Things I Do as a Small Business Owner (and a Mum)
Running a small business while raising children is a lesson in duality. It’s beautiful, chaotic, full and fulfilling. And some days, it’s just too much.
I’ve found that most of the advice out there is either overly optimistic; “just do an hour of meditation every evening to wind down” (lovely in theory, but not exactly compatible with bedtime routines, endless laundry and scrubbing out lunchboxes) — or completely unrealistic; “I usually wake up two hours earlier than my kids to get a head start.” For those who know me well, sleep is my love language.
So I wanted to share a more honest version of what’s working for me right now, not because I have it all figured out, but because maybe you’ll recognise something here too. This isn’t a how-to. Just a quietly evolving list of things I do and don’t do to run my business in a way that feels doable, balanced and a little lighter.
As I prepare to take a few months away for maternity leave, I’ve been thinking even more about how to keep both life and work moving in a way that feels supported.
1. I’ve Learnt to Manage My Own Expectations
There’s a version of me that thinks I can do everything pretty well, quickly and all at once. She tends to write the to-do lists.
But I’ve learnt that balance isn’t a fixed point you arrive at. Some days are client-heavy, some are kid-heavy and some are just about keeping things moving. The best shift has been learning to let that ebb and flow feel okay.
I don’t aim for perfection anymore, just to move things forward in ways that feel manageable and I remind myself to leave some room for the unexpected, because it always, always shows up.
Some days success is finishing a client project. Other days it’s an empty inbox. And sometimes it’s simply just making it through until bedtime.
2. I’ve Become Comfortable Saying No
This one didn’t come naturally at first but I’ve realised that every yes is a commitment of my time, energy and attention.
So I’ve started saying no more often:
- No to unrealistic deadlines and demands that could cost me rest and mental energy
- No to “quick” free jobs that somehow take hours and leave me depleted
- No to social plans or commitments that feel draining instead of restorative
I’ve also stopped over explaining every “no.” That part’s been freeing. Because when I say no to the things that might drain me, I leave more room for the projects and people I want to give my best to.
3. I Separate Work from Family Time (as best I can)
My working day usually wraps up around 3.30 or 4pm when I collect my children from school. That finish line can feel limiting at times, but in many ways, it’s become one of the most productive boundaries I have.
Knowing I only have a finite window to get things done means I can focus more, procrastinate less and treat my 9–4 as ‘protected time’. I’ve learnt I can often get more done in that focused stretch than I would in a longer, more fragmented day.
When my children come back home, I try hard to fully switch gears. I avoid checking emails or quickly sitting back down at my desk, even though the temptation is definitely there. If something’s truly urgent, my children are at an age where I can explain that I need a few more minutes. But the truth is, very little is ever that urgent.
4. I Use Tools That Keep Things Simple
What works for me is a small, consistent toolkit that helps me stay clear-headed and organised, without creating more noise.
Trello: My go-to for managing client projects, moving parts and general brainstorming. It gives me a calm, visual overview of everything in motion.
A hard copy notebook: Always within reach for brain dumps, scribbled ideas and sketches. It’s old-school, but there’s something very pleasing about putting pen to paper in a digital world. Mark + Fold are my absolute favourites for chic stationery.
Email scripts: Not full automation, but thoughtful templates that let me reply to enquiries clearly and calmly, especially on the days where time is tight.
ChatGPT: Used with a healthy dose of human editing, it’s like a virtual PA. From outlining projects to brainstorming social content, it helps me move through early-stage thinking more easily.
Loom: My favourite way to present PDFs, mood boards and design concepts. Instead of cramming in another call or writing a long email no one has time to read, I record a short video. Clients can watch (and rewatch) in their own time, which saves us both hours and keeps communication clear and flexible.
5. I Protect My Energy
One of the most important things I’ve come to understand about myself, and something I wish I’d realised sooner, is how I personally recharge.
Some people thrive on busy days, group chats, evening workouts and back-to-back plans (my husband, for example!) I’ve learnt that I’m not one of them. I get my energy from being alone, from stillness and often, from being at home around familiar things.
As a small business owner and a mum, protecting that quiet space isn’t just a preference, it’s essential. I try to take those pockets of calm whenever they arise and I’ve stopped apologising for them. It’s not laziness or avoidance. It’s restoration and it allows me to show up more fully when it matters.
Final Thoughts:
Some days are for ticking things off. Some are for stepping away. And some are simply for being a mum, fully.
Running a business and raising a family won’t ever feel seamless, but it can feel supported. I’ve learnt to ask for help when I need it - from a partner, a parent or by outsourcing the things I can’t carry. Delegating can make room for what matters most.
These small shifts and steady habits have helped me shape a version of work that feels like mine. Certainly not perfect, but enough. I hope this reminds you that calm is allowed and boundaries are worth keeping.
Over to you:
What habits or boundaries have helped you as a small business owner and parent? I’d love to hear what’s working for you. Feel free to comment or get in touch if you’d like support behind the scenes.
