Women entrepreneurs around the world are skillfully managing the demands of running a business while balancing family life. They show incredible resilience, adaptability, and the courage to chase their dreams without giving up on personal priorities. These journeys reshape the old idea of "having it all" and instead present a new vision of success, inspiring both aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to find their unique balance.
After two decades of a fulfilling career in real estate, I felt ready to dive into owning a business. As a mom of two, the idea might have been intimidating, but I saw a thrilling chance to redefine success. This meant balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood in a way that worked for me. Just three months into launching my Floor Coverings International franchise, I’ve already achieved the highest revenue in the first 90 days, all while embracing the rewarding challenges of being a mom.
Here are some insights and practical tips for women who want to tackle entrepreneurship while embracing both their business goals and family roles.
Rethinking "Having It All"
The old concept of "having it all"—being perfect in every area of life all the time—is not only unrealistic but also counterproductive. It’s time we shift our mindset. Having it all isn’t about perfection in every role; it’s about balance and focusing on what truly matters. This shift can unlock potential we never knew we had.
For mothers considering entrepreneurship, adopting this mindset is crucial. It can lessen the pressure, allowing them to be more engaged and effective in both their business and personal lives. This new success isn’t about external achievements but about personal fulfillment, making meaningful contributions, and creating a legacy for the family.
Mastering Time Management
Balancing a business with family requires strategic time management. My secret is time blocking—a technique that helps structure time between work and family responsibilities. By focusing on "low-effort, high-impact" tasks, I boost productivity and make time for family without feeling overwhelmed.
For busy "momtrepreneurs," it’s important to focus on activities that really matter and avoid cluttering your schedule with less impactful tasks. Setting achievable daily goals and establishing boundaries around family time can help you meet priorities without sacrificing quality in either role.
Running a business as a mom isn’t part-time; it’s a lifestyle. To succeed, having a robust support system both inside and outside the business is essential. I invested strategically in hiring and empowering a talented team at my Floor Coverings International business, ensuring smooth operations and excellent results. Additionally, I depend on support from family and friends, which provides the freedom to focus on other important aspects of life.
We need to eliminate the stigma around seeking help. There’s no shame in building a community of support that believes in you and wants to see you succeed as both a mother and business owner. It indeed takes a village to make both entrepreneurship and motherhood work harmoniously.
Mentorship for the Next Generation
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey with Floor Coverings International is being a role model for my kids. Involving them in small tasks like distributing flyers or helping set up the office creates mentorship moments, teaching values like hard work, resilience, and passion. By gamifying these activities, I make business tasks enjoyable learning experiences, showing them first-hand the benefits of entrepreneurship.
For me, being a "momtrepreneur" is more than running a business; it’s about inspiring my children to dream big and pursue their passions confidently.
The Changing Definition of Success
Over the years, my notion of success has evolved. Initially, I linked success to job titles and financial gains. Now, it’s about the impact I create through owning a Floor Coverings International franchise, benefiting both my customers and family.
Success now means happiness, fulfillment, and creating a positive environment for my kids and team. For any mom thinking about entrepreneurship, my advice is simple: Believe in yourself, rely on those around you, and remember you don’t need to be perfect to succeed. Find a business opportunity you believe in and embrace the journey—it’s entirely possible to run a successful business and maintain a loving household without sacrificing one for the other.
