From Deals To Diapers - Mompreneurs Can Handle It All

Some ask - ‘Oh but, how will you manage to be a mother and an entrepreneur simultaneously?’

And then others say - ‘You are at the peak of your career, you think it’s the right time to think about having a baby?’ 

More people add to this dilemma by stating - ‘If you don’t have the baby now, and just focus solely on your career, you might regret it later.’

These inquiries and comments stir unease in some, while for others, they unearth feelings of sadness and suppressed memories.

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Sure, no one ever said that being an entrepreneur and a mother is an easy feat. But why is there a need to choose? And who made the rules which imply that a woman can’t have it all? 

Sometimes these thoughts create a dilemma in my mind and considering I’m neither an entrepreneur nor a mother, I decided to speak to the ones who are playing these roles quite well. I reached out to Viktorija Aksionova - mother to a 5-year-old and founder of MindTales and Esther O'Callaghan - mother to a 20-year-old and founder of Hundo.xyz - and their answers gave me some hope while they made sure to not sugarcoat anything.

The transformative power of motherhood

A study conducted by Harvard Business Review revealed that women entrepreneurs who are mothers tend to have higher levels of emotional intelligence and resilience, which are critical factors for business success. 

Viktorija reflects on how motherhood reshaped her approach to entrepreneurship. “I've become a lot more disciplined with my time. There's a truth to the Pareto Principle, focusing on the 20% of activities that drive 80% of the results. Now, I prioritise ruthlessly. This laser focus allows me to be present for my family while making significant progress with my startup.” 

Esther echoes similar sentiments, rejecting the widespread notion of work-life balance. Instead, she believes that “it is rewarding to see something you have built exist in the world but if you are striving to achieve balance, being an entrepreneur is not a balanced life - it's more like a balancing act akin to walking a tightrope 150 meters off the ground without a safety net i.e. not for the faint of heart.” 

A peek into the reality

Yet, the path of motherhood and entrepreneurship is not without its challenges. Both Esther and Viktorija recount moments of crossroads, where difficult choices had to be made. Esther reflects on her decision to forgo a career in international DJ-ing to prioritise her son's well-being, a choice laden with sacrifice yet devoid of regret. 

Viktorija emphasises the rollercoaster nature of entrepreneurship, demanding endurance and resilience in the face of adversity. “For instance, there are days when an important email has to wait because my child needs my attention. While guilt can sometimes sneak in, I've found that open communication with my team, delegating tasks when feasible, and relying on my support system have been invaluable.”

When asked, both Esther and Viktorija recognize that self-care isn't selfish; it's essential for sustainable success in both motherhood and entrepreneurship. While Esther relies on endurance training and switching off the devices for some time, Viktorija relies on taking peaceful morning and evening walks in nature that help her connect with herself and find some peace even on chaotic days.  In doing so, they set a powerful example for fellow women entrepreneurs, demonstrating that self-care is not only a luxury but a necessity for long-term success and fulfillment.

Are the stereotypes really broken? 

Question: Traditionally, society expected women to cater only to their families and especially, their children. While we see that significantly changing, do you think traces still remain of that patriarchal mindset? 

Viktorija: While progress has been made in challenging traditional gender roles and expectations, there are still lingering stereotypes and expectations that suggest women should prioritise their families and children over their careers or personal ambitions. However, this is changing, and it starts with each woman, how they behave, and the boundaries they set for what kind of behaviour they accept from others. 

Esther: Less than 2% of Venture Capital funding goes to female founders despite the fact that diverse teams perform better.  There is a long way to go but I don’t think it is helpful to compare mothers who make the choice to parent as a full time role against those who choose to become entrepreneurs.  Parenting is the hardest job in the world and I have a huge amount of respect for mothers who choose to do that as a full time job.

Despite lingering traces of traditional gender roles, the tide is shifting, thanks to the courage and determination of women like Esther and Viktorija. 

Practical adjustments in businesses for working mothers

Recognising and relating to the unique challenges faced by mothers, particularly single mothers, in balancing work and family responsibilities, companies like MindTales are pioneering inclusive practices. Flexible work arrangements, supportive company cultures, and wellness programs are instrumental in creating an environment where mothers can thrive professionally without compromising on their dreams or their children's well-being. 

Whereas Esther says that their “HR policies are favorable to parents, offering the maximum maternity and paternity leave among other elements. The perception that working mothers are a liability should be confined to the history books. It is not unreasonable to make reasonable adjustments that make it practically possible for working mothers to work.”

By advocating for reasonable adjustments and fostering a culture of understanding, these companies are championing gender equality and parental empowerment.

Lessons learned and legacy passed on

When asked about what lessons have they learned from their children which has helped them become better entrepreneurs - both of them spoke about how their children remind them to be more curious and observant. Even when young they can understand the emotions of others, so it’s essential to be honest with them if you’ve had a bad day at work.  As they navigate the delicate balance between entrepreneurship and motherhood, these lessons serve as guiding lights, illuminating the path forward with wisdom and clarity.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship and motherhood, moments of pride and self-reflection emerge, reminding mothers of their resilience and impact. 

Viktorija recalls, "A few months ago, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a panel discussion about eco-grief and eco-anxiety at COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference. As I spoke about the emotional toll climate change takes on all of us, particularly mothers worried about their children's future, I glanced towards the back of the room. 

There, amidst the sea of serious faces, sat my husband, beaming with pride. In his arms was our little five-month-old son, peacefully nestled in a carrier. I knew I was doing something right—not just for the sake of raising awareness but for my son's future and for the future of all moms who dream of making a difference in the world, even while juggling the demands of parenthood."

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As I finish writing this article on the occasion of Mother’s Day, there is a feeling of solace and respect for the women who defy stereotypes, break barriers, and rewrite the narrative of success. Esther and Viktorija's stories remind us that motherhood and entrepreneurship are not mutually exclusive but rather intertwined journeys of growth, learning, and transformation. Through their experiences, we find inspiration, hope, and a renewed sense of possibility, reaffirming the belief that women can indeed have it all - thriving careers, loving families, and boundless opportunities for success.