The Basics…
Name: Sonia Barcena
City: Tampa, FL
Kids: Two (Hunter, 15 and Brianna, 11)
Sonia Barcena somehow finds a balance… we’re just trying to figure out how! Sonia sees her most important job as raising her two children, ages 15 and 11, along with her husband in Tampa. At her restaurant, Rigatoni Tuscan Oven (on Kennedy Blvd. at Himes Ave.), Sonia acts as caterer, restaurateur, and event planner. Add to this her long list of community involvement: South Tampa Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Leader of Kennedy Central Business Crime Watch, Leadership team for BNI, for South Tampa Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, Education Committee Member, Golf Committee Member, Parishioner at St. Lawrence Church, Mitchell Homeroom Mom, and Panther Mom. Phew! We thought perhaps it was this busy schedule alone that keeps her fit, but she STILL finds time to exercise! Sonia told us it is daily exercise and prayer that helps keep her in her very busy life.
D: What does being a good mom mean to you?
S: Always being there for my children to listen and give advice if needed. Always letting them know that they are who I live for and I love them very much.
D: What do you find the most rewarding about being a mom?
S: Receiving a hug and being told “I love you.”
D: What one word best describes you?
S: Encouraging
D: What is your occupation, and has it helped to make you a better mom?
S: I’m a caterer, restaurateur, event planner, full time mom of 2 beautiful children. Being self employed has enabled me to create my schedule around my children’s schedules. Which is great because I love volunteering at their schools and taking an active role in their lives. I truly believe this has made me a better mom. By letting them know I care with participation, willingness to listen and always saying “I love you.”
D: What is your biggest challenge as a working mom?
S: I wish my home was cleaner!
D: What advice do you have to give to new moms?
S: Be caring, listen, understanding and have patience. Children need guidance and they are looking to you for direction.
D: What does your kids/family do for you for Mother’s Day?
S: They are so wonderful always asking what I’d like and what I’d like to do. Typically, my reply is sleep in and breakfast in bed with no agenda. But this year I’m happy to say, I’m running my very first 5K with my son at Al Lopez Park at 7:30am. I am so excited !!!
D: What does your family like to do over the summer?
S: My family likes to go to the mountains & the beach to relax and create family memories.
D: Do you ever find yourself thinking, ‘I’ve turned into my mother!’ – how so?
S: Well, only when I ask them to finish everything on their dinner plate!
D: What three things must be in your purse at all times as a mom?
S: A bandage, sun block & a tide to go stick.
D: What makes YOU a Divine Mom!?
S: I am compassionate and understanding in everything I do. I have patience & listen to my children. I try to be fair and the best role model I can be for them
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