Motherhood and entrepreneurship, while both incredibly rewarding, can also be demanding and challenging endeavors. Balancing the responsibilities of raising children with the demands of running a successful business requires dedication, resilience, and careful planning. In this article, four female entrepreneurs and mothers explore the unique journey of being a mom and a business owner, delving into the joys, trials, and strategies that can help you succeed in both roles.
The Joys of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
Photo Credit To: Dr. Kara Nance
Flexibility: One of the greatest advantages of being a mom-entrepreneur is the flexibility it offers. You can create your schedule, allowing you to be present for your children’s important moments while also managing your business effectively.
“After having four children, the freedom and flexibility I needed to be both there for my kids at critical times and create the professional experience that I wanted required me to be my own boss and make my own rules,” shares Dr. Kara Nance, Communication and Relational Coach at KaraNanceMD, medical doctor/CEO of WellessenceMD, physician, and entrepreneur. “As a physician, business owner, and mother, I take it upon myself to meet the needs of my kids, my patients, my employees, and my essential self. Entrepreneurship seemed like the only logical choice because in my world I don’t need a large bureaucratic body to inform me how to meet those needs.”
Photo Credit To: Terri Britt
Setting an Example: Being a mom-entrepreneur can be a powerful way to set an example for your children. They witness firsthand the hard work, dedication, and determination required to succeed in both family life and business, teaching them invaluable life skills.
“Mothers often deny ourselves in the pursuit of trying to get it right for our families. When we do this we are living in Poverty Consciousness,” explains Terri Britt, former Miss USA, TEDx speaker, award-winning author, spiritual coach, and founder of Women Leaders of Love Global Community. “We set an example that says, ‘I am not worthy of being loved or meeting my own needs.” Our children tend to internalize our behaviors and will grow up to continue the cycle of pain, stress and struggle unless we are able to shift into Prosperity Consciousness. When we mommas learn to love ourselves without guilt and own our worth, we break the generational cycle of lack, and open up to receive unlimited abundance.”
Passion and Fulfillment: Pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams can bring immense satisfaction. This sense of purpose can positively impact your family life, as happy and fulfilled mothers tend to create happier households.
Challenges of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
Photo Credit To: Kenya Roberson
Time Management: Balancing the demands of motherhood with those of running a business can be overwhelming. Effective time management becomes crucial to ensure both areas of your life receive the attention they require.
“In order to balance being a successful entrepreneur and being a mother I always make sure to reserve time for both without overworking myself. I have learned to put family first, and always prioritize my time with my kids and ensure I have time dedicated to my business,” says Kenya Roberson, CEO and Founder of Elite Garment Distro. “The most important thing is to turn off your phone. When it’s time to be with the kids BE with them, and give them your 100% focus. Time is most effective when it’s quality.”
Guilty Feelings: Moms often grapple with guilt over not being able to give 100% of their time to either their children or their business. Learning to manage these feelings is essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
Strategies for Success
Create a Support Network: Surround yourself with a support network of friends, family, and fellow mom-entrepreneurs who can offer guidance, share experiences, and provide emotional support.
Prioritize and Delegate: Identify your priorities and delegate tasks whenever possible. Whether it’s hiring help with childcare or outsourcing certain business functions, this will help free up your time and reduce stress.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and family time. When you’re with your children, be fully present, and when you’re working, focus on your tasks. This not only enhances your productivity but also ensures quality time with your family.
Photo Credit To: Stefanie Brun
Invest in Self-Care: Taking care of yourself and your energy frequency is crucial. Allocate time for self-care activities that help you relax and recharge energetically. A well-rested and mentally healthy mom is better equipped to handle the challenges of both motherhood and entrepreneurship.
“You can’t scale your business without scaling your self-care. This is especially important for mothers to understand as we tend to put ourselves last,” says Stefanie Bruns, quantum psychologist, business mentor, and CEO of BusinessFlowAcademy. “If you try to scale and come up against challenges and feel like you are failing, take the example of your child who is learning to walk. They never give up. After a great fall, it takes time to recover, but as soon as the pain vanishes, it’s time to try again.”
Motherhood and entrepreneurship are two demanding roles, but they are not mutually exclusive. With the right energy frequency, support, and strategies, it is possible to excel in both areas. Remember that you are not alone on this journey; many women have successfully balanced motherhood and entrepreneurship. Embrace the joys, learn from the challenges, and continue to grow as both a loving mother and a thriving business owner. It’s a journey that offers incredible rewards and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for your family and the world.
