Let’s be honest, ladies. Sometimes, that corporate ladder just feels less like a climb and more like a treadmill to nowhere. Especially when “nowhere” starts looking suspiciously like missing your kid’s mid-day school event for the third time that year. For me, that was the wake-up call I needed.
Five rambunctious boys under 10? Check. Thriving career in medical device product development? Check. Feeling utterly unfulfilled and like a stranger to my own family? You betcha.
So, with a leap of faith that felt more like a freefall, I ditched the stilettos for sensible shoes (ok, maybe I’ve never worn stilettos but it was a cute way of saying it!) and traded conference calls for carpool duty. Enter the glorious, messy, exhilarating world of “mom-preneurship”.
Stage 1: Getting EverGrove, LLC off the Ground
Building a consulting business from scratch is no walk in the park (especially when your “park” is littered with Legos and juice boxes). The initial months were a blur of late nights, bootstrapping, and that ever-present feeling of being in over my head. My network, while supportive, wasn’t exactly bursting with Fortune 500 clients looking to hire me overnight. So, I hustled. I networked online, pounded the pavement (figuratively, because, hello, five kids!), and learned the art of the perfectly timed “elevator pitch” while waiting in the pediatrician’s office.
But here’s the thing: I was strategic. I knew my “why” wasn’t just about chasing profits. It was about creating a life where I could be both a present mom and a passionate entrepreneur. So, I scheduled my work around my family’s needs. I was glued to my laptop while the kids were in school, churning out proposals and connecting with clients. Doctor’s appointments? Soccer games? Baseball practice? I was there, cheering on the sidelines with a phone discreetly tucked in my pocket, ready to jump back in when the final whistle blew.
Stage 2: The Juggling Act
Finding The Time:
Now, with EverGrove, LLC slowly gaining traction, the juggle has evolved. Early mornings are my new best friend. Our littlest guy, Jack, starts yelling for yogurt at 5am and Luis, the amazing man he is, straps him into his stroller and wheels him around the neighborhood for hours. While he’s out of the house, trying to let the rest of the boys sleep until 7 (if they make it that long), I grab my coffee and tap away at my laptop until the rest of the house wakes.
Evenings are yet another beautifully orchestrated chaos. After a whirlwind of dinner, Luis tackles the dishes while I start bedtime routines. Jack is tubbed, scrubbed and jammied by 7 so the 4 big kids can start rotating through the shower. By 7:30 I’m rocking Jack to sleep, smelling his sweet hair in our quiet cuddle moments, then it’s off to snuggle the bigs on the couch before putting them each to bed at 8 (Mateo), 8:30 (Jasper and Matthew) and 9pm (MJ).
Then, sometimes it’s right back to work for Mama. I’m back at my computer to catch up on emails, plan out the next day, and work with Luis to manage any family needs that strike during normal business hours.
Making it Fun:
And let’s not forget the power of a good walk with Luis. He’s my rock, my sounding board, and my biggest cheerleader. We pad around our neighborhood, talking fast, getting excited and sharing big ideas while we brainstorm, strategize, and dream big. And we do that all while fitting in some much-needed exercise (hello, sanity!).
It’s not glamorous, and it’s overwhelming at times, but it’s those early morning and late-night hours of quiet focus that let me tackle the day’s most critical tasks. And having such a supportive partner who is as passionate about our family’s success as I am is truly the game changer that keeps me going.
Step 3: Keep The Future in Mind
As the sun starts to rise later and hopefully Jack starts to sleep a little later, I can’t help but dream bigger. The business is steadily growing, and the fire in my belly burns brighter than ever. But, I’m not interested in trading “Mom” hours for more zeroes on the bank statement. The magic of this journey lies in finding the sweet spot of success without sacrificing precious family time. So, what’s next?
My current focus is on finding ways to build passive income streams. Imagine waking up to notifications of new client work happening while I’m sipping coffee in my PJs. Sounds heavenly, right? I’m exploring online courses, downloadable resources, and even a membership community to share my hard-earned knowledge and empower other mompreneurs. The key is creating products and systems that work for me, not the other way around.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, the journey has been nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. But through it all, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons:
- Embrace the Hustle: Building a business takes grit, determination, and a whole lot of hustle. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, wear multiple hats, and work smarter, not just harder.
- Family First, Always: Remember, you’re a mompreneur, not a superwoman. Don’t let the guilt monster win. Schedule strategically, delegate when possible, and be present for those precious moments, big and small.
- Find Your Village: You can’t do it all alone. Build a support system of fellow moms, mentors, and clients who understand your unique challenges and cheer you on.
And amidst the chaos, the late nights, and the occasional meltdowns, I haven’t forgotten the most important job title I hold: Mom. It’s messy, beautiful, and the most rewarding role I could ever ask for.
Conclusion:
When I crack the code and find the holy grail, the perfect balance of mom and business mogul (and trust me, I will!), I’ll be the first one shouting it from the rooftops (or maybe whispering it over a playdate, because, priorities). So, stay tuned, fellow mompreneurs. We’re in this together, and together, we can rewrite the rules of what it means to have it all! And along the way, there’s always coffee (and maybe a glass of wine after the kids are asleep). Cheers to the journey, mamas!