Mommy entrepreneur, or “mompreneur”, is a mother who balances exploring her own professional aspirations with caring for her family. With the flexible hours that come with self-employment, “mompreneurs” can take on projects and endeavors outside of parenting while still being available to their kids. Not only does mommy entrepreneurship give moms a sense of identity beyond being a caretaker but it also gives them a chance to pursue their goals without compromising time with those they love.
For mothers with the ambition of becoming entrepreneurs, it can sometimes feel like a distant and unreachable goal. However, if you have an excellent business idea that you are passionate about and dedicated to seeing through, there are certain tips and tricks that will help make this dream a reality. Aspiring mommy entrepreneurs should take heed of these pointers for turning what initially seems like an unattainable dream into a tangible success.
7 Challenges Being a Mommy Entrepreneur May Face
Lack of Funding
According to statistics, mommy entrepreneurs have a more difficult time gaining venture capital funding compared to their male counterparts. This could be attributed to the false sense of honor and pride that has been put on mothers who think they can build and grow their businesses solo without asking for any help or support. However, this mentality often hinders progress as having investors back their companies can help them get off the ground quickly.
Mommy Guilt
Mommy guilt is a common feeling experienced by working moms as they try to balance their business aspirations with their parenting responsibilities. It creates inner conflict which may inhibit moms from pursuing an entrepreneurial path or stand in the way of their potential success. Moms should recognize that it’s ok to invest time in themselves, and in pursuing activities they’re passionate about, including starting a business, without compromising their role as parents.
Impostor Syndrome
Being a mom and an entrepreneur can be a difficult balancing act. However, mommy entrepreneurs don’t need to shortchange themselves or downplay their success! Instead of focusing on their shortcomings, they should focus on the qualifications and experience they have gained from being both a mother and a business owner. Don’t let the gender wage gap stop you from valuing yourself—own your achievements and make sure to charge for your worth. With dedication and hard work, you will soon be considered one of the leading mommy entrepreneurs in no time!
Poor Self-care
Mompreneurs are often stretched in multiple directions, struggling to make time for themselves while also trying to balance their competing passions. To avoid burnout, mom entrepreneurs need to learn to stay mindful and prioritize activities that aid professional growth. By placing self-care at the top of the list, mompreneurs can ensure their businesses will be successful focuses for their energies.
Lack of Support
Becoming a mompreneur has often been met with skepticism. Despite all the criticism, choose to forge ahead and become a successful business owner. If you’re an aspiring mompreneur, it’s important to find an experienced mentor who can provide you with guidance and access to helpful tools as you begin to build your business. Furthermore, due to potential biases against women entrepreneurs, it is also valuable to find a supportive community of other like-minded female business owners for companionship and encouragement.
Not Being Taken Seriously
Mommy entrepreneurs face their own set of challenges in the business world, from sexism and discrimination to feeling pressure to prove themselves. To combat this gender bias, some female entrepreneurs have even created fake male co-founders to draw attention. Instead of resorting to this tactic, be aware of this reality and rely on your communication and negotiating skills. You may also find yourself working from home or having kids around while you do business, so don’t be afraid to set boundaries when it comes to your clients, making sure they are OK with that situation if they decide to work with you!
Staying True to Self
Being a mommy entrepreneur doesn’t mean you have to act like anyone but yourself! Staying true to who you are and using your unique gifts, skills, and demeanor will be more effective than trying to compare yourself to other women or adopting what is traditionally considered male behavior. As an advocate for constant learning and growth, I believe that motherhood can actually help you in your entrepreneurial journey and empower you to reach greater success!
11 Practical Strategies Every Mommy Entrepreneur Should Follow
Get Your Finances Sorted.
As a mommy entrepreneur, you are likely juggling a variety of responsibilities in addition to trying to build a business. When planning your business, ask yourself what time and money you can set aside for it. Take an honest look at your finances and assess what kind of startup costs you can realistically afford. Then consider how much revenue the business needs to generate in order to be successful – and create a clear strategy for reaching that goal. As far as time goes, if you only have a few hours in the evening – make sure that you prioritize this time for your business development. Even setting aside just 30 minutes will make a difference in helping get your idea off the ground. Remember that starting up requires energy, discipline and motivation – so don’t give up!
Clear a Dedicated Time in your Routine
Being a mommy entrepreneur comes with its own set of challenges, namely the time factor. With so many errands and activities to attend to during mornings and afternoons, there might be very little time left in the evening for you to focus on your business ventures. Although it may be tempting to veg out in front of the TV, successful entrepreneurs need energy, discipline and motivation—all qualities that you can strive to cultivate.
Time Management Tips for Mompreneurs
Here are essential strategies to help manage these competing demands – breaking them up into actionable daily tasks for effective use.
- Set up a system that works for you, such as pen and paper, online tools or apps.
- Prioritize your tasks according to timeliness and estimated completion time.
- Plan your day the night before to give yourself perspective and relieve pressure.
- Get active in the morning to boost energy levels and stimulate metabolism.
- Create a healthy work environment that cuts out distractions so you can focus on your work goals.
