To the mom who is running after her kid(s)—and runs a business, too… I see you

So many of us know the juggling act of wiping noses while answering work calls. We’ve shown up to meetings with breakfast on our shirt and checked our email while in the school pickup line. If this sounds familiar, know you’re not alone. As a mother to two toddlers, I’m well-acquainted with feeling torn between the desire to be present for my children and run a thriving business. In the pursuit of balancing both, these candid, behind-the-scenes moments often slip by unnoticed.

Countless fellow mompreneurs, like Sarah Loughry of Em Dash Content Studio, have felt the weight of guilt and the struggle to find balance. However, as Sarah emphasizes, “It’s OK to ask for help when you need it.” A chorus of voices below echo this sentiment, each sharing their unique challenges and strategies for navigating our intricate dance of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

While your mompreneur journey may take the scenic route and the balancing act may seem never-ending, I see your resilience, flexibility and determination. As Ariana Rodriguez, Founder of AR & Company, beautifully states, “Your passion for your work doesn’t detract from your love for your kids; it’s simply another facet of the incredible, loving mom you already are.”

Want even more honest insights? You’re in luck! Thirty-one entrepreneurs from the Dreamers & Doers community share what their motherhood journeys have really been like. I dare to say you’ll feel less alone after reading about their experiences and might even take with you a word or two of encouragement.

31 moms share powerful advice on motherhood and entrepreneurship

Remind yourself you’re capable of more than you know

“When my daughter was 4 years old, my business was growing massively. I had a call with a prestigious beauty brand that could result in achieving the biggest budget campaigns we’d ever had. On the day of the call, my daughter woke up with a fever and stomach flu. I was too scared to reschedule the call. I decided to wing it and pray TV would keep her occupied. Minutes into the call, I was holding my daughter’s hair in one hand as she threw up with my phone balanced between my shoulder and my ear. I didn’t miss a beat with my pitch, landed the campaign, and then spent the rest of the day snuggling with my feverish girl on the couch.

Don’t be hard on yourself on the tough days. Invest in all the support you can to help you maximize your time so you’re able to take care of yourself. That way you can keep showing up for your family and your business with a full cup.”

Ana L. Flores, Founder and Co-CEO of #WeAllGrow Latina

Bring your kid(s) along for the ride at work

“When I started my first business, I was a young mom. It was often difficult to get a babysitter for my son so I could work, network and accept opportunities. To solve this, I started bringing him with me everywhere I went. He has been to hackathons, in board meetings and conferences. This creative solution enabled me to accept more opportunities while my son watched.

Being a mom is hard. Being a business owner is hard. Make space in your life to foster the things you enjoy. Have a hobby, travel, binge TV shows, create space just for you to relax and rest.”

Georgie-Ann Getton, CEO of GSD Solutions

Be kind to yourself

“My third pregnancy came as a complete surprise during the pandemic. I already had two kids under the age of 3 and was running an early-stage business. I felt the urge to quit my job. I was overwhelmed by the lack of support and constant stress. After gaining some perspective on my situation, I was kinder to myself. I realized I could continue running my business at a slower pace. By using it as an outlet for my creativity and frustrations as a mom, I would be serving both myself and my children.

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is challenging. There never seems to be enough time for the business, and burnout feels inevitable. Setting the right expectations for yourself is important.”

Melita Cyril, Founder and CEO of Q for Quinn Inc.

Find beauty in the struggle

“It’s going to be hard. There will be days when your hair is caked with snot while you may be giving the most important sales pitch of your career. You will want to give back to the classroom while trying to grow a 7+ figure business. It will never be perfect. It will never be even. You will lean into your job hard some weeks and motherhood hard other weeks. But the beauty is in the struggle. You’ll have your best ideas rocking your kids to sleep at night. You’ll learn to multitask like no one’s business. You’ll stop caring about perfection because you’ll realize it is unattainable.

You’re doing your best, even when you feel like you are not. Keep going.”

Ashley Rector, Founder of Quimby Digital

You don’t need to do it alone

“For the first year and a half of my daughter’s life, I ran three businesses with only part-time nanny care. The older and more active my daughter became, the more guilt I felt. I didn’t feel like I was giving my daughter all of the attention she deserves. I also felt like I wasn’t able to give my businesses the full attention they deserved.

Give yourself grace, and seek help. Whether you’re in a financial position to onboard professional help or call in family friends, it’s OK to be overwhelmed. You don’t need to do this alone.”

