What it’s like to be a Mom and Business Owner at the Same Time

First of all, this holiday can be hard. Whether you have a strained relationship with a parent, are struggling with fertility, or are dealing with something else complicated and complex, I’m sending you lots of love. Please feel free to delete this email if it simply doesn’t serve you.

I have always been a supporter of business-owner parents, and particularly mothers. In a world where we’re constantly told we can’t have it all, I’m here to tell you that you can. 

If you’re a business owner and a mom, you need to prioritize taking time off. If you feel like you have too many responsibilities and aren’t sure where to start, check out our blog: Taking Time Off

The Intersection Between Motherhood and Business 

Being a mom and owning a business are some of the most challenging yet rewarding things you can do. Doing both has taught me that there are so many similarities and intersections between them. I’m a mom to 3 kids, all boys, ages 11, 8, and 5. I’ve been a dietitian for almost 20(!!) years and a business owner for 15 years. In both work and motherhood, I’ve had major celebrations, debilitating challenges, and everything in between. I haven’t always “balanced” motherhood and business “perfectly”, but there is no such thing.

I’ve learned some pretty incredible lessons that I want to share. It all comes down to prioritizing what’s important in business, what’s meaningful in motherhood, and then working hard to keep your boundaries around those ever-evolving decisions.

I’m thankful for my business because it allows me to be a better mom. But I’m also thankful for motherhood, which has changed my business for the better. Every time I had a baby, my business shifted and evolved because my life changed (and especially my last baby, 5 years ago!)

Being a business owner mom is hard and will come with challenges. But to me, the pros far outweigh the cons.

1. I contribute financially. My business allows me to make money for my family. My husband has had fluctuating income over the years as well, so sometimes “my” business money has been a significant amount that my family needs, and other times it has been for “extras” for our family when our needs are taken care of. We have worked together as a family over the years, figuring out what makes the most sense for our personal situation. I take advantage of many tax strategies for business owners, which also helps my family financially.
2. I have the flexibility to change my schedule. Between sickness, activities, appointments, and sports, my schedule changes depending on the needs of my kids. My husband currently does not have a flexible schedule, so this allows our family to function with me as the primary parent, for when our family needs someone to change plans to take care of the kids. I couldn’t do this if I had a traditional 9-5 job.
3. I show my kids that they can like their work. This might actually be my favorite one of all. Yes, of course, I have hard days and frustrating moments, and my kids see those too! But most of the time, they see me model a very positive relationship with work. I love talking about new things I’m doing in business, keeping in mind what they can understand. I love talking to them about career and how my own career has changed over time. I loved when my oldest son came home from “home & careers” class, talking about how he knew I help dietitians with their business (I was so proud!). If I have to work in front of them on my computer, I show them what I’m doing and involve them! Most people loathe Mondays. I genuinely like Mondays, and I hope my kids like Mondays too.
4. I delegate and ask for help. I didn’t really understand it at the time, but in my 20’s and into early 30’s, I didn’t know how to ask for support as a business owner. I can’t believe that I used to be so scared to give someone direction on what to do, thinking they might not like me. I honestly cannot believe how much I’ve changed over the years. In my opinion, the only way to “do it all” as a business owner and mom is to get the support that you need. IT TAKES A VILLAGE. I’m not afraid to get support when I need it, whether it’s for my kids or for my business. In fact, I feel so strongly about this that I pivoted Pursuing Private Practice to include the “LEAD” stage of business​ a few years ago.
5. I “selfishly” protect my peace. I have learned very hard lessons over the years about what gets to have my time. I have not always been protective of my own boundaries, and it has led to burnout every time! Having a family and a business has taught me how to prioritize what matters because there simply isn’t enough time for everything. I’ve also learned that the big wins should always be celebrated. And honestly, the things that don’t matter shouldn’t get your time and attention.
6. It sounds so simple but… you can do hard things. There have been plenty of hard challenges in business over the years, and I’ve gotten through them with lessons learned. There have been so many hard moments in motherhood, and we’ve gotten through them with lessons learned. I believe so strongly that you can’t build resilience without the skill to get through whatever challenge you’re facing. Business and motherhood give you plenty of opportunities to grow this important skill.

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​Motherhood is full of so many ups and downs. Business is full of ups and downs. Together, you have a crazy rollercoaster!

Moms in Business: The Takeaway 

Motherhood is full of so many ups and downs. Business is full of ups and downs. Together, you have a crazy rollercoaster!

By reflecting and thinking about the reasons I’ve shared today, it is possible for the hard work to be worth it. 

1. I Contribute Financially
2. I have the Flexibility to Change my Schedule 
3. I Show My Kids That They Can Like Their Work 
4. I Delegate and Ask for Help
5. I “Selfishly” Protect my Peace 
6. We all can do hard things.

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Looking for support as a mom business owner?

Business School is a comprehensive 6-month program designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you’re fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you’ll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You’ll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you’re supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here!