Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: Finding Harmony in Chaos | Ep. 334
In This Article
Starting and managing a business is a monumental task on its own. Add the responsibilities of motherhood to the mix, and it becomes a balancing act of epic proportions. This is the reality for many women who pursue entrepreneurship while raising children. But it is not just a challenge; it's also a journey filled with growth, learning, and triumphs. In this blog post, we explore the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship, drawing insights from the Money Talk With Tiff podcast episode featuring Nicole Stanley.
The Journey Begins: A Personal Background
Nicole Stanley’s journey to becoming a business owner began like many others—rooted in necessity and a passion. Before she ventured into entrepreneurship, Nicole worked in corporate sales and youth ministry. It was not until she became a stay-at-home mom that she started exploring her interest in personal finance. From writing a finance blog for fun to assisting family and friends for free, Nicole’s journey into the realm of financial coaching was organic but not without its hurdles.
In 2020, when Nicole’s husband was furloughed due to the pandemic, necessity became the driver for transforming her hobby into a business. Nicole launched her financial coaching business with a three-month-old baby and grew it to employ two full-time employees, serving hundreds of clients worldwide.
Challenges: Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
The Initial Struggle
The transition from being a stay-at-home mom to a full-time entrepreneur is fraught with challenges. For Nicole, one of the biggest challenges was balancing her dual role. Motherhood often demands full attention, and stepping into the entrepreneurial world meant less time with her children. There’s an inherent guilt many women face, feeling that they must either be fully present as mothers or fully committed to their careers.
Tiffany Grant, the podcast host, shared a similar experience. When she stepped into full-time entrepreneurship as a single mom, concerns arose from all corners. The societal expectation often discourages mothers from seeking fulfillment outside their familial roles. However, both Tiffany and Nicole found that pursuing their passion projects enriched not just their own lives but also positively impacted their families.
Overcoming Social Expectations
Nicole emphasized the importance of not letting societal expectations dictate personal choices. She shared how having her own interests and career made her a more present and fulfilled mother. This sentiment resonated with Tiffany, who found that her entrepreneurial journey inspired her children, planting the seeds of future entrepreneurship in them.
As women, especially mothers, societal expectations often cloud our judgment about what we can or cannot do. Both Nicole and Tiffany advocate surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who offer support, encouragement, and practical advice.
Triumphs: The Rewards of Entrepreneurship
Personal Growth and Confidence
One of the significant triumphs Nicole experienced was the personal growth and confidence that came with entrepreneurship. Initially paralyzed by the fear of judgment, Nicole gradually overcame her anxieties. She realized that the stakes of making mistakes were not as high as she once thought, and this newfound resilience spilled over into other areas of her life.
Becoming an entrepreneur helped Nicole shift her focus from worrying about external perceptions to genuinely helping her clients achieve their financial goals. This shift not only improved her business but also gave her a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.
Expanding the Team
Another milestone for Nicole was expanding her business to include a full-time coach. For a long time, her goal was to be the most effective financial coach she could be. However, she soon hit a ceiling in terms of how many people she could help personally. By training and employing another coach, Nicole not only multiplied her impact but also created opportunities for others.
Tiffany resonated with this, highlighting the holistic benefit of entrepreneurship—helping other families while growing one’s own business. When you hire someone, you are not just expanding your business; you are providing another individual the means to support their family, thus creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Lessons Learned: Advice for Aspiring Mompreneurs
Invest in Yourself Early
One piece of advice Nicole wished she had taken earlier was not to agonize over seeking help. Investing in a training program gave her the confidence and knowledge to get clients and grow her business. Similarly, Tiffany emphasized the importance of hiring help sooner rather than later. Letting go of perfectionism and delegating tasks can accelerate business growth and improve work-life balance.
Build a Supportive Network
Both Nicole and Tiffany agreed on the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and like-minded individuals. Starting a business is not a walk in the park, and having a network that understands and shares your struggles can be invaluable. Seek advice and encouragement from those who have walked a similar path to help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Take the Risk
Nicole advises aspiring mompreneurs not to seek validation from those who haven’t pursued the entrepreneurial path. Negative opinions can act like poison to a budding business. Instead, look to those who have taken the risks and found success. Their experiences and solutions can offer the encouragement and practical advice needed to keep going.
FAQs: Navigating Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
How Do I Balance Motherhood and Running a Business?
Balancing motherhood and running a business requires time management and clear boundaries. Nicole and Tiffany both advocate for the importance of having childcare arrangements to ensure dedicated work time. Also, setting realistic expectations and separating personal and professional spaces can help maintain balance.
How Do I Overcome the Guilt of Spending Less Time with My Kids?
Guilt is a common feeling for mompreneurs. However, it’s essential to recognize that pursuing your interests can make you a better parent. When mothers fulfill their creative or professional passions, they often become more present and engaged in their time with their children.
When Should I Hire Help?
Both Nicole and Tiffany suggest hiring help as soon as financially feasible. Whether it’s child care or business assistance, delegating tasks can free up your time and energy to focus on high-impact areas of your business, accelerating growth and improving work-life balance.
Where Can I Find Support?
Look for communities of women and moms who are entrepreneurs. Online forums, local business groups, and networking events (Tiff's favorite) can offer support and resources. Following inspirational entrepreneurs on social media or joining professional groups can also provide a sense of community and encouragement.
Is It Possible to Start a Business with Limited Funds?
Yes, it is possible. Both Nicole and Tiffany started their businesses with limited resources. The key is to invest wisely in areas that will provide the most significant returns, whether it’s in a training program, software tools, or small-scale marketing efforts.
Conclusion
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also immensely rewarding. Nicole Stanley's journey, as shared in the Money Talk With Tiff podcast, exemplifies that with the right support, mindset, and determination, mothers can thrive as entrepreneurs. By investing in oneself, building a supportive network, and embracing the challenges, aspiring mompreneurs can find harmony in the chaos and create lasting impacts in their personal and professional lives.
About Nicole Stanley
Nicole Stanley, the visionary founder of Arise Financial Coaching, has profoundly impacted countless lives through her innovative Money Momentum Method. Her journey began with a personal struggle against debilitating financial anxiety in her early twenties.
Determined to overcome this, she enrolled in a personal finance course, transforming her situation from $30,000 in debt to a thriving net worth exceeding a quarter-million dollars by just 27—achieved solely through her dedication and strategic planning.
Connect with Nicole
Website: https://www.arise.financial/
Instagram: @arise.financial.coaching
Facebook: Arise Financial Coaching
