From Working Mom to Empowered Mompreneur

Hi, I’m Anisa Crespo, Founder of My Mompreneur Studio! My journey into entrepreneurship started in 2020 amidst the pandemic chaos and the joy of welcoming twins into the world. Despite juggling motherhood and a full-time job, I pursued entrepreneurship relentlessly. In 2022, we moved to Florida, where a melanoma diagnosis prompted a reevaluation of my priorities. Drawing upon my resilience, I refused to let adversity define me. As a mompreneur, I understand the unique struggles faced by women. Balancing motherhood and business can be overwhelming, but through trial and error, I've discovered solid tips for finding balance and staying organized.

Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing burnout. As moms, we often prioritize the needs of others above our own, but neglecting self-care can lead to exhaustion and diminished productivity. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine by scheduling time for activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul. Whether it's practicing yoga, going for a walk in nature, journaling, or simply enjoying some peace, find what rejuvenates you and make it a priority. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup, so taking care of yourself is essential for being present and effective in your life. The first hour of my day belongs to me (and God). I pray, I meditate, and I begin with morning movement to energize myself for the busy day ahead.

Set Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial for maintaining harmony and preventing burnout. As mompreneurs, it's easy to blur the lines between work and family time, especially when working from home. Without clear boundaries, it's challenging to fully engage in either role and can lead to feeling overwhelmed and resentful. Set specific hours and stick to them, just as you would if you were working in a traditional office setting. Communicate boundaries with your family and colleagues so they understand when you're available and when you need uninterrupted focus time. Designate a dedicated workspace without distractions, and when your workday ends, disconnect from work and spend quality time with your family. By setting boundaries, you'll create space for both work and life, allowing you to be fully present in each aspect of your life. When I first started my business, I would accept appointments at any time of day and night. Now, my calendar is restricted and I have enough time for my family, which I do not compromise, and my work.

Stay Organized: Effective time management and organization are essential skills for mompreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities. With so much on your plate, it's easy to feel scatterbrained, leading to decreased productivity and increased stress. By implementing simple strategies, you can streamline your workflow, stay on top of tasks, and make the most of your time. Create a daily schedule that outlines your priorities and commitments, including both work-related tasks and personal responsibilities. Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to keep track of deadlines, appointments, and tasks. Break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks, and allocate time blocks for each task to ensure you stay on track. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and tackle high-priority tasks first to avoid procrastination and minimize stress. By staying organized and on task, you'll maximize your productivity, reduce overwhelm, and create more time for the things that matter most.

Delegate and Outsource: As moms and entrepreneurs, we often fall into the trap of trying to do it all ourselves, but the reality is, we can't do everything alone. Learning to delegate tasks and outsource work is essential for freeing up your time and energy to focus on high-value activities that move your business forward. Identify tasks that don't require your unique skills or expertise, such as administrative tasks or social media management, and delegate them to hired help or freelancers. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, whether it's from your family or trusted professionals. Remember, you don't have to do it all yourself, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By delegating and outsourcing tasks, you'll lighten your workload, reduce stress, and create more space for creativity, innovation, and growth.

Practice Work-Life Integration: Instead of striving for a perfect balance between work and life, aim for work-life integration. Find harmony between the two aspects of your life. As mompreneurs, our lives are inherently intertwined, and trying to separate work and family time into distinct compartments can be counterproductive and unrealistic. Instead, look for opportunities to blend work and life seamlessly, finding ways to incorporate your family into your business activities and vice versa. Schedule family activities and outings during your work breaks and create a supportive work environment that allows you to be present for your family while pursuing your professional goals. By embracing the fluidity of work and life, you'll create a more fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle that aligns with your values and priorities. You can still respect your boundaries and balance it all. One thing I love about being my own boss is in the middle of the work day, if I want to take my kids for a swim or to the park, I have the latitude to do so, and I do!

As moms in business, finding balance is an ongoing journey that requires intention, mindfulness, and self-awareness. By utilizing my suggestions, you can navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship while nurturing your personal well-being and relationships. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together, let's celebrate our successes and support each other with ideas as we empower moms in business to thrive and succeed!