❇️The Journey of Single Moms Becoming Entrepreneurs

Being a single mom comes with its own set of unique challenges and rewards. Balancing the demands of mommyhood with the ambition to build a successful career can be daunting. Yet, many single mothers are finding empowerment and financial independence by venturing into entrepreneurship. This journey, while challenging, offers a path to flexibility, personal growth, and the ability to create a legacy for their children.

My decision to own a business was born out of the intense desire to be present with my children. Presence required me to have control of my time. Besides an employer dominating my schedule, there was never enough money to pay all my bills. Things like vacations, the cool shoes all the other kids were wearing, or any extras at all was out of the question. I got so tired of never having enough, yet working my butt off while the owners I worked for went on the vacations, had the nice clothing, drove nice cars and gave their children the extras.

Has my entrepreneurial journey been easy? Definitely not, but it wasn’t easy being an employee, robbing my children of the time with me they deserved, and never being able to give them a good life they were so deserving of. That’s hard…that’s really hard.

1. The Drive Behind Single Mom Entrepreneurs

Resilience and Determination

Single moms often embody resilience and determination. These qualities are essential for entrepreneurship, where overcoming obstacles and persisting through challenges are part of the journey. The motivation to provide a better life for their children drives many single mothers to push through the barriers of starting and growing a business.

My desire to give my family a better life was my drive. I was determined to provide them with options; the freedom to choose their own path instead of what they thought they needed to settle for. When days got tough and I felt like quitting, I would remember why I started. That created the determination I needed to keep going.

Creating Financial Independence

Entrepreneurship provides a route to financial independence. By building a successful business, single moms can secure a stable income, reduce reliance on single-income support, and achieve long-term financial security for themselves and their families.

I remember well asking one of my employers for a raise. I dutifully listed all my roles and responsibilities, showed the market rate of pay for my jobs within the company and listed daycare as

one of my highest bills to pay illustrating where I was not making enough money to hold it all together. His response…”Why can’t you just get public assistance?”

2. Balancing Parenthood and Business

Flexible Schedules

One of the primary benefits of entrepreneurship for single moms is the ability to create flexible work schedules. Unlike traditional jobs with rigid hours, running a business allows single mothers to set their own schedules, making it easier to balance work and family responsibilities.

Summer break is challenging for me since my son is home, where I work. I’ve learned to get creative. What activities can we do that does not require my full attention? For example, I add one of his friends and give them swim time while I sit at a table in the shade, making it my office for the day. Some of our local attractions, like Urban Air, has a space to work while the kids play. I stick with the concept of ‘do what you can with what you got’.

Role Modeling for Children

By becoming entrepreneurs, single moms set powerful examples for their children. They demonstrate the values of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. This not only inspires their children but also instills a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation.

My older sons are grown now and have their own businesses. It was natural for them to seek entrepreneurship; they’ve watched me build companies since they were little. Cannon, the youngest still at home, sees his brothers, his Nana, his Dad, and his Mom, all entrepreneurs, build and grow our businesses daily. I’ll be shocked if he chooses to be an employee.

3. Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Time Management

Balancing the demands of running a business and parenting can be challenging. Effective time management is crucial. Prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and using tools like calendars and to-do lists can help single mom entrepreneurs stay organized and productive.

I have learned to set a strict schedule of working while Cannon is at school. An occasional Zoom call or seminar may pull away during the evening hours, but it’s not often. Times when I have a weekend event for an Airbnb emergency, Cannon tags along with me and learns how ‘Mommy’s businesses operate’ which is good for him. Everyone I do business with knows my child may be with me and if that’s an issue, they are welcome to do business with someone else. Being a mom comes first ALWAYS!

Finding Support Networks

Building a support network is essential. This includes family, friends, and professional networks. Joining groups and associations for women entrepreneurs can provide valuable resources, mentorship, and encouragement. Online communities and local business groups can also offer support and networking opportunities.

My girlfriends and I work together to provide care for our children when work calls me away. As I mentioned before, summer break is the most challenging time since all the kids are out of school. We make it happen. We get creative and we support one another.

Access to Funding

Securing funding can be a significant hurdle. Single moms can explore various funding options such as small business loans, grants specifically for women entrepreneurs, and crowdfunding platforms. Developing a solid business plan and seeking advice from financial advisors can improve the chances of obtaining funding.

Depending on the type of business you seek to build, funding may not be necessary. However, in my free book, Mind Your Own Business: 6 Steps To Building Your Dream Business From Scratch, I cover lots of funding options and how you can start your business with no money. I did! I was broke, completely broke when I started my coaching business. If you really want it, you will find a way to make it happen!

4. Success Stories of Single Mom Entrepreneurs

Inspiring Examples

Many single moms have built successful businesses, turning their challenges into strengths. For instance, Sophie Amoruso started Nasty Gal from scratch, growing it into a multimillion-dollar fashion retailer. J.K. Rowling, though not a traditional entrepreneur, turned her struggles into the globally successful Harry Potter franchise, showing that determination and creativity can lead to extraordinary success.

All the odds were against me with every business I’ve started. I didn’t have the education. I didn’t have any money, no credit, no wealthy parents to help me out. I did not even have the luxury of child support. What I did have was a dream and the intense desire backed by insane determination to make it happen.

Learning from Others

Learning from the experiences of other single mom entrepreneurs can provide valuable insights. Books, podcasts, and blogs featuring successful single moms can offer inspiration, practical advice, and strategies for overcoming common challenges.

When I first started, I took advantage of every free resource I could find. Sometimes it was YouTube videos, free books, and asking tons of questions of the business owners I worked for. Understanding the need for those resources is why I wrote Mind Your Own Business: 6 Steps To Building Your Dream Business From Scratch. I want every Mom to have access to ALL the information needed to start, grow and maintain her own business.

5. Steps to Starting Your Own Business

Identify Your Passion and Skills

Start by identifying what you are passionate about and where your skills lie. Combining these elements can lead to a business idea that you are not only excited about but also well-equipped to run.

Create a Business Plan

Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your business goals, target market, competitive analysis, and financial projections. A well-crafted business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding your business decisions.

Leverage Technology

Utilize technology to streamline your business operations. Online tools for project management, accounting, and marketing can save time and reduce the administrative burden, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

I cover all the above in my free book, Mind Your Own Business: 6 Steps To Building Your Dream Business From Scratch. Snag your copy and give your children the life you dream of giving them…ON YOUR TERMS!