A local author is opening up about her journey of finding balance as a working mom in a new book co-authored with 24 other women.
Erin VanderSluis says she knew she had a message to share with other moms.
"I knew I couldn't be the only mom who ever felt like they lost themselves a bit in motherhood," said VanderSluis. "I want other moms to know they’re not alone and that their dreams matter.”
In the book, VanderSluis talks about working a corporate job and how that took her away from spending time with her family. She talks about her daughter's life-threatening accident and how that propelled her to look at the bigger picture.
"I lost my way in motherhood and felt like I was lacking some real purpose and fulfillment in my life," said VanderSluis. "I talk about the darkness I experienced and how I brought myself out of that and really took hold of my life to follow some of my dreams and passions."
In 2020, VanderSluis started her own interior design business alongside her husband, Scott, who runs a custom home building company in Chatham-Kent.
As a new author in the book 'Becoming an Unstoppable Woman - Mompreneur', VanderSluis said her main message is for women to feel fulfilled in whatever they choose to do.
"That looks different for everyone and it doesn't have to be through an entrepreneurial role," said VanderSluis. "Stay true to who you are."
VanderSluis said being a part of the book wasn't just about being vulnerable but using her story as a way to reach a greater audience of women. She hopes her story can inspire other women.
"I never considered authoring a book before. This is a new thing that fell into my lap," said VanderSluis. "I woke up to an email from She Rises Studios explaining the purpose of the book and was asked if I was interested in being a part of it."
According to VanderSluis, the book is a part of an Amazon Bestsellers and New York Times Best Selling campaign.
The book will be released as an Amazon ebook before it comes out in paperback.
There will also be a local book signing at the Studio Sisters located on Fifth Street from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 19.
