Here at South Atlanta Moms, we are on a mission to find and highlight some of the amazing women, moms, mother figures, etc…here in the South Metro area. We recently had the opportunity to connect with a mom who inspires us as a mom and as a small business owner. Meet this week’s Meet A Mom, Shay Lynn Dixon.
Hi Shay Lynn. Tell us where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the South Atlanta Metropolitan area?
I am originally from a small town outside of Philadelphia in a suburb called Devon. I moved to South Atlanta Metro a few years ago.
How many children do you have and how old are they?
I have two children that I birthed on my own and 4 additional adult bonus children through marriage. Our youngest is 8, 11, 21, 25, 27, 29 years old
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in the South Atlanta Metropolitan area?
My favorite thing about raising my family in South Metro Atlanta is our community, between our church and local neighborhood we have met so many amazing and talented people. There is so much to do here with a family, even during this covid/social distanced time. We also attend one of the best churches this side of Heaven, Tabernacle of Praise and they have an awesome youth ministry that our young children love.
We all have that mom job that we dislike doing. What is your least favorite mom job?
I do not enjoy washing dishes or folding laundry, my goal is to build my business lucrative enough to outsource these tasks to a third-party company.
Best mom hack and/or mom tip that makes life easier?
Preplanning breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the week have been a Game-changer! Even if we move things around and eat something different, it takes the headache out of what I’m going to cook daily! Also, empowering my 8 and 11-year-old to have more responsibilities in the house and take ownership of their contributions, instead of mom doing everything.
What are your favorite local things to do in the South Atlanta Metropolitan area?
We love the park, with covid being a real thing we are not participating in indoor events or activities. We do love shopping at Tanger Outlets, and getting take out from Slutty Vegan, Mikie’s Big Burger on Jonesboro Road, Lil Peach Cobblers in Morrow, and Fat Boiz food truck. The one place we absolutely visit monthly is Fun Spot America in Fayetteville, they have outdoor amusement rides and I think we enjoy the go-carts more than the kids!
We’re big on self-care for moms, as hard as it is to find the time, what’s something you do just for yourself?
Finding the time has been difficult but I’ve made a commitment to schedule self-care time just like I do any other task. I personally love to read, get my nails done, and schedule time outside of the house to shop without my husband or kids. I’ve started doing Fresh Flower Fridays, where I purchase fresh flowers from the market and make floral arrangements!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a grandmother of 5!
What is the name of your business/organization?
When did you launch Allegiant Logistics and what was the inspiration behind it?
We launched our business in 2020, our other division Allegiant Transportation Legacy, where we previously did airport and school shuttles, came to halt due to covid. We saw a need and opportunity to provide services and opportunities for women in logistics.
What makes Allegiant Logistics unique and special compared to similar businesses?
We are proudly minority women-owned and led. We are unique in our focus on high-value cargo and the tailored solutions we provide for aerospace and manufacturing companies.
Tell us more about Allegiant Logistics.
We essentially make sure that trucks show up, pick up products, and deliver to where our customer needs them. Our specialty is flatbed and dry van loads in the Southeast states. We are known for transparency and mutually beneficial relationships.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
I love providing solutions for my customers and negotiating rates!
Who has most influenced you to be the mom you are today?
I was abandoned at the age of 6 by my birth mother and found her when I turned 30. She motivated me to be the graceful, forgiving, and driven woman I am today. My children will never experience the toxic environments, poverty, and neglect that I did as a child.
When parenting gets hard, what’s something you tell yourself that gets you through?
I ask myself often, will this matter in 5 years. If the answer is no, I let it go. Part of our issue as parents is that we are way too hard on ourselves and do not give ourselves grace when we don’t hit the mark the first time.
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable and dreaded MOM GUILT?
Help yourself first, we often feel mom guilt because we are helping and overwhelming ourselves with other people’s problems outside of our home. Stop trying to do it all yourself, we are not superheroes, share the responsibilities by either giving to a spouse, loved one, or paying someone to do it. Lastly, surround yourself with supportive, positive people that will encourage you and not make you feel worse about challenges or your journey.
How do you balance being a business owner and a mom?
I am extremely organized and I compartmentalize everything. I have folders for each aspect of my life, right now including Allegiant Logistics, SLD Collection (my accessories boutique launching soon), Household (doc appointments, chore list, and weekly menu, etc…), Shay Lynn Dixon LLC (social media, consulting, and project mgmt), and Home Remodel as I revamp my space for spring.
What can we do to support you in the community?
If you know anyone that works in a warehouse or facility that transports freight, I would love to be connected with them. Also, if you have anyone with a flatbed or dry van, I would love to partner with them, they can reach our Carrier Department at [email protected]
Contact Information:
- Allegiant Logistics 1700 Pennsylvania Ave #201 McDonough, GA 30253
- Contact number: 770-255-0471
- Website: www.allegiantga.com
- Linkedin:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allegiantlogistics
Do you know someone here in the Atlanta Metro area that deserves recognition, please let us know by sending an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Metro Atlanta Moms Feature”