By Karlene Sinclair-Robinson
First, Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and those who stand in for mothers! You are to be appreciated and celebrated! Thanks to those mothers who realize that entrepreneurship can enhance their experience, both as mothers and business owners.
The concept of motherhood in combination with business ownership might seem so far apart that many women tend to shy away from one or the other. Believing that mothers cannot effectively succeed in business is a misnomer. A mother juggles schedules, not just for herself but often for multiple children, aging parents, work-related, etc.
The mother that decides she must engage in entrepreneurship understands the realities of raising a family and the opportunities and gratification that owning their businesses can bring them.
When I learned I was pregnant with my son, I was already involved in the early stages of owning a business. At the time, I was a part of a family business or partnership that did not work out. I was devastated and saddened that it failed. I floundered for many years, owning various types of businesses. I also gave birth to my wonderful daughter during this period. I went back to working a job while still trying to operate a business on the side.
There came the point when I had to decide:
Raise my kids and work a job!
OR
Raise my kids and own my own business!
Side Hustle or Hobby Business
I engaged in starting up multiple types of businesses that ended after much trial and error. During this time, I learned from each startup that helped to advance my entrepreneurial experience and education. When I look back, I realize that those failed endeavors were like steps on the stairs to building my entrepreneurial skillsets. I understand now that I had to go through those learning curves to have the foundation that I now use to help other moms succeed in their companies.
I often wondered what other mothers feel and experience when juggling the challenges of raising their children. Mothers are always trying to bring in additional income, stay relevant in their chosen fields, and fulfilling their other roles as expected by society.
Are you operating a hobby or side hustle that could become a viable business?
Do you believe your part-time business has the growth potential, helping to improve the lives of your clients or customers?
What would it take to move to the next phase of development and growth for your side hustle?
Debate or Division
The debate on whether a woman should raise her children and not focus on their dreams and aspirations will continue. Family and friends might consider her as being too ambitious or not like her decision, regardless of how well a woman can multi-task and her life experiences. Many will try to dissuade her from achieving her dreams, telling her how she cannot do both, or should not aspire such grand endeavors.
Many will consider women selfish for wanting to start a business, go back to school to improve their skills, or even when seeking to advance in their jobs.
The compartmentalization of motherhood in societal considerations creates division and continues to limit women’s abilities. The belief that women are the primary person responsible for raising kids and should not over-reach in wanting more creates cracks in the emotional make-up of women.
Why must women be the primary, if not the only, caretaker of their children?
Why must women be the primary caregiver in the home but don’t have much say in the financial aspects of their household? Regardless of if they are working or a stay-at-home moms, they are
Why should women not feel trapped when they have the primary responsibilities but don’t receive the emotional and financial support necessary for healthy relationships?
Imagine a world where mothers get the support they need and want!
Imagine a world that provides for the children in ways that helps alleviate a mother’s fear.
Imagine the world with all the single moms working two or three jobs to get by and getting the support and financial well-being they need.
Mothers must always be present! Our lives revolve around nurturing our little ones to grow up to be healthy, law-abiding, and productive members of society. However, to do so, mothers must have the necessary tools and support to raise their kids effectively.
We tend to suffer more from stress and anxiety as we have others we must care for, and often, with not have enough direct support. Sometimes, even when the support is there, it is not what a mother needs, as family members can disassociate themselves even while living in the same household. This does not help mothers – they might as well have been on their own.
Flexibility and Boundaries
Flexibility is also an essential element of motherhood and business ownership. Mothers who do not have the opportunity to use flexible schedules and must show up on a job that they despise can end up being bitter, depressed, and physically ill. No one wants to be bitter, depressed, or sick! Those who recognize that they must make changes often start their businesses.
Boundaries are necessary for all aspects of society! Creating boundaries in relationships, whether personal or professional, is essential. Setting boundary expectations are vital to building relationships.
To say that mothers are skilled at setting boundaries! We are ‘flexibility’ personified! If we did not learn to be flexible, we would probably fail even more at ‘motherhood.’
We learn over time that boundaries and flexibility are necessary elements that enable us to raise our families and manage a profitable business.
Does society agree? Not necessarily! The important thing is that we are doing what we need to do to survive and, hopefully, thrive.
Embracing You – The Entrepreneur & Mother – It is okay to be you!
Mothers who become business owners tend to have similar wants and needs. We may aspire to be the best mom. However, to do so requires practical decision-making skills, mental focus, and flexibility. We must also be able to balance our wants and needs that afford us the opportunities we seek.
Business success is just as important as raising healthy, mentally strong, and creative children.
Who says we cannot have both?
When a mother comes up with a great idea that can solve a problem for others, why should she have to shelve that idea?
Why should she have to hide her dreams and aspirations?
I say, embrace yourself! Embrace motherhood to its fullest extent. If you are the mother that decides to focus on raising your children first, that is okay! Good for you!
If you want to own a business, then launch your idea! You can get help to start up your venture. Let your children see you as more than just ‘their mom.’
Either way, you must make the best decision that is right for you and your family. AND, you should never have to apologize to anyone for making such a decision.
Entrepreneurship is not easy! It is a journey filled with bumps and challenges that will make you want to give up from time to time. However, the gratification of making it to a point you can consider ‘successful’ should be a milestone you achieve. Let no one derail your dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
There is a reason you jumped into the business world while raising a family! Many mothers needed additional income, had skillsets or products needed in the market and wanted to stay engaged in their careers or field of study.
The critical point here is to understand that your entrepreneurial journey is your journey – no one else’s.
Happy Mother’s Day!
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Bio:
Karlene Sinclair-Robinson is the author of Spank The Bank: The Guide to Alternative Business Financing, Founder of Spank The Bank NOW Business Academy, and Managing Member of KSR Solutions, LLC. She is considered a foremost expert in ‘Alternative Business Financing,’ business development, access to capital, growth strategies, credit management, small business, and start-up management for success. Karlene has been an entrepreneurial instructor and trainer for over 18 years. She is also the Director of the Business Finance Center at Community Business Partnership, a non-profit and certified CDFI organization based in Northern Virginia. Karlene is also an Adjunct Professor at a local area community college. Karlene is originally from sunny Montego Bay, Jamaica.