Becoming a Mom-preneur During a Pandemic

If you would’ve told me at the beginning of the year that I would have had to stay home, survive a pandemic, find myself unemployed and scramble to start an online business, I would have said “I HIGHLY doubt that.”

Now, to my dismay, all of that has come true. I have stayed home, for many, many months, as I’m sure a lot of my readers have done…or not. I have survived the pandemic thus far by avoiding people like the plague, replacing my grocery trips with insta-cart food delivery and disinfecting the heck out of my hands and anything coming into my home. Not to mention those of a two and half year old toddler. The current situation has prompted my long-overdue resignation and I am finally taking real action towards my dream of working from home.

When I thought about joining the world of e-commerce, I never imagined it becoming my sink or swim, back against the wall, all-or-nothing test of all time, but it has. Maybe for the best. A blessing in disguise really because I would have prolonged taking the necessary steps needed to become my own boss. While this would be fine and dandy if I was a single, carefree woman, my anxiety has been heightened to the Nth degree because I am the mother of a beautiful toddler that depends on me.

Not just financially, but emotionally.

Requiring me to be constantly present in her presence and the very best version of myself. I try to not be so hard on myself, acknowledging that I am human, imperfect and flying by the seat of my pants (it’s my first child and first business). There is also so much personal growth that I need to do, but trying my best when it comes to her is the best I can do.

Mindfulness is everything.

That coupled with seeking Him for guidance, picking the brains of fellow mommies and staying in a constant state of learning.

Because if there is anything I know, it’s that I know nothing.

My quest for learning, growth and personal development has lead me to formulate a series of rules for staying sane while trying to build a flourishing business during a pandemic AND raise a toddler.

1. Plan out your day and create a routine. This one can be challenging with a two year old, but wherever possible, routine is your best friend. That means planning the meals ahead of time, nap time, play time, housework and work work. Eventually you and your babies will enter into a flow. It won’t always be perfect. If you are simultaneously potty-training, it definitely won’t be, but at least it will give you some sort of structure that you can always come back to.

2. Make the best of quiet time aka sleep/nap time. This is your time to shine. To get er’ done. Forget the cleaning, forget the living room yoga (unless you feel you really need it). This is the best time to focus, work and make progress on your dreams.

3. Whatever you can do while your baby is awake, do it then, but try to make it fun. That includes cooking, cleaning, exercise, laundry. My daughter has become well acquainted with the pots and pans, drumming away to her hearts delight. It’s also never too young to start them on pretend cleaning. Watching her vacuum the same spot over and over again while she looks at me with pride is so cute. “Mommy, look!” — Heart melt. And trust me when I say that those Michelle Obama arms are very possible. I’m not there yet but I’m definitely noticing a difference and she loves being a human dumbbell. Point is, engaging with your child throughout the day is so key to building and maintaining a lasting bond, but it doesn't have to include going out of your way to buying all kinds of arts and crafts for them to do. Try to use what you already have at home.

4. Find time to meditate and connect with God, or whatever higher power you believe in. I find this especially necessary right now. Setting intentions, staying in gratitude, hoping and believing that “this too shall pass” is major key to keeping your cool. Through toddler meltdowns and entrepreneurial challenges, you need to know that everything will be okay. There are days, I don’t feel that I have the strength to keep pushing, but drawing from a source of power keeps me grounded.

5. Ask for help when you need it. There is always that one person that doesn't mind picking up a bag of milk and dropping it off for you, avoiding you those delivery fees or a trip to the store. Time is money. Instacart is always great but during these uncertain times, saving money wherever possible is probably a good move.

The road to success is not easy. More so if you are trying to raise a child. But it is not impossible. Many before you have done it and many after you will do so.

Just breathe.

Adjust to your current circumstance. Pivot where necessary.

Keep your cool. Protect your peace.

You will be fine.