Growing a business whilst balancing motherhood in the mix, can often feel overwhelming.
Between the school runs, ferrying children to their various classes, actually getting the work done and making sure there’s still some time in the day for YOU, it’s easy to let your business visibility, slide down the priority list. And it’s no wonder why!
But the simple truth is, the best thing you can do for you AND your business isn’t just working harder — it’s showing up, consistently, for yourself and your community.
When Freelance Mum first started, 11 years ago, my ‘battle cry’ was simple – show up whatever version of you, you are that day. At Freelance Mum, we ‘get it’. The message (at the time) was to turn up and if you want, bring your children, just be whoever you are that day. This is a safe space, where no one judges.
It’s incredible really, that 11 years on and that message not only still stands, but has even more resonance today – especially in the age of AI. AI can be many things – but it can not be YOU. Nothing beats the feeling you get, when you’re in a room with people – talking connecting, showing your beautiful, tired face – the best thing you can do, is to keep showing up and grow your network.
Show your community, who you are and what you stand for.
At Freelance Mum, we provide that space for support, growth, and connection, tailored for mums balancing work and family life.
Show Up and Be Seen
Showing up doesn’t mean waiting for perfection – that moment will never come! It means putting yourself and your business out there, even when life feels chaotic.
Whether you’ve just dropped the kids to school, or hopped off a zoom call, your presence matters. It’s more than ‘just a post on social media’ but about finding a place to be the face of your business, whatever it looks like that day.
It’s more than ‘being the face of your business’, but also about having a place to share ideas/get input and development. Help move things on a stage, not get lost in your own thought chamber.
As one Freelance Mum member put it:
“Being a single mum, navigating a tricky divorce, it often feels like my career comes waaaay down the priorities list, and is not getting the love and attention it needs to thrive. Freelance Mums helps me see it’s not selfish to want to have a fulfilling career and be a parent at the same time.”
Finding a place you can show up, not always be the ‘polished version’ of yourself, allows you to share ideas in an honest and real way. It doesn’t make you any less professional – in fact, there is often more respect, for people seeing you for who you are that day.
At Freelance Mum, the common ground is simple – we want to create a world, where we can run our business around our family and raise each other up.
From ‘seasoned pro to starting out’
Whether you’re a ‘seasoned pro’ when it comes to balancing motherhood around business, or just starting out, the message remains the same – we want to see you and your lovely face! No one thinks you’re a ‘hobbyist’ if you’ve just starting out, it might be ‘Day 1’ in your business, but you bring so much more to the table.
Part of the joy of being part of a network, is knowing that there are different roles within a community, you can be the face of your business but also have a lifetime of experience in a previous role. It’s about getting to know the people and building those connections.
“The Freelance Mum community has been such a lifeline during my transition from working in the corporate world to running my own business. Self-employment can feel like a wild rollercoaster ride sometimes and having a community of other mums in business who just get it has been truly invaluable. Whenever I attend a coffee morning or netwalk I always feel like my cup has been filled up and I have a renewed energy to face any challenges.”
Being part of a community gives mums permission to prioritise their business without guilt and reinforces that personal and professional growth can coexist with parenting.
Connect and Collaborate
Think about your business, beyond the day to day – further than ‘just the to-do list’. Growth is an important part of a business.
Not just in terms of income, or scale, but also for personal and professional development. Let’s face it, it’s important to keep life interesting – after all, that’s part of the reason you chose to be self-employed.
Finding ways in which you can connect and collaborate with other small businesses or partners, is great way to enrich yourself and gain connections, beyond your own network. Aligning with people and projects, with similar values or a missions, can be a great to grow your business – plus, it’s always fun to buddy up with someone and gain their perspective!
It’s something we encourage at Freelance Mum, being part of a community is also about practical support. Members regularly find collaborators, clients and opportunities through shared knowledge and connections.
“I wanted to write a book and grow some new little offshoots from my business and I needed some information and support on how to do that. Within the community, I was able to commission a freelance photographer and a graphic designer to help me build my business. I didn’t need to do it all on my own and I know that I am supporting another freelance mum. We’re creating an economy in our community.”
As a woman in business, balancing work around your family, it’s really important to keep reaching for those goals.
“Self-employed mothers play a vital role in their households and in their contribution to the economy. But there is an imbalance in the support available to them. It’s vital that their voices are heard, that they have an equal footing, and aren’t penalised for having children” Faye Dicker, IPSE Manifesto.
Being part of supportive network not only benefits your business but also creates meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships that fit around family life.
Daily Actions Make a Difference
Small, consistent actions matter. Sending a supportive message, sharing a tip, or attending a meeting (in-person or online) while the kids are at school may seem minor, but they build confidence, connections and opportunities over time.
The Freelance Mum Impact Report highlights:
- 81% of members feel more confident in their business.
- Over 70% found connections leading to collaborations or new clients.
- Many report feeling less isolated while balancing the demands of business and family.
Even tiny gestures create momentum that compounds. A quick check-in with another member, a message of encouragement, or sharing a resource can open doors you didn’t expect.
Keep Showing Up
Being a mum running a business is a juggling act. Some days you’ll feel on top of it all; other days you’ll feel like chaos has taken over. The key is finding a space, where you can be yourself – keep showing up, being visible and engaging with your community whenever you can. In a way that isn’t just ‘paying lip service’ but building honest relationships. Growth isn’t just about working hard – it’s about presence, connection and support, all tailored to the realities of family life.
In short….
The best thing you can do for your business is to show up for you and your community, even amidst the daily demands of family life. Find a safe space, to connect with other women in business, who understand the juggle. Take time to really get to know your network – they are the people who will be singing your praises, even when you’re not in the room!
Being present isn’t just good for the soul, but it helps builds confidence, relationships and opportunities that no course or tool can replace. More to the point, it allows you to balance being a parent with growing a business you love.
Ready to show up for your business and yourself? Join a Freelance Mum Hub, attend a Netwalk, or sign up for a virtual coffee morning today. Take the first step to connect with other mums in business and see how community can help you thrive around family life