Lexie Smith, CEO and Founder of GROWTH MODE and Co-Founder of Ready Set Coach

It might feel like you’re taking the scenic route

“Since becoming a mother, I’ve closed deals in unexpected places, rescheduled countless meetings, and gotten creative to ensure all of my priorities are taken care of. As an entrepreneur and mother, I’m constantly moving, learning and growing. Whether closing deals in the car, catching up on work while waiting for school pickup, or brainstorming while sitting on a bench watching my little one learn a new skill, the effort I’m putting in every day is compounding.

Make it a habit to acknowledge all the work you’ve put in. Celebrate your wins because you are doing your best. That’s enough. Join online or in-person communities that align with your business or interests; especially those for fellow moms in business. You’re not alone.”

Ingrid Zapata Read, Founder and CEO of Grow With Community

It’s OK to ask for help when you need it

“Though being an entrepreneur is very demanding and busy, it often comes with the assumption that we have more open schedules–both from us, our partners, and our support system. It’s OK to ask for help when you need it. It’s OK to love your work and want to sit down at your desk instead of play Barbies on a snow day. It’s also OK to want to go sledding instead of taking a client meeting.

Being a mom and a business woman are not mutually exclusive. We all need to fight that narrative.”

Sarah Loughry, Founder and CEO of Em Dash Content Studio

You’re going to make hard decisions, but it’ll be OK

“Motherhood totally flipped my world upside down. As a multi-year business owner, I struggled with an identity crisis and also guilt for wanting to be more in my business than I could given the time constraint motherhood placed on me. I either needed to shut down my business or start to bring on a team to help me. I chose the latter. We’re now a team of four employees and just celebrated 63% year-over-year growth. It’s been a journey. I’ve learned patience and the importance of figuring it out by going for what I want and seeking support that’s going to get me there.

Create moments for yourself and what brings you joy. Oftentimes, this means asking for help and not being afraid to delegate—both in business and in life.”

Lauren Loreto, Founder and Owner of Brand Good Time

Embrace the unpredictability of being a mother and entrepreneur

“I had postpartum depression with both of my children. As an entrepreneur, I find comfort in being organized, getting things done on my own terms and having predictability and certainty. However, when I became a mother, all of that control went out the door. Motherhood is messy, chaotic and unpredictable.

Embrace the unpredictability and chaos of motherhood as an entrepreneur. Let go of the need for control, and find strength in navigating the gray area of balancing business and motherhood. Prioritize self-care for your well-being and the success of both your business and role as a mother.”

Catalina Parker, Co-Founder of Relatable Nonprofit

Embrace the imperfections of being a mompreneur

“I have had to navigate the struggle to balance the demands of running a business with the responsibilities of motherhood while battling mom guilt. From late nights working on proposals to early mornings playing hide and seek with my son, I’ve experienced moments of exhaustion and self-doubt. However, amidst the challenges, I’ve also discovered unexpected joys and strengths. Being a mompreneur has taught me the importance of prioritization, resilience and self-care. It’s also given me a newfound sense of pride in being able to show my son the power of chasing your dreams.

It’s OK to ask for help and to embrace imperfection. It’s a balance that looks different every single day. Flexibility is key. You’re not alone in your journey. Find beauty and strength in the chaos of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.”

Jessica Sikora, Founder and CEO of SUPERBANDS

Know that your passion for your work doesn’t detract from your love for your kid(s)

“As a mom running her own business with ADHD, I find myself caught in the whirlwind of my passions, often unable to hit the pause button when it’s time to be with my children. The love I have for my work intertwines so tightly with my identity that stepping away feels like leaving a part of myself behind, even for a moment. This internal struggle has led to heart-wrenching instances where I’ve been short with my kids during their interruptions, leaving me swamped with guilt. It’s a raw, emotional tug-of-war between my professional zeal and the tender, undivided attention my children deserve.

Cut yourself some slack. Cultivating a business is like nurturing another child. It demands time, energy and endless love. Remember, not fitting into the polished, idealized version of motherhood doesn’t make you any less of a mom. Your passion for your work doesn’t detract from your love for your kids; it’s simply another facet of the incredible, loving mom you already are.”

Ariana Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of AR & Company

You’re not alone in your guilt.

