others and compassionate to one another.
- MICHELLE CREAN is on a mission to empower women to achieve their fitness goals and to live a healthier lifestyle by providing in-home personal training and fitness nutrition guidance.
- SARAH REILLY is on a mission to bring more awareness and acceptance to the local Autism community.
- AMY CUTLER is on a mission to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes and to raise funds for research so that there may one day be a cure.
- ANA FERRIS is on a mission to help people feel confident and empowered by exercise in order to have a healthy mind and heart.
- NIKKI CACI is on a mission to help women feel more confident through fashion!
- SALLY FULLER is on a mission to help all Springfield children learn to read.
- KATHERINE ZAHIROVIC is on a mission to educate children on the importance of healthy lifestyle skills.
- JENNIFER POWELL is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of others.
- ALLISON GAYNOR is on a mission to spend as much of her free time helping people as she can.
- BECKY QUINN is on a mission to raise money and awareness for March of Dimes.
- EMILIE HISGEN is on a mission to get families together for Sandwich Making to benefit Open Pantry.
- OLIVIA SAKR is on a mission to keep carcinogens and additives out of households via natural hand poured soy candles with no additives or dyes.
Find Your Family Fun in Springfield
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