From Mom to Mompreneur: Tips for Starting a Business as a Stay-at-Home Mom

Having one parent stay home with the kids can be extremely beneficial for the whole family. However, it usually comes with a financial cost. Fortunately, there are many ways you can earn an income without needing to leave your home. Consider these tips from Coachwares for starting your own successful business as a stay-at-home mom.

Build a Community

No mom is an island, so it’s important that you reach out to other women in similar situations. Online support groups and forums are great avenues for sharing advice and ideas as well as receiving support during challenges and celebrating the wins that come with being a business owner and stay-at-home mom.

There are also many Meetup mom groups for when you’re craving some real-life connection. Not only can you make new friends, but you can also pitch your business to gauge interest or find your first few customers. And surely your fellow moms are unlikely to turn down a free sample.

Mind Your Business

If you’re looking to sell goods, try creating your own and selling them on an online marketplace such as Etsy. Whether you sell knitted items, handmade jewelry, or homemade baked goods, you can set up your own virtual store and handle all aspects of the business, from production to collecting payment and shipping products. As a bonus, try to include a personalized thank you note with each order, especially in the early stages of your business. This simple practice goes a long way in establishing meaningful relationships with customers.

For service-based businesses, such as consulting, consider reaching out to previous employers for referrals or job opportunities. Use any past work experience you have as a networking tool. Also, author Josh Turner suggests not underestimating the power of the LinkedIn cold message.

There’s also the matter of productivity, which can be especially challenging when dealing with kid-related distractions. Be sure to reduce or eliminate undue stressors around the house and in your working space by removing things like clutter and disorganization – both of which can be the source of anxiety over time – and introducing a little Mother Nature, such as houseplants and nature art or photos. Allowing in plenty of natural light is also a huge positive.

Hire Some Help

It may seem silly to hire childcare when you’re at home with your kids, but trying to start a business with little ones running around is no joke. Having dedicated kid-free time allows you to establish your business hours and set firm boundaries between work and life. Find a trusted caregiver who can come to your home on a regular basis and relieve you of childcare duties.

Additionally, your kids may have trouble understanding your transition from a stay-at-home mom to a business-owning stay-at-home mom. To help with this, Fast Company recommends having a dedicated room in your home where you can work. You being out of sight helps them grasp that you’re unavailable when you’re in your workspace.

Register Your Company

Having your business legally recognized by the government is a huge step in your journey as a mompreneur. An LLC offers you financial protections and reduces your liability if your business takes a downturn. LLCs are fairly simple to set up, and you can use a formation service to avoid legal fees. Each state has different rules, so be sure to check with your state’s small business administration before proceeding.

Just Do It

The best time to start your business is always right now. Balancing being a working professional and a stay-at-home mom may be tricky, but you can do it, and your family is likely to be better for it.

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