How I'm learning to balance Mom Life, Entrepreneur Life, and maintain a sense of self and peace.
Since launching my company and especially since diving into full-time entrepreneur life, I often get asked the question
How do you do it?
When I first decided to launch Meadowsweet, I worked full time as a Nanny to four amazing kiddos and brought my own son. Having 5 kids ages 2-8 as test subjects is great for practicing behind the camera, but I struggled to build my business past a hobby and a way to capture memories of my own child and the children in my life.
So that was me
Mom, Nanny. And Entrepenuer.
Loving my job because I worked for the MOST amazing families, but constantly burnt out and could not recharge and pour into my passions and build the dream I’ve had since at least 12 years old.
Then one day in March 2021, in the midst of a pandemic, knowing my current position would end at the end of Summer, I decided to attend the INA Virtual Summit and the pieces finally fell into place when I met two people that changed the trajectory of my career.
First, Jada Rashawn’s presentation on using your platform and voice to make waves in the nanny industry and beyond was THE spark I needed to find my voice. I can’t even recall what it is she said, but her energy, expertise, and passion lit a fire, and the idea and drive to start Meadowsweet Photo Company was born.
But that was only piece one, had I started Meadowsweet this spring without the second piece of the puzzle, I can assure you, I would have failed.
Crystal Gail attended the Summit as a vendor with her amazing enamel pins by Clearly Nanny--and I got the chance to chat with her. She invited me to Clubhouse--The Social Audio App-- and her club The Year of the Nanny. I had heard the name Clubhouse but had no clue what it was all about. I have so much more to share about how Crystal has influenced me and supported me in growing--starting a second business-- and achieve my dreams and I can’t wait to bring you along as that growth continues. and share more of the nuts and bolts.
But the very first lesson I learned in finding the balance is this:
Start every day with intention
I strive to be intentional with my words, with my time, with my body, and with my energy. It became a goal of mine at the beginning of 2021. But I didn’t realize how important that theme would become when Clubhouse finally opened up for Android users and I was able to join the Year of the Nanny Club.
Every single day we show up and share our goals, wins, affirmations, and we lift one another up. It has been a change in routine for me that has done wonders. You may not have time at 7:30 AM EST every M-F to join us. But my number one piece of advice is to change something in your morning routine. Or your whole morning routine. Find a podcast or a guided meditation, a Clubhouse room, or a workout routine that gets your day started with intention and momentum. Just start.
The second is to OUTSOURCE.
This doesn’t mean you have to be able to afford a cleaning service or a virtual assistant (hello, wishlist!). But hire a coach if you can, automate your systems so you have more time for personal connections, and outsource the things that aren’t your strengths (it took me much too long to call my accountant-don’t make my mistake).
Outsource knowledge.
Learn from leaders in your industry who have gone through it.
Listen to podcasts, watch YouTube, read books.
My Achilles heel has always been my view as asking for help as a weakness-I had a mental block that said admitting you needed help meant admitting failure. But it isn’t.
It's the true show of strength and leadership to leverage your community and resources all around you for your successes, both personal and professional.
I also use a few resources and apps to help me find the balance daily and build my businesses while still having the time and energy to pour into my family and keep my own cup full.
FloDesk (50% off with this link!)
My favorite part about finding the balance and becoming a Full-Time entrepreneur is the freedom it’s given me to set my working hours, plan my days in a way that allows intentional time blocking and fewer distractions, and most of all--more time to capture memories for families and practice my craft and learn new techniques and skills that constantly improve my art and energize my soul. Whatever your dream is--check your circle and your intentions and show up. Because when you follow your passions and put in the work, there are opportunities everywhere you look--all you have to do is start.
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