Balancing motherhood with career ambitions is a challenge countless women face, particularly as high childcare costs and inflexible work environments push many to the brink. For some, these obstacles have spurred a shift toward entrepreneurship, where the freedom to prioritize family without sacrificing professional fulfillment is becoming increasingly attainable. 

The impact of high childcare costs on mothers’ careers is profound, with 70% of moms reporting career sacrifices to meet their family’s needs and half attributing these sacrifices directly to childcare challenges. Additionally, 72% of mothers view childcare costs as a significant financial burden, underscoring that the lack of affordable options is a major barrier preventing mothers from fully engaging in the workforce. The demand for workplace flexibility is equally critical, with 61% of mothers noting that their employers have not introduced any new or additional forms of flexibility. Furthermore, 46% of mothers consider flexible work arrangements the most valuable benefit their employer could provide, and the absence of such arrangements has led 52% of mothers to contemplate leaving the workforce or reducing their hours.

Navigating Career and Family in the Digital World

Motherhood brings with it a spectrum of emotions, experiences, and responsibilities. For many modern women, this transformative journey also ignites a powerful entrepreneurial spirit. While deeply immersed in the joys and challenges of raising a child; new moms are increasingly eager to explore opportunities that allow them to express their individuality, pursue their passions, and achieve their career goals.

Kayla Elderkin and Chelsea Ouimet, Co-Founders of The Digital Hub, exemplify the powerful blend of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Kayla, a former psychiatric nurse, transitioned into an online CEO role after a three-month maternity leave following the birth of her second child. Recovering from a C-section, she quickly learned to monetize social media, allowing her to maximize family time while achieving remarkable success. As a Co-Founder of The Digital Hub, she is dedicated to innovating ways to serve her community while managing the challenges of single motherhood. 

Chelsea, also a former nurse and stay-at-home mom, sought to create a life of freedom for her family. After facing burnout from network marketing and multiple failed ventures, she returned to the digital realm with renewed vigor. Through mastering social media, Chelsea rapidly built a substantial following and transitioned from zero to a multi-seven-figure entrepreneur in just one year. Together, Kayla and Chelsea are passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and design their ideal lives, demonstrating that resilience and innovation can lead to success in both motherhood and entrepreneurship.

In this article, Kayla and Chelsea share practical tips, real-life examples, and strategies for integrating work and life seamlessly.

Time Management and Utilisation

One of the primary challenges for moms managing an online business from home is finding time alongside family responsibilities. A crucial first step is assessing how time is currently spent. 

“This was something we had a hard time wrapping our heads around at first. We didn’t believe we had ‘any time.’ When we examined our activities, we realized we were spending so much time scrolling social media or watching Netflix that we could easily use naps and bedtimes to build a business. And we did!” share Kayla and Chelsea.

A practical approach involves creating a structured daily schedule. Allocate specific blocks of time to both business activities and family responsibilities. For example, designate early mornings or late evenings for work-related tasks while reserving afternoons for family activities. This structured approach ensures that both business and family needs are met.

Leveraging Digital Education

Digital education is valuable for moms aiming to build a sustainable online business. Comprehensive training programs can provide crucial insights and tools necessary for success. These programs often cover various aspects of online business management, from setting up automated systems to content creation and digital marketing.

By investing time in digital education, moms can gain the skills required to streamline their business processes. This knowledge allows them to efficiently handle tasks such as video batching, email marketing, and social media management. Learning how to utilize these tools effectively can significantly enhance productivity, making it easier to balance business and family commitments.

Addressing Common Challenges

Starting an online business presents unique challenges, especially for mothers. A significant hurdle is overcoming self-doubt, particularly when stepping into the public eye on social media. Many moms feel apprehensive about promoting themselves or their businesses, often fearing judgment or questioning their passion.

“Putting yourself out there is hard. We were both very self-conscious and full of anxiety about being on social media in this new space, but we showed up anyway,” shared Kayla and Chelsea.

To tackle these challenges, it’s essential to build confidence and establish a support network. Engaging with other entrepreneurial moms or joining online communities can provide both encouragement and practical advice. Additionally, setting realistic goals and celebrating small successes can help to build momentum and confidence over time.

Utilizing Social Media

“Social media is free to use and promote, so why not take advantage of it? With over 5 million people using Instagram daily for everything from finding recipes and kids’ activities to decoration ideas, it’s an expansive platform for reaching a broad audience,” they explain. Kayla and Chelsea emphasize that leveraging social media to create free, educational, and valuable content is an effective strategy for building an online business. 

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter offer powerful tools. With millions of active users, these channels provide extensive reach at minimal cost. Moms can utilize social media to share valuable content, connect with potential customers, and establish a strong brand presence.

By creating engaging and educational content tailored to their target audience, entrepreneurs can boost visibility and attract followers. For instance, offering tips on work-life balance or sharing insights related to their business niche can deliver value to their audience and foster engagement. Consistent posting and active interaction with followers are crucial for building a loyal customer base and driving business growth.

Implementing Efficient Systems

To manage an online business effectively, implementing efficient systems and processes is crucial. Automation tools can streamline repetitive tasks such as scheduling social media posts, sending email newsletters, and managing customer interactions. This automation frees up time for more strategic activities and helps maintain consistency in business operations.

Additionally, using project management tools can help organize tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. These tools facilitate better planning and coordination, ensuring that business activities align with family schedules.

Finding Work-Life Integration

Kayla and Chelsea both emphasized that achieving a balance between work and family life goes beyond mere time management; it involves integrating strategies tailored to each individual’s circumstances. Setting clear boundaries between work and family time is crucial for avoiding burnout and nurturing relationships. For instance, creating a designated workspace can help establish a distinct separation between business and personal life.

Regularly reassessing priorities and adjusting plans as needed can also help maintain a healthy work-life balance. Flexibility is key; being open to adjusting schedules and expectations can accommodate unexpected family needs or changes in business demands.

Balancing family responsibilities with building an online business is achievable with careful planning and strategic approaches. By effectively managing time, leveraging digital education, addressing common challenges, utilizing social media, implementing efficient systems, and finding work-life integration, moms can successfully navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship while fulfilling their family roles. As they develop and refine their strategies, they can create a sustainable business model that supports both their professional and personal aspirations.

Kayla and Chelsea’s journey illustrates that, with the right support and resources, it’s possible to thrive both as a mother and as an entrepreneur, achieving professional fulfillment without sacrificing family priorities. As more women navigate this path, they are redefining what it means to balance motherhood with career aspirations, showing that it’s not only possible but deeply rewarding.

Published by: Khy Talara