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Lifestyle and travel enthusiast Tasheena Womack from Connecticut, shares foodie finds and fashion moments while embracing her new chapter as an empty nester. With her 22-year-old son grown, she now fills her days exploring new destinations, curating stories for her blog, and finding beauty in every adventure. She also focuses her content on the going ons of Connecticut.
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Connecticut?
I’m a proud Hartford native – born and raised right here in Connecticut. This is home, always has been.
Tell us about your family!
I’m blessed to have a wonderful grown child who makes me so proud. Family has always been my foundation, and watching my child grow into adulthood has been one of my greatest joys. They’ve inspired so much of my work, especially with Brighter Within, where I get to pour into other young people the way I’ve poured into my own child over the years.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
People might not expect this from me, but I absolutely love to cook and bake! My kitchen is my happy place, it’s where I unwind and get creative in a completely different way than my content creation work. There’s something so satisfying about creating something delicious from scratch.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
You know, my child is grown now, so I’m looking at motherhood from a different lens these days. I think what I wish I’d known earlier is that it’s okay to pursue your dreams alongside raising your child. That being a present mom and being an ambitious entrepreneur aren’t mutually exclusive. You can be both, and actually, doing what you love makes you a better example for your kids.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family here?
Definitely enjoying all four seasons! Connecticut gives us the full experience. Fall foliage, winter snow days, beautiful springs, and warm summers. There’s something special about experiencing all of that with family and creating memories in every season. We love walks through the parks, sledding in winter, and summer picnics.
How does HHC 24/7 make your life easier?
As a busy entrepreneur and mom, having access to healthcare 24/7 from the convenience of my home is a game-changer. I can’t always drop everything to go to a doctor’s office, so being able to get the care I need when I need it, whether that’s late at night after a long work day or early morning before meetings, gives me such peace of mind.
What is your background and what did you do before these career choices?
I have a Master’s degree in Organizational Management and Leadership, which really laid the foundation for everything I do now. I’m the founder of Brighter Within, Inc., a youth leadership and development program for inner-city youth in Hartford County. That work has always been close to my heart: Investing in the next generation and giving young people the tools and confidence to become leaders.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
My mom, definitely. And I think my biggest influence has also been watching other strong women in my community. Mothers who were balancing their own dreams while raising incredible kids. I learned that you can be dedicated to your child while also showing them what it means to work hard and chase your goals. My child has been my greatest teacher too, honestly. Motherhood has shaped who I am as much as I’ve tried to shape them.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
Give yourself grace. You don’t have to be perfect, and your kids don’t need you to be. What they need is for you to be present, to be authentic, and to show them what resilience looks like. And remember, taking care of yourself and pursuing your passions isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. You’re teaching your children to value themselves by valuing yourself.
Life as a mom is busy, and finding time to take care of yourself is not always easy. Having access to trusted care that fits into real life can make such a difference. Hartford HealthCare is here to support moms and families in our community with care that feels accessible, thoughtful, and personal. If you want to learn more about the resources and support available for women and moms, click here to explore Hartford HealthCare and see how they can support you too.