How Mompreneurs Do It All: Exclusive Insights on Balancing Business and Motherhood Straight from the Supermoms

Mother's Day

Subham Kumar

May 9, 2024 — 14 min read

Mompreneurs Share Tips on Balancing Business and Motherhood

You know, Mother's Day is not just about giving flowers or cards to our mothers. It's a chance for us to really thank our amazing moms who are always there for us, no matter what. We all know that one day is nowhere enough to show how much we love and appreciate our moms. But still, it is important to take a moment and celebrate all the love, care, and unconditional support we get from them every day.

In tune with the celebration of this beautiful day, we at StartupTalky connected with some amazing mompreneurs to hear how they balance both being a mom and running a business. These awesome mompreneurs also shared their personal strategies that proved to be helpful for them while juggling between the duties of motherhood and the growth of their businesses.

Prity Kumar, Group Managing Director, Alphard Group
Maithreye Murali, Founder & CEO, MiracleMe
Aditi Talwar, Co-Founder, Green Grapes Diagnostics
Sahana Rai, Founder & CEO, Glocal Brand Solutions
Pallavi Goorha Kashyup, Founder & CEO, PG Communication
Nikita Bachani, CEO & Founder, Alkymi Media
Jaya Bhura, Co-Founder and Director of Chakraview Solutions
Digisha Shah, PR & Brand Consultant and Founder of DSPR
Bindya Talluri, Founder, Bindt Beauty
Pallavi Jha, MD and Chairperson, Walchand PeopleFirst Limited and Dale Carnegie Training
Richa Malhan, CEO & Founder Rcube Hospitality
Chanda Singh, CEO, XP&D
Archana Khosla Burman, Founder Partner, Vertices Partners
Gunjita Singhal, Co-Founder & CMO, Cafe & Club Roadies | Roadies Gyms
Gauri Varma, Chef, Founder G Patisserie / Confect
Payal Nambiar, Founder and CEO, B Square

Prity Kumar, Group Managing Director, Alphard Group

Balancing the roles of motherhood and entrepreneurship is undoubtedly a challenge, but it's one I've learned to navigate with intention and flexibility. Firstly, I prioritize effective time management. This involves setting clear boundaries between work and family time, scheduling tasks and appointments, and maximizing productivity during dedicated work hours. Communication is also crucial. I ensure open and honest communication with my family and team, setting realistic expectations and asking for support when needed. Delegating tasks at home and in the business allows me to focus on high-priority activities while fostering teamwork and shared responsibility. Self-care is non-negotiable.

I recognize the importance of prioritizing my physical and mental well-being, whether it's through exercise, meditation, or simply taking moments to recharge. By nurturing myself, I can be the best version of myself for my family and business. Flexibility is essential. I've learned to embrace the unpredictability of both motherhood and entrepreneurship, adapting to changing circumstances and being willing to pivot when necessary. This flexibility allows me to roll with the punches and creatively solve challenges.

Ultimately, finding balance is an ongoing journey, not a destination. By staying true to my values, staying organized, communicating effectively, prioritizing self-care, and remaining adaptable, I can successfully navigate the complexities of being both a mother and an entrepreneur. I thank my mother, Manju Sharma, for guiding me through this journey.

Maithreye Murali, Founder & CEO, MiracleMe

Motherhood to entrepreneurship indeed presents some unique challenges that call for both treading with a fine balance and resilience. Guilt over divided attention abounds, but setting boundaries and maximizing focused time is key. Insights gained include the power of disciplined routines, effective delegation, and relying on a supportive network. Overcoming hurdles strengthens both personal and business growth, fostering adaptability and resourcefulness.

Embracing sacrifice and leaning on my support systems, I have learned to make my way through this murky and treacherous labyrinth of dual demands, both from motherhood and entrepreneurship, managing to finally find fulfillment in them.

