Unlocking Your Potential: Entrepreneur Labels Holding You Back

(Admin) The Thrivology Company
May 2, 2024
5 min read

Mompreneur? Entrepreneur? Let's Talk Labels (and Why They Might Be Holding You Back)

Ditch the "Mompreneur" label? Define success on YOUR terms & build a biz that fits your life. Discover your path! #femmeprenista

Ever feel like you’re squeezing yourself into a box that’s just… too small, my love? Like you’re trying to define your entire brilliant entrepreneurial universe with a single, limiting label? If you're a Foundation Builder, just starting out on this crazy entrepreneurial adventure, let’s chat about the "M" word – "Mompreneur" – & why it might be time to consciously choose your labels, or maybe even ditch them altogether.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I get it. Motherhood is a HUGE part of who I am. My kids are my world – my teenage daughter’s navigating the minefield of GCSEs (send chocolate & wine!), my school-aged daughter thinks glitter is a food group, my toddler daughter believes furniture is for climbing, & my youngest son… well, the baby’s mostly just exploring the joys of projectile vomiting. It's beautiful chaos, right? A constant symphony of shrieks, snacks, & sticky fingers. And, full disclosure, there’s usually a Paw Patrol soundtrack playing somewhere in the background of my working day (and yes, I know all the words). So, yeah, being a mum is a massive part of my entrepreneurial journey. But honestly, it's not the whole story.

I'm also a partner, a daughter, a friend, a PhD researcher constantly battling deadlines, a dog mum to two miniature pinchers who think my office chair is their personal trampoline, & a woman who really appreciates a good cuppa (or a glass of wine… let’s be honest, sometimes a mum just needs a glass of wine!). I’m multifaceted, just like you. So why reduce ourselves to a single label? Before Femmeprenista truly took off, I remember agonizing over whether to even mention being a mum on my website. I worried it would make me seem less professional, less capable. It took a lot of inner work, and a few "sliding doors" moments, to realize that my experience as a mum is actually a strength, not a weakness.

The thing about the term "mompreneur" is that it can sometimes feel a bit… diminutive, right? Like it's defining us by just one aspect of our many brilliant selves. It can feel less official, less serious, like we’re playing at business while the “real” entrepreneurs are out there building empires. But guess what? We’re building empires too, my love. We’re juggling board meetings with bedtime stories, crafting marketing strategies between school runs, & negotiating deals while wiping noses. That takes serious skill, my friend. We are entrepreneurs, full stop. Motherhood is a powerful part of our story, but it's not our only chapter. My research into female entrepreneurship actually highlights how often women are defined by a single role, diminishing their diverse skills & contributions. A study by found that women who own their multifaceted identities are more likely to attract broader opportunities and achieve higher levels of success.

And this really isn’t just semantics, my love. Labels have power. They shape how we see ourselves, how others perceive us, & the opportunities we attract. If we’re constantly defining ourselves as "just a mum trying to make it work," we might be inadvertently limiting our own potential. In the early days of Cocoista Ltd, my afro hair & beauty venture, I struggled to position myself. I kept thinking, "Who am I to teach others about business when I'm still figuring it out myself, while also juggling four kids and a PhD?" It was that fear, that feeling of not being "enough," that almost stopped me from sharing my knowledge and truly scaling the business. It wasn't until I fully embraced my unique experience and expertise that things started to shift.

Own Your Label (Or Don't!)

So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s simple: own your label. If "mompreneur" feels empowering to you, fantastic! Rock it! If you prefer "entrepreneur," "business owner," or "world-dominating force of nature," even better! Go for it! Or, if like me, you’d rather not be boxed in at all, then ditch the labels altogether.

The important thing is that you get to choose. You get to define your entrepreneurial identity on your terms. You get to build the business of your dreams, a business that fits seamlessly into your life (yes, even with the kids, the dogs, & the never-ending laundry). You get to create a legacy you’re proud of, a legacy that says, "I did this. I built this. And I did it my way."

Building a Business Beyond the Label

Building a thriving business, regardless of your chosen label (or lack thereof), requires a holistic approach. It’s about more than just marketing funnels & sales strategies (though those are important, too!). It’s about cultivating an unwavering mindset, prioritizing your wellbeing (because, seriously, mama needs her sleep!), & implementing smart, AI-powered systems that give you back your precious time & energy. This resonates deeply with creating systems & a mindset that allow your business to flow seamlessly with your life. Remember, much like when Alana finally learned to ride her bike, breakthroughs often come when we’re having fun, not when we’re forcing it. Persistence is key, though - you keep going even when it feels hard!

Defining your path starts with being crystal clear about what you want & taking consistent, small steps to achieve it. Feeling lost or overwhelmed about how to do this? Grab a seat in my free Masterclass on "Defining Your Entrepreneurial Path" where I share a simple 3-step system for building the business & life you crave – all whilst managing the everyday juggle.

Here’s a simple 3-step system to get you started:

Mindset Mastery: What's one limiting belief you can reframe today? If you catch yourself thinking, "I'm not experienced enough", try shifting it to "I have a unique perspective to offer." Remember, much like my journey from selling sweets in the playground to founding Femmeprenista, it's about progress, not perfection.
System Saviour: Implement one time-saving system this week. Could you automate your email welcome sequence, schedule your social media posts in advance, or use a project management tool to organize your tasks? Remember how crucial it was for me to establish clear client-facing boundaries, especially with the chaos of four kids and two energetic Miniature Pinschers? Systems bring sanity to the juggle.
Strategic Action: Define one clear, measurable goal for the week & break it down into three smaller tasks. Focus on things that move the needle for your business. It’s not about doing more, but about doing the right things. Even if it feels like you're moving at a tortoise's pace, consistent action is key!

Connecting with women who are navigating similar challenges, celebrating each other’s wins (and commiserating over the epic fails), is essential for staying sane & fuelled on this journey. It’s about creating a tribe, a support network that reminds you that you’re not alone. Remember, "It's not just down to the system, what can you do?"

You're a big deal, remember? What’s one thing you’re struggling with right now? Share in the comments – let’s support each other!