Renee Rayles is more than just a pretty face — she’s a powerhouse! The actress/author/fashion designer/book publisher is a mompreneur and more. Renee spoke with Celebrity Parents about her book The Super Sexy Single Mom On A Budget.
Why did you decide to write the book?
There seems to be a negative connotation associated with single moms. People don’t equate single moms with being able to do it all and be happy. There are lots of books about how to survive single parenthood. I believe you can thrivein it! As a single mom, I can still do all the things I’ve always wanted to do. It just might be different from how other people do it.
Your son, Xavier, was born when you were still in college.
I was almost 22. I gave birth on a Saturday and was back in class that Thursday. I graduated two months later. I was so determined to get my degree and graduate on time. It wasn’t until later on that I looked back and thought to myself, “What just happened?” I wanted to support my child, though, and so I knew I just had to do it.
As a single mom, 99.9% of the responsibility for the child falls up on you. Child support doesn’t always cover your child’s expenses. I still wanted to have a fabulous life for my son and myself even though my pregnancy was completely unexpected and unplanned. That was the impetus for me to pursue my goals, and I wanted to pass on the information I had learned to other single moms.
What did you learn as you wrote your book?
You can have a great life and still be on a budget. For example, in my book, there’s a chapter on vacations. I discovered cruises specifically geared for single parents, where everything, including daycare, is included! I wouldn’t have known about many of the things in my book had I not asked. Once you start asking questions, you can save a lot of money. For example, citiesonthecheap.com offers cool, fun stuff to do in your town at a discount.
What has the response been to the book?
It’s been great! It makes me so happy that I am helping to motivate single moms to enjoy themselves, and the time they spend with their kids. Single moms can be super, they can be sexy, and they can do it all on a budget!
And in the middle of it all, you started a clothing line!
Today is the best and worst time to start a business. After college, I was an assistant buyer for a department store. I knew that I always wanted to start my own line. So I started doing a onesie line, and it has expanded to include booties. I guess I’ve been on an entrepreneurial kick for a while!
You are truly the best representation of your book’s message!
I had goals and dreams before my son came along. Being a single mom doesn’t mean that I can’t fulfill them. You can never give up on yourself or your dreams. We have to realize that it doesn’t have to be one thing or another. Just take small steps until you get there, and eventually, you will.