Self-Care for Female Entrepreneurs: Thrive as a Mum & CEO

Self-Care: The Secret Weapon Every Female Entrepreneur (Especially Mums) Needs to Thrive

Ever feel like you're juggling flaming torches while balancing on a tightrope, all while trying to look effortlessly graceful? Yep, that's the daily reality for many of us, especially those navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood alongside building a thriving business. As Foundation Builders, Scaling Leaders, or even Visionary Leaders, we're constantly pouring into our families, our teams, our clients – but who's pouring into us?

It’s easy to let self-care slip to the bottom of our never-ending to-do list. We tell ourselves we'll get to it "later," when things calm down (as if that ever really happens!). We feel guilty for even thinking about taking time for ourselves when there are a million other things demanding our attention. I get it. I've been there. Trying to finish a client proposal while my toddler uses my laptop as a colouring book, only to find Espresso (our hyperactive miniature pinscher, who thinks socks are haute couture) has decided my notes are her new chew toy? Yep, that’s a typical Tuesday afternoon. Even though I make sure my client-facing activities are done without the littles ones present, the background juggle is real. For a long time, I felt selfish even thinking about taking a solo walk - like I was stealing "me time" away from the business, or from them - until I had this lightbulb moment during a particularly chaotic morning. I was trying to get ready for a webinar, the baby was having a meltdown (those tiny humans have serious lung capacity!), the school-aged one was demanding pancakes now, and my teenager informed me she had absolutely nothing to wear (despite having a wardrobe that rivals a small boutique). Amidst the chaos, it hit me: if I don't prioritize my own well-being, even in small ways, I won't be able to show up fully for anyone. That quick walk, that quiet cup of tea, it's not selfish, it's essential. It's like my dad always said, even when I was little, you've got to put your own oxygen mask on first before you can help anyone else – makes sense, right?

But here's the paradigm shift: Self-care isn't an indulgence, it's a non-negotiable business strategy. It’s the fuel that powers your focus, the foundation upon which everything else is built. As the incredible Lisa Nichols says, "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows." & that's what we'll be diving deep into today: how prioritizing your well-being isn't selfish, it's actually the smartest, most strategic thing you can do for your business (and your sanity!). This is especially true for us Millennials. Research shows that Millennials are facing unprecedented financial pressures – from stagnant wages and rising living costs to the burden of student loan debt. A 2023 report by the Resolution Foundation found that typical household incomes for Millennials are 4% lower than Generation X at the same age. It's a reality that fuels our entrepreneurial fire – seeking flexibility, recognition, & income that reflects our value.

Why Self-Care is Your Superpower (Not Your Kryptonite)

Let’s be honest, “mum guilt” is a real thing. We're constantly questioning if we're doing enough, being enough, giving enough. I've felt that pull. Honestly, I think sometimes the hardest part of balancing everything is silencing that inner critic & just trusting that I’m doing my best. It's like trying to study for my PhD while my youngest wants to 'help' by rearranging my research papers, or needing to schedule client calls around the school holidays – those 12 to 13 weeks a year that test even the most organized entrepreneur. The juggle is real. It is, absolutely, inherently harder & slower for me compared to a 20-year-old with no dependents. But the lesson here is not about sacrificing goals; it's about owning your pace & not giving up. We're conditioned to put everyone else first, & sometimes, it’s easier to believe that prioritizing their needs is somehow more noble. But here's the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. What I learned from that early venture, Nisbett & George (juggling a newborn & a demanding business partner), is that you have to protect your energy & prioritize your own well-being to make anything work sustainably.

Remember the Business Flourish Framework? That framework is my way of helping you build a business & a life that truly flourish, & it all starts with cultivating a resilient mindset. This inner strength is essential for navigating the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship (which, I'm telling you, is a steep one!). My ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship highlights just how crucial mindset is, especially when navigating systemic challenges & needing to "catch up" or find your voice in a world that hasn’t always been designed for us to thrive. & where does this powerful mindset come from? From a well-nourished, cared-for you.

Think about it. When you're running on fumes, how effective are you really? How clear are your decisions? How creative are your ideas? How patient are you with your kids (or your team, or even your dogs – poor Cappuccino gets the brunt of Espresso's craziness when I'm stressed)? Not very, right?

Self-care fuels you. It creates the space for clear thinking, strategic planning, & the resilience to handle whatever curveballs life throws your way (and trust me, as a mum of four, I know a thing or two about curveballs!). Explore the Business Flourish Framework

From Guilt to Growth: Reframing Self-Care

So how do we shift this ingrained belief that self-care is selfish? It starts with reframing it. Think of self-care not as something you should do, but as something you deserve to do. It’s an investment in your well-being, which is an investment in your business. When you're feeling grounded, energized, & clear-headed, you're a better leader, a better parent, & a better entrepreneur. It's like that "aha" moment I had during my MBA at Cranfield. I was juggling classes, a nine-month-old, & all the demands of family life, feeling completely overwhelmed. It would have been easy to just keep pushing, but I realized something had to shift. I started incorporating small self-care rituals – even just 15 minutes of quiet time before the kids woke up – & it made a world of difference. It allowed me to show up more fully, both in my studies & as a mum.

