Time-Tested Business Success Tips for Single Mom Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship is never a walk in the park–not for men, not for women. However, the going is often much tougher for single mom entrepreneurs. Nonetheless, when you’re smart, creative, and sufficiently determined, you can single-handedly raise your child and still make it in the business world. 

Entrepreneurship, just like motherhood, is not a nine to five job. Some days, I stay up until 3 a.m. working and then have to do a 7 a.m. child drop-off at school. Be kind to yourself. Make time for yourself, even if it’s just to breathe and smell the air. Kids are going to make messes... - Karla Campos

Challenges for Single Mom Entrepreneurs

As an entrepreneur, you’re a special breed and will not always have someone who understands why you’re so passionate about pursuing your dream. Also, you have a child or two that solely depends on you for upkeep. When banks fail to lend to your startup, or you can’t raise seed money, there’s usually no partner to turn to for financial assistance. You must overcome these obstacles to succeed as a single mom in business.   

Tips to Become Successful Single Mom Entrepreneurs

• Make your child a priority: When you’re your own boss, it’s easier to make time for your child or children when they fall ill or need your presence at a school event.
• Review your schedule: There’ll be nights when you have to work late after your kids go to sleep or earlier than usual in the morning before they wake up for school.
• Don’t neglect self-care: Make sure you have at least seven hours of a good night’s rest–it’s required for optimal brain health and function. Also, make time for fun things to do with your child. 
• Dedicate time to work on your business: This can be a few hours a week when you focus on developing your business and innovating.
• Keep expenses in check: Manage your financial affairs like a CEO. This means allocating an appropriate budget for the three most important items in your life: your child’s future, yourself, and the business. 

More: 6 Top Financing Options for Small Businesses

Single Mom Entrepreneurs Share Their Best Business Advice

Here are some nuggets of wisdom from successful single-mom entrepreneurs:

1. Accept you’re a single mom–Angela Benton

The founder and CEO of NewMe advocates for positive thinking when you become a single mom. Once you own your status, you can focus on harnessing the entrepreneurial skills that naturally come with it, from multitasking and smartly managing a tight budget to creativity and problem-solving.

2. Take it easy–Karla Campos

Karla Campos is the founder of Social Media Sass, which provides digital marketing training, and she single-handedly raises her three children. The accomplished entrepreneur believes that moms like her who are in business should always take a deserved break, even if it’s just to experience the fresh air. Karla says, “Entrepreneurship, just like motherhood, is not a nine to five job. Some days, I stay up until 3 a.m. working and then have to do a 7 a.m. child drop-off at school. Be kind to yourself. Make time for yourself, even if it’s just to breathe and smell the air. Kids are going to make messes. They are going to eat your reports and download viruses to your computer. Your best weapon is a sense of humor.”

3. Draw inspiration from all around you– Melissa Kieling

Melissa Kieling founded PackIt, which is today worth about $14 million. When she couldn’t find a product that could preserve and keep her children’s packed meals cool until lunchtime, she invented the PackIt Personal Cooler to solve the problem. Melisa advises single moms to find inspiration to innovate from their everyday struggles.

Source: Entrepreneur

Also Read: 10 Qualities of a Successful Entrepreneur That You Can Learn From

Ventura Women-Owned Businesses Reaching Great Heights

Here are some Ventura County women making it big in business:

• Catherine Von Burg, co-founder and CEO of Oxnard-based SimpliPhi Power  
• Michelle Wilner, co-founder and CEO of Newbury Park-based VIRTIS 
• Breanne Cochran, Vent Human Performance Center founder 
• Alison Kenis, Sugar Lab Bake Shop founder 
• Christina Shaffer, founded the Law Office of Christina Shaffer 
• Lisa Barreto, Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation 

Also Read: How Black Female Entrepreneurs Can Succeed in Their Venture

Do you need help launching a start-up in Ventura County? At Business Forward Ventura County, we help businesses get on their feet. For more information on getting started, contact us today.