We believe stories are important - they connect us with other women who share similar experiences and help us feel as if we're not alone when life throws us a curveball. And as a military spouse - owned company, we believe in the power of sharing stories of fellow military spouses. The military spouse community is a unique sisterhood - they show strength with every relocation, deployment, and lost job; they’re resilient - making a new home and forming new friendships at each duty station; and they are fiercely devoted to the family and military hero they love. Despite the uncertainty and sacrifice that military life brings, military spouses face each new challenge with grace and bravery. At Charliemadison Originals, we're celebrating our sisterhood of military spouses through our Meet a Milspouse series - sharing one story at a time and giving you a glimpse inside their world.
GIVE US A BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEEK AT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY – HOW DID YOU BECOME A MILITARY SPOUSE (MILSPOUSE)? WHAT DO YOU DO IN ADDITION TO BEING A MILSPOUSE? AND A FUN FACT ABOUT YOUR MILITARY FAMILY?
I met my husband while he was stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho in 2015. After dating for a short six months, I gave up my cushy corporate job and moved across the country to Goldsboro, NC with him, which is where I officially started my journey as a MilSpouse. In five short years together, we’ve accomplished a deployment, countless TDYs, two moves (with a third on the way) and welcoming a beautiful baby girl.
In addition to being a wife, mom, and Milspouse, I also run a successful multi-six figure online business where I coach and consult with other service-based entrepreneurs in the business growth space.
WHICH MILITARY BRANCH DOES YOUR SPOUSE SERVE IN AND FOR HOW MANY YEARS HAS HE SERVED?
My husband is active duty Air Force and flies the F15E. He has served for twelve years so far.
WHERE HAS THE MILITARY MOVED YOUR FAMILY OVER THE YEARS? WHICH WAS YOUR FAVORITE DUTY STATION AND WHY?
We met in Mountain Home, Idaho and have since lived in Goldsboro, NC and Las Vegas, NV with Montgomery, AL on the horizon next spring. Idaho has my heart; I’m a Pacific Northwest Girl through and through. Each location has been special in its own right though. Goldsboro is where we welcomed our baby girl. Las Vegas allowed us to be close to family. Alabama will bring many new adventures, too – we are already looking forward to soaking it all in.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A MILITARY SPOUSE? TELL US SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED OR HAS MADE YOU STRONGER BECAUSE YOU ARE A MILSPOUSE?
My favorite thing about being a military spouse is that I’m married to someone whom I’m incredibly proud of. I’m proud of our entire military family and the sacrifices that they all make on a daily basis. I also love that military spouses, especially, are resilient and there’s nothing we can’t conquer. It’s amazing to be part of such a strong and supportive extended community.
WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
My husband inspires me each day. He’s someone who always looks at the brighter side of things and is able to figure out a solution, regardless of the situation. He’s patient, supportive, and understanding especially of me and my career aspirations and that’s not something I take for granted. I’m blessed to have such a supportive spouse.
WHICH CHARLIEMADISON EVERYDAY REMINDER DO YOU WEAR ON YOUR WRIST AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR BRACELET?
I currently wear four; one for each of the coaching cohorts that I’ve led so far this year.
Perseverance Bracelet (top left)
Be Present Bracelet (top right)
Be Fierce Bracelet (bottom)
WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY CONNECTED TO WHAT MATTERS MOST, DESPITE THE UNCERTAINTY, FREQUENT MOVES, AND DEPLOYMENTS THAT GO ALONG WITH BEING A MILITARY FAMILY?
I prioritize friendships – especially my oldest ones. I’ve always been good at staying in touch and find it more important now than ever with the lifestyle we live. I make it a point to go “home” and visit my family and friends at least once a year in order to stay connected and grounded to my roots.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FELLOW MILITARY SPOUSE WHO IS STRUGGLING WITH MILITARY LIFE OR DEPLOYMENT?
Reach out; don’t try to do it alone – there’s no need. We are all struggling, just in different ways at different times and each and every military spouse that I’ve ever met would be more than happy to help another in need without question. This is a community that comes together and understands without explanation.
WE HAPPEN TO BE QUOTE LOVERS AROUND HERE – CAN YOU SHARE A FAVORITE QUOTE THAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED?
"If you are facing a new challenge or being asked to do something that you have never done before don’t be afraid to step out. You have more capability than you think you do but you will never see it unless you place a demand on yourself for more." ~ Joyce Meyer
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
WEBSITE
https://www.facebook.com/MFStrategicBusinessGrowth
https://www.instagram.com/melissafroehlich_biz/
melissa@melissafroehlich.com