For anyone, starting a small business can be a daunting task. Add kids and family to the mix and you've got a whole other set of challenges! What are some things these entrepreneurs wish they knew before they took the leap?
Thinking of starting a business, but not sure how to do it while balancing family life? We got a few mum entrepreneurs from Launchpad to share what they wish they knew before starting their business, and if there are ways one can prepare better for the juggle of mum life and entrepreneurship!
1. Document the process from the beginning – it’ll come in handy!
As a mum entrepreneur, I learnt (the hard way!) that documenting processes and routines helps with efficiency. Writing down your daily tasks and business processes highlights the inefficiencies that need to be managed so you can optimise your time. And this becomes even more crucial when it comes to delegation, so people can easily step into your shoes. This early preparation reduces stress and helps you prepare for consistency in the long-term, making your entrepreneurial journey more manageable. This way, you get your business work AND mom life things done without trying to find time for one around the other.
– Anna Seefeldt, Founder & Brand Strategist of Pink Pineapple Branding
2. Find the right community to lean on
When I first started my business, I often felt like I was trying to do it all on my own—juggling work, home life, and the constant worry of not being enough for either. I wish I had known from the beginning how much of a difference finding the right community would make. Connecting with other mums in business who truly understand the mental load and the juggle has been a game changer. The support, encouragement, and shared experiences have not only made me feel less alone, but have also helped me grow. That’s why I’m so passionate about The Athena Network—it’s the kind of community I needed from day one.
– Rebecca Downie, Personal Brand Photographer at Rebecca Downie Photography
3. Be realistic when planning your schedule & set boundaries
I started my business as a single graduate back in 2010 but after becoming a mum I had to revamp the entire thing as I wasn’t able to run it in the same way. Here are some things that made a huge difference:
- When planning, be realistic. Block your calendar with all the important family stuff and see how much time you actually have to work with professionally. Align your task with the amount of time available to keep the stress under control instead of continuously chasing deadlines.
- Have a flexible business model focusing on making your business sustainable and giving you freedom. Becoming an entrepreneur doesn’t mean working overtime for the rest of your life.
- Take time to take care of yourself and schedule downtime to avoid overwhelm. It might feel like you are taking a break from childcare at work and from work at home but you need an actual break from both.
- Set clear boundaries and communicate your expectations and availability with people around you. Ask for help if needed and don’t be afraid to say NO.
- Take advantage of your networking opportunities. Talk to other mums, join communities. Create your village.
– Aga Gajownik, Director of Innovation and Integration
4. Embrace flexibility and take messy action
Starting a business as a mum comes with unique challenges that often go unspoken. While For The Love of Socials isn’t run by mums, the majority of our clients are, and through them, we’ve gained valuable insights. One crucial lesson is that the concept of a perfect work-life balance is a myth, especially in the early stages of entrepreneurship—and that’s perfectly okay. Our clients often attend meetings with children in tow or need to reschedule due to family emergencies. We’ve learned that flexibility and understanding are paramount. Embracing this reality rather than striving for a flawless balance makes navigating the demands of business and motherhood more manageable and less stressful.
Last year, I embarked on a daring journey by initiating a new health and wellness platform, slated to launch in Q1 this year. Starting a second venture while scaling my social media marketing agency was intimidating yet essential. This platform isn’t just for me — it’s designed to give our current clients and wellness practitioners a greater platform to impact Gen Z and millennials navigating the complexities of modern life. It’s been a demanding but rewarding expansion, enriching my schedule and bringing profound fulfilment and joy to my work!
– Adelphia Lim, Founder of For The Love of Socials
5. Don’t be afraid to take up space
This past year, I made the scary yet necessary move of stepping into my role as a thought leader in the mental health and trauma-informed space. Sharing my personal story of overcoming burnout and self-doubt opened new opportunities for speaking and media features, like on MoneyFM 98.3 and NHK Japan. This shift has been impactful both professionally and personally. It has brought more recognition and allowed me to help organisations adopt trauma-informed practices. Personally, it’s been fulfilling — aligning my business with my values has created a deeper sense of purpose and joy, despite a busier schedule. The challenges have been worth the growth and impact.
– Sophie Leung, Somatic Trauma Informed Coach
