Renewing Balance: Between Work, Motherhood, & Personal Life

Some people say their business is their baby. I agree—businesses can be as demanding and amazing. But what happens when you have a business and a baby?

My son, Nathan, came into the world in 2015, marking a significant chapter in my life as both a mother and a business owner. At 28, I found myself navigating the delicate dance of raising a child and nurturing a business, with stress and exhaustion as my constant companion.

As I reflect on the journey of motherhood and entrepreneurship, it's a narrative woven with the threads of growth, challenges, and a quest for balance. I discovered that the key to success lies in adapting and evolving with the changing phases of life. Let me take you down my learning lane.ut what happens when you have a business and a baby?

Juggling Two Babies: My Son and My Business

In those early years, my life was all about taking care of a newborn and hustling with my growing business, Chykalophia, which was established back in 2011. Much like the unpredictability of parenting, entrepreneurship demanded a diverse skill set, and I found myself wearing various hats to ensure both my newborn and my business thrived.

The pivotal period from 2015 to 2017 taught me the importance of effective time management. Juggling design projects, client relations, sales, and marketing while caring for a newborn was nothing short of a tightrope act. The limited external help in the initial stages meant that every moment counted. However, the game changed when Nathan entered Montessori school at the age of two, granting me precious hours each day to focus on the business side of things.

Work-Life-Motherhood Harmony

With the growth of my business, the Chykalophia team expanded from two to six members between 2016 and 2017. Simultaneously, Nathan's increasing independence and the support he received at daycare allowed me to establish clear boundaries between work and family time.

The journey to balance, however, was far from straightforward. It came with its share of lessons and strategies. And over the years, I realized that the idea of a perfect work-life balance is simply an illusion.

Sometimes work takes only 30% of my plate, other times 60%. Sometimes my son requires half of my attention and I want the other half for myself, with no work whatsoever. The path to balance is unique for each person, shaped by their resources and support systems. Some may need extra help from their family or a babysitter, but my journey took a better turn of events when I started implementing these approaches:

1. Clear Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries became my anchor. Deciding not to work on weekends was a conscious choice to recover family time that was crucial for my personal well-being, as well as my family bond. Establishing specific work hours further contributed to setting apart professional commitments from personal ones. It also helps break the illusion of perfection, creating a realistic roadmap tailored to my circumstances.

2. Dare to Say No

Setting clear boundaries became my anchor. Deciding not to work on weekends was a conscious choice to recover family time that was crucial for my personal well-being, as well as my family bond. Establishing specific work hours further contributed to setting apart professional commitments from personal ones. It also helps break the illusion of perfection, creating a realistic roadmap tailored to my circumstances.

3. The Art of Letting Go

Let go of the things you can't control. This has become my daily mantra for preserving sanity. Being a mother and CEO, everyday tasks can be so demanding. Knowing my limits has become unnegotiable now. It allows me to focus on one priority at a time, set achievable goals, and be at peace with delaying non-urgent tasks.

The journey of understanding priorities is ongoing, though. Distinguishing between high-priority matters and those that can wait has been a continuous learning curve. Not all problems demand immediate attention, and categorizing tasks based on urgency has been pivotal in navigating the dual roles of a working mother.

Navigating Societal Norms

Societal norms surrounding work and motherhood add a layer of complexity. Having a supportive partner to share responsibilities is paramount. Moms who are entrepreneurs should recognize the strength in asking for help—both in business and family life. While societal expectations often place mothers as the primary decision-makers, I believe the power lies in collaboration and shared responsibilities.

Role models can also offer glimpses into the possibilities of modern motherhood and successful entrepreneurship. I've always admired Blake Lively and Michelle Obama. Blake Lively's partnership with her husband is a great example of equality and shared responsibilities, while Michelle Obama showcases the strength derived from embracing multiple roles.

Letting Go of the Illusion of Perfection

Juggling being a mom and working is like creating a tricky puzzle. Instead of aiming for perfection, it's about finding a routine that suits your own situation. As Nathan grows, the back-and-forth between being a mom and running a business changes every day. It's a constant reminder of how important it is to stay flexible and resilient in the quest for balance.

In this intricate journey, the goal isn't to be perfect but to navigate between family, work, and personal. Every. Single. Day. Welcome each day as a chance to adapt and stay strong—a journey where balance isn't a fixed goal but a step-by-step process that keeps evolving.

You're strong and worth it, Working Mothers ❤️