Energizing Business for Mum Entrepreneurs: Design Your Dream Life
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Aug 23, 2024
- 7 min read
Designing a Business That Energises (Not Drains) Your Life as a Mum Entrepreneur
Ever feel like you're running on fumes, juggling a million things, & your business, the very thing that was supposed to give you freedom, is actually sucking the life out of you? I get it. Truly. The juggle is real, especially when you're building a business whilst navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood. I mean, just the other day, I was trying to finalise a presentation for a potential partner, & my toddler daughter decided it was the perfect time to redecorate the living room wall with my favourite (and rather pricey) lipstick. Let's just say it wasn't the "power pose" I was aiming for when I finally joined the call! Sound familiar? I remember trying to plan the launch of my signature program, Momentum, whilst recovering from my fourth C-section – talk about a messy middle! There was a moment when, fuelled by painkillers & sheer desperation to hit my deadline, I almost sent out the sales email to the wrong list. Talk about a near miss! It definitely wasn't the seamless, automated launch I preach! There was a time I felt so overwhelmed while trying to automate, I ended up deleting my email list by accident!
But here's the thing: it doesn't have to be this way. You can design a business from the ground up that energises you, fuels your passions, and integrates seamlessly with your life as a mum. It's about making conscious choices, shifting how we think about entrepreneurship, & taking radical ownership of our energy.
Beyond Burnout: A Proactive Approach
We talk a lot about burnout, & rightly so. It's a real & pervasive issue for entrepreneurs, particularly for mums who are already juggling so much. But instead of just putting band-aids on burnout (another glass of wine, anyone?), what if we flipped the script & built businesses that prevent it from the outset?
This isn't about adding another "to-do" to your already overflowing list. It's about a fundamental shift in how you approach your business design. My ongoing PhD research, which focuses specifically on the lived experiences of Black female entrepreneurs, often shows me that the ones who thrive long-term aren't just working hard; they're working smart. They’re building businesses aligned with their values, their energy levels, & their vision for their lives. This goes way beyond generic time management tips; it's a complete paradigm shift. For a while, I really struggled with this myself. I kept thinking building a bigger business meant I had less time for my family, like they were two opposing forces. I had to overcome this limiting belief to realise that a truly fulfilling business actually enhances my life, not depletes it. This reminds me of something Myron Golden says, "To become the tree, you have to cease being the seed." This quote is so powerful because it highlights the need for transformation. Just like a seed has to completely change its form to become a tree, we as entrepreneurs have to shed old identities & limiting beliefs to reach our full potential. What "seed" are you ready to release? This is where the Femmeprenista Business Flourish Framework comes in. It's a holistic approach to building a business that nourishes your life, not depletes it. Link to: Business Flourish Framework
Designing Your Business for Sustainable Energy: The Femmeprenista Way
As a Foundation Builder, you're laying the groundwork for your entrepreneurial dreams – congratulations on taking this exciting leap! I know it can feel overwhelming at times. It’s often like trying to build a rocket ship while simultaneously diffusing a toddler tantrum and preventing the dog from eating your laptop charger – all whilst secretly dreaming of escaping to a deserted island for a week (or maybe just a nap!). But trust me, there’s a better way.
The key is to integrate work-life harmony from day one. This starts by asking some tough but essential questions:
What truly energises you in your work?
What activities leave you feeling drained?
What kind of lifestyle do you want to create?
What does "freedom" actually mean for you?
What are your non-negotiables when it comes to family time & self-care?
How can technology, particularly AI, empower you to work smarter, not harder, & free up time for what truly matters?
These aren’t easy questions, but they're the foundation for building a sustainable, fulfilling business. It’s about taking radical ownership of your journey & realising that you are the architect of your entrepreneurial life. Yes, the system can sometimes feel rigged against us—stagnant wages, impossible housing markets, & all the rest. According to a recent report by the Resolution Foundation, UK wages have stagnated for over a decade, making it increasingly difficult for families to thrive. But what if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can navigate it? How can you build something so strong & so uniquely you that it transcends those limitations? It's about embracing your unique path & designing a business that serves it.
By focusing on mindset, marketing, systems, well-being, & strategic AI integration, you create a powerful synergy that allows you to thrive. For instance, setting up smart automation from the start (perhaps using an AI scheduling tool like Calendly) can free up hours each week, creating space for family time or simply breathing! Defining your ideal client clearly from the get-go saves you from wasting precious energy on marketing to the wrong people. Prioritising your well-being (even if it’s just a 10-minute meditation during nap time using an app like Calm!) means you’re showing up as your best self, both in business & at home. It all works together.
This holistic approach aligns with our Business Flourish Framework. We help clients to define their Focus (Mindset), polish their Flair (Marketing), create systems for consistent Flow, and prioritize Fuel (Well-being). Fusion, the fifth element, represents strategic AI integration, which enhances all the other pillars, allowing for sustainable growth. You can find out more about the Business Flourish Framework & how it can transform your entrepreneurial journey here: https://www.femmeprenista.com/how-we-work
Speaking of connection, our Femme Connect community is a fantastic space for sharing tips, celebrating wins, & finding your tribe. Link to: Femme:Connect Community Page. You might find another mum entrepreneur there who’s cracked the code on streamlining school holiday childcare – you never know!
Overcoming Objections: The "I Don't Have Time" Myth
Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Carlene, this sounds amazing, but I'm already drowning. I barely have time to shower, let alone redesign my entire business!" Trust me, I hear you. I've been there. I remember trying to plan a product launch whilst recovering from my fourth C-section, with a toddler & my infant son demanding my attention. It felt like I was constantly running on empty. And believe me, mornings when you're trying to rush out of the house & end up having "one eyeliner on" because you've spent the last 20 minutes cleaning up an epic glitter explosion are very real!
But that's precisely why this approach is so crucial. It's not about adding more to your plate, it’s about making smarter choices with the time you have. Even five minutes spent clarifying your ideal client can save you hours of wasted marketing efforts down the line. A small investment in setting up a basic email automation system can free up mental bandwidth that you didn't even realise you were using.
It’s about shifting from constantly reacting to proactively designing. It's about taking back control of your time & energy, even in small increments. What’s one tiny step you can take today to move towards a more energizing business model? Share it below – let’s inspire each other!
Taking Action: Your 3-Step Next Steps
Designing a business that energises your life is an ongoing process. It's not a destination, but a journey. But it's a journey worth taking. Imagine waking up excited to work on your business, knowing it supports, rather than sabotages, the life you want to create. It’s totally possible. It starts with these 3 steps:
Reflect: What’s one area of your business that feels the most draining right now?
Is it your marketing? Do you feel like you're constantly creating content but not seeing results?
Is it client onboarding? Are you spending too much time on admin tasks?
Are you struggling to switch off and find time for yourself & your family?
Brainstorm: What’s one small tweak you could make to that area to make it feel even slightly more energising? (Think "psychological moonshots," not massive overhauls.)
If it's marketing, perhaps you could explore AI tools to help automate content creation or scheduling.
If it’s client onboarding, maybe you could create a simple welcome sequence or automated intake form.
If you're struggling with work-life balance, maybe try time blocking your calendar, including family time & personal appointments.
Commit: Schedule 15 minutes in your calendar this week to implement that tweak. Small changes add up!
Actually put it in your calendar, right now! Treat this appointment like you would any client meeting – it's an investment in your future success & well-being.
Ready to gain clarity on your vision & start building your business foundation? As a Foundation Builder, our Spark Programme is designed specifically for you. Link to: Spark Program Page It’s a fantastic way to validate your idea, get clear on your niche, & create a solid action plan before you invest significant time or money.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
Comments