Building a Business While Nurturing Your Family and Well-Being
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is no small feat. As self-employed moms, we’re managing two worlds simultaneously—our human babies and our business babies. And while both can be incredibly rewarding, they each demand time, attention, and energy in ways that can often feel overwhelming.
The truth is, you don’t need to sacrifice your well-being or run yourself ragged to “do it all.” It’s about simplifying your approach, prioritizing your health and happiness, and getting really efficient with your work tasks and schedule. Let’s dive into some of the most common challenges we face as self-employed moms—and the strategies that can help us thrive.
1. Simplicity Is Your Friend, And Your Survival
One of the biggest lessons you’ll learn as a mompreneur is that you can’t (and shouldn’t) try to do everything. Overcomplicating your business with too many tasks, services, or projects only leads to burnout. Motherhood humbles us in that way and shows us what’s actually important.
Here’s how to streamline your business for maximum impact with less hustle:
Identify Your Core Offering(s): What are the top 1-2 services or products that bring in the most revenue and joy? Focus your energy there and let go of what isn’t working or doesn’t light you up. Less is more here, I promise.
Automate and Delegate: Use tools that can automate routine tasks like invoicing, scheduling, or client onboarding. Also, consider delegating tasks that don’t need your personal touch, whether it’s hiring out your marketing tasks with me, or outsourcing your bookkeeping to another local mom.
Set Clear Boundaries: Simplification isn’t just about reducing tasks—it’s about setting clear boundaries with your time. Decide how much you can realistically work through the different seasons of motherhood and build your schedule around those limits. This might mean saying no to projects that don’t fit into your schedule, or creating a waitlist for new projects or clients to begin working with you.
2. Prioritize Your Well-Being
We’re so conditioned to put everyone else’s needs before our own that taking time for self-care can feel selfish—but it’s anything but. When you prioritize your well-being, everything in your business and family life benefits. You show up as a more energized, focused, and patient version of yourself.
Here are some ways to make your well-being a priority so that your experience as a mother and business owner feel more joyful:
Daily Movement & Mindfulness: Whether it’s a morning yoga session, a walk around the block, or simply five minutes of deep breathing in the shower, moving your body and calming your mind is essential to staying grounded amidst the chaos.
Nourish Your Body: It’s easy to reach for quick, processed foods when you’re on the go, but fueling your body with nutrient-dense meals and all the water will give you the energy and clarity you need to handle your full plate. I personally love starting my day with a superfood, plant-based protein shake.
Find A Great Therapist: I wish I had done this sooner. Having regular sessions with a therapist has kept me more grounded, efficient and present in my life and business. It’s a proactive way to avoid overwhelm. Plus, there are so many ways to seek professional therapy now whether it's in person at a private practice or through the use of a credible online app.
3. Master Your Schedule: Flexibility and Structure Coexist
One of the gifts of being self-employed is the flexibility to set your own schedule, but without structure, that flexibility can feel chaotic. Creating a balanced routine that works for both your business and your family is key.
Here are some tips to manage your schedule effectively:
Create Routines Around Your Family’s Needs: Whether it’s working during nap times, early mornings, or evenings, find a rhythm that suits your family. Just be mindful to set limits on how much you work to avoid burnout.
Time-Blocking: Plan your day in advance using time blocks. Allocate specific hours for business work, family time, self-care, and relaxation. By visually mapping out your day, you’ll have a clear understanding of what needs to be done and when, making it easier to stay on track.
Use a Planner or Digital Calendar: Whether it’s a paper planner or an app, having a system to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and family commitments is essential. Seeing everything laid out visually helps you stay organized and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Build In Flexibility: You have to let the 40-hour work week mentality go! As a business owner and a mother, you are wired for doing more in less time. Your days should include ample white space and your weeks should have plenty of flexibility because the only guarantee is that your schedule will not go as planned with littles.
Remember, success isn’t just about how much you accomplish—it’s about feeling aligned and intentional in both your business and your life. There’s nothing wrong with choosing slower seasons in business (sustaining vs never ending growth) so that you can expand and be more present with your family.