Aditi Talwar, Co-Founder, Green Grapes Diagnostics

In both business and family life, I adhere to a fundamental principle: prioritizing tasks based on their urgency and importance. This approach, coupled with setting realistic goals and deadlines, ensures efficient time allocation. Additionally, delegating tasks whenever feasible, be it hiring assistance for household chores or outsourcing certain business responsibilities, is essential. Establishing a dependable support network is imperative for navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship and parenthood.

Equally critical is prioritizing self-care. Maintaining personal well-being is indispensable for achieving success in both spheres. Whether it includes indulging in moments of relaxation, exercise, embarking on travel adventures, or pursuing hobbies, integrating self-nurturing activities into daily routines fosters enduring balance and contentment.

Sahana Rai, Founder & CEO, Glocal Brand Solutions

Balance is a myth, I believe because it is practically impossible. The idea of 'balance' suggests that you can give equal time and energy to both your business and your family, but in reality, that's not always feasible. One day, there is a major crisis at work. On that day, you will have to put all your focus and energy into work; on another day, it could be your kid or husband who needs your attention, and then you will need to focus on home.

However, building systems and putting timelines in place is essential. A sound support system is vital to fall back on, like house help or good machines to make your work easy or daycare to ensure kids are cared for. At work, make sure you are building a good team, who can manage work without your constant intervention. Remember, you don't have to do it alone; a robust support system is key to managing the demands of both roles.

Pallavi Goorha Kashyup, Founder & CEO, PG Communication

Harmonizing motherhood with business growth required careful planning and real-time management. I established clear boundaries between work and family time, committing specific hours to each aspect of my life. Setting realistic expectations for myself and learning to say no to unnecessary commitments helped me maintain this balance.

Moreover, involving Ananya in my entrepreneurial journey from a young age inculcated in her a sense of resilience and determination. We grew together, finding joy in each other's achievements and supporting one another through challenges. I encouraged Ananya into the vibrant world of art from the age of 3, guiding her through exhibitions and art competitions, nurturing her creative spirit every step of the way. Ultimately, this experience strengthened not only my business but also my bond with my daughter, fostering a sense of mutual understanding and shared purpose.

Nikita Bachani, CEO & Founder, Alkymi Media

I am still learning to balance motherhood and business. Some days there are new challenges that you are unaware about, but you try to stay calm and solution can be found. Setting your goal right and having a plan, makes it easy to navigate your roadmap. Before I start my day, I try to keep a to-do work wise that makes me efficient and at the same time helps me plan my day with the baby too. Building a strong team will help you grow your business, focus on the team. Be resilient, know that every challenge is temporary. Be open to change, don’t restrict yourself from learning.

Jaya Bhura, Co-Founder and Director of Chakraview Solutions

Balancing motherhood and a growing business is a constant dance. Here are a few strategies that have been most helpful for me. First and foremost, prioritizing time and fostering open communication with my children has been crucial. They appreciate knowing my schedule and why I might be unavailable at times. This creates a sense of trust and understanding within the family.

Secondly, carving out quality time together, even if it's just simple activities like gardening or weekend outings, allows us to connect and build lasting memories. Finally, building a strong support system, both at home and work, has been invaluable. I started working in my late 30s, so having a reliable team at the office allows me to focus on my family with peace of mind, and vice versa.

It's about finding that balance and knowing that you have a strong network to support you.

Digisha Shah, PR & Brand Consultant and Founder of DSPR

After becoming a mother, I have learned to value my time more and manage it efficiently. At work, prioritizing and delegating tasks have been essential. Prioritizing the right clients and saying no to those whose vision does not align with our agency has created time and bandwidth for bigger opportunities and brands. Delegating tasks within the team was scary in the beginning but led to more growth and better quality work in the long term, It helped me to focus on bigger things like business growth and the quality enhancement of our work as an agency.

Balancing my roles as a mother and entrepreneur can be tiring, but switching between them helps prevent overthinking and keeps me productive. I feel communicating about my availability as an entrepreneur is also crucial to keep things running smoothly. Taking time for self-reflection and planning each day helps me manage both my personal and professional lives. Instead of jumping to conclusions when things don't go as planned, adopt a solution-oriented approach to make things work.

