What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Mompreneur

Becoming a Mompreneur - It's like a badge of honor, right?

You’re a mom, you’re running your own business, and you’re somehow trying to juggle both without losing your mind (most of the time). When I first jumped into the world of running a business, I had this grand vision of becoming my own boss while also being a supermom. I mean, how hard could it be, right? I had a passion, a dream, and a lot of late-night Pinterest inspiration to keep me going.

But here’s the truth, mama: being a mompreneur is a wild, exhilarating, and sometimes exhausting ride. It’s a lot of hustle, a little bit of chaos, and a lot of grace (hopefully). If you’re on the path to starting or growing your own business while raising kids, here are a few things I wish I knew before diving in headfirst. Grab a cup of coffee (or wine, no judgment), and let’s chat.

1. Time Is Your Most Precious Resource

Listen, mama, I know you’ve heard it a million times, but let me say it again: time is your most valuable asset. I don’t care how much you love your business or how passionate you are about what you’re building—there are always going to be distractions. Between school drop-offs, tantrums, grocery runs, and laundry piles that seem to multiply by the minute, you’ll quickly realize that finding time to work is like hunting for treasure.

When you first start, you might think you can squeeze in work during nap time or after the kids are asleep. But let’s be real: there’s always that one child who decides they won’t nap, or your inbox explodes with a million emails that need immediate attention. You have to get creative. Prioritize the big tasks and understand that sometimes, progress means simply surviving the day.

But here's the thing: it’s okay if things don’t get done perfectly or on time. You’ll learn to set realistic goals and be okay with “good enough” rather than striving for perfection.

2. It’s OK to Ask for Help

Ah, the dreaded “I’m going to do it all myself” mentality. Sound familiar? Trust me, it’s tempting to think you need to wear all the hats—mom, business owner, cook, housekeeper, etc.—because, well, that’s what moms do, right? But here's the deal: you don’t have to do it all, and you shouldn’t.

I wish I’d known earlier that asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness. Whether it’s outsourcing tasks you’re not skilled at (hello, virtual assistants!) or leaning on your partner to take the kids for a few hours, building a support system is essential. Even if that just means asking a neighbor to watch the kids while you work for an hour—every little bit counts. Your business and your sanity will thank you.

And, hey, if you need to hire someone to help with the business side of things, like social media management or website design, that’s okay too! There’s no shame in getting help where you need it.

3. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s a Must

When you’re running a business and managing your home life, it’s easy to forget about yourself. The days blur together, and suddenly, you’re too tired to even remember the last time you took a break. But listen, momma, burnout is real, and it’s a sneaky little thing. If you don’t make time for self-care, you’ll find yourself running on empty, and that’s not doing anyone any favors.

Whether it’s taking a walk, reading a book, or even just taking a 10-minute breather to yourself, don’t skip this. Self-care doesn’t have to be a luxurious spa day (though that sounds nice, right?). It can be as simple as allowing yourself to take a nap or grabbing coffee with a friend. Your mind and body need recharging in order for you to show up for your family and your business. So, let go of mom guilt—your business depends on you feeling good, both physically and mentally.

4. Progress Over Perfection

Perfectionism is a trap. I used to think that everything I put out there had to be flawless, and that mindset honestly slowed me down more than it helped. Can you relate? Whether it’s the website you’re building, the product you’re launching, or the content you’re creating, you’ll drive yourself crazy if you aim for perfect.

Here’s what I wish I’d known: it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Done is better than perfect. Just keep moving forward. If you wait for everything to be flawless, you’ll never take that first step. Trust me, there will always be room for improvement—but that’s okay. The beauty of entrepreneurship is that you can evolve and grow as you go.

5. Don’t Compare Your Journey to Others

Let’s get real: social media makes it so easy to compare ourselves to other mompreneurs. It’s hard not to look at someone else’s polished Instagram feed or fancy website and wonder, “Why don’t I have that yet?” But here’s the truth—everyone’s journey is different. Some moms may have more time, more resources, or more experience. Others might be way ahead in their business, but guess what? You’re running your own race, and your path is uniquely yours.

So, take a deep breath and unfollow the accounts that make you feel less-than. Celebrate your own wins, no matter how small. Remember, even the most successful entrepreneurs started somewhere—and often, they started with fewer resources and a lot of trial and error.

6. Boundaries Are Your Best Friend

When you work from home, the lines between business and family life can get real blurry. You’ll find yourself checking emails while making dinner, answering business calls during bath time, or feeling guilty when you don’t answer a text from a client because you’re playing with your kids. Setting boundaries is crucial.

Let your family know when you're working and when you're "off the clock." Create a space in your home that’s dedicated to work (even if it’s just a small desk in the corner). And when your workday is over, shut down your computer and turn off notifications. You need time to recharge, and it’s essential for both your business and your relationships. Trust me, your kids will appreciate your undivided attention, and you’ll be more productive when you’re working if you’ve taken time for yourself.

7. Prepare for the Financial Rollercoaster

Ah, the wild ride that is small business finances. Some months, the money flows in like a river, and other months... well, not so much. The unpredictability of business income can be one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of mompreneurship.

If I could go back, I would’ve prepared myself for the financial ups and downs. It’s important to set realistic financial goals and keep track of your spending. Building an emergency fund (for both personal and business) is also a smart move. The last thing you want is to stress over finances when you should be focused on growth. And remember—it's okay to ask for financial advice from a professional if you need it.

8. Celebrate Every Win, Big and Small

Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the big goals—like hitting a revenue target or launching a new product—but don’t forget to celebrate the small wins, too. The little victories (like landing your first client or hitting a social media milestone) are just as important as the big ones. They’re the building blocks of your success.

So, don’t be shy—throw yourself a mini celebration when you hit those milestones. You deserve it! Whether it’s treating yourself to a nice dinner or simply acknowledging the hard work you’ve put in, taking time to celebrate will keep you motivated and remind you how far you’ve come.

In Conclusion: Becoming a mompreneur is a journey filled with highs and lows, but it’s one that can bring so much joy and fulfillment. It’s all about finding balance, asking for help, and remembering that progress is more important than perfection. Yes, it’s tough, and yes, it’s messy—but it’s also beautiful. You’re building something for yourself, your family, and other moms who need your unique perspective and expertise. Keep going, mama—you’ve got this.