Balancing the roles of motherhood and entrepreneurship has truly been a wild adventure for me, filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. I’m now a dedicated entrepreneur and a proud Metis mother of two amazing kiddos, aged five and two, but, before I took the leap into the world of entrepreneurship, I spent a whopping 8 years navigating the halls of academia.
Now, you might be thinking, with all that time, I could have easily earned a medical degree. But instead, I emerged with a collection of diplomas, including my BBA in Marketing Communications. Oh, and let’s not forget about my certifications as a Certified Business Coach and Imposter Syndrome Coach. Yep, coaching came later, but it’s been an integral part of my journey. Plus, my experience working in various industries like tech has really shaped my business endeavors.
But let’s rewind a bit. It wasn’t until I had my first child that I realized life was too short for me to be stuck in a toxic work environment.
That toxic workplace was like a wake-up call, nudging me to take the reins and build my own business.
Juggling the demands of a newborn while trying to build a business felt like playing a never-ending game of chess. You never knew when a little one might need your attention, whether it was a sudden illness or just needing a cuddle.
Those early days were filled with round-the-clock diaper changes, sleepless nights, and trying to lay the foundation for my venture—all while keeping a tiny human happy.
Adding another tiny human into the mix? Let’s just say things got even more interesting. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship became like a high-stakes game of poker, with unpredictable schedules and the constant need to adapt to my kids’ ever-changing needs.
But through it all, I found strength in my family’s support and the belief that I was creating a better future not just for my kids, but for other moms navigating similar paths.
So, here I am, still in the thick of it all, learning and growing every step of the way. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not perfect at juggling all the things, but it’s my passion that drives me forward.
Join me as I dive into the intricacies of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, offering insights and reflections that have become my guiding principles in both my personal and professional life.
Lesson 1: Set realistic expectations
As time went on, I learned that finding this balance isn’t just challenging; it’s a daily puzzle that requires patience, flexibility and a whole lot of trial and error. I had to set realistic expectations for myself and forgive myself for not meeting the impossible standards I had set.
Lesson 2: Prioritize self-care
In the throes of managing both a business and a family, it’s easy to lose sight of one’s own needs. Self-care often falls by the wayside, a casualty of our endless to-do lists. But self-care is not just a luxury, but a necessity for well-being and the ability to function effectively. These moments of self-care are rejuvenating, providing me with the energy and clarity needed to tackle the challenges of the day.
It’s a gentle reminder that taking care of myself is not selfish but essential. By prioritizing self-care, we can recharge and tackle our responsibilities with renewed vigor and ensure that we are not stretched too thin.
This approach not only fosters a healthier balance but also enhances our effectiveness as both entrepreneurs and mothers. The sense of empowerment that comes from this balanced approach is truly liberating.
Lesson 3: Be honest and upfront with your needs
Effective communication with my team and clients has been crucial and the golden key that unlocked a smoother path through this chaotic journey. I had to be open and honest with my family and my business partners about my needs and limitations.
It wasn’t easy to admit that I couldn’t do it all, but it was crucial.
This vulnerability helped foster understanding and support from those around me, making the balancing act slightly less precarious.
Lesson 4: Ask for help even if you’re not sure you need it
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to ask for help and seek support. There’s this unspoken pressure to be a superwoman, to juggle motherhood and business seamlessly without breaking a sweat.
But the truth is, it’s not only okay but essential to reach out when you need it.
Whether it’s seeking advice from a mentor, delegating tasks that don’t necessarily need your personal touch, or even just talking to someone about your struggles, it makes a world of difference. This support network has been my lifeline, reminding me that I’m not alone in this journey. It’s a source of strength and a constant reminder that vulnerability is not a weakness but a step towards growth.
Lesson 5: Embrace the chaos
Embracing the chaos becomes not just a strategy but a necessity. There were days filled with back-to-back meetings and tae-kwon-do practices, dog walks and dinners that were more about convenience than nutrition. And amidst all this, I learned to let go of the guilt (slowly and still working on it) that so often accompanies working mothers.
There are days when the balance tilts more towards motherhood and others when entrepreneurship demands more of me.
I’ve learned to accept that perfection is unattainable, and that’s okay. What matters is my ability to handle both roles with grace and resilience. This realization was liberating, allowing me to approach each day with renewed vigor and understanding that I am indeed capable of managing the complexities of both worlds.
Lesson 6: Surround yourself with inspiring moms
Another invaluable strategy is building a strong support network of family, friends, and fellow mompreneurs. This journey would be incredibly lonely and exponentially harder without them. They’re my sounding board, offering guidance, encouragement, and sometimes just a listening ear when things get overwhelming.
It’s through this network that I’ve also learned the importance of embracing flexibility and adaptability. The unpredictable demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship mean that sometimes, despite our best plans, we need to pivot. Being open to change and learning to go with the flow has not only saved my sanity more than once but has also led to unexpected opportunities for growth and success.
Lesson 7: It’s okay not to have everything figured out.
It’s okay to stumble and make mistakes. What matters most is showing up every day, giving the best of myself to both my family and my business, and understanding that perfection is an unattainable and unnecessary goal.
Embarking on the journey of a motherhood entrepreneur has been one of the most exhilarating yet intimidating experiences of my life. Every step of the way, I’ve had to remind myself to embrace my unique journey.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing myself to others, wondering if I’m falling short or if my path is too unconventional.
However, I’ve come to realize that it’s this uniqueness that sets me apart and makes my business special. It’s a reflection of my life, my experiences as a mother, and my ambitions as an entrepreneur. This blend is not something to shy away from but to celebrate and leverage in my entrepreneurial endeavors.
Lesson 8: Never stop learning
Lastly, seeking out mentorship opportunities has been a game-changer for me. Connecting with experienced mompreneurs who have navigated the challenges I’m facing has provided invaluable insights and guidance. They’ve helped me avoid common pitfalls and accelerated my learning curve in the business world.
And amidst all the hard work, I’ve learned the importance of celebrating small victories and milestones. It’s these moments of celebration that keep me motivated and inspired, reminding me of how far I’ve come in my dual roles. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to the resilience and strength that we, as mompreneurs, embody.
Lesson 9: Find purpose in the journey
In conclusion, navigating motherhood and entrepreneurship is not just about overcoming challenges; it’s about embracing the passion to help other moms and creating a safe, inclusive work environment. My WHY, the driving force behind building my business, goes beyond personal success.
It’s deeply rooted in my desire to empower fellow moms, and women provide them with opportunities to thrive and foster a supportive community where everyone can flourish.
Some might have given up by now, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of balancing it all. But for me, this journey is fueled by a burning passion to make a difference in the lives of others.
It’s about channeling that passion into action, creating tangible solutions to support and uplift moms in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
This journey requires patience, flexibility, and self-care, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Effective communication, embracing support, and celebrating achievements are essential strategies for success. While the path may be chaotic and unpredictable, it’s filled with growth and opportunity.
By prioritizing self-care, building a strong support network, seeking mentorship, and giving yourself grace, mompreneurs can not only succeed in their personal and professional lives but also make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
So as you continue on this journey, remember to give yourself grace and trust in the power of your why to drive positive change.