“Mom guilt is a common feeling that many working mothers experience. The pressure to balance work and family can be overwhelming. It’s OK to feel guilty about it. You’re not alone in this feeling. It’s OK to prioritize your career and do what you need to do for your family. It’s also OK to talk to others about how you feel.

Prioritize what matters to you. Remember you’re doing your best.”

Marissa Joy Pick, Founder of Marissa Pick Consulting LLC

Understand that the balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship will look different every day

“I thought I could be a full-time stay-at-home mom and a full-time business owner at the same time, but as ambitious and hardworking as I am, I was wrong. I desperately wanted to fit in with the moms at play gyms, but our time and schedules looked so different. At the same time, I put myself in rooms filled with other women entrepreneurs, many of whom had no children, and I often found myself wishing I had more time to work on my business. It’s hard to find peace, silence the inner chatter that nags me to do more, and diminish the guilt of not being strong enough at work or at home.

Don’t be so hard on yourself! The balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship won’t always be equal, so focus instead on creating the best balance on any given day for yourself.”

Stephanie Skryzowski, Founder and CEO of 100 Degrees Consulting

Make sure you have someone you can count on

“One of the main reasons I started my business was to have the flexibility to be with my kids. My business grew faster than I expected, and I quickly realized I would need to start doing some work during the day. Most days I’m working with my laptop in hand while I walk from room to room checking on my kids. It’s an adventure, but I love being able to be with them!

When you add a business into the mix of motherhood, it’s important to have someone you can count on to support you; whether it’s a spouse, partner, parent or friend. Having someone you can count on when you need help is vital.”

Courtney Peebles, Founder and CEO of Solobo Toys

Don’t underestimate the power of pivoting

“I was subject to a company-wide layoff days after finding out I was pregnant with my first child. I reached out to old connections and found new communities to network with and lean on for support. I found a business coach who helped me define a path for my business that paired my expertise with my passion, working with other women-owned business owners to grow their e-commerce brands through social media advertising.

Don’t be afraid to hire help or delegate. The ability to separately focus on work and being present at home is a game changer. Prioritize building a support system for yourself. Being a business owner can be isolating, especially if you work alone. Having a support system to lean on will take you further and make the journey more fun!”

Elizabeth McNevin, CEO and Social Ad Strategist at Sociale

Outsource to stay present with your business and family

“After having my second child, I was burning out trying to be a supermom with no bandwidth to do it all alone. It was time to invest in my own support system. I added up all the time I was spending running our household and realized that outsourcing many of these tasks would allow me to reclaim my time to focus on my business and be more present with my family.

Invest in yourself and your family by outsourcing as much of the physical mental load as possible–these are the things that need to get done, but don’t necessarily need to be done by you. I urge busy moms, especially entrepreneurs, to get creative about using their budget to hire their village because doing so is life changing.”

Kelly Hubbell, Founder and CEO of Sage Haus

Know you have the opportunity to choose differently every day

“Being able to create my own work schedule means that I have the flexibility to be very present in my children’s lives in a variety of ways. I spend my weekday afternoons and evenings shuttling them around to their various sports. Doing so means I have to schedule my day accordingly, which doesn’t always work well with speaking engagements or evening meetings. I have had to pass on various opportunities that I was interested in because of this prioritization. I truly understand the inner struggle of having to keep showing up and making these difficult choices, which are sometimes uniquely asked of moms.

The things you choose to prioritize today may not be the same things as you choose to prioritize tomorrow. Hold onto both your gut instinct and your freedom to change your mind. Choosing your priorities is a day-to-day decision.”

Misasha Suzuki Graham, Co-Founder of Dear White Women, LLC

Reduce your mental load wherever you can

“My baby boy came three weeks early, and my co-founder and I were scrambling to get all of the pieces in position for my maternity leave. She and I have since reflected and realized how trivial our worries were then. Put a pin in the moment if you’re feeling rushed to make a decision. Fast is slow, and slow is fast.

Buying back my time has been game-changing. I have a high school senior pick up groceries, process my mail and run errands. Reducing your mental load as much as possible is a huge help.”

