Motherhood and entrepreneurship - two of life's most demanding yet rewarding paths. For many women, the thought of combining these two paths may seem overwhelming. But for those who take the leap, the rewards can be life-changing.
Recently, in a heartwarming episode of The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway had a chat with two incredibly inspiring travel entrepreneurs: Nicole Shipper (Trips by Nic) and Sarah Key (The Keys to Travel). Not only are these women in the midst of building thriving travel businesses, but they’re also raising young children. What’s their secret? A mixture of flexibility, resilience, and a support system.
The Push to Take the Leap
Many women delay starting a business or having children because they fear they won’t be able to manage both. But sometimes, life has a funny way of pushing you toward your true calling, just like it did with Sarah and Nicole.
Sarah found herself yearning for a career where she could be there for her future kids. This desire led her to bid farewell to corporate America and dive into the travel industry. Meanwhile, Nicole craved flexibility and fulfillment following a tough year. Both discovered their passion in travel entrepreneurship and never looked back.
Navigating the Challenges
Sure, entrepreneurship offers the glamorous perk of flexibility, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Nicole and Sarah faced their fair share of obstacles - here’s how they tackled them:
Firstly, reliable and affordable childcare is like a unicorn - rare and magical. Options like daycare, nannies, or even help from family often came into play. Meredith’s own experience with hiring an au pair offered both flexibility and savings, providing a practical solution to a common problem.
Then there's the elusive work-life balance. Some days the business takes center stage, while other days, motherhood does. They found structured work blocks and clear boundaries helped keep the sanity meter in check.
Additionally, the feeling of juggling multiple responsibilities is normal. A supportive community of fellow mompreneurs can became a lifeline, easing the sense of being constantly pulled in different directions.
Discovering the Upsides
Despite the hurdles, there are countless perks to successfully juggling both roles. Nicole and Sarah relished the flexibility and presence that entrepreneurship afforded them. Scheduling calls around nap times or school runs allowed for a more fulfilling work-life dynamic. Their personal experiences turned them into family travel experts, giving them an edge in understanding their clients’ needs in family-friendly travel. Gifted Travel Network (GTN) provided invaluable mentorship and camaraderie. Having a community where you can share highs and lows with people who truly understand your journey is essential.
Advice for Aspiring Mompreneurs
If you're plotting out your entrepreneurial dream while planning a family, Nicole and Sarah have a few sagely suggestions. Dive into your dreams, but keep your realistic goggles on - starting small and growing steadily as your confidence blooms is key. Finding your community is crucial; seek out folks who understand your challenges and cheer you on when you need it most. Early process planning and automation prove to be best friends in the seamless running of their businesses. Give yourself grace. Tough days will inevitably come, but continually remembering your "why" and keeping your eyes on the long-term prize make the journey worthwhile.
Embracing the Journey
Nicole and Sarah are living proof that you don’t have to choose between being an awesome mom and a successful entrepreneur. With resilience, strategic planning, and a dependable support system, you can have the best of both worlds. So, are you ready to take that leap?
Want to hear more inspiring stories? Check out The Travel Business Unpacked podcast and dive into deeper insights into the world of travel entrepreneurship.
Get started: www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/travel-mba
