Wannabe Diary

Wannabe Diary

How to Start a Small Business as a Mom (And Make It Work)
Home/Wannabe Money Boss 💰 (Finances & Career for Moms) / How to Start a Small Business as a Mom (And Make It Work)
How to Start a Small Business as a Mom (And Make It Work)

Let’s get real: being a mom is already a full-time job. Add to that the dream of starting your own small business, and it’s like juggling a million flaming swords while riding a unicycle. But guess what? It’s totally doable. I mean, if I can keep my toddler alive, run a business, and still manage to not completely lose my mind—then so can you. 👑

Now, I’ll be honest with you, it’s not a walk in the park (unless your park is filled with tasks, deadlines, and a toddler who’s discovered the word no). But, if you’ve got the passion, patience, and a solid plan, you can totally make it work. Let’s 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 don’t need to start the next Amazon. No, seriously, you don’t. Find a business idea that makes sense for your life right now.

  • Can you turn your hobby into a business? Knitting, baking, blogging, crafting—turn those things you’re 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. đŸ’Ș

Remember, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just find something that suits your lifestyle. Also, it helps if it doesn’t 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 there’s one thing I’ve learned (trust me, I’ve learned A LOT in my business journey), it’s that starting small is key. You don’t 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 you’re starting small. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, referrals, or feedback.
  • Offer limited products or services: You don’t 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 perfectionism—like, should I use this font or that font? (Spoiler: no one cared). It’s 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 you’re working and when you’re off. It’s tempting to squeeze in a work task during snack time, but remember, your time is valuable!
  • Use a planner (and I’m 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 don’t lose your mind when you’re planning a playdate and product launch at the same time. 📅
  • Embrace the 80/20 Rule: Focus on the 20% of tasks that give you 80% of your results. Don’t get bogged down with small, unimportant tasks—delegate or let them go.

It’s all about balance. Spoiler: It doesn’t exist. But you can learn to manage your time well enough so that you’re still giving your kids attention and making progress in your business. 💡


4. Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back (Yes, I’m Talking to You)

When you’re a mom starting a business, fear often creeps in—fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, fear of not having enough time.

But let’s face it: If you can handle toddler tantrums, temperamental Wi-Fi, and finding a good 5-minute workout, you can do anything. đŸ’Ș

The key is to embrace the fear. Take risks, but not crazy risks—focus 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, we’re often conditioned to think we need to be Superwoman—but 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 you’re not great at—like a VA, a graphic designer, or someone to help with admin stuff. Don’t 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. We’ve all been there, and we all know how hard it is. Don’t try to do everything yourself.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Starting a business as a mom isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. With passion, patience, and a healthy dose of humor, you can make it happen. Don’t be afraid to take it slow and build at your own pace. And remember, the perfect time doesn’t exist—now is the best time to start.

Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x