Meredith Noble, CEO and Co-Founder of Learn Grant Writing

Be the mompreneur role model you wish to see

“I had my first child early in my career. I often found myself searching for a role model who mirrored my journey as a working mom. Despite having incredible female mentors, I felt a profound sense of solitude, yearning for someone who could show me, ‘Yes, it’s possible to succeed like her.’ A pivotal moment came when a friend advised me to stop looking for others to show me the way. Instead, she suggested I carve my own path and define success on my terms. Now, as I lead a marketing agency from overseas, balancing travel and long hours away from my two daughters, I strive to embody the hard work, resilience and passion I hope to instill in them. Though the balance is delicate and the farewells are never easy, I aim to show them that with dedication, and confidence in their own direction, pursuing their dreams is within reach. My journey underscores that even amid solitude, setting your own course can inspire those around you, especially your children, to chase their dreams with vigor and determination.

Embrace your unique journey, be resilient, and prioritize connection. Understand that no two paths are the same. What works for one parent may not for another. Cultivate resilience not just in your business strategies, but in how you balance the demands of motherhood and leadership.”

Natalie Eagling, President of Hey Mr. Media

Treating yourself with kindness will bring you closer to success

“Being an entrepreneur with my own beauty brand means I never have a day off. I truly love what I do, but as a small, scrappy startup, I’m at the front lines of our day-to-day operations. It’s been a challenge to turn off and be fully present for my kids. I have become much more intentional about creating work and personal blocks in the day, but it’s easier said than done. There are always emergencies popping up with both work and the kids.

As a mom running a business, you are never going to get the perfect work-life balance. The sooner you accept that and treat yourself with kindness, the sooner you will be successful in both areas.”

Carrie Sporer, Co-Founder of SWAIR

Take breaks when you need them

“It’s hard to bring 100% energy seven days a week, but the pressure as an entrepreneurial mom is to do just that for both work and family life. Sometimes after a long week, I don’t have the energy to socialize with other parents, so I skip playdates and don’t take my kids to birthday parties. I can be hard on myself by comparing our social life to other families, but I feel good knowing that no matter what, my kids get my full attention during our family time.

You can’t be everything to everyone all the time. If you can lean on your family and friends or afford to hire help for your business and/or your home, it will benefit you and your energy levels in so many ways.”

Anouck Gotlib, CEO of Belgian Boys

Set clear boundaries to help stay present

“As a business owner and mom, it’s hard not to feel guilty all the time. You’re either all in with the business and feel bad about not being as present with your family, or you’re trying to enjoy time with your kids but feel guilty for not focusing on the business. There are days that are easier than others, but that feeling is inevitably a part of your life.

Be firm with your boundaries and fully present in both areas. I set super clear expectations with my team and clients about our business hours, and they respect that I won’t be available to respond outside of those times so I can be fully present with my family and recharge for the day ahead.”

Brittany Woitas, Founder and Managing Principal of Kōvly Studio

Include your kid(s) in your business

“As a single mom, juggling the demands of raising my kids while navigating a divorce and dealing with financial hardships during the pandemic was tough. But amid the chaos, I found my strength and determination to turn things around. With a background in traditional advertising, diving into the world of e-commerce was a whole new ballgame for me. The learning curve was steep, but I embraced it wholeheartedly, immersing myself in online education and hustling to make my business thrive. Being in charge of my own time and future has been empowering. It’s allowed me to prioritize my health while also spending quality time with my kids. Our bond has never been stronger, and together, we’ve built a beautiful blended family.

Include your kids in your business. They might complain about chores, but if you ask them to help with something business-related, they’ll more than likely want to. They want to see you succeed and feel pride in being able to contribute.”

Dione Zajac, Founder of Plus Patches

Know that your kid(s) gain by watching you succeed

“Balancing work and motherhood has been my toughest challenge. During my son’s early years, my husband took the lead, but I felt a relentless pull to be with my baby. Now, juggling work commitments and family time induces persistent guilt. I remind myself that being a working woman sets a valuable example for my children and instills a strong work ethic in them. Motherhood requires sacrifices, but knowing I’m doing my best for my family helps alleviate the guilt. They gain more than they lose from watching their mother succeed!

Release the guilt and embrace the balancing act of motherhood, showcasing invaluable strength and work ethic. Prioritize ruthlessly, enlist support from your mom squad, and remember that progress over perfection defines your journey as a strong woman, setting the ultimate example for your children.”

