The right attitude for mompreneurs

My Journey as a Mompreneur: Breaking Barriers and Building Dreams

In 2009, I found myself in a situation that would define my entrepreneurial journey. Pregnant and fundraising, I experienced firsthand the harsh realities facing mothers in the startup ecosystem. My co-founders were privately pulled aside and told bluntly that funding was contingent on my departure. The message was clear: motherhood and entrepreneurship were seen as incompatible.

A Story That Refuses to Fade

I thought these discriminatory narratives were a thing of the past. But recently, a call from a first-time founder and expecting mother shattered that hope. She was preparing for her maternity leave when an investor suggested adding another person to the cap table – essentially proposing a takeover during her absence. The echoes of my own experience from 14 years ago rang painfully familiar.

My Belief: Startups Are Living, Breathing Entities

To me, startups are as much of a "baby" as a newborn child. They require nurturing, patience, dedication, and unconditional love. Just like children, they grow, evolve, and sometimes surprise you. And just like motherhood, entrepreneurship is not a linear journey.

The Mompreneur's Unspoken Truth

I've watched countless mothers who have built businesses, given birth, and then seamlessly returned to their entrepreneurial paths. These women are not just multitaskers; they are force of nature. Each mompreneur I've met has a story of resilience that could fill volumes.

My Personal Manifesto

Here's what I know to be true: Mothers have nothing left to prove, but everything left to accomplish. We don't need validation; we need opportunities. We don't seek permission; we create pathways.

The Challenges We Face

• Investor bias
• Societal expectations
• Outdated workplace norms
• Constant juggling of responsibilities

My Observations as a Mompreneur

The startup world often views motherhood as a liability. But I see it differently. Becoming a mother made me a better entrepreneur. The skills I developed – patience, strategic planning, emotional intelligence, crisis management – are the same skills that drive successful businesses.

The Emotional Landscape of a Mompreneur

It's not just about professional achievements. It's about creating a life that integrates both personal passion and professional ambition. As a mompreneur, I've learned that success isn't about choosing between being a mother or an entrepreneur – it's about being both, unapologetically.

Technology: Our Great Equalizer

Digital platforms have been game-changers for mompreneurs like me. Cloud-based tools, flexible working models, and global connectivity have transformed how we work and compete.

A Message to Aspiring Mompreneurs

To every mother with a dream: Your journey is valid. Your ambitions matter. Your presence in the entrepreneurial ecosystem is not just welcome; it's essential.

My Advice

• Trust your instincts
• Build a support system
• Don't apologize for your dual roles
• Celebrate your unique strengths

The Ongoing Conversation

The narrative is slowly changing, but we're not there yet. Each mompreneur who steps forward, who builds, who succeeds, chips away at the outdated notion that motherhood and entrepreneurship are mutually exclusive.

A Personal Reflection

I often wonder about the potential we're losing when we sideline mothers in professional spaces. How many innovative solutions, groundbreaking ideas, and transformative businesses are we missing?

Call to Action

Share your story. Support other mompreneurs. Challenge the status quo. Every conversation, every shared experience, moves us closer to meaningful change.

Final Thought: Motherhood is not a career pause. It's a superpower.