Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: Honest Insights from a CEO Mom

Hey there, Leading Lady! Can I be real with you for a second? Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is no joke. As a mom of two who’s been building businesses for the past 20 years, I’ve experienced firsthand the unique challenges that come with growing a company and a family at the same time.

But here’s the thing: we need to talk about it more. Because far too often, we suffer in silence, wondering if we’re the only ones struggling to keep all the plates spinning. We beat ourselves up for not being perfect parents or perfect leaders when the truth is that perfection doesn’t exist in either realm.

So today, I want to share some honest insights and hard-won wisdom on navigating the beautiful, messy, rewarding journey of being a mom and an entrepreneur. My goal? To remind you that you’re not alone and that it’s possible to thrive in both roles even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

The Myth of the “Mompreneur”

Can I be brutally honest? I cringe every time I hear the word “mompreneur.” Don’t get me wrong, I’m incredibly proud to be a mother and an entrepreneur. But something about that cutesy label feels dismissive as if my business is just a hobby or a side hustle.

No one calls my husband a “dadpreneur” or a “fatherpreneur.” His identity as a parent isn’t tied to his professional success. So why do we do that to women?

Here’s the truth: you are a whole, dynamic, multi-faceted human being. Motherhood and entrepreneurship are just two aspects of who you are. They don’t define your entire identity. And you get to decide how you want to show up in each role without apology or justification.

The Juggling Act of Parenting and Entrepreneurship

Let’s face it: balancing the demands of parenting and entrepreneurship is a constant juggling act. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on your business, your kid gets sick or needs extra support at school. And when you’re finally in a good groove with your family, a work emergency pops up that requires your immediate attention.

It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly dropping balls or letting someone down. But here’s what I’ve learned: there will always be competing priorities, and that’s okay. The key is to get clear on what matters most in each season and give yourself grace when things inevitably slip through the cracks.

For me, that’s looked like:

• Building a business that aligns with my values and allows for flexibility
• Communicating openly with my team about my family commitments
• Setting boundaries around my time and energy (even when it’s uncomfortable)
• Asking for help when I need it, both at work and at home
• Celebrating my wins in each area, even if they don’t always line up perfectly

Remember, you’re not a robot. You’re a human being with limited time, energy, and bandwidth. It’s okay (and necessary) to prioritize and make tough choices sometimes.

Overcoming Mom Guilt and Imposter Syndrome

One of the biggest challenges I hear from fellow mom entrepreneurs is the constant guilt and self-doubt. We worry that we’re not spending enough time with our kids or that we’re not as focused on our businesses as our childless counterparts.

We compare ourselves to the highlight reels we see on social media and feel like everyone else has it all figured out. We wonder if we’re really cut out for this whole “having it all” thing or if we’re just fooling ourselves.

Does this sound familiar? Here’s the truth: every single mom entrepreneur I know struggles with these feelings at times. It’s a normal part of the journey.

But here’s what helps me stay grounded when those doubts creep in:

• Reminding myself that my kids are learning valuable lessons by watching me pursue my dreams
• Surrounding myself with supportive, like-minded women who get it (hint: the Leading Ladies community is a great place to start!)
• Practicing self-compassion and talking to myself like I would a good friend
• Focusing on progress over perfection and celebrating small wins along the way

At the end of the day, there’s no such thing as a perfect balance. But there is such a thing as a fulfilling, purposeful life – and that looks different for everyone.

Embracing the Beautiful Mess

Here’s the bottom line, Leading Lady: Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is a beautiful, messy, rewarding journey full of ups and downs, triumphs and challenges, laughter and tears. But it’s also an incredible opportunity to model for your children what it looks like to pursue your dreams, make a difference in the world, and create a life you love. It’s a chance to show them that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and staying true to yourself.

So, if you’re in the thick of it right now, juggling all the things and wondering if you’re cut out for this? Take a deep breath, give yourself a hug, and remember that you’re doing an amazing job. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, leaning on your support system, and trusting that you have everything you need to thrive.

And if you’re craving more connection, strategy, and encouragement on this wild ride of motherhood and entrepreneurship? Come join us in the Leading Ladies Facebook group. It’s a safe space to share your wins, your struggles, and your dreams with a community of women who get it.

Together, we’re redefining what it means to be a successful mom and entrepreneur. And trust me, the world needs more of us shining our light and making our mark. So keep going, keep growing, and keep embracing the beautiful mess. I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Join the Leading Lady Community

For more insights and strategies on leading a fulfilling life, both personally and professionally, I invite you to join my community:

• Tune into the Leading Lady Podcast.
• Connect with me on Instagram.
• Join the conversation in the Leading Ladies Facebook Group.