Remember that time I had to step away from recording a podcast because my teenage daughter’s impromptu karaoke session turned the house into a concert hall? (She has a great voice, just not podcast-appropriate timing!). It was frustrating, yes, but stepping away for a few minutes to laugh about it with her (and remind her about headphones) actually helped me come back to the recording feeling refreshed & more focused. It reminded me of that principle: sometimes, stepping away from the intensity, like my youngest learning to ride her bike, can actually lead to a breakthrough.

Think about that. What if, instead of seeing self-care as something that takes away from your business, you saw it as something that gives to it?

Practical Self-Care Strategies for the Time-Starved Entrepreneur (aka You!)

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Carlene, that all sounds great, but I barely have time to shower, let alone schedule a spa day!" I get it. I'm right there with you, navigating the chaos with four kids, a PhD, two crazy dogs, & let’s not even talk about how much the price of everything seems to go up these days while salaries stay the same – seriously, is it just me, or has the price of a block of cheese skyrocketed?! It can feel like we Millennials really did get the bad end of the stick. It often feels like we’re juggling more responsibilities, with less support & fewer resources, than previous generations. But remember: self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant or time-consuming. It’s about small, consistent actions that nourish your mind, body, & soul. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• The 5-Minute Reset: Feeling overwhelmed? Set a timer for 5 minutes, close your eyes, & just breathe. Focus on the present moment. Try the Calm app – it has some great guided meditations for beginners. You’d be surprised how much a few minutes of focused breathing can clear your head. It's like a mini-reboot for your system.

• Move Your Body (Even a Little!): You don't need to run a marathon. A brisk 20-minute walk around the block, a 10-minute yoga flow on YouTube (Yoga with Adriene is my go-to!), or even a spontaneous dance party with your kids can boost your energy & mood. This isn't just about physical health; it’s about shifting your energy & getting back into a state of flow. Remember, a little movement can go a long way!

• Nourish Your Body: Fuel your body with healthy, energizing foods. I know, sometimes a glass of wine & a takeaway feels like self-care (and hey, I’m not judging!), but think about adding more fruits, vegetables, & lean protein to your diet. Start small – swap that sugary afternoon snack for a handful of almonds or some fruit. Small changes can make a big difference. You’ll feel the difference in your energy levels. Just like your business needs the right fuel to thrive, so does your body!

• Set Boundaries (and Stick to Them!): This is a big one. Learn to say “no” to things that drain you & “yes” to things that fill you up. This can be tough, especially for us women, but it’s about protecting your time & energy like the precious resources they are. This means setting clear work hours, communicating your availability to clients, and not overcommitting yourself. What’s one boundary you can set today to protect your energy? Could you turn off email notifications after 7 PM? Could you schedule specific "do not disturb" times in your calendar for focused work?

• Connect with Your Tribe: Feeling isolated? Reach out to a friend, join a supportive community (like our Femme:Connect community – we’d love to have you!), or schedule a coffee date with another female entrepreneur. Join our free, global Femme:Connect community! Connecting with other women who get it can be incredibly powerful. It’s like having a sounding board, a cheerleading squad, & a shoulder to cry on, all rolled into one. In my research, I’m consistently finding that strong community is a major factor in women's entrepreneurial success.

• Schedule It In: Just like you schedule client meetings & school pick-ups, schedule in your self-care. Treat it as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself. Even 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference. Block out specific times in your calendar – whether it's for a morning meditation, an afternoon walk, or an evening bath – & honor those appointments. Put it in your calendar & stick to it. Remember that “if you don’t own your calendar, your calendar will own you,” & that applies to self-care too.

• Celebrate Your Wins (Big & Small!): This is key! Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. It's easy to get caught up in what we haven't achieved, but celebrating our wins, even tiny ones, builds momentum & boosts our confidence. What’s one thing you’ve achieved this week that you're proud of? Did you finally launch that new offer you've been working on? Did you nail that client presentation? Did you manage to fit in a 20-minute walk between calls? Share it below - I’d love to hear! Remember, celebrating those wins – from finally having a consistent £1k month to hitting that first £10k – is essential fuel for the journey.

Your Smallest Viable Step

What's one small, manageable self-care action you can commit to today? Could you schedule in a 5-minute meditation using the Calm app? Could you prepare a healthy lunch instead of grabbing a quick takeaway? Could you reach out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while? Choose one thing & make it happen. You deserve it. Your business deserves it.

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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