Balancing motherhood, a full-time job and starting a new business is not for the weak. Listen being a mom is a full-time job and I’m sure you can relate. Starting a new business or running a business is also a full-time job. Doing both at the same time? Now that’s a whole different level of juggling! As a full-time work-from-home mom (I know that a lot lol) to three daughters (ages 1, 8, and almost 12), I know firsthand the challenges and success of being a mompreneur.

The Beautiful Chaos of Mompreneurship

Motherhood and being new to entrepreneurship comes with a lot of learning curves and challenges. This can be unpredictable from one day to the next. On one hand I’m working on my full-time job sending emails non-stop. Then to making calls to resolve issues for customers. At the same time, I’m brainstorming new designs for my hair bows and content ideas for social media platforms. Next, I’m changing diapers or filling up my daughters sippy cup with juice. Or helping with homework and refereeing sibling disputes. Some days, I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water. However, other days, I see the beauty in creating something for my family’s future while being present for my kids.

Being a mompreneur means embracing the unexpected. Whether it’s caring for one of my daughters that isn’t feeling well on the same day as the busiest day for me at work. Or helping my daughter get ready for her performance on the same day my oldest daughter has a band meeting. I’ve learned that perfection isn’t the goal, and it is unrealistic. However, progress is the goal. Not every day will be the same and that is OK. Do what you can.

Despite the chaos, there are so many beautiful moments on the journey of motherhood and entrepreneurship. It is such a wonderful feeling when I can accomplish something for my business whether that is put together a new bow design or counting my inventory while also knowing I am there for my kids when they need me.

Time Management: The Ultimate Superpower

Balancing work and a family for me requires a schedule and a routine (and a lot of coffee!). Here are a few things that have helped me navigate this journey:

• Creating a Routine: During the school year, my kids follow a set schedule and routine from Monday to Friday, which I establish before the school year begins. This keeps our mornings running smoothly because my two oldest daughters already know their routine and can handle it on their own. This allows me to focus on getting myself and the baby ready for the day.
• Communicate with your kids: I’ve found that explaining the importance of having routines and structure to my daughters helps them to understand how I stay organized with all my responsibilities. It also encourages them to be more organized themselves and recognize how these healthy habits can contribute to a smoother, more efficient daily routine for our family.
• Setting Specific Time Blocks: I’ve come to accept that I simply can’t do it all—something I know every mom can relate to! To avoid feeling overwhelmed with all of my responsibilities, I set specific time limits for my daily tasks. For example, I give myself 30 minutes to clean the kitchen, so I can be efficient (sometimes I get sidetracked lol). Instead of spreading laundry out over multiple days, I choose one day a week (usually Sundays) to fold and put it all away. When it comes to braiding my daughters’ hair, I pick one day (typically every other Saturday) to do all their hair at once (yes, it’s a lot!), but this keeps it from interfering with other priorities or just simply taking a break.
• Write It Down: Let’s be honest—mom brain is a real thing! We can’t remember everything, and I’ve learned that writing things down is the ultimate game-changer. There have been plenty of times that I’ve forgotten even the smallest tasks simply because I didn’t write it down. Keeping a list not only helps me to remember what needs to get done but also helps me to manage my time effectively and stay organized. Whether it is a daily, weekly, or monthly task list, writing it all down ensures that nothing falls through the cracks. This also helps to prevent that overwhelming feeling of having too much on my plate.

These are just a few strategies I use to keep things running smoothly in my home. I also rely on the reminder feature on my phone for things like doctor’s appointments or bill due dates, especially when I don’t have my list with me. This helps me stay on top of important tasks even when I’m on the go. Also, investing in a calendar can truly save the day because it provides a visual overview of what needs to be done throughout each month. This makes it easier to stay organized and manage my time effectively.

Finding a Work-Life Balance

Finding a work-life balance between work, family, and business is absolutely not easy. Some days, it feels completely impossible to make time for everything/everyone. But over time, I’ve realized that balance isn’t about splitting up my time evenly between everything, it’s about being present in that specific moment. Whether I’m working on my hair bow business, creating a new e-book, or spending time with my kids, I try to give my full attention to whatever I’m doing at that time.

One thing that has helped me is understanding that some weeks will be super busy, while others will be a little more laid-back. When I have hectic weeks, I focus on managing my time wisely so that I don’t neglect anything or anyone. For instance, I make sure to get my work done while my kids are at school, so that when they come home, I can focus on them. Another way I balance my time is by getting my daughters in the kitchen to help me cook. This way, I can check off making dinner (because we gotta eat lol), spend quality time with them, and teach them how to cook all at the same time. It helps me get things done in a meaningful way while also creating memories with them.

And let’s not forget self-care! (although it’s very easy to) As moms, we naturally put ourselves last, but I’ve learned that self-care isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity. (Read more about self-care for moms here.) Whether it’s going to the gym (which I LOVE), watching my favorite movie, or just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, taking time for myself helps me to be a better mom and entrepreneur.

The Rewards of Building Something for the Future

Starting a new business while raising kids for me isn’t just about making money; it’s about building a legacy for myself and my family. My ultimate goal in starting my business is being able to be a full-time business owner and work for myself. My daughters are watching me chase my dreams, and my hope is to instill in them the confidence to do the same when they grow up.

The thing that keeps me going is knowing that I am creating a life where I don’t have to choose between work and family. That is the hardest thing to do when you’re a full-time working mom. There always comes a time as a working mom when you have to choose between working to provide for your family. Or choosing your kids and that is not a good feeling. The ability to contribute financially for my family while also being there for every milestone in my children’s lives is my goal. This is not something that I take that lightly.

In the long run, I want my business to be something that supports my family. However,I want it to inspire my daughters to strive for something they’re passionate about. I want them to see that hard work, persistence, and passion can lead to great things. This will help them to create their own successful paths in life.

Advice for Fellow Mompreneurs

If you’re on this journey or thinking about starting, here’s some advice:

• Give yourself a lot of grace. Some days will be hectic, and that’s okay.
• Celebrate the wins including the small ones. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
• Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Everyone starts somewhere and at their own pace for them and their family.
• Set realistic expectations. Not every day will be productive, and that’s completely fine. Take those moments to relax, regroup and pick back up the next day.
• Surround yourself with like-minded people who uplift and support you. Having a group of family and friends that support you will help you even when you want to give up.
• Learn from those who have already built successful businesses. Be open to their feedback, always be open to learn. Apply those lessons to help your own business grow and thrive.

Being a full-time working mompreneur (that’s a mouth full lol) it is challenging, but it’s also an incredible blessing. Every hiccup, every do-over, and every moment of self-doubt is all a part of this wild, rewarding ride. If you’re balancing motherhood and business, know that you’re not alone, you’re doing great, and we are in this together!

Mom-to-Mom Takeaway

The journey of a mompreneur is a unique and it is filled with ups and downs. It requires resilience, a lot of patience, and a whole lot of love. But at the end of the day, it’s about creating a life that you dream of having. I’m sure the goal in all of this is to build something that allows you to be there for your kids while also pursuing your own passions. If you’re just starting out (like I am), just know that it’s okay to take small steps. You don’t have to have it all figured out at once it’s ok. To be honest you won’t have it all figured out when you start. Successful businesses learn as they go and grow. So embrace the process, continue to learn as you go, and trust that you are doing an amazing job.

Shout out to all the full-time mompreneurs and mompreneurs out there. May we ALL continue to support, uplift, and inspire one another on this incredible journey!

Never give up on your business because the dream and talent was given to you for a reason. There are people out there that need what you can provide. SO GO FOR IT. Leave the doubt behind, believe in YOU and you WILL succeed.