10 Game-Changing Tips for Mompreneurs to Succeed at Business and Motherhood
As a mother and entrepreneur myself, I know that being a "mompreneur" is one of the most rewarding and challenging roles a woman can take on. Juggling the demands of running a business with the responsibilities of raising a family is no easy feat. But with the right strategies, support and mindset, it‘s absolutely possible to thrive on both fronts.
After all, moms are natural multitaskers, problem-solvers and nurturers – qualities that translate incredibly well to entrepreneurship. In fact, a study by Vistaprint found that nearly 50% of U.S. mompreneurs started their business after having kids, and 62% report being happier as a working mom than a stay-at-home mom.
So how can you set yourself up for success as a mompreneur? Here are my top 10 tips, backed by research and hard-earned experience:
1. Get clear on your "why"
When the going gets tough (and it will), having a strong sense of purpose will keep you motivated and persistent. Gain clarity on exactly why you started your business and how it aligns with the life you want for your family.
As mom and business coach Cait Scudder advises, "Anchor into your big vision and get emotionally connected to the impact you‘re here to create. When you have an empowering ‘why‘ that‘s bigger than your daily to-do list, you‘ll stay the course."
2. Set boundaries and realistic expectations
Establishing firm boundaries between work and family time is critical to avoid burnout and feel successful in both areas. Set realistic expectations with yourself, your family and your clients about your availability. Perfection isn‘t the goal – aim for controlled chaos instead.
"The key is to be fully present wherever you are. When you‘re working, focus on work. When you‘re with your kids, put away the phone and be all there," says Melissa Gersin, mompreneur founder of Tranquilo Mat.
3. Build a support squad
No mompreneur is an island. Surround yourself with a network of supportive family, friends, mentors and fellow moms in business. Join or create a mastermind group for accountability and advice. Outsource home tasks to lighten your load.
Over 60% of mompreneurs rely on family and friends for childcare, and 44% use some form of paid childcare, according to the Vistaprint study. Don‘t be afraid to ask for help – your village will be happy to step up.
4. Maximize your productivity
As a mompreneur, your time is your most precious asset. Protect it fiercely and use productivity hacks to make the most of the hours you have.
- Use time blocking to organize your schedule and tackle priority tasks
- Delegate, automate or eliminate anything that someone else could do
- Take advantage of naptime, preschool hours or early mornings for focused work
- Limit distractions by turning off notifications and working in batches
Nutrition Unlocked founder Shannan Monson swears by the mantra of "document, don‘t create." She advises, "Streamline and create templates and systems around the repetitive tasks in your biz to free up time and energy."
5. Embrace progress over perfection
As a mompreneur, you‘re going to drop some balls – and that‘s okay. Let go of the pressure to be everything to everyone. Focus on incremental progress and celebrate your small wins along the way.
"Motherhood teaches you that done is better than perfect. Business is all about continuously iterating and improving. Just start before you‘re ready," says Courtney Brown, mom and affiliate marketing strategist.
6. Infuse work and play when possible
Look for opportunities to blend your business and family life in a way that feels meaningful. Include your kids in your entrepreneurial journey when appropriate – they‘re learning valuable lessons by watching you chase your dreams.
Influencer coach Shadé Akanbi often brings her daughter to photoshoots and events. She shares, "I want my child to grow up seeing mommy go after her goals relentlessly. I talk to her about my work and let her ‘help out‘ so she feels involved."
7. Prioritize rest and self-care
Burnout is real, especially for overextended mompreneurs. You can‘t pour from an empty cup, so make time for activities that recharge you physically, mentally and emotionally. Schedule self-care like you would an important meeting.
70% of mompreneurs report working more hours per week compared to when they held a traditional job, making intentional rest time crucial. As the saying goes, "You can‘t be a good mom or entrepreneur if you‘re too tired to function."
8. Stay in your own lane
Comparison is the thief of joy, and it‘s easy to fall into when you‘re scrolling social media feeds of picture-perfect mompreneur lives. But behind every shining highlight reel is a messy reality full of challenges and doubts.
"Stop looking at what everyone else is doing and focus on your own unique path. You‘re exactly where you‘re meant to be," encourages business coach Cayla Craft.
9. Adapt and innovate as you go
Motherhood and entrepreneurship both require immense flexibility. You have to be willing to pivot plans on a dime, think on your feet and get creative with problem-solving.
Cait Scudder, mom and CEO, suggests, "Treat everything like an experiment to take the pressure off. Some things will work and some won‘t, but each experience provides valuable data to improve."
10. Believe in yourself and find your voice
At the end of the day, your success as a mompreneur comes down to believing in yourself and staying true to your values. Don‘t be afraid to do things your own way, trust your intuition and speak up for what you need.
"The world needs more mothers to step into entrepreneurship because we have so much wisdom to offer. Your story matters, your work matters. Keep going and know that you‘re capable of more than you can imagine," shares Julie Berninger, mompreneur founder of Gold City Ventures.
You‘ve Got This, Mompreneur
Juggling business and babies is no joke, but it‘s also incredibly rewarding to build a life and career on your own terms. Some days you‘ll feel like a rockstar, others you‘ll feel like you‘re barely keeping it together – and that‘s all part of the journey.
With intentional planning, strong support, a whole lot of grace and these 10 tips in your toolkit, you absolutely can thrive as a mompreneur. As the Vistaprint study found, 56% of mompreneurs say being a mother makes them a better entrepreneur, and vice versa. The two roles are more interconnected than you think.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other and trust that small steps will add up to big results. Remember, you‘re modeling for your kids what it looks like to chase dreams, overcome obstacles and design a life you love. And what could be more important than that?
Now go give those littles an extra squeeze and get after it. You‘ve got this, momma. The world needs your magic.