- Starting early, tackling hard tasks first, setting deadlines and allocating time for refreshment are key strategies to be successful when embarking on a mommy entrepreneur journey.
- Begin your work as early as you can to have the most time available to complete your tasks.
- Tackle any tough assignments first and give yourself short, reasonable deadlines that you can actually stick to.
- It’s also important to take regular breaks. Every 50 minutes of work should be balanced with 10 minutes of taking time for yourself. Add something that encourages productivity like watching a motivational video or going for a quick walk.
- When getting overwhelmed with work, do not forget the 5-minute rule. No matter how stuck you are in a situation, commit to that task for at least five minutes.
Doing so helps manage stress and keeps the momentum going forward.
Prioritize Self-Care.
As a mommy entrepreneur, you might feel like there are not enough hours in the day. The truth is, if you don’t take care of your own mental and physical well-being it’s going to be hard to focus and be successful. Make sure you set aside time for yourself each week that doesn’t include work or family obligations like exercise, getting enough sleep, reading a book or doing a hobby you enjoy. This will help keep you productive and motivated when you return to your business activities.
Make Time for Networking and Professional Development
Making time for networking and professional development is essential for mommy entrepreneurs. Networking not only helps you make connections that can help your business, it can also provide much-needed motivation and knowledge. It’s important to seek out networks of other mommy entrepreneurs and attend industry-related events or conferences so you stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Additionally, taking a course or even just reading blogs can give you new skills to apply to your business right away.
While it may be hard to find the time with a busy work schedule and a family to care for, making time for professional development is key. Use your downtime wisely, whether that means taking classes online or on your lunch break, attending talks or workshops after the kids have gone to bed, or even just listening to podcasts on the way to school. With the right attitude, going outside of your comfort zone and meeting new people can lead you to great opportunities.
Join a Supportive Community of Like-Minded Moms.
One of the best ways to stay motivated as a mompreneur is to join a supportive community of other like-minded moms. There are many online networks dedicated to mommy entrepreneurs. These platforms allow you to read stories and advice from other moms navigating their own businesses. It can also be useful to physically connect with fellow moms in your area. You can collaborate with them on projects or attend events with them. Whatever route suits your lifestyle, connecting with other moms in business is an invaluable asset for staying focused and inspired while running your own venture.
Identify if there’s a niche for your business idea.
As a mommy entrepreneur, it’s important to use your unique insight about what products or services can make another parent’s life easier. Take advantage of your firsthand knowledge to create something that can benefit the community. If you wish there was a device that soothes a fussy toddler on airplanes, chances are you’re not alone! Alternatively, try drawing on your prior work experience and use it as inspiration for your business idea. Once you’ve generated some potential interest in the product or service, conduct research to determine if it already exists. Also engage with people in your network to find out whether they would actually purchase it. This will help you identify an ideal target market and customer base for your business.
Test out small markets before trying to expand.
Mommy entrepreneurs often feel compelled to go for the high-risk, high-reward opportunities when they are looking to start their own business. While ambition can be admirable, it may also be wise to start small and create a realistic timeline of growth. Test out any prototypes you have with friends and family. Check out local craft fairs as well as online markets like Etsy. This way you’ll be able to hone your craft without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged in case of any failures. It’s better to take the time to develop brand awareness within your local sector before attempting a shortcut by going straight for large-scale markets. Not only will this help you avoid burnout, but it will also ensure that you’re adequately prepared for success in the long run.
Remember, today is the “right time” to launch
Many mom entrepreneurs may find themselves putting off business aspirations due to their kids’ ages or other responsibilities. But, it’s important to understand that if one waits for the “right” time to launch a business, that time may never come. In order for moms looking to start a business, it’s important to be flexible and seize any opportunity that presents itself that could lead to success.
It’s important that they remember not to get caught up in the details or worry about being perfect. Mistakes and missteps can be valuable learning experiences that help them evolve as entrepreneurs. Moms shouldn’t be afraid to take a chance on their ideas. Who knows, it may turn out to be one of the most rewarding opportunities they ever experience!
Delegate what others can do for you
Mommy entrepreneurs can do a lot, but that doesn’t mean they must take on more than they can handle. Delegating tasks can help lighten their own load. It can also free up time for the most important duties that only mompreneurs are qualified for. This is not only a great way to reduce stress, but it also provides an opportunity to empower someone else.
Invest with a team of partners who care about you as an individual
As a mommy entrepreneur, it is important to carefully consider the people you choose to invest in your business. Look for individuals whose values, goals and overall views align with your own. It is also essential that they have a deep level of respect for the challenges and strengths Mommy entrepreneurs bring to the business world.
Implement Healthy Work Habits and Boundaries.
As a mommy entrepreneur, it’s essential to maintain your physical and mental health. Create healthy workplace habits like setting realistic goals, allocating time for yourself, and balancing work with family life. Remember to schedule specific times for working on business tasks. Also, make sure you have time off to rest and spend with your family. Establishing these boundaries can help make sure that you stay healthy while pursuing your entrepreneurial ambitions.