By: Lana Shapiro

 As the world evolves, so do our roles within it. For many women, the dynamic duo of being both a business owner and a mom is a daily reality. While immensely rewarding, it’s also undeniably challenging. Finding that elusive balance between running a successful enterprise and nurturing a family can often feel like a high-wire act. However, with the right mindset and strategies in place, it’s entirely achievable.

First and foremost, recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this juggling act. Each business owner-mom’s situation is unique, influenced by factors such as the age of children, the nature of the business, available support systems, and personal preferences. Accepting this reality can alleviate the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards

and allow for a more tailored approach to

finding equilibrium.

My personal experience intro entrepreneurship wasn’t without its challenges. I held a very stable job at the same agency for nearly 2 decades, but my soul was calling me to follow a passion that I would not have been able to realize at my job. I quit my job in January of 2020 with an intention to go full into a private practice as a holistic mental health counselor, but the Universe had other plans for me. In March of 2020, as the COVID pandemic infiltrated our reality, everything shifted. Not only did I have to navigate this new journey of working for myself, I also became a full-time teacher to 2 elementary school children and has to pivot my work

to 100% remote.

This was an opportunity for me to take a step back and figure out where I wanted to take my business. I invested time and money into coaching, therapy, and networking. I also had to navigate a medical trauma with my then 5-year-old son at the end of 2020 which landed him in a 2-week hospitalization at Children’s hospital and 7-hour long brain surgery. This experience had completely shifted not only my mindset, but also gave me a clearer direction in where I wanted to take my business and my passion.

Here are all the tips and tricks I have learned on my journey so far and I am still learning as I go every single day. Being a full-time mom and a full-time business owner is a balancing and juggling act.

Effective time management becomes the cornerstone of this balancing act. Just as you allocate time for business meetings and client calls, carve out dedicated slots for family activities and quality time with your children. Embrace flexibility in your schedule, acknowledging that unexpected disruptions are part of the course when raising a family. Planning and prioritizing tasks can help mitigate the impact of these disruptions on your business responsibilities, but let’s be honest, when you have kids, things rarely go as planned.

Delegate whenever possible. As a business owner, it can be tempting to shoulder the entire burden yourself, but this isn’t sustainable in the long run, especially when parenting duties also demand your attention. I can’t stress this enough, ASK FOR HELP! Help is available and most of the time comes from sources you least expect. Don’t forget to establish clear boundaries both with others and with yourself.

Cultivate a strong support network. Surround yourself with like-minded people who understand the unique challenges of simultaneously navigating business ownership and motherhood. Lean on fellow mompreneurs for advice, empathy, and encouragement. Seek out mentorship opportunities to gain valuable insights from seasoned entrepreneurs who have successfully trodden this path before you.

Practice self-care relentlessly. It’s easy to neglect your own well-being when you’re pulled in multiple directions, but self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Prioritize activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit, whether it’s exercising, meditating, indulging in hobbies, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone. Remember, by prioritizing your own health and happiness, you’re better equipped to fulfill your roles as both a business owner and a mom.

Above all, be kind to yourself. Striking the perfect balance between entrepreneurship and motherhood is an ongoing journey filled with peaks and valleys. There will be days when you feel like you’re effortlessly conquering the world and others when you’re barely keeping your head above water. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and grant yourself grace during moments of struggle.