Moms walk a tightrope, carefully balancing parenthood and daily life on one side, with work, both inside and outside the home, on the other. When life gets off balance, many moms choose to become their own boss, set their own hours, and control their own future success. It isn’t always easy, but these mompreneurs are forging a new path with creative businesses. They are finding careers that better align with their schedules and their priorities.
We asked area mom bosses for advice they would offer to other potential mompreneurs. Their answers were very revealing. These wise words come from years of experience.
Tiana Lashae, photographer: Motherhood Portraits by Tiana LaShae
“Finding balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship can be challenging. Scheduling time to do absolutely nothing is a must, especially if you’re planning to be the sole worker in your business. Curating the life you want as a mompreneur takes a different kind of science, including mental agility and flexibility. My neurodivergent brain has worked best having set work days and hours and sticking to that!”
Robin Hall, owner: We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, Ann Arbor
“First, don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis. You will spend forever trying to eliminate all risk in a business venture to the point where you never actually do anything. Second, make sure your risks are calculated and well thought out. While inaction is bad, going after something with no plan is worse. Failure to plan is a plan to fail. And last, be prepared to work hard. You should have a business plan and a financial plan, even if they are basic, for any business you start. Use resources like the Michigan Small Business Development center to help you flush these things out.”
Nicole Elizabeth Yaeger, realtor: NEST Real Estate Group/EXP Realty
“Plan for slow periods. Save money, have a budget, don’t get caught up in shiny object syndrome. Plan for what you NEED, and then later you can have what you WANT. Stay consistent. This is the key to success in any field. You have to be consistent with your plan and your daily schedule. Have a social media presence. This is key for growing your business. You need to show your face, speak with your voice and show who you are and what your business can do for others. You are a problem solver. What do you do that others don’t? Speak to your ideal customer/client. That’s how you grow a thriving business. Finally, have faith that everything will work out. When the anxiety wells up and negative thoughts roll in, stop them in their tracks and remind yourself that everything will work out. My favorite quote is ‘Everything is figureoutable.’ There is always a solution!
Olivia Carpus, owner: The Play Station, Milan
“Always remember that your family should come first! It can be easy to get distracted by everything that comes with starting a business, but your family is more important. Always make time for them and prioritize their needs whenever possible.”
Sara Graham, owner: Graham’s Upscale Liquidation, Ann Arbor
“Financially, be prepared to spend more than what’s expected. Realize that your first year or two or three is going to be challenging. Surround yourself with like minded people and form your tribe.”
RELATED: Meet Sarah Graham: Owner of Graham’s Upscale Liquidation
Allie Lyttle, chef: LaLa’s, Too, Brighton
“You can’t do it all, and you shouldn’t expect that you can. Ask for help. It’s never a weakness.”
Rebecca McGregor, Vice President of Operations: Goldfish Swim School
“Build community. Put yourself out there to meet other parents at school, at daycare, in your neighborhood. It can be uncomfortable, but most of them feel as lost as you do. We need community to support us in hard times, and celebrate with us in good times.”
Kaylan Mitchell, owner: The Getup Vintage, Ann Arbor
“I’ve learned to set boundaries with work hours and employees, and also set the expectation that I’m not reachable 24/7/365. I utilize ‘quiet mode’ and ‘do not disturb’ far more often than I used to. Finally, don’t feel bad about disconnecting from work. Usually, the problems aren’t SO big that they can’t wait for a few hours for a proper response.”
Sarah Garot and Ann Seyferth, sisters and co-owners: Just Between Friends Ann Arbor
“You can’t make everyone happy. You’re not a taco. This is a quote we both use and remind each other of often in our personal and business lives!”
