Being a mother is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. But being a mother who also runs a business? That’s a whole new level of challenge and fulfilment.
The juggle is real, and the days can be messy (sometimes the house too!) but the satisfaction that comes from learning, growing, and helping clients makes it all worth it.
As a mum to three young children—aged 1, 5, and 8 my life is a whirlwind of school runs, playdates, and work meetings. There are days when it feels like I’m trying to balance a dozen spinning plates at once. And yes, there are moments when the idea of a lazy day at home, curled up in front of ABC Kids with the little ones, sounds incredibly tempting. But for me, I’ve always needed more than making snacks and changing nappies!
Don’t get me wrong—I love being a mum. My children are my world, and they will always be my #1 priority. That will never change. But there’s a part of me that craves more—more growth, more learning, more of the satisfaction that comes from running a business and helping others. And I believe that by showing my children, especially my two daughters, that mum works, I’m teaching them one of life’s most valuable lessons: the importance of independence.
I come from a divorced family, and I saw firsthand how my mum struggled at times to make ends meet. But no matter what, she was a damn good mum. She taught me the value of ‘if you wanted something you had to work for it’, resilience, and the importance of being able to stand on your own two feet. These are lessons that have stayed with me, and they’re lessons I want to pass on to my children.
When I first went on maternity leave, it was at the peak of my career. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Excitement because I was about to embark on the incredible journey of motherhood, and anxiety because I was stepping away from a career that I had worked so hard to build. But as the weeks turned into months, I realised something important: I didn’t have to choose between being a great mum and being successful in my career. I could do both.
It hasn’t always been easy. There have been late nights and early mornings, moments of doubt, and times when I felt like I was falling short in both roles. But through it all, I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help, to lean on others, and to give myself grace. I’ve also learned the importance of being present—whether I’m at home with my children or at work with clients, I strive to be fully in the moment.
There’s a unique joy that comes from showing my children what it means to chase your dreams while also being there for them. They see me working hard, they see the ups and downs, and they see that it’s possible to pursue your passions while also being the best mum you can be. And in doing so, I hope I’m teaching them that they, too, can be whatever they want to be—that they don’t have to choose between their ambitions and their family.
At the end of the day, the house may not always be tidy, and there may be a mountain of laundry waiting for me. But the look of pride in my children’s eyes when they see me show up for them at a school event- That’s worth more than anything!
Balancing business with motherhood is a constant juggle, but it’s a juggle I wouldn’t trade for the world. Because the reward—the satisfaction of growing both a family and a career is so much greater than the challenges.
But amidst the chaos, I’ve found a few trusty hacks that help me stay present with my kids and on top of my work. Here’s how I keep it all together (most of the time!):
Time Blocking is my first lifesaver. I break my day into dedicated blocks of time for work, kids, and everything in between. This way, when I’m with my kids, I’m fully there, and when I’m working, I’m focused. It doesn’t mean the schedule is always perfect but having a framework helps me navigate the day with a little more sanity.
Another hack I swear by? Buy a slow cooker. Not only does the house smell delicious all day, but it also saves me from the nightmare of trying to cook dinner in the chaos of bath time and homework. By the time we’re all done with the evening routine, dinner is ready and waiting—a small win that feels like a big victory!
One of the most important hacks I’ve discovered is waking up before the kids. No one wants to be “on” the minute they wake up, and for me, that little bit of quiet time in the morning is golden. I may not drink coffee, but I need my cup of tea and a minute alone before the child demands start. It’s a simple ritual that helps me start the day on my own terms.
Now for the laundry. With three kids and a business, the laundry can pile up faster than you can say “where are my socks?” That’s why I aim to do a load of washing every day. It’s a small task, but it keeps the laundry mountain from turning into Everest, and it’s one less thing to worry about when I’m juggling a hundred other things!
Balancing work and family life also means finding time for my husband and I, even in the thick of a new baby. Date nights might be a challenge, but luckily, my husband is also self-employed, so we manage to squeeze in a breaky or lunch together. We prioritise these moments to get some quality time in while the baby naps. Speaking of naps, our little one has always been seasoned to sleep anywhere! I may not be the most “routine” type of mum when it comes to sleep times, but that flexibility works for us because the baby can nap on the go!
But here’s the thing—no matter how many hacks or tricks I have up my sleeve, being the mum I want to be is about more than just managing the chaos. It’s about being there for my kids, always. If they need me to volunteer as a parent helper on an excursion, I’m there. I never miss an award ceremony, and if they’re unwell, I’m right there with all the cuddles they need. My kids don’t have to go to before or after-school care because I’m available for every drop-off and pick-up. And that’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world.
A quote I came across not long ago really hit home for me: “You only have 18 Summers with your kids, so soak it in while you can.” When I had my first daughter, the days seemed to stretch on forever. But by the time we welcomed our third little one, I realised just how quickly time flies. You bring them home as a newborn, and before you know it, they’re off to school with a backpack bigger than they are.
This year, my resolution is simple: to soak up every minute. To be present in the moments that matter, whether I’m working on a task or playing hide-and-seek. The days may be messy, the to-do list may never end, and there may be more than a few detours along the way. But the reward? It’s so much greater than the challenges.
Because at the end of the day, I’m not just building a business—I’m building memories with my children. And that’s the greatest accomplishment of all.
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