BEHIND THE BUSINESS: WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE TO RUN A BUSINESS AS A SINGLE MOM

Let’s get one thing straight… running a business while raising a toddler is not “girlboss chic.” It’s real life. It’s messy, loud, exhausting, and sometimes hilarious in ways you couldn’t make up if you tried.

Here’s a glimpse into what it actually looks like:

CLIENT CALLS DURING NAP TIME

Nap time is gold. That’s when I cram in calls, crank out design work, and answer emails like my life depends on it. But let’s be honest… naps don’t always go as planned. Sometimes I’m praying for 90 minutes and I get 20. Sometimes Bluey is the co-host of the meeting. That’s just the reality.

TODDLER INTERRUPTIONS

If you’ve ever been mid-google meet and had a toddler bust in asking for snacks… welcome to my world. I’ve sent proposals with peanut butter smudges on my laptop. I’ve answered client texts while wrangling shoes onto tiny feet. The interruptions are constant, but so is the reminder of why I do this.

THE JUGGLE IS REAL

Being a single mom means it’s all on me. The invoices, the bedtime stories, the client deadlines, the daycare drop-offs. It’s exhausting. Some days it feels like there’s not enough of me to go around. The pressure is always there.

BOUNDARIES ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE

Motherhood has forced me to get razor sharp with my boundaries. No more (usually) client favors on borrowed time—that time is for my child. They’re only little for so long, and I refuse to miss it. I’ve learned to protect my energy, to keep work in its lane, and to pour into my business during business hours so I can be fully present at when I'm with my daughter.

THE UNEXPECTED STRENGTHS

Here’s the flip side: motherhood has made me more efficient. I don’t waste time anymore—I get laser-focused because my hours are limited. I’ve learned to prioritize, to let go of perfection (most days), and to show myself grace. It’s also made me more empathetic. I get what it’s like to carry a heavy load, and that makes me even more passionate about helping other women build businesses that actually work for their lives.

THE HEART OF IT

I want other women to know you don’t need perfect circumstances to build something incredible. You don’t need unlimited time, or a quiet office, or a life that looks like Instagram. You need grit, a sense of humor, and a little faith that you can figure it out as you go.

This isn’t easy… but it’s worth it. And if you’re out there building something too—whether it’s a business, a dream, or just getting through the week—I see you. 💛