Mumpreneurship: Embrace the Beautiful, Chaotic Business

The Toddler Takeover: Embracing the Beautiful Chaos of Mumpreneurship

Picture this: You're finally in the zone, deep in thought, crafting the perfect email sequence for your upcoming launch. The house is miraculously quiet. You even managed to snag a lukewarm cuppa. Then, BAM! A tiny human tornado, also known as my two-year-old, bursts into your office, covered in what I can only assume is a mixture of yoghurt & glitter, waving a half-eaten banana like a victory flag. My meticulously planned "focus hour" has officially become a hostage negotiation for screen time & snacks. Sound familiar? Thought so!

This, my friend, is the beautiful chaos of running a business as a mum. It's the unexpected interruptions, the constant context-switching, the never-ending juggle that we somehow manage to navigate, day in & day out. And while it can feel utterly overwhelming (believe me, I've been there – more times than I can count!), I want to share a different perspective: What if these "toddler takeovers" & unexpected challenges weren't something to fear, but rather a normal, even humorous, part of our entrepreneurial journey?

Reframing Interruptions: From Stress to Authenticity (and Maybe Even a Laugh!)

It can feel like you're constantly putting out fires, right? Like you're the Little Red Hen, working tirelessly, asking for help but finding none, only to have everyone suddenly want a piece of the pie once it's baked. It's a classic tale of going it alone, & it can feel eerily familiar in those early stages of building a business. Especially when the "help" offered isn't always the right kind of help. I remember desperately needing childcare support when my youngest was a baby, needing it now, not when it conveniently fit someone else's schedule – a "mom, I need help now not then!" moment that many of us face. And then there are those times when you’re trying to look presentable for a quick video call, only to discover your toddler has decided to redecorate the living room wall with your best lipstick – or, in my case, it was attempting to clean castor oil off the carpet while simultaneously applying eyeliner, resulting in a rather lopsided "one-eyeliner look." And who hasn't started a client call only to realize the Paw Patrol theme song is playing on repeat in the background? It's wine o'clock somewhere, am I right?

But here's the game-changer: we can choose how we react. It’s about mindset mastery, taking control of our inner narrative. Instead of seeing interruptions as failures, we can reframe them as opportunities for authenticity & connection. Even humor! That unexpected toddler cameo on your Zoom call? A chance to show your clients the real, human side of your business (and maybe even get a laugh). Think of it as a “psychological moonshot,” as Rory Sutherland would say – a small shift in perspective that creates a big positive impact. The urgent school pick-up that throws your schedule out the window? An opportunity to practice flexibility & resilience – those essential entrepreneurial muscles. Ever feel like you’re the tortoise in a race full of hares? Me too, sometimes! And that’s okay. As long as you’re moving forward, at your own pace, with intention and self-belief, that’s what matters. As Layla Hormozi wisely says (paraphrased), "Your business needs to serve your life, not the other way around."

Practical Strategies for Navigating the Juggle (and Yes, We're Female Entrepreneurs, Period!)

So, how do we manage the beautiful chaos practically? Especially when most of us aren't blessed with a team of personal assistants? (Although, building an empire that does make those options possible is definitely part of my long-term vision - not just for me, but also to create choices and opportunities for my children.) Here are a few strategies that have helped me streamline and systematize my days:

• Proactive Planning: This is where the "system is king" mentality comes in. It’s not enough to just work hard; we have to work smart.

• Step 1: Identify your peak focus times. When do you feel most energized & productive?

• Step 2: Block out these times in your calendar for deep work, client calls, or strategic planning. Treat these blocks as non-negotiable appointments.

• Step 3: Build in buffer zones. Overestimate the time needed for tasks to account for interruptions (because, kids!).

• Step 4: Incorporate family commitments. Schedule school runs, after-school activities, & family time into your calendar.

• Step 5: Review & adjust. Your system isn’t set in stone. Regularly review your schedule & adjust it as needed. Life happens, and flexibility is key.

I'm religious about time blocking, incorporating everything – my youngest daughter’s dance class, the school run, even dedicated time for focused PhD work and the occasional "hide in the bathroom with a cuppa" self-care moment. It’s not perfect, but like Sue Knight says, "Success comes from within; our success depends on our ability to be excellent in everything we think, say, and do." It’s a constant process of refinement, adjusting the system as needed. Initially, I struggled with this. My calendar looked like a Jackson Pollock painting – a beautiful mess, but a mess nonetheless. It took time, and a few tearful "why isn't this working?!" moments before I realized I needed a simpler, more flexible system.

• Embrace the Power of "No": This can be tough. As women, we're often conditioned to be everything to everyone. Saying "no" can feel selfish, even when it's essential for protecting our time & energy.

• Step 1: Define your “why.” What is the core purpose driving your business?

• Step 2: Align your actions with your “why.” If a request doesn’t serve your purpose or contribute to your goals, it’s a "no."

• Step 3: Prepare a polite “no” template. Having a pre-written response makes saying "no" easier & more efficient.

• Step 4: Practice. The more you say "no" to things that don't serve you, the easier it becomes.