Sydney de Arenas Sherman, CEO and Founder of Montie & Joie

Know that there’s nothing wrong with wanting what you want

“In the beginning of building my business, I struggled with intense mom guilt. I thought there was something wrong or selfish about not wanting to only be a mother. At the time, I was juggling a one year old and was pregnant with my second, but I was also deeply committed to building and scaling my business because my work lit me up. Three years in, I’ve built a half-million-dollar agency, am pregnant with my third, and get to work from home, seeing my kids during the day thanks to the support of a nanny. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’m so glad I accepted the challenge and did the intense mindset work to find peace in wanting both.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting what you want. There’s nothing wrong with you if it feels unbelievably hard at times. Being a mom and being a business owner are two of the hardest jobs. You’re doing both. Cut yourself some slack, ask for help and get as much support as you can.”

Jordan Schanda King, Founder and CEO of Easy Scaling

Understand that no milestone is worth missing what’s important to you

“With each of my first two babies, I took a 12-week maternity leave. With my third, I was in the midst of a critical growth phase for my business, and I felt like I couldn’t step away. I became that woman I never thought I’d be, working while in labor and answering emails from my hospital bed just hours after giving birth. It wasn’t until my six-week checkup when my OB joked about being surprised I didn’t bring my laptop that it hit me. I was clearly not prioritizing myself or my baby.

No business milestone is worth missing out on those irreplaceable early moments with your baby. You can always make more money, but you can’t get back time.”

Leah Dergachev, Founder and Chief Storyteller at Austley

Put your life mask on before you put on others’

“I’m the mother of two IVF babies due to the need for genetic testing to eliminate a gene mutation that has plagued our family for generations. In between the pregnancies of my two girls, I suffered a miscarriage. At the time I was running two companies. I had clients who needed me, so I managed the pain, devastation and physical realities of a miscarriage while still working full time and being a full-time mom. I felt incredibly alone. Fortunately, I shared my story with my online community and was met with incredible support.

If you feel comfortable, lean on your community in times of struggle. You’ll be surprised how many other mothers are out there ready with a helping hand. We often get wrapped up in the idea that we have to keep our heads down and keep pushing. There is only one of you. You need to put your life mask on before you can help others.”

Allyn Rose Oertel, Founder and CEO of The Previvor Foundation

When things get hard, remember your why

“Sometimes we feel like we aren’t doing enough, but we are. I didn’t take time off when I became a new mom. I simply couldn’t. While I wish I was more present then, I had to remember my why, which was to provide the best life possible for my baby.

Be kind to yourself. Every day is different. Remember to give yourself love, grace and care.”

Stephanie Loewenstern, Founder of Bright Link Talent

Take up space by asking for support

“During spring break, I took a day off to take my girls to a museum. They had so much fun, and I couldn’t help but feel guilt and sadness that I don’t do this very often. They often stay at home or have playdates with my co-founder’s kids so we can work together. No one told either of us how hard it would be as first-time entrepreneurs and moms of young children. Even so, when life serves up a mission that you can’t ignore, you have to go for it. The most overwhelming part of this journey has been feeling not good enough in all aspects of motherhood and my career simultaneously. There is never enough time to do everything on your list, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough.

You’re going to need help when you least expect it, and that is the exact time to ask for it. You’re going to get derailed by something you thought you had handled. You’re going to question yourself in an area you swore you had down. It’s going to knock the wind out of you and bruise your ego. That’s the time to lean on people that care about you. Ask for help even when it’s uncomfortable. Take up space and get support as you have done for so many others.”

Ronit Menashe, Co-Founder and CEO of WeNatal

You’ll find ways to ensure your kid(s) feels seen

“Feeling like you’re failing at both parenting and your business isn’t great. Caring for a sick kid while running a business is hard. It’s easy to say you’ll work from the couch while your child watches TV, but they know you’re not fully present.

To combat this, I’ll work late at night and burn my own candle to make sure my child feels seen when they don’t feel well. I’ll take the occasional call and address urgent emails, but it’s not business as normal when I have a sick child at home.”

Lori Sussle Bonanni, Founder and Communications Consultant at elssus, LLC

Join a like-minded community

“As a highly sensitive, entrepreneurial mom, I’ve always felt a little different. Many around me are on the corporate path, and I sometimes question this path I’m on. Neither is better or worse, but it can be a bit isolating when you’re building your own way. Ultimately, I’m learning to lean into my differences and embrace this path I’m on because, while challenging, it does feel right.

Prioritize self-care and seek support from like-minded communities. Joining founder groups has been so helpful, providing me with resources, guidance, and a sense of camaraderie.”

Allie Mirosevic, Founder of Bliss’d

All individuals featured in this article are members of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs, investors and leaders by securing PR opportunities, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.