Redefining entrepreneurship + motherhood

For decades, women have chosen to become entrepreneurs and mothers at the same time, and they have found a way of making it work for them. Many of us know from first hand experience just what this choice means at a practical and emotional level. We know what it feels like to juggle every aspect of our business and personal lives, quietly celebrating when we get it right, and dealing with the guilt when we don’t. We are all too familiar with the task of organizing complex daily schedules and routines that would make NASA proud, just to ensure that business meetings and production processes fit in with our children’s busy school and social lives too. Let me share with you a story from my own personal experience that illustrates this challenge, of raising my two wonderful step-daughters at the same time as being an entrepreneur. I recall all too well sitting at the side of an important sports-match one day, watching my youngest step-daughter play, whilst balancing a laptop on my knees trying to watch the match whilst at the same time responding to a pressing business deadline. I stepped away from the match for just a few minutes to take a business call that I thought couldn’t wait, and as a result I missed my step-daughter score the winning goal. A precious moment in time missed whilst I juggled work and family life. Sound familiar? Now for the flip side. Today, my step-daughters are proud that I am an entrepreneur, that they come from an entrepreneurial family. They are proud of me and our achievements. They love the fact that our life is impactful, that it is never dull and boring, that we do things differently, that we innovate. They love our entrepreneurial lives that enable us to meet the most inspirational people around the world and make a difference. Ultimately, they are empowered to make an impact in their own lives. So, my message to you all is that yes, being an entrepreneur and a mother at the same time can be a challenge - but it’s also an incredible privilege, and provides an inspiration to the next generation of young women. So, this morning we celebrate all the women in our community who are bravely redefining entrepreneurship and motherhood! 

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! — Melanie