What I Wish I’d Known Before Starting a Small Business as a Mum

I didn’t really have a definition of success when I started this business.

I wasn’t thinking years ahead or imagining what it might look like once everything was “established.” I just wanted something that fit around our life, something that gave me flexibility and space to be there for my kids while still creating something of my own.Right now, success looks like making every school drop-off and pick-up. Being around for the things that matter. Having the freedom to shape my days in a way that works for us.

And that part feels really good.

At the same time, it’s not all sunshine and flowers.

Working from home means working while the kids are just back from school. It means sneaking work into the quieter moments, answering messages in between everything else, and sometimes making at the weekend,  even if it’s just for a few hours.

I’m home, but I’m still working.

I didn’t realise how hard it would be to switch off properly. Even when I’m not actively doing anything, my mind often is. There’s usually a list ticking away somewhere in the background…. orders to finish, things to prep, messages to reply to. I’m on my phone more than I’d like to be, not scrolling aimlessly, but still not fully present either.

That part does not feel good.

I used to think running my own business would feel more settled than this. Like reaching a point where everything calms down and stays that way. What I’m learning instead is that it changes all the time. It depends on the season, the workload, and what’s going on at home.

Some weeks feel balanced and manageable. Others feel full and stretched, even though nothing looks particularly different from the outside.

I’m still figuring out where the boundaries need to be. Still learning how to protect my time better. Still reminding myself that being present doesn’t mean getting it right all the time.

This business gives me so much flexibility, and I’m so grateful for that but it also takes up  a lot of mental space in return.

Both things can exist at the same time.

For now, success isn’t about growth or numbers or ticking boxes. It’s about being able to show up for my kids, do work that I love and am proud of and accept that balance is something I’ll probably always be adjusting… not something I’ll ever completely finish.

And that feels like enough, at least for this stage.