Juggling motherhood and business is no easy feat, yet an increasing number of mums are proving that it’s possible to thrive in both. From start-ups born during maternity leave to established brands led by inspiring mothers, the world of mumtrepreneurship is growing fast.
Not only is it growing, but these women are kicking ass and taking names. Launching and running multi-million (and billion) dollar businesses, these moms are innovating and thriving in the business world.
But, it’s not easy – so, how do these women do it?
We spoke to successful mumtrepreneurs who share their journeys, struggles and the invaluable lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re a new mum considering a business venture or already managing the delicate balance of parenting and entrepreneurship, their insights will help you navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.
From time management hacks to mindset shifts and practical business tips, these women offer real advice for making it work – without the mom guilt. Because being a great mum and a successful entrepreneur aren’t mutually exclusive. Here’s what they wish they knew when they started.
Our Experts
- Leona Burton: Founder of MIB International and CMO of ZZATEEM
- Sarah Abel: Director at TNB Skills Training
- Liv Conlon: CEO of The Property Stagers
- Chandra Holt: Founder and CEO of Incredibrew
- Emily van Eyssen: Founder at Remote Recruitment
- Yi Lou: CEO and Founder of Eunice AI
- Claire Ayles: Co-Founder at Eleven Hundred Agency
- Francesca O’Connor: Founder of Litmus
Leona Burton, Founder of MIB International and CMO of ZZATEEM
“I wish I’d known that success doesn’t have to mean being switched on 24/7. You can build a thriving business while being present for your children, but only if you stop trying to be everything to everyone. Let go of the guilt, accept the chaos some days will bring, and ask for help when you need it, that’s a BIG one. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to do it all alone.
That idea that successful women are somehow superhuman is a myth. What they often have is support and community and for me that’s the piece that changed everything and could be what helps you the most as well.
When you’re starting out, invest in building your network, even before you build your brand. Show up in the Zoom room, at the coffee chat and at drinks, but not to pitch yourself, but to connect. Some of my best business opportunities and lifelong friendships have come from the most unexpected conversations and I know that you never know who’s watching, listening, or ready to cheer you on.
You don’t have to be the loudest or the most polished, just be open, be real, and be willing to take up space and that’s more than enough. I started Mums in Business International because no mum, or woman, should feel like she’s building her dream on her own. There’s power in women lifting each other up, and there’s a place for everyone at the table.”
Sarah Abel, Director at TNB Skills Training
This is something I wish I had known when I first started out – you CAN build an incredible business, without burning out!
Asking for help is not a weakness. It’s being smart and it’s also essential, so make sure you invest in good mentors. Build systems in your business and trust your gut. Importantly, don’t try to do it all alone.
Whatever your business, there is funding out there to support your vision – so make sure you use it! If you don’t know how, find someone who can help.
Balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about setting priorities that align with your values and sticking to them no matter what.
You’re not just building a business, you’re creating a legacy for your family.
Believe in yourself, even on the hard days. You’ve got more power than you think.
Last, but not least – failures are just learnings. The most successful business owners have failed more than won but remember to also celebrate your wins.
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Liv Conlon, CEO of The Property Stagers
“There is a lot of fear mongering that you’ll be less driven in business and career-wise when you become a mum, however, it wasn’t the case for me.
Yes, my priorities shifted, but I think in a good way, I prioritised my son over work, but it made me even more productive during the time I did have, and the biggest reason why you can possibly have.
Mums need to know that starting a business won’t be easy with children, but it will give you another deep purpose which I believe enriches your time with your children and gives you another empowering identity.”
Chandra Holt, Founder and CEO of Incredibrew
“As a founder, you quickly learn that every day brings a new challenge—and a new hat to wear. No one hands you the roadmap; you have to build it yourself. There were moments I wished for a crystal ball, but the reality is, entrepreneurship is about resilience, adaptability, and pushing forward even when the next step isn’t clear. The hard days come, but so do the wins—and at the end of the day, there’s nothing more rewarding than building something that’s truly yours.
Moms are natural entrepreneurs. We’re expert multi-taskers, problem solvers, and strategic thinkers—we juggle schedules, manage chaos, and keep everything moving forward. That’s exactly what building a business requires. My advice? Embrace the long game. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but the persistence and patience that motherhood teaches you will serve you well. Start small, stay consistent, and trust that every step forward is building something bigger.”
