This blog is written by Guest Writer Emily Graham from mightymoms.net.
Starting a business and welcoming a new baby simultaneously presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. It’s a period marked by sleepless nights and endless to-do lists, where the cries of a newborn intertwine with the buzz of entrepreneurial aspirations. This phase in life requires a balancing act of unparalleled proportions, demanding both the nurturing instincts of a parent and the strategic acumen of a business owner.
Yet amidst this whirlwind of responsibilities, there lies an extraordinary chance to grow, not just a family, but a legacy. Hippychick founders Julia and Jeremy know first-hand what it takes to launch a business whilst raising young children. In this blog post, we will guide you through the intertwining paths of new parenthood and business ownership, offering practical advice and heartfelt encouragement for the journey ahead.
Develop healthy, productive routines
It’s essential to develop and create healthy routines that keep you productive as you manage your new business and baby. Have Twins First notes that establishing a schedule for your work and your baby’s needs can help you stay on track and balance your various responsibilities.
Note that this might require some flexibility and adjustments because babies often have different needs and routines. But having a basic framework for your day can prove to be invaluable.
Build a workspace for you and baby
Creating a designated workspace that accommodates both you and your baby is crucial for maintaining focus and productivity while juggling parenthood and business. This could involve setting up a comfortable desk and chair in your nursery, where you can work while your little one sleeps, or integrating a safe play area within your office space. The addition of baby-friendly elements, such as a playmat or a baby monitor, ensures that you can work efficiently while remaining attentive to your child’s needs. According to My Easy Homelife, having such a setup not only aids in better time management but also provides a unique opportunity to bond with your baby during work hours.
Find handy gadgets to help with baby
There are countless baby gadgets on the market today to help you manage your child’s needs while building your business. A baby carrier, for example, can help you keep your baby close while moving around and doing tasks. A baby monitor will allow you to keep an eye on your child when working in another room. Take time to research the range of technologies out there, and you’ll quickly find that investing in the right gadgets can be a game-changer!
Create an invoicing process
You must have an invoicing process in place to ensure that you get paid on time and keep your finances organised. This is especially vital when you have a new baby to take care of, as you don’t want to spend unnecessary time chasing down payments. There are many invoicing tools available online to help you streamline this process and manage it more easily. Remember to include clear payment terms in your invoicing process so your clients know where, when, and how they should send payments. Specify any applicable deadlines, as well as accepted payment methods (e.g., bank transfers, checks, debit card/credit card, etc.).
Create a marketing strategy
Developing a simplified and cost-effective marketing strategy is key. Focus on digital marketing avenues, such as social media and email marketing, which offer the flexibility to work around your new parenting schedule. Utilise tools like scheduling software to plan your content, ensuring a consistent online presence without daily oversight. Consider leveraging user-generated content or customer testimonials, as they provide authentic engagement with minimal effort. Also, don’t underestimate the power of local community engagement, which can be as simple as participating in local online groups or events, offering a personal touch without a significant time or financial investment.
Julia and Jeremy’s story
Hippychick was born out of this very scenario. Julia and Jeremy Minchin invented the Hipseat as a result of their own personal experience of parenthood. Julia Minchin shares her experience of raising young children whilst starting this very business. “Launching a business at the same time as raising young children isn’t just a journey – it is a testament to the resilience of motherhood and the power of trying to pursue your dreams amidst the total chaos of everyday life! It did make it slightly easier for us as we were right in the baby market ourselves so could really test each and every product to see that it made a difference, served a purpose or was simply enjoyed by the children.” Julia’s one piece of advice for anyone who is going on this same journey is to never give up, it will all be worth it in the end!
Entrepreneurship with a newborn
Starting a business while welcoming a new baby is a uniquely demanding yet immensely fulfilling experience. It requires a blend of adaptability, patience, and smart strategising to maintain a balance between these two life-changing events. Success in this endeavour is less about perfecting both roles simultaneously and more about finding a rhythm that suits your circumstances. Remember to embrace the unpredictability, celebrate the small achievements, and never shy away from seeking help when needed.
Hippychick is dedicated to helping new parents on their journey. Feel free to get in touch with our friendly team if you have any questions!