Self-Care for Mom Entrepreneurs: Thrive, Don't Just Survive

Beyond the Bubble Bath: Reclaiming Self-Care as a Strategic Imperative for Thriving (Not Just Surviving) as a Mom-Entrepreneur

Right, let’s be honest. If I had a pound for every time I’ve heard a fellow female entrepreneur – especially a mum – say, “Self-care? Carlene, I barely have time to breathe, let alone indulge in a spa day!”… well, let’s just say I’d have a very healthy piggy bank. I see you. I am you. Juggling four children, a PhD, a bustling business, & let’s not forget our two canine family members, Cappuccino & Espresso, who add their own delightful brand of chaos to the mix… some days, finding a quiet five minutes feels like mission impossible. Honestly, it's often a case of trying to get ready in the morning, only for the little one to decide that my laptop is a drum.

I vividly remember those mornings, maybe you do too, trying to get ready for a crucial meeting, only for one of the little ones to decide my laptop screen is the perfect canvas for their latest jam-smeared masterpiece, or discovering mid-Zoom call that my toddler daughter has 'redecorated' the wall behind me with lipstick. It’s that "one-eyeliner-on-because-the-baby-just-had-a-nappy-explosion" kind of reality. Andit'sforthis Scaling Leader that I'm writing. In that beautiful chaos, "self-care" can sound like a cruel joke, another impossible task on an already overflowing to-do list.

But what if I told you that prioritising your well-being isn't a luxury reserved for the mythical "spare moment" that never arrives? What if it’s actually one of the most strategic business decisions you can make? Seriously, what if I told you that it's not selfish; it's essential?

Why 'Self-Care' Got a Bad Rap (& Why We Need to Reclaim It, Pronto!)

Somewhere along the line, "self-care" got hijacked. It became synonymous with elaborate, time-consuming rituals: long bubble baths (often interrupted), expensive spa days, silent meditation retreats (a lovely idea, but with young children, often a fantasy!). For us, as ambitious mothers spinning multiple plates, this version of self-care feels completely out of reach, almost laughably so. And because it feels unattainable, we often dismiss it altogether.

This is where the danger lies. When we neglect our own well-being, thinking we’re being productive or selfless, we’re actually running our most critical business asset – ourselves – into the ground. Burnout isn't a badge of honour; it's a barrier to brilliance. It zaps our energy, clouds our judgment, stifles our creativity, & ultimately, impacts our bottom line & the very families we’re working so hard to support. I’ve learned this the hard way, especially during intense periods like my MBA with my six-year-old daughter, or now, navigating my PhD with my two youngest, including my infant son. There were times I pushed myself to the brink, & honestly, neither my business nor my family got the best of me. My PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship has often highlighted the fact that many women are trying to do everything, & it can be too much.

It’s time to ditch the guilt & the all-or-nothing mentality. True self-care, the kind that genuinely fuels us, isn't about grand gestures. It's about small, consistent acts of self-prioritisation. A study by the American Psychological Association found that entrepreneurs who prioritize self-care experience a 21% increase in productivity.

Beyond the Bubble Bath: Redefining Self-Care for Our Real, Messy, Wonderful Lives

Let’s be clear: I’m not saying a lovely long soak in the tub isn’t divine when you can get it! But for day-to-day sanity & sustainable energy, we need to think differently. We need to embrace imperfect self-care.

What does this look like? It’s about finding those micro-moments, those tiny pockets of time, to replenish your energy.

• The Five-Minute Breather: Stepping away from your desk to do some deep breathing before the school run, even if the kids are shouting for snacks in the background. Taking a few moments to focus on your breath activates your parasympathetic nervous system, helping to calm your mind & reduce stress before the school run chaos begins.

• The Hydration Hit: Actually drinking that full glass of water instead of letting your tea go cold for the fifth time. (Guilty!) Keeping a water bottle on my desk has been a game-changer, even if Cappuccino, our older Miniature Pinscher, occasionally tries to knock it over for attention!

• The Movement Morsel: A quick stretch while the kettle boils, or a 10-minute walk around the block to clear your head – perhaps with energetic Espresso pulling you along, reminding you that movement can be fun! Even just a little movement gets the blood flowing & helps clear those mental cobwebs.

• The Sensory Snippet: Lighting a candle you love, listening to one song that lifts your spirits, or even just savouring that first sip of (hot!) coffee in the morning. It can be a quick recharge for your mind. Finding that one song that always gets you pumped gets you a dose of instant joy to carry into your work.

• The Boundary Bite: Saying "no" to something that will drain you, or protecting 15 minutes in your day to just sit in silence (even if it’s in the car after dropping the kids off!). That could be declining an extra client project that stretches you too thin, leaving you depleted and unable to serve existing commitments.

