Letâs get real: being a mom is already a full-time job. Add to that the dream of starting your own small business, and itâs like juggling a million flaming swords while riding a unicycle. But guess what? Itâs totally doable. I mean, if I can keep my toddler alive, run a business, and still manage to not completely lose my mindâthen so can you. đ
Now, Iâll be honest with you, itâs not a walk in the park (unless your park is filled with tasks, deadlines, and a toddler whoâs discovered the word no). But, if youâve got the passion, patience, and a solid plan, you can totally make it work. Letâs dive into how to start that business while also staying sane (or at least pretending to be).
1. Find a Business Idea That Fits Your Life (Not the Other Way Around)
This is where I get real. You donât need to start the next Amazon. No, seriously, you donât. Find a business idea that makes sense for your life right now.
- Can you turn your hobby into a business? Knitting, baking, blogging, craftingâturn those things youâre already doing into a profitable side gig.
- What are your skills? Maybe you're the queen of organization. Offer virtual assistant services or become a professional scheduler for busy people.
- What do you love? Passion is your secret weapon. If you love health and fitness, maybe becoming a fitness coach for other moms would be your jam. đȘ
Remember, you donât need to reinvent the wheelâjust find something that suits your lifestyle. Also, it helps if it doesnât require you to be at your desk 24/7. Work around nap times, school pick-ups, and, let's face it, the inevitable tantrums.
2. Start Small (And Don't Be Afraid to Test)
If thereâs one thing Iâve learned (trust me, Iâve learned A LOT in my business journey), itâs that starting small is key. You donât need a big fancy office, a huge product inventory, or to launch everything at once.
- Start with a minimal investment: Test your business idea before diving in headfirst. Use free tools (hello, social media!) to market, and create a simple website or landing page.
- Use your network: Tell your friends, family, and fellow moms. Word of mouth is GOLD when youâre starting small. Donât be afraid to ask for help, referrals, or feedback.
- Offer limited products or services: You donât need to offer everything at once. Start with a small range of products or a couple of services and see what resonates with your audience.
When I first started my business, I literally overthought everything. I was paralyzed by perfectionismâlike, should I use this font or that font? (Spoiler: no one cared). Itâs much better to start small and iterate as you go.
3. Time Management: The Struggle Is Real
As a mompreneur, time is both your best friend and your worst enemy. But with some good time management skills, you can juggle the chaos.
- Set boundaries (yes, even with your family): Let your family know when youâre working and when youâre off. Itâs tempting to squeeze in a work task during snack time, but remember, your time is valuable!
- Use a planner (and Iâm not talking about a cute one): Get yourself organized with a real planner or a digital tool. Keep your business tasks separate from your mom tasks so you donât lose your mind when youâre planning a playdate and product launch at the same time. đ
- Embrace the 80/20 Rule: Focus on the 20% of tasks that give you 80% of your results. Donât get bogged down with small, unimportant tasksâdelegate or let them go.
Itâs all about balance. Spoiler: It doesnât exist. But you can learn to manage your time well enough so that youâre still giving your kids attention and making progress in your business. đĄ
4. Donât Let Fear Hold You Back (Yes, Iâm Talking to You)
When youâre a mom starting a business, fear often creeps inâfear of failure, fear of not being good enough, fear of not having enough time.
But letâs face it: If you can handle toddler tantrums, temperamental Wi-Fi, and finding a good 5-minute workout, you can do anything. đȘ
The key is to embrace the fear. Take risks, but not crazy risksâfocus on small, manageable risks that will give you the chance to learn and grow. In business, and in motherhood, you're always going to be learning, adapting, and figuring things out as you go.
5. Ask for Help (Seriously, It Takes a Village)
If you think you have to do this all alone, think again. As moms, weâre often conditioned to think we need to be Superwomanâbut guess what? Even Superwoman had a team (hello, Wonder Woman and the Justice League).
- Outsource tasks when you can: If you can afford it, hire someone to help with things youâre not great atâlike a VA, a graphic designer, or someone to help with admin stuff. Donât be afraid to invest in things that will free up your time for more important tasks.
- Ask for support: Lean on your partner, family, or even fellow mompreneurs. Weâve all been there, and we all know how hard it is. Donât try to do everything yourself.
Final Thoughts: Youâve Got This
Starting a business as a mom isnât easy, but itâs incredibly rewarding. With passion, patience, and a healthy dose of humor, you can make it happen. Donât be afraid to take it slow and build at your own pace. And remember, the perfect time doesnât existânow is the best time to start.