Journey through Single Motherhood

By Missie Shealey

Welcome to a world of self discovery and journeys, often taken alone. My name is Missie Shealey and I will be sharing lifestyles and lessons from Solo Sisters, starting with me, myself and I. In the upcoming articles I hope to infuse you with the Good and Bad of being a Solo Sister, mom, caregiver, auntie and sisterfriend as a plain ole sista tryin’ to make life happen.

Let’s first define the meaning of Single—Not that you don’t know, but so you don’t soon forget…


Single: Not accompanied by another or others; solitary.

Consisting of one part, aspect, or section

Consisting of one in number.

Not divided; unbroken:

Those brief definitions cover a lot of territory, right?

Well, lets get this party train started. All aboard!

I reside in the ‘Hotlanta’ Georgia area. My original stomping ground was Pittsburgh, Pa and I also spent a great deal of time in the Washington DC metropolitan area before settling in Atlanta.

I’ve been a Wardrobe Specialist for the last 24 years, working with retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, St. John Knits and currently for Calvin Klein. Yes, you can say that I’ve been around the fashion block.

I am also a published author of Pookie Lookie: The Pink Spotted Panda Bear, a children’s book that was released in December of 2005. I am currently working on a series of Pookie Lookie stories, cartoons for DVD, motivational Pookie Lookie toys, children’s apparel and home décor. My goal is to create an industry of motivational stories and products for children with characters that empower, uplift, embrace, and encourage.

I was once asked what I would consider the most rewarding part of having a book published. My immediate answer to this was creating a character and book that my, then, three-year-old daughter Janiyah loves as much as Elmo. Also, knowing that I have made history, and that one day my grandchildren can do a ‘Google’ search and see what grandma was up to.

Moving on to another area of my life that keeps me ‘not divided and unbroken’ is ‘single momma hood’. All I can say is WOW! I want to just take a moment to stand up and applaud mothers everywhere. Who knew, right? Someone can tell you all day about being a mom but no two experiences are the same. It‘s hard to imagine someone wanting to be a single mom but I’ve seen it on the news constantly where women feel that their ‘clock is ticking’ so they are ‘choosing’ to go to the ‘baby bank’ and get a donor. My intent is not to step on anyone’s toes but I say “Let your clock tock!”

I’m just keeping it real! Unless you have a huge ‘village of supporters that will be there at your every beck and call, doing the momma thing alone is not recommend or advised.

For me, it has been a journey of twist and turns, ups and downs, laughter and tears, just every possible feeling and emotion imaginable. Feelings I didn’t even know that I had!! Now, before anyone starts raising their eyebrows or calling Child Services, just hear me out. No words exist to express how infinitely and deeply I love my angel pie. I couldn’t imagine my life without her. My point is that it takes every breath that you have to be a mother anyway. And being a ‘solo’ mom, you just never find the time to exhale that you deserve. That’s all I’m saying. If nothing else, have a plan for your life and talk to a single mom who will dish out the ‘real’ dirt on being a solo sister.

Keep it Simple and Fabulous!

Missie