How to Start a Business as a Stay-at-Home Mom: The Ultimate Beginner Guide

how to start as business as a stay at home mom text overlay on an aesthetic image of a working mom with a toddler wrapped around her neck. image for a blog post dedicated to helping women build and brand their business from home

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You’re juggling nap schedules, snack times, and maybe even a full-blown toddler meltdown while reading this.

So first of all..hi, I see you. I am you! And if you’ve ever found yourself dreaming of starting your own business while folding yet another load of tiny laundry, you’re in the right place.

I’m here to walk you through how to start a business as a stay-at-home mom. Without burning out, going broke, or sacrificing the precious (and limited!) time you have. Whether you want a creative outlet, an income stream, or both..this is your guide to getting started the smart way.

Let’s break it down👇


Why So Many Stay at Home Moms Start Businesses

Because we just want some freedom. Flexibility. Fulfillment. And sometimes, because diapers aren’t cheap. Duh.

Starting a business from home gives you:

  • Creative expression outside of parenting
  • Income potential (no cap here!)
  • Ownership of something that’s YOURS
  • Flexibility to work around your family’s needs

Not to mention, it’s SO empowering to build something meaningful with your own two (very tired) hands. Us stay-at-home mom entrepreneurs are redefining what it means to be both present at home and ambitious!

aesthetic image of a work from home mom on her laptop with the text overlayed, how to start a business as a stay at home mom

1. Start with Your “Why”

Before you even worry about what to sell or how to set up a website, take a moment to ask yourself and write down:

  • Why do I want to start a business?
  • What does success look like for me?
  • What kind of lifestyle do I want to create?

Trust me, your answers will help shape every decision going forward!

Pro Tip: Your “why” doesn’t have to be profound. Wanting extra Target money? Valid. Wanting creative freedom? Also valid.

📍 Pin it for later: Your why is your anchor. Come back to it OFTEN!


2. Choose a Business That Fits Your Life

Not all businesses are created equal, and not all will work for you. Especially when you’re balancing toddler tantrums with teething.

Here are some beginner-friendly, small business ideas for stay at home moms:

  • Etsy shop (printables, templates, digital products)
  • Freelance services (design, writing, virtual assistant work)
  • Online coaching or courses (especially in a niche you know well)
  • Blogging or affiliate marketing
  • Content creation (think Pinterest or Instagram with purpose)

I talk in more detail about 10 different business ideas that actually make money, in this post here.

10 best business ideas for stay at home moms that actually make money. blog post photo featuring title pf blog with tips for earning money as a stay at home mom

These are some of the best mompreneur passive income ideas. Looking for something especially low-cost and quick to start? Etsy and blogging are goldmines. Don’t get me wrong, both require up-front effort! But then act as a snowball of passive income for stay-at-home moms once set-up correctly.

Start your blog in minutes with WordPress, my favorite blogging platform (and I think I’ve seriously used them all) →

starting a blog as a stay at home mom on wordpress. affiliate ad on a post titled How to Start a Business as a Stay-at-Home Mom: The Ultimate Beginner Guide

3. Set Up the Basics (Without Overwhelm)

You do not need an absolutely perfect brand or a full website to start. But you do need these three things:

  1. A clear offer – What are you selling? Who is it for?
  2. A way to take payments – Etsy, Shopify, PayPal, Venmo, whatever works for now!
  3. A consistent look – Branding matters more than you think.

Don’t overthink it. But don’t totally skip it either!

Need branding help? I offer services and kits just for beginners like you → CRAFTEDByJeanna Branding Kits


4. Create a Super Simple Brand

You’re not just “starting a side hustle.” You’re building a brand!

That means:

  • A logo that feels polished (not DIY Canva chaos)
  • A cohesive color palette and font system
  • Photos and templates that feel like you

This doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. That’s exactly why I made branding kits to help you look professional from day one, without spending hours designing.

In the past, I’ve wasted too many hours throwing together Canva elements myself.

I also have a post dedicated to branding your small business. AKA..why it’s so hard and the basics that you need to get started!

💻 Check out my Etsy shop for branding → CRAFTEDbyJeanna

aesthetic image of a macbook workspace with the text overlayed - which brand kit is right for your small business

5. Build a Schedule That Works Around Your Life

Great news! You don’t need 8 hours a day to build a business.

Start small. Block off tiny windows to focus:

  • 30 min during nap time = gold
  • 1 hour after bedtime = CEO hour
  • 10 min to post on Instagram = progress

What matters most is consistency. Not perfection.

Pro Tip: Use Google Calendar or an “old school” paper planner to map out your “CEO hours.” Even 2–3 per week can change everything. Just stay consistent and keep at it!

This is how so many mompreneur passive income ideas for beginners get off the ground. Through intentional, focused action in short pockets of time.


6. Grow an Audience (Before You Think You’re Ready)

So many women wait until everything’s perfect to start sharing. Don’t do it!

Start showing up now..messy, imperfect, and real. People really love a behind-the-scenes journey.

Use Instagram, Pinterest, or email to:

  • Share what you’re working on
  • Show your products or services
  • Talk about why you started

Get my free guide: “5 Mistakes New Mompreneurs Make + What to Do Instead” 👇

delivered directly to your inbox


7. Get Help When You Need It

You don’t have to do this alone. There’s zero shame in:

  • Buying a logo instead of DIY-ing it
  • Using templates instead of reinventing the wheel each time
  • Asking your partner for kid-free hours
  • Hiring help when you’re ready

Think of it as investing in your growth, not a luxury.

🤍 Need design done for you? Check out my custom branding options → CRAFTEDByJeanna


Final Thoughts: You Can Do This

If you’ve made it this far, I want you to know: you’re already doing one of the hardest parts!

You’re dreaming. You’re learning. You’re showing up.

Starting a business as a stay-at-home mom isn’t easy. But it’s 100% possible with a little clarity, consistency, and support. And I’d be honored to help you make it happen.

Let’s recap 👇

  • Start with your why
  • Choose a business model that works for your life
  • Set up the basics and keep it simple
  • Use branding that builds trust
  • Schedule tiny CEO hours each week
  • Start growing your audience early
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help

You’ve got this. And I’ve got your back 🤍

📍 Save this post to Pinterest for later or share it with another mama who’s ready to start her biz!

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