By Jill and Mark Henderson, founders of BUSHBABY
Parenthood and entrepreneurship are often compared to the juggling act of a lifetime. Some challenges and opportunities arise when you embark on the ambitious journey of launching a new venture while raising young children. As many entrepreneurs equate their businesses to their babies, the question remains: how do you manage the demands of nurturing both your actual children and your business with limited time, financial resources, and care? Here, we’ll delve into the intricacies of balancing parenthood and entrepreneurship, sharing insights and tips from our own experience as founders of BUSHBABY, all while raising our two young daughters.
Why running a business is like being a parent
When we embark on the journey of parenthood and entrepreneurship, it’s easy to see these as two entirely separate domains of our lives. However, upon closer examination, we realise that they share a remarkable array of similarities.
At their core, both parenting and running a business involve the profound act of nurturing. Parents nurture their children by providing love, support, and guidance, all in the hope of fostering personal growth, development and independence. Similarly, entrepreneurs pour their energy and resources into their businesses, nurturing their growth and helping them flourish. This nurturing process often involves making tough decisions, weathering challenges, and providing the necessary resources and attention for success.
Challenges for working parents
Everyone is familiar with the term work-life balance but it’s nearly impossible to achieve perfect equilibrium, especially as a parent. We feel strongly that the current culture of work has to change. No parent should be expected to put their toddler into childcare for 9 hours a day, 5 days a week but too often this is the only option available. Many workplaces still don’t offer adequate leave, equal opportunities and flexible working arrangements. Though the pandemic shone a light on the last point, it seems that some employers are clawing back their teams into the office. Too often this impacts mothers who may feel forced to leave employment to take care of their children and counter the rising costs of childcare in the UK.
Such conditions led us to forge our own path and start on a side hustle journey. We recognised how hard it was to find the perfect gift for new mothers and babies, so we took matters into our own hands and created unique thoughtful hampers to offer an alternative to mass-produced gifts. BUSHBABY launched in 2020 with just £350 from our personal savings which quickly grew and turned over £100,000 in the first year, with 95% of sales placed on our Amazon store.
As our business grows, we’re getting closer to our ultimate goal of financial independence and flexibility. In the meantime, we’ve learnt a lot of lessons about how to juggle running a business as a parent:
Devise guidelines for work vs home life
Setting clear boundaries is essential to managing both your business and parenthood effectively. By delineating specific work hours and family time, you create a structured framework that allows you to be fully present in each role. For example, designating certain hours for focused work and others for quality family moments can help prevent burnout and maintain a healthier balance.
Ask for support when you need it
One of the most important lessons we’ve learned on this journey is that it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for help. Whether it’s seeking assistance with childcare, outsourcing tasks in your business, or simply sharing responsibilities with your partner, reaching out to your support network is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Think about your time
Effective time management is a skill that becomes paramount when navigating the realms of parenthood and entrepreneurship. Embrace time management tools and techniques that help you prioritise tasks, delegate responsibilities, and maintain a structured daily routine. Balancing the demands of family and business is much more manageable when you allocate time wisely and make the most of every moment.
It’s also important to look for ways to optimise your business to work smarter but not harder. Thanks to the flexibility Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) provides we are able to balance our business with family commitments and full-time jobs. Therefore not only has Amazon given us access to a huge audience but it has also removed a huge burden by dealing with all the logistics, helping us to automate that part of the business.
Welcome adaptability
Flexibility is a superpower when it comes to juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and entrepreneurship. Recognise that both your children and your business may have unpredictable moments, and adaptability is the key to weathering any storm. Being flexible in your approach allows you to roll with the punches, adjust to changing circumstances, and find creative solutions when challenges arise.
Running a business as a parent is not for the faint of heart and certainly comes with challenges. However, by embracing these tips it’s possible to find a balance that feels right for you and your family. It may not always be possible or perfect but the opportunity to find financial freedom and independence is a powerful driving force. With determination, support, and the right strategies in place, the juggle between parenthood and entrepreneurship can become a fulfilling and rewarding adventure.