But, having a clear vision, your "Why" (as Simon Sinek so powerfully puts it), makes it easier. If something doesn’t serve that core purpose, it's a "no." Saying "no" is a form of self-respect & a way of honouring our commitments, both to ourselves & our families. This one took me years to learn. I used to say "yes" to everything, from baking for school events to taking on extra projects, ending up burnt out and resentful. Now, I have a “no” template ready to go for those requests that don't align with my vision or available bandwidth. Seriously, it's like a superpower.

• Communicate Clearly: This is crafting clear, concise messages that leave no room for misinterpretation.

• Step 1: Define your working hours. When are you available for client calls, meetings, & other business activities?

• Step 2: Communicate your boundaries. Let clients & colleagues know your working hours & availability.

• Step 3: Use automated responses. Set up out-of-office replies for emails & voicemail messages during non-working hours.

• Step 4: Be consistent. Stick to your boundaries to manage expectations & avoid burnout.

Let clients & colleagues know your working hours & boundaries. It's about managing expectations and setting yourself up for success. My clients know I'm 100% present during business hours, but evenings are sacred family time. The odd exception happens (because life), but the rule is clear. I used to be terrible at this, constantly checking emails and taking calls late into the night, feeling like I had to be “on” all the time. Then I realized that setting Boundaries for Female Entrepreneurs isn't selfish; it's essential for sustainable success and being fully present for the people who matter most.

• Leverage Tech & AI: Seriously, AI tools are not just for tech geniuses; they’re a lifeline for busy female entrepreneurs.

• Step 1: Identify your biggest time sucks. Which tasks take up the most time & could be automated?

• Step 2: Explore AI tools. Research different AI solutions for scheduling, email marketing, content creation, & other tasks. A recent study showed that entrepreneurs using AI tools save an average of 10 hours per week – that’s a whole extra workday reclaimed!

• Step 3: Start small. Choose one AI tool to implement & master before adding more.

• Step 4: Integrate & optimize. Once you’re comfortable with one tool, gradually integrate others into your workflow.

Think smart scheduling apps, automated email sequences, AI-powered content creation (like Jasper or Copy.ai) – anything that streamlines your workflow & frees up time and mental space. My absolute favourite is using Otter.ai to transcribe client calls and meetings, which saves me hours every week. I can then easily search these transcripts for key themes or insights, making follow-up more efficient and personalized – a real game-changer. Want more AI for Female Entrepreneurs tips specifically for female entrepreneurs? Join Femme:Connect Today Remember, as Alex Hormozi says, "The game is won by acquiring skills, then applying them, then repeating". AI is a skill worth mastering. I wasn't always a tech whiz. In fact, my early attempts at setting up even basic systems felt like a scene from a comedy sketch, with me surrounded by manuals, wires, and a growing sense of despair. It took time, patience, and a healthy dose of "I can figure this out" attitude to get comfortable with these tools, but now I can’t imagine running my business without them.

• Mindset Shift: This is about reframing how we view interruptions and challenges.

• Step 1: Acknowledge the challenge. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or frustrated. Don't try to be Superwoman.

• Step 2: Reframe the narrative. See interruptions not as failures, but as opportunities for authenticity & connection.

• Step 3: Find the humor. Sometimes, the best way to deal with chaos is to laugh at it.

• Step 4: Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself. This journey isn’t easy, and there will be days when you feel like you're failing. There was one particularly brutal week where juggling PhD deadlines, a sick toddler, and a looming product Launch felt utterly impossible, and I seriously considered giving up.

Instead of stress, see opportunity. Instead of frustration, find the humor. This is where that "Identity Alchemy" comes in, as my friend Adrienne Weimer so powerfully teaches. It’s about becoming the person who can handle the juggle, the interruptions, the "one eyeliner look" mornings with grace and even a laugh. It’s accepting the "beautiful chaos" and choosing to see it not as a burden, but as part of the rich tapestry of our entrepreneurial journey. This is the messy middle, and it’s where the magic happens. In my early days of entrepreneurship, I used to get so flustered by every little setback. I’d beat myself up over not being “perfect” or having it all figured out. It took me a while (and a few tearful breakdowns) to realize that this journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and that imperfection is part of the process.

Turning Challenges into Strengths: The Power of Your Authentic Story

I truly believe these everyday challenges we face as female entrepreneurs are not weaknesses, but rather the raw material for our most compelling stories. Think Rory Sutherland and his principle of perceived value – it’s not just about what you offer, but the meaning you create around it. Your journey, the juggle, the messy, beautiful chaos – that’s what makes your story unique and relatable. It’s the human element that connects you to your audience. Your clients don’t want to hear from a perfect, unattainable guru; they want to see themselves in you, the real you. Nobody wants to read a boring blog post, so authentic storytelling is crucial. It’s about sharing your authentic “why,” as Simon Sinek would say – the deep purpose that drives you. So, the next time your "focus hour" turns into a toddler takeover, or Espresso decides your laptop cable is a chew toy, remember this: it’s okay. It’s real. It’s part of your story. Embrace it, & watch how it connects you to the very people you’re meant to serve.

Your Smallest Viable Step:

Take a moment to reflect on your “why.” What is the deep purpose driving your entrepreneurial journey? How can you infuse more of your authentic self and your unique experiences into your content or next client interaction? Share one small, intentional step you'll take today to embody this authenticity. What’s one thing you can automate using a simple AI tool to free up 15 minutes today? Remember, even small shifts create ripples.

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!

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