How many hats do you wear? On a good day, I wear five!
Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood is no easy feat. Society and workplaces need to better accommodate working mothers, but let’s focus on the support from those closest to us: our friends and family.
Everyone’s idea of support can differ. As a mompreneur, knowing the type and level of support you need isn’t something you grasp immediately. It’s something you feel—the anxiety and overwhelm often signal the need to yell, “I need help!”
This post isn’t just for us — it’s for our loved ones, too. Especially if we find it hard to ask for what we need or aren’t sure what support would ease the pressure we constantly feel to excel in all aspects of our lives.
Drawing from my experiences as a mompreneur and conversations with business owners across diverse industries and states, it’s evident that support extends beyond surface-level gestures like babysitting or meal subscriptions. The support we truly desire often lies in less tangible forms. If you’ve found yourself nodding along, you’re not alone. The pursuit of support resonates universally among individuals juggling career and family responsibilities. Here, we’ll explore three overlooked forms of support that many of us yearn for but seldom articulate.
Embrace my inner risk-taker and let me dream.
Deciding to be an entrepreneur is a risk! It can mean sleepless nights and worry, but if it’s your calling, it’s incredibly rewarding. Owning your business means having big dreams for your brand and what you want to achieve!
Few things are as disheartening as sharing our dreams, only to have them dismissed. Voicing our ambitious aspirations brings them closer to reality. Let us indulge in our lofty goals, for they remind us why we endure the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Need more detail? Well, here are some ways you can support dreamers like us:
1. Listen Without Judgment: Create a safe space where we feel comfortable sharing our dreams without fear of immediate criticism. Simply listening attentively and offering encouragement can boost our confidence.
2. Encourage Risk-Taking: Support our efforts to take calculated risks. Let us know it’s okay to pursue innovative ideas and reassure us that failure is part of the journey.
3. Offer Constructive Advice: Provide insights that empower us to make informed decisions. Respect our autonomy as business owners while offering valuable perspectives.
Give us your support without us having to ask.
Imagine being a working mom who owns a business—it’s like walking a tightrope. Support is our safety net, giving us the confidence to keep going. Even though we might seem like we’ve got it all together, there are times when we hesitate to ask for help.
Sure, we know you’re always ready to help when we ask, but sometimes, it’s just nice to have that support offered without having to ask for it.
Practical support, ranging from childcare arrangements to assistance with household chores, is invaluable for us mompreneurs. It allows us to focus on our work and be fully present for our families without the added stress of constantly juggling responsibilities. Plus, it eliminates the need for those awkward moments when we have to sheepishly ask for just 30 minutes to sneak in a nap!
Don’t tell us how easy it could be if we worked for someone else.
While entrepreneurship does come with its fair share of ups and downs, for those of us who are passionate about owning our own businesses, it brings pure joy. In moments of stress and uncertainty, the last thing we need is to be reminded of the alternative. Instead, show us that we’re not alone in this journey. Your unwavering support and understanding can make all the difference; sometimes, just knowing you’re there for us is enough to keep us going.
By fostering an environment where mompreneurs feel supported, encouraged, and understood, you play a pivotal role in our success and well-being. Your belief in our endeavors fuels our determination, while your empathy helps alleviate the inevitable challenges we face. Your contribution goes beyond mere words of encouragement; it’s the assurance that we’re not navigating this path alone, but rather alongside a community of allies who genuinely care about our growth and fulfillment.
A Note For Stay-At-Home-Moms: As a mompreneur, I have immense respect for you. You work tirelessly behind the scenes, devoting yourselves wholeheartedly to the well-being of your families. I understand the challenges and sacrifices you face each day, from managing household responsibilities to nurturing your children’s growth and development. Your dedication serves as an inspiration to me as I navigate the dual roles of running a business and raising a family. I truly admire your strength, grace, and selflessness. Honestly, some days I feel more exhausted at home with my toddlers than after a long day at work! You embody the essence of resilience, and I deeply respect you for it!