I maintain a simple, healthy diet and practice regular physical activity like walking and yoga to calm my mind and regulate my energy levels. It's a holistic approach—working on all aspects of myself helps me make the system work, says Digisha.

Bindya Talluri, Founder, Bindt Beauty

For me, motherhood takes precedence. I structure my day around both my business commitments and my son's schedule. I prioritize spending time with him in the mornings before school and after he returns home (occasionally even picking him up from school). This routine provides him with a sense of stability. During my meetings, he understands that I need that space to focus and respects it, which minimizes disruptions. Given the nature of startups where work is incessant, I make a concerted effort not to let work calls interfere during quality time with him.

Recognizing that children absorb energy, I'm mindful of maintaining a positive atmosphere, especially on challenging workdays. I believe this balancing act is a common struggle for working women across all levels, from CEOs to interns, and perseverance is key in navigating it successfully.

Pallavi Jha, MD and Chairperson, Walchand PeopleFirst Limited and Dale Carnegie Training

Being a perfectionist, I used to live with constant guilt for not being able to give full time to either. I began to leverage my strengths and skills to not just handle my business but also my house and personal commitments. For example, I have great planning skills that help me execute business strategies and get work done efficiently. I can pack in more as a result.

Even house tasks and time with family is handled in the same way. I realised that at work one finds a way to hold people accountable, I deployed the same approaches at home. I learnt from my business that to grow and do more, one has to invest and delegate, so I began to invest in resources and support system at home to help me find time and improve the quality of life. Slowly I also learnt to set boundaries, live in the present moment and enjoy whatever I was doing.

Richa Malhan, CEO & Founder Rcube Hospitality

Balancing the demands of motherhood with the growth of my business has required careful planning and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. One of the most effective strategies I've found is setting clear boundaries and establishing routines that allow me to dedicate quality time to both my family and my work. Additionally, leveraging technology and outsourcing certain tasks has helped alleviate some of the pressure, allowing me to focus on the aspects of my business that require my personal attention.

Ultimately, the key to successfully balancing motherhood and business growth lies in maintaining open communication with my family and my team, as well as practicing self-care to ensure I have the energy and resilience to tackle the challenges that come my way. By embracing these strategies and staying true to my values, I've been able to nurture both my family and my business, achieving growth and success in both aspects of my life.

Chanda Singh, CEO, XP&D

Balancing motherhood with business growth is undoubtedly a challenge, but it's certainly manageable with some thoughtful strategies. Here are a few that have proven effective for my entrepreneurial journey:

Effective Time Management: Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Utilize tools like calendars, to-do lists, and time-tracking apps to stay organized and focused.
Delegate and Outsource: Recognize that you can't do everything yourself. Delegate tasks at home and in the business where possible.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Embrace flexibility in your work arrangements. This might involve working remotely, setting flexible hours, or creating a home office environment that allows you to be present for your child while still being productive.
Establish Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and family time.
Self-Care and Support Networks: Remember to prioritize self-care to maintain your physical and mental well-being.
Set Realistic Expectations: Accept that you won't always be able to achieve perfection in both motherhood and business simultaneously. Be kind to yourself and recognize that it's okay to ask for help or adjust your goals when necessary.

Ultimately, finding the right balance between motherhood and business growth requires experimentation and adaptation to suit your unique circumstances. Keep exploring different strategies until you find what works best for you and your family.

Archana Khosla Burman, Founder Partner, Vertices Partners

The hats of a mother and an entrepreneur that I wear have had their unique transformational impact on my life. In both scenarios a few strategies have helped me find equilibrium to bring forth personal fulfilment and professional success.

