My solopreneur journey began in 2010 when I stepped down as VP of Sales to start my own venture—though I wasn't entirely sure what that would be.
Related: 5 lessons in death-defying adventure taught me how to face my fears as a solopreneur
I spent seven glorious days brainstorming ideas. Then, on day eight, I learned my husband and I had created something together: our first child, due in nine months.
From then on, my solopreneur path intertwined with parenthood. In 2011, our son arrived. In 2012, our daughter followed. Those early years felt chaotic and "workless," more like full-time stay-at-home mom duties than rising YouEconomy stardom. Yet, I carved out every spare moment in my #momlife to build the business. By the time I sent the e-vite for my daughter's fourth birthday party, my solo income surpassed my old corporate salary. I thought I had it all figured out.
Then, 15 minutes into the party—complete with pizza, activities, cake, and a Sleeping Beauty character—disaster struck. No one showed up. I'd sent invitations but forgotten to check RSVPs amid the business whirlwind. Sweating and near tears, I called neighbors: "Come celebrate! Pizza! Cake! Princesses!"
In the hustle, don't lose sight of what matters most.
That night, after gifts and candles, I confessed to my husband, Michael: How could I fail our daughter so badly? She was too young to notice the empty room, but the guilt hit hard. I'd let work overshadow family.
Mamapreneur Lesson #1:
Success can cost more than you're willing to pay if you're not careful. Amid the hustle, prioritize what truly matters.
A year later, for her fifth birthday, with business doubled and my travel intense, Michael took charge. He booked a local gym with trampolines—minimal parent effort. "Just invites, RSVPs (wink), roster, cake—they handle the rest!"
I was nervous after last year's flop, but trusted him. At arrival, he handed over a single butterfly balloon. The staff asked about decorations. "You're providing those, right?" we stammered. They assured us it was fine, but sometimes parents bring extras.
The party room? Stark white walls, plain paper plates and cloths, one lonely balloon. I cringed, but Michael grinned. Our daughter? Bouncing happily with 30 preschool friends on trampolines.
Mamapreneur Lesson #2:
Ditch perfectionism. Release the myth that no one can do it like you. Delegate to capable hands. To have it all, let go.
Now, at six years old, her birthday fell on a Saturday. I'd booked a Vegas trip, planning a Friday return from Phoenix. But we’d relocated to New York—no flights aligned. Instead of panic, we adapted: The family joined me in Vegas. Friends came too. We celebrated poolside at the MGM Grand. It was magical.
In that moment, clarity hit: My intertwined life differs from other moms—unique hours, responsibilities, flexibility. But it's our normal. As long as we focus on what matters, release distractions, and celebrate together, it's a beautiful life.
Related: The belief about motherhood that held me back in my career