Emily van Eyssen, Founder at Remote Recruitment
“In the beginning, I thought I had to handle everything – business strategy, marketing, and family life – but the real growth happened when I learned to delegate. By building a team I could trust and outsourcing wisely, my workload started to ease. Letting go of control was tough, but it was necessary for my business to thrive.
For any mums out there launching a business: don’t wait until you feel totally ready. There will never be a ‘perfect’ moment. And don’t underestimate the power of structure, because having clear processes in place can really take the pressure off and help balance family commitments.
Empathy isn’t a weakness. Leading an all-woman remote team has shown me that kindness is a huge driver of success. Being empathetic and being sharp can work together. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people, whether that’s mentors or a strong team. They’ll help carry you through the tough times.
Flexibility is one of your greatest strengths. When you build a business that reflects your values, not just someone else’s model, you set yourself up for success in both work and life. Make your path your own.”
Yi Lou, CEO and Founder of Eunice AI
“I’ve always felt that if we’re going to talk about ‘mumpreneurs’, we should be equally comfortable running features on ‘dadpreneurs’. The real conversation is about parenting while building a company – not just motherhood.”When I began fundraising for my startup just four months after my daughter was born, the harder question wasn’t “how did I do it?” – it was how my husband managed a lot without me. Honestly, I found those early months a gift in some ways: long hours breastfeeding gave me unexpected time to think deeply, while my partner and our nanny took on the heavy lifting. I know a unicorn founder who raised her seed round while pregnant and closed her Series A while breastfeeding. It’s not just about whether the mom is ready – it’s even more about whether the dad or the support system is.
Being a founder is hard. Being a parent is hard. Doing both forces you to become ruthlessly efficient, focused, and deeply pragmatic – and that’s not a liability but an edge. We rarely ask high-achieving fathers how they manage. We shouldn’t ask that of mothers either – at least not with a tone of surprise.”
Claire Ayles, Co-Founder, Eleven Hundred Agency
Francesca O’Connor, Founder of Litmus
“When I left agency life after having two kids, I didn’t leap, I crawled. Slowly. Out of burnout. Out of the mental load. Out of meetings that should’ve been emails. I wish I’d known that starting a business isn’t an escape plan. It’s a recalibration. You don’t get balance handed to you on a plate, you have to build it, day by day, in a way that actually works for your real life.Here’s what I’ve learned:
Burnout doesn’t magically disappear when you’re your own boss. You can still overload yourself, only now you’re the one writing the to-do list. You also get to edit it. Protect your energy. Be honest about what drains you and what fuels you. That goes for people too – pay attention to the energy you’re drawn to and the kind that quietly depletes you. When you find the right community, one that really gets you and lifts you up, it can be rocket fuel. But be selective. Not every room is your room.
Treat your business like a business, and it will treat you like one. If you treat it like a hobby, it’ll cost you like one. I learned this the hard way. In the early days, I squeezed my work into the leftover crumbs of time, and hadn’t quite worked out how to be productive with my time. Things shifted when I started honouring my business with proper time, structure, and space. Respect your work. Even if it’s just you at the kitchen table, act like the CEO.
Understand your rhythms. One of the most game-changing things I did was get brutally honest about when I work best, and when I don’t. I’m no good for deep thinking after 8pm. And barely after 3pm some days! Now I work with my energy, not against it. Real productivity isn’t about doing more – it’s about doing the right thing at the right time. Discipline actually feels really good when you get it right. There’s confidence in knowing you’ve built a system that works for you, not some Instagram version of a “boss mum.
You don’t need to be “on” all the time. One of the most surprising things was how powerful it is to build a business that actually looks and feels like you. Not polished, perfect, filtered you – but real, passionate, slightly frazzled, fully committed you. That’s what draws people in. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a strategy. Your mess can be magnetic if it’s shared with honesty and purpose.
Ask for help. Sooner than feels comfortable. You don’t get extra points for doing it all. Hire the virtual assistant. Say yes when someone offers to watch the kids. Outsource the stuff that drains you, if you can. Get a coach or mentor who’s walked this road before. The faster you stop doing everything yourself, the faster you can focus on what only you can do.
Motherhood has secretly been your training ground. No one gets shit done better than a working mum. Motherhood builds a kind of resilience, clarity and focus. You make decisions faster. You don’t have time to overthink. You know how to prioritise under pressure. These aren’t just soft skills, they’re serious leadership assets.