Prioritizing and Flexibility: Completing responsibilities based on their importance and impact can help avoid conflicts between personal and work responsibilities. Adapting flexible work arrangements whenever possible allows me to handle unforeseen family needs or emergencies without ignoring my professional duties.
Leveraging Technology: In today's digital era, technology is a powerful tool. Using productivity tools, communication platforms, and remote work options allows me to stay connected and coordinated. Using platforms such as Zoom, Teams, Skype, WhatsApp etc. helps me stay connected with my child or my work, when it’s physically impossible.
Quality Over Quantity: Striving for our own perceptions of perfection can sometimes hinder progress. Instead, I aspire for efficiency in both my work and personal life. At work, I focus on streamlining processes, automating repetitive tasks, and concentrating on achieving outcomes rather than getting caught in small details. Similarly, with my child, I prioritize quality interactions.
Having a Support Network: Surrounding myself with a strong support network has been instrumental in steering the complexities of motherhood and entrepreneurship. These include friends, mentors, fellow parents, and entrepreneurs in my life who understand the challenges I face. Whether I need support arranging playdates for my child or seeking insights for my business, I know my network is there to lend a helping hand.

Gunjita Singhal, Co-Founder & CMO, Cafe & Club Roadies | Roadies Gyms

Being a mother of two boys and Co-Founder of Cafe Roadies & Gym, has taught me to manage my time wisely and give priority to family while growing the business. I have helped Cafe Roadies become an all-inclusive F&B and nightlife brand with my marketing background.

We have been able to grow a loyal customer base by employing effective digital marketing strategies combined with community involvement. Throughout these achievements, I consistently fostered work-life balance even in situations where time was limited or the business was at its early stages; this was achieved through active participation in events as a way of leading by example. Implementing flexible work arrangements and leveraging technology for remote communication has allowed me to stay connected with my team while fulfilling my maternal duties.

In future, I want Cafe Roadies to be more visible than it already is and offer new menu options that incorporate current trends in cocktails. What has kept me on track all along was commitment; planning strategically for every step taken towards nurturing both my children’s growths alongside their personal businesses’ success stories thus making others realize how possible it is to live life to the maximum while balancing between parenthood and entrepreneurship.

Despite the constraints, my passion for entrepreneurship and dedication to my family has fueled my drive to succeed. By prioritizing tasks, leveraging support systems, and maintaining a clear vision, I've managed to harmonize the demands of motherhood with the dynamic growth of Cafe Roadies.

Gauri Varma, Chef, Founder G Patisserie / Confect

Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship is a journey unique to every woman, yet it embodies a universal challenge. For me, the realization dawned soon after becoming a mother that adaptability is key. By integrating my son into my professional world, I ensured he understood my absence as not abandonment but a part of our lives. This not only alleviated my concerns but also allowed me to work with focus and precision. The decision to harmonize both roles was instinctual, sparked by a moment of determination mere hours after giving birth, symbolizing my commitment to this dual path.

Support, particularly from a partner, is pivotal in this equation. The pandemic underscored the shared responsibilities of home and work, fostering a partnership in my husband and I that was both understanding and equitable. This mutual respect and effort have been instrumental in creating a balanced family life, where decisions and responsibilities are shared, preventing any sense of resentment.

As our family and my business evolved, meticulous planning became our ally. By synchronizing our calendars, we ensure that personal and professional commitments are met without compromise. This strategy has fortified our family unit, allowing us to cherish our passions without forsaking our love for each other. In this journey of balance, adaptability, support, and planning are the cornerstones of a fulfilling life as a mother and entrepreneur.

Payal Nambiar, Founder and CEO, B Square

For work, start your day early with your yoga/,meditation or walks. Prepare your to-do list/your goals of the day in the morning when the whole world sleeps. Have all important numbers and online systems in hand for last-minute scenarios. Kids are not 3-4 years of responsibility. They are almost 20 years of full-fledged project. So enjoy being in each phase. Your own experience in handling things enhances your skills. In work, again it's about creating systems to automate your operations. Technology plays a major role in streamlining your operations and handling your teams. Be well-versed with new tools and run your show.

One has all the right to create their own story in their own way. So explore your capabilities and be the best version of yourself.

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