Navigating Entrepreneurship and Motherhood
Navigating Entrepreneurship and Motherhood: Insights from a Mompreneur
By: Karess Roseme
Being an entrepreneur is no easy feat, and neither is being a mother. Combine the two, and you've got a recipe for a challenging yet rewarding journey. As a mompreneur myself, I've faced my fair share of obstacles and triumphs while balancing the responsibilities of running a business and raising a toddler. Here are some insights and advice I've gathered along the way:
Embracing the Early Challenges:
In the early days of my entrepreneurship journey, one of the biggest challenges I faced was working without childcare. Meeting the needs of my business while ensuring my daughter received enough attention was tough. Additionally, managing virtual meetings poses its own set of challenges as I cannot always predict my daughter's mood beforehand. There have been instances where she interrupts calls with cries for attention, a desire to sit on my lap, or requests for snacks. However, with time and support, I've managed to navigate these challenges and find a balance that works for both of us.
Managing Time Effectively:
Finding a rhythm in managing my time has been paramount to maintaining a semblance of balance. I've learned to strategically plan essential meetings and tasks during my daughter's school hours or when she's with her beloved auntie. Friday mornings tend to be reserved for quality time with our daughter, where we explore new places and create cherished memories together. Whether it’s a breakfast or an adventure, she looks forward to our mini family outings. I’m not an early riser, so by allocating evenings for work, I can concentrate on business matters while ensuring I'm present for family moments or rejuvenating quality time with my husband.
Staying Organized and Leveraging Support:
While organization may not be my forte, implementing robust systems and harnessing the support of a dedicated team has been instrumental in managing the multifaceted aspects of entrepreneurship and motherhood. Utilizing project management platforms like monday.com has been a game-changer in keeping projects on track and delegating tasks efficiently. Additionally, having a reliable team to support me has been invaluable. Their dedication and hard work ensure that operations run smoothly, even across different time zones and continents.
Navigating Mom Guilt:
"Mom guilt" is a constant companion for many working mothers, myself included. If it's relying on screen time to get through virtual meetings or questioning my parenting decisions, it's something I grapple with regularly. However, I've come to recognize that building my own business empowers not only myself but also my daughter. By challenging societal norms and forging my own path, I hope to instill in her the confidence to pursue her dreams fearlessly.
Giving Yourself Grace and Self-Care:
Above all, it's essential to give yourself grace and prioritize self-care. As mothers and business owners, we often neglect our own needs in favor of nurturing others. However, taking time for yourself is crucial for maintaining your well-being and sanity. Whether it's scheduling regular exercise classes or indulging in a girls' night out, finding moments of joy and relaxation is vital for recharging and refueling your spirit.
Ultimately, navigating entrepreneurship and motherhood simultaneously is undoubtedly challenging, rife with challenges and triumphs. By leaning into the journey, finding ways to stay organized, prioritizing self-care, and above all, asking for help, we can find balance and fulfillment in all the unique aspects of our lives.
Remember, you're doing an amazing job, mama. Keep shining!