Being a mom is among the most rewarding and challenging jobs on the planet. Now add in being an entrepreneur, and you’ve got yourself a full plate. Building and growing a business while also raising a family is a balancing act that requires several essential skills, not the least of which is time management. Many working moms face a constant struggle that often makes them question if they are doing enough. But fear not! In this article, we hear from several female entrepreneurs who share their experiences and insights on how to navigate entrepreneurship as a mom. You’d be surprised at just how possible it is!
- The Right Mindset?– As a mompreneur, you must be willing to adjust your mindset, vision, and strategy as circumstances change. The key is not to put undue pressure on yourself and prioritize tasks that must be done. Veronique Audibert is the CEO of the FRENDS Beauty brand, and she advises other mompreneurs to embrace their strengths as mothers and to run their businesses with confidence. One other essential skill is the ability to delegate tasks to others and avoid being a micromanager.
- The Benefits of Being a Mompreneur?– Being a mompreneur can have several advantages. For one, the flexibility allows mompreneurs to set their own schedules and work on their terms. This freedom enables them to spend quality time with their family and be there for important milestones. Allison Mooney, CMO of Creative Lodging Solutions, rightly stated that the privilege of shaping a business from the ground up while raising a family is undoubtedly a considerable advantage that mom entrepreneurs have and should leverage their unique perspective to identify opportunities and innovate.
- Secure a Support Network?– In addition to being an entrepreneur, a mother, a wife, and perhaps also a daughter or sister, you are handling an enormous amount of responsibilities. With so much on their plates, many mompreneurs tend to focus on their businesses and neglect to take care of themselves. The importance of having a support network of friends, family, and other mompreneurs cannot be overstated. According to Zabrina Horton, the founder of The Black Women Collective, connecting with other mompreneurs to share experiences creates a safe space that guarantees that you are not navigating entrepreneurship alone.
- Creating Boundaries?– One of the major challenges of being a mompreneur is knowing when to switch off. With a workload that is constant, it can be tempting to get work done when the kids are asleep or at school. However, it’s important to create boundaries and dedicate time to your family without distractions. Shannon Rahn, the CEO of Nara Baby, stresses that setting boundaries inevitably helps you manage your time better and ultimately can lead to increased productivity.
- Self-Care?– As an entrepreneur, the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. It’s essential to take care of yourself and practice self-care. Whether it’s taking a break, indulging in an activity you enjoy, or even seeking professional help, ensuring that you feel good and that you can perform at your best is key. Jen Brown, Cofounder of Medaesthetics, cites self-care as being crucial to handle the numerous demands placed on mompreneurs.
Embarking on entrepreneurship as a mom can be a daunting challenge. Nevertheless, several female founders have paved the way and proven that it’s possible to balance family life with a thriving business. The key to success is having the right mindset, creating boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and building a strong support network. As a mom entrepreneur, you have an advantage in terms of a unique perspective which you can leverage to achieve your business goals. Above all, don’t be too hard on yourself, stay focused, take breaks when necessary, and be confident in your abilities. You and your family can thrive together.