These aren't Instagram-worthy moments. They're real, they're doable, & they add up. It's about understanding that consistently topping up your tank, even by a tiny amount, is far more effective than waiting until you're running on empty & then needing a full-scale (and often unavailable) overhaul. I remember when I first tried the 'Boundary Bite,' & it was so hard to say no to a client request. I felt guilty, but then I realized it allowed me to focus better on my existing clients & deliver better results. However, what I didn't anticipate, was that after that 15 minutes of glorious silence in the car, I'd return home to discover that the baby had smeared avocado all over the walls and Espresso had decided my favourite shoes were a chew toy! It was far from the zen moment I'd envisioned, but it did give me the clarity to handle the situation calmly, knowing I'd had a moment to myself. I've found that even amidst the whirlwind of launching a new programme or a looming PhD deadline, these small acts are what keep me going, keeping my mind clearer & my responses calmer when, inevitably, someone spills something or a work crisis erupts.

This is where the Femmeprenista philosophy of holistic support really comes into its own. We understand that your business doesn't exist in a vacuum; it's intricately woven into your life. To help guide you to success we implement our core methodology of Focus, Flair, & Flow.

Your Well-being: The Secret Weapon for Business Success

Here’s the paradigm shift I want you to embrace: prioritising your well-being isn't selfish; it's a core component of your personal responsibility as a CEO & a mother. It’s not another item on your to-do list; it’s the foundational business asset that makes everything else on that list possible. It’s like Lisa Nichols says, "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows. Then you can serve others, joyfully, from your saucer.”

Think about it. When you are properly fuelled – rested, nourished, & mentally centred – how does that impact your business?

• Sharper Focus & Clarity: Suddenly, those complex strategic decisions feel less overwhelming. You can see the wood for the trees, prioritise effectively, & make choices with greater confidence. Your ability to concentrate improves, meaning you get more done in less time. This is about strengthening your inner game, ensuring your mindset is resilient & clear.

• Elevated Flair & Creativity: Your best marketing ideas, your most authentic brand voice, your ability to connect genuinely with your ideal clients – these all stem from a place of well-being. When you’re energised, your passion shines through, & that’s magnetic. You have the creative spark to develop compelling offers & messages.

• Sustainable Flow & Momentum: Building systems, managing a team, showing up consistently for your audience – it all requires sustained energy. When you’re looking after yourself, you have the stamina to implement those brilliant ideas & maintain momentum, even when things get tough. You can create streamlined processes because your mind isn't cluttered with exhaustion.

This is precisely why our Business Flourish Framework Business Flourish Framework has a dedicated pillar focused on ensuring you are properly energised & supported. We know that when you invest in yourself, you're directly investing in the vitality & success of your business. It’s not about subtracting from your work; it’s about multiplying your effectiveness. Plus, integrating well-being practices is part of our 'Fuel' pillar, making sure you're set up to thrive.

If you’d like a little more insight into my own journey of juggling motherhood with four (yes, four!) amazing children & building Femmeprenista, you can read a bit more about it here: Femmeprenista 'About Us' Page. It hasn't always been easy, but learning to prioritise my own well-being, even imperfectly, has been a game-changer. There have been some tough times, & I've had to re-evaluate some big life choices along the way.

Practical Steps to Weave Well-being into Your Beautiful Chaos

So, how do we make this a reality amidst the delightful pandemonium of raising a family & a business?

1. Redefine & Reframe: Ditch the "bubble bath or bust" mentality. What small things genuinely make you feel a tiny bit more refreshed, calmer, or energised? Make a list. No judgment.

2. Schedule It (Seriously!): If it’s not in the diary, it’s not happening. Block out tiny slots for your micro self-care moments just like you would a client call. Even 5-10 minutes.

3. Embrace Imperfection: Some days, your self-care might be locking yourself in the loo for two minutes of silence. And that’s okay! It’s better than nothing. Let go of needing it to be "perfect."

4. Communicate Your Needs: This is a big one. Talk to your partner, your older children, even your clients (where appropriate) about your boundaries & your need for these small pockets of time. You’re modelling healthy behaviour.

• With your partner: “Honey, I need 30 minutes tonight to myself so I can recharge. Can we tag-team the kids?”

• With older children: “I need an hour to focus on work today, so I can give you my full attention later. Can you keep the noise down?”

• With clients: “To ensure I can bring my best to our sessions, I need to implement stricter boundaries on my availability. I appreciate your understanding.”

1. Stack Your Habits: Can you combine a self-care moment with something you’re already doing? Listen to an uplifting podcast on the school run. Do a few stretches while you wait for the kids' online class to load.

2. Be Unapologetic: This is not an indulgence; it’s essential maintenance for a high-performing CEO (that’s you!). Own it. Realise that taking this time isn't taking from your family or business, it's giving back a more energised, focused, & present you.

It’s Time to Thrive, Not Just Survive

My lovely fellow Femmeprenistas, the narrative that we must sacrifice ourselves on the altar of motherhood & entrepreneurship is outdated & frankly, damaging. We can be ambitious, successful businesswomen & present, loving mothers. But it requires us to intentionally refuel our own tanks.

This isn't about adding more pressure. It's about giving yourself permission. Permission to matter. Permission to prioritise your own well-being, knowing that in doing so, you are becoming an even more powerful force in your business & in your family.

So, what’s one tiny, imperfect act of self-care you can commit to this week? Share it in the comments below – let’s inspire each other!

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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