Starting a Business as a Mom: 7 Things No One Tells You

Real talk, practical tips, and encouragement for moms building a business with little ones at home.

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Before we even start, I just want to say…what you’re working on right now (or dreaming of) is REAL. It’s not a pointless “little hobby,” it’s a business. That is the mindset you need!

Now let’s be honest: starting a business as a mom is one of the most empowering things you can do…but one of the most overwhelming.

You’ve got big ideas, maybe even a dream you’ve held onto for years! But you’re doing it in between feedings, school drop-offs, laundry loads, and the occasional meltdown (yours or theirs).

There are endless blog posts about “how to launch a business” or “mompreneur productivity hacks.” But very few talk about the messy reality of actually doing it as a mom of little ones.

So today? We’re talking about it! Honestly. These are the 7 things no one really tells you about starting a business as a mom, but absolutely should.

1. You’ll Feel Like You’re Failing at Both (Sometimes)

There will be days where your toddler refuses to nap and your Canva design won’t upload right. Days where you’re literally in tears wondering if you’re building something beautiful… or just burning out.

You are not alone.

This doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re juggling two incredibly demanding roles at once. Give yourself grace. Progress is still progress, even when it’s slow.

Pro Tip: Work in small, focused pockets of time. 25 minutes during nap time can go a long way when you’re clear on what you want to get done.

2. “Nap Time Hustle” Is Real (But So Is Burnout)

Yes, you can get a LOT done while your kids nap. But if you’re working every nap, every evening, and sacrificing sleep just to squeeze it all in… burnout is inevitable.

Instead of doing more, do what matters most. Create a weekly “power list” of 3 priority tasks and focus only on those.

Pro Tip: Platforms like WordPress and Shopify make launching a site quick and manageable. Without custom coding or 10 hours of Googling.

3. You Don’t Need a Perfect Plan to Start

The idea of launching with a full-blown business plan, product suite, and perfect branding is fabulous… but also paralyzing when you’re balancing motherhood.

Start messy. Start small. But just start.

You can refine as you go! I promise, no one has it all figured out at the beginning.

✨ Need help with the branding part? My branding kits are made for moms like you. Intentional, affordable, and totally done-for-you so you don’t waste time wondering which colors go together.

4. Your Kids Are Watching—and That’s Powerful

Every email you send, every logo you create, every step you take in building your dream is something your kids are witnessing.

You’re not just “working on your laptop.” You’re teaching hard work, passion, and creativity.

So even on the hard days, remember…this business isn’t pulling you away from your kids. It’s showing them what’s possible!

5. Finding Time Will Feel Impossible—Until It Doesn’t

At first, there’s no such thing as a “schedule.” You’re just squeezing work into the random cracks of your day.

But with time, I promise you’ll find a rhythm. You’ll learn when you work best, when the kids are most independent, and what’s actually worth your energy.

This is why starting a business with a young family is different. It’s not about doing more…it’s about doing what matters, in a way that works for your family.

6. You’ll Question Yourself Constantly (But Keep Going Anyway)

“Is this idea even good?”
“Why isn’t anyone buying yet?”
“Am I wasting my time?”

These questions are normal. But they don’t mean you should stop!

The difference between the moms who succeed and the ones who give up? They kept showing up. Even through ALL those quiet days, and even when it was a mess.

7. You’re Building More Than an Income—You’re Building Freedom

Whether you want to contribute to your family’s finances, build a creative outlet, or replace your 9-5 job…this is about freedom.

Freedom to be present! To set your own schedule and build something that’s yours.

So even if it feels slow at first…like really, really slow…and even if you only have 1 hour a day to work on it…it’s yours. And that matters more than you know right now!

so What Kind of Business Can I Start as a Mom From Home?

Wondering where to even start or what to build? Here are some realistic and profitable ideas to explore:

Digital product shop (Etsy, Shopify)
Freelance services (writing, design, virtual assistant)
Blog + Pinterest strategy (yay for passive income!)
Affiliate marketing (start with products you already know and love!)
Branding services or Canva templates
Freelance photography or content creation

HERE are the 10 best business Ideas for stay-at-home-moms that actually make money!

Pro tip: Platforms like Shopify and WordPress are perfect for setting up product-based or blog-style businesses from home. There’s also Domain.com which is another tool that makes it super easy to set up your website. (And they’re having a 4th of July sale, woo!)

📥 Want a Shortcut to Get Started?

Grab my free guide:
“5 Mistakes New Mompreneurs Make (+ What to Do Instead)”
→ Get it delivered to your inbox here !

Final Thoughts:
You’ve Got This, Mama

Starting a business as a mom is brave and bad***. It’s also really, really hard. But with the right mindset, some focused strategy, and support from someone who’s been there—you can absolutely do this.

I’m always here to help lighten the load.

Check out my branding kits & services designed just for small business moms. Made for those ready to look the part, show up with confidence, and grow their brand…even during nap time.

Have questions?
Want to chat about your ideas?

Email me anytime: CRAFTEDbyJeanna @craftedbyjeanna
Contact form below!
DM me on Instagram or Pinterest @craftedbyjeanna

Let’s build this thing together.

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