Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Doman.
Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After having my first child (Victoria), I realized how important it was for her father and I to remain the main influences in her life. What started out as an idea or thought, became my mindset with my all my children. I am big on teaching my children to guard their hearts and create emotional stability in their life, therefore, creating a schedule that would fit with their schedule was imperative for me. It was not easy having to go from job to job however, it was a sacrifice I chose to make. I obtained my BA degree studying Psychology in hopes of making more money and (at some point) become a Clinical Psychologist. At the time, I worked for a pharmaceutical company (through a temp agency) in the sales department. Working with and watching all the young men and women in sales is what pushed me to finish my degree. I thought that maybe I would get hired by the company, travel, and work hours that I could create to then go back to school and get my Master’s degree. Those plans didn’t work out the way I thought it would.
Although I was in desperate need of a career where I would be able to be with my children, go on family vacations, and make money – I realized it was better for me to seek employment where I could create my schedule. I looked for work that was per-diem, 12-hour shifts for three days, weekend jobs, and so on. If I had to clean homes, I did it. If I had to work in healthcare (cleaning and taking care of adults who couldn’t) I did it. Whatever helped me be there with my children, I did it. It was a difficult journey and the sacrifice was the financial piece but if that meant raising my kids and being there for them then it was (and still is) worth it for me. My children are now older and more sufficient so it allows me the flexibility (that I didn’t have before) to come to a place of practicing consistency and stability. Currently, I have found consistent and stable work that allows me to use all my talents and skills in one place and be near to my children.
Prior, I kept hustling until I started my first business called, The Nanny House. I wrote two children’s books and am the founder of Stand in the Gap – located in (NJ). Although I love what I do and I work this business around my schedule, I am hoping to take all of what God has allowed me to create and use it to speak about my journey in all aspects of my life. I am sensing a close on some of what I started and what has allowed me to remain in my children’s lives however, acknowledge this beautiful journey I experienced in hopes of it touching someone who may be going through the same thing. I walk by faith therefore, I want to remain still and trust the lord on where HE currently has me knowing my children will be ok and HIS plans for me will work out.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not always been smooth. My first daughter’s father was killed in a motorcycle accident when she was 31/2 years old. As I write down my struggles, it still pulls an emotional response out of me. I was not in a good space mentally when it happened and I needed all the support I could get from my close friends and family. What started off initially as (like I mentioned) an idea or thought for her father and I to raise her and be there for her in the way I envisioned, now became a necessity. Trying to keep that same mentality going (as a now) single parent, put me in a position where I had to make sure there was shelter above her, clothes on her, and food in her belly. I did what I had to do to make sure she was taken care of. I moved 7 times with my oldest and each time seemed harder then the last.
I was still in college and determined to finish – however long that would take. It was a hard time but my faith and hope in Christ kept me going and it’s what continues to keep me going. There are a myriad of moving parts to my story that follows after and prior, However, through the open opportunities to speak on how I’ve overcome the challenges I’ve faced and the memorable moments I remember – I will share how the Lord has used it all for HIS glory!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a creative side to me that I love. I lead praise and worship at the church I attend. I have traveled with a band for a year singing at different venues. I have a deep passion for film. I did acting for 10 years on and off and have worked with great actors and been a part of plays and film work on set. Depending on the audience of people I may be known for different things. To some it’s my voice, to others it’s my bubbly personality, and for others something else. In all that I create or participate in, I hope the one important aspect of my life that people know me for is my love for Jesus Christ, the ability to be an example of that, and be kind to others.
I am most proud of learning to understand different perspectives, being around different cultures, and somehow trying my hardest to listen and understand people. I want to remain centered in Christ and not allow world issues to pull me so far left or so far right where I forget who I am rooted in and who keeps me grounded. I don’t want to forget my main purpose here on earth and that is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
How do you define success?
Success is stewarding the responsibilities the Lord has entrusted me with and accomplishing the task at hand.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: amandadoman_
Image Credits:
The picture of me and my daughter (her name is Victoria) The picture of the three kids (Mckenzie, Braylon, and Taylor) There is one picture of me and all my kids together with my grandson
