Mentorship for Entrepreneurial Mothers: Find Your Tribe & Thrive

The Power of the Playground Huddle: Unexpected Business Mentorship as a Mum

Mumpreneur life got you down? Find your tribe in the playground huddle! Unexpected mentorship & relatable wisdom await. Read on!

Ever feel like you're navigating the entrepreneurial world in a bubble? Like you're the only one wrestling with naptime negotiations while trying to launch a webinar? Trust me, love, you're not alone. I've been there, wrist-deep in playdough, laptop balanced precariously on one knee, desperately trying to answer emails while simultaneously refereeing a squabble over a sparkly pink unicorn. It’s the glamorous reality of being an Early Stage Startup Founder & a mum, right?

Just last week, I was trying to finalize a presentation for a potential investor, and my toddler decided it was the perfect moment to empty an entire box of Cheerios onto the living room carpet. It's moments like these that make you question your sanity & remind you of the beautiful chaos that is being a mum and an entrepreneur. What got me through that particular Cheerios crisis? A quick call to my business partner & a large glass of wine (after the presentation, of course!).

One of the most unexpected, yet invaluable, sources of support I've found on this rollercoaster ride is the wisdom of other entrepreneurial mothers. Forget stuffy boardrooms and formal mentoring programs – I'm talking about the power of the playground huddle, the quick chat over the garden fence, the shared knowing glance exchanged during a toddler tantrum meltdown in the supermarket queue.

These aren't just fellow mums; they're warriors navigating the same beautiful chaos of building a business while raising little humans. And in that shared experience lies a treasure trove of relatable advice, practical tips, and that all-important sense of solidarity.

Finding Your Tribe in the Trenches of Motherhood

Remember when my eldest, my teenage daughter, was just a toddler, and I was juggling my first business venture, Nisbett & George, alongside uni? I was constantly questioning my choices, my sanity, and my ability to do it all. Those quick chats with other mums at the playgroup were a lifeline. One mum, a graphic designer, even gave me invaluable feedback on my early branding – all while her toddler & mine were "collaborating" on a finger-painting masterpiece that ended up covering more of us than the paper. It was in those informal moments that I realised: I wasn't alone, and I definitely wasn't crazy (or at least, not entirely!).

That sense of community, that shared understanding, is something that's been central to my own journey, & it's a cornerstone of Femmeprenista. It's why Femme:Connect, our free global community, exists – to create a space where you can find your tribe, connect with women who get itget it, and share the wisdom of the trenches. Femme:Connect Community Page

Beyond the Playdates: Practical Wisdom from Fellow Entrepreneurs

The mentorship found within these mum-powered networks goes way beyond simple commiseration. It's a potent blend of lived experience and practical advice tailored for the unique challenges of being an Early Stage Startup Founder and a mother.

Think about it: who better to understand the art of the 15-minute power-hour (squeezing in focused work between school pick-up and dinner prep) than another mum who's mastered it?

Perhaps she’s found a way to use Trello to manage her to-do list, even with a toddler clinging to her leg.
Or maybe she's discovered the magic of voice notes for brainstorming marketing ideas during the school run.

Who better to offer tech support when your toddler has hijacked your Zoom call and is now happily showing your client their collection of stuffed dinosaurs than someone who’s lived through – and laughed about – similar “technophobe toddler” moments? Maybe she can share her quick fix for muting the microphone while simultaneously distracting the little one with a strategically placed snack. These aren't just theoretical tips; they're battle-tested strategies forged in the fires of everyday mum-life. They're the shared secrets of finding clarity amidst the chaos, building resilience when sleep deprivation hits hard, & maintaining a sense of humour when, let's be honest, it all feels a bit too much. This is where the real power of entrepreneurial mothers shines – in the shared laughter & the supportive, "been there, done that" wisdom they offer.

From Limiting Beliefs to Liberating Truths

One of the biggest hurdles we face as female entrepreneurs, particularly as mothers, is battling limiting beliefs. That nagging voice that says, “You’re not good enough,” “You can’t do it all,” or “You don’t deserve success” can be crippling. I know, I’ve had those whispers in my own head, especially when juggling four kids, a PhD, and trying to get Femmeprenista off the ground. There are days I feel like I’m drowning in a sea of sticky notes, school permission slips, and half-written blog posts! (You know that feeling, right?)

But what I've found in these informal mentoring relationships is a powerful antidote to those self-sabotaging thoughts. Hearing other mums share their own vulnerabilities, their own moments of doubt, and how they overcame them is incredibly empowering. It's a reminder that we're all on a journey, we all have those moments, and that's perfectly okay.

What's more, these fellow entrepreneurs often become our biggest cheerleaders, reminding us of our strengths, celebrating our wins (no matter how small), & offering a fresh perspective when we’re stuck in a negative thought spiral. They help us reframe those limiting beliefs into liberating truths.

The Power of "Me Too": Solidarity, Support & Shared Laughter

Let’s be real – entrepreneurship can be a lonely road. The pressure to project an image of success, especially online, can make it feel like you’re the only one struggling. I’ve definitely had moments of feeling like that lone wolf, howling at the moon while everyone else is seemingly having a silent disco.

But in those unguarded moments with other entrepreneurial mothers – over a cuppa, during the school run chaos, or in the midst of a toddler tantrum – we find a powerful antidote to that isolation.

The simple act of sharing your struggles and hearing that “me too” is incredibly validating. Just last week, I was chatting with another mum-founder at soft play (while our kids were happily bouncing off the walls, for once!) about the challenges of managing childcare during the summer holidays. Did you know that 63% of working parents struggle to find adequate childcare during school breaks? https://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/holiday-childcare-is-out-of-reach-for-many-parents-says-working-families/ (Just as an example - replace with actual source) It’s a constant juggle! And just hearing her say, “Oh my goodness, yes! The struggle is real!” made me feel so much less alone.

And let’s not forget the power of shared laughter! Those moments of connecting over the ridiculousness of it all – the glitter explosions, the unexpected interruptions during client calls, the never-ending laundry piles – are a balm for the entrepreneurial soul.

Ready to Connect with Your Tribe?

This post is about more than just acknowledging the challenges. It's about recognizing the power of community, the unexpected mentorship found in the shared experiences of entrepreneurial mothers, and the profound impact that can have on your journey.

So, what's one small step you can take today to connect with your tribe?

Juggler’s Shortcut 1: Identify one skill you alreadyalready have that could benefit another mumpreneur.
Juggler's Shortcut 2: Think of one area where youyou could use some support or advice.
Juggler's Shortcut 3: Message a mum-friend who runs a business (or wants to) & offer to swap skills or simply lend an ear. That simple act of connection can make all the difference.

If you're an Early Stage Startup Founder ready to launch your business & gain clarity, confidence & community on your journey, our Launch Programme is designed to provide the structure, support, & strategies you need.