How do you balance being a 12-year business owner for Aqualime Skincare and being a busy mom?
Tenesha: To be very transparent, it’s hard, and something I’m still working on daily, but staying organized and making a dedicated to-do list for myself and the family works best. Giving yourself grace is the key. Life gets busy and finding that balance not only helps me but helps my family, too.
How do you foster a strong relationship with your children?
Tenesha: From an early age, I learned that kids understand and are aware of more than you think. Therefore, I encourage an open communication environment with my kids, so they feel free to ask questions and share opinions and feelings. My kids are important, and I want them to feel comfortable talking to me at any age.
RRP: What led you to become a PTA board member, a cheer coach, and a troop leader for Girl Scouts?
Tenesha: I honestly love being a part of what my kids are involved in. This is my second year on the PTA Board, and I have learned many ways schools and the community could use our help. Volunteering is a passion of mine and brings me such joy. I’ve built great relationships doing volunteer work and truly enjoy connecting with youth. My daughter is passionate about Girl Scouts and loves learning new skills, going on fun adventures, and being a little entrepreneur. It’s hard not wanting to be a part of that with her. I love sharing her passion!
How do you encourage your children to participate in extracurricular activities?
Tenesha: My kids have many different interests, and I encourage them to be open-minded and try something new even if it scares them. You never know the things you are good at until you try. It also teaches them discipline, responsibility, and the ability to stay dedicated to something they enjoy doing. I love seeing them happy while thriving as a kid and living a healthy and active lifestyle.
How would you describe your parenting style?
Tenesha: I’m a fun and spontaneous parent, and I love taking the kids on surprise day trip adventures. They love them, too. Spending time together away establishes a bond, creates lasting memories, and allows them to relax and reset their intentions. It’s a time that I cherish as they get older and change.
What are ways that you actively practice self-care?
Tenesha: I’ve recently rediscovered my love of gardening. It’s my time with my thoughts while enjoying something that boosts my mood and reduces anxiety and stress. It’s good for my mental health and brings me joy. This summer, I grew a little pumpkin patch. It was nice to see my fruits of labor come to fruition.
What did you learn about parenting from watching your mom?
Tenesha: My mom is the strongest person I know. Her strength has taught me things about life and how to persevere through parenting. There’s no guide for parenting, and sometimes, we all must learn as we go. But I hope that I make the best decisions for my kids.
Watching her raise three kids and seeing the sacrifices she made taught me what it truly means to be a great parent. Raising kids is no easy feat, however, it’s one of the most remarkable things I’ve accomplished thus far.
What is an important lesson you have learned as a mother?
Tenesha: To meet kids where they are. As kids grow up, they will face different challenges in life. They will learn different things at different times. As they face the world, the lessons they learn will shape them into stronger and more resilient people. I want them to embrace the moments in life. They are fleeting and go by quickly.
Rapid Fire Questions
Favorite place to vacation? Anywhere beachside
What brings nostalgia from your childhood? Sitting on the porch
Night out exploring the city or Netflix at home? Exploring the city
Favorite self-care ritual? Relaxing bath with candles and music
Best way to spend a Saturday? Day trips to nearby cities to check
out local events and markets.
Tenesha Carter recently celebrated 14 years of marriage with husband, Greg. Both Tenesha and Greg own their own businesses. Tenesha is the founder of Aqualime Skincare and Greg owns a Comic Shop and Car Fabrication Shop. The Carter family resides in Montgomery.
