In this episode, Laura discusses the challenge of balancing ambition and motherhood. She shares her thoughts on how to reconcile the desire for success in business with the responsibilities of being a devoted mother. 

Laura emphasizes the importance of recognizing that mothers have more than one purpose and that it is possible to have a successful business while being a present and supportive mother. She explores the concept of mom guilt and how to shift the narrative around it. Laura also talks about the need to prioritize oneself, one's partner, and one's children before the business. She highlights the value of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges of being a mom entrepreneur.

Keywords: ambition, motherhood, balancing, success, business, responsibilities, mom guilt, priorities, support, community

Takeaways

• It is possible to be a successful mom entrepreneur and have a thriving business.
• Reconciling ambition and motherhood requires shifting the narrative around mom guilt and recognizing that children do not require constant presence.
• Prioritizing oneself, one's partner, and one's children before the business is essential for a balanced and fulfilling life.
• Surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges of being a mom entrepreneur provides valuable support and inspiration.

Sound Bites

• "How do you reconcile for yourself the desire to be wildly successful in business and to be a devoted mother?"
• "You can have more than one purpose. You were an entire whole ass human before you became a mom."
• "I believe that you can be a mother and have a wildly successful business."

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 - Introduction: Balancing Ambition and Motherhood
06:18 - Shifting the Narrative: Letting Go of Mom Guilt
13:18 - Reconciling Success in Business and Devoted Motherhood
19:59 - Finding Support and Inspiration: Surrounding Yourself with Like-Minded Mom Entrepreneurs

Learn more about the This Mother Means Business Retreat Oct. 2nd-4th - https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/retreat

Join us for a Community Connection Call: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/community-connection

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode host Laura Sinclair interviews Sarah Wells, founder of Sarah Wells Bags and author of the new book "Go Ask Your Mothers: One Simple Step for Managers to Support Working Moms for Team Success"

Sarah shares her journey in the mom and baby products industry, starting with breast pump bags and expanding to other accessories. She founded her company thirteen years ago, driven by frustration over the lack of professional options for breastfeeding mothers. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of having a social mission in her business, her dedication to empowering mothers in the workplace, and the fulfillment she derives from her mission.

Sarah Wells is a respected voice in the realm of management, leadership, and the support of working mothers. 

With a master’s degree in public policy and women’s studies from the George Washington University, complemented by a bachelor’s degree in political science and women’s studies from American University, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and advocacy to her work. Her contributions as a sought-after expert, workshop presenter, and podcast speaker in the domain of supporting working mothers’ transitions back to work have made her an invaluable resource for employers and teams.

Takeaways:

• Balancing Acts: Balancing a new business with personal responsibilities is possible. Dedication and time management are key.
• Innovative Solutions: Turn your personal frustrations into business ideas. Identify market gaps and create solutions that resonate.
• Commitment Period: Give yourself a set period, like a year, to commit to your new venture. This helps evaluate potential without long-term pressure.
• Mission-Driven Success: Building a business with a strong social mission adds depth and sustainability. Passion for your cause can drive long-term success.
• Community and Advocacy: Engage with and uplift your community. Use your platform to support causes and create a loyal, motivated customer base.

In this episode you will hear:

3:13: Challenges and frustrations as a breastfeeding working mom
5:31: Going viral and the impact of social media
7:54: Embracing and learning from business experiences
11:40: Core values and growth.
18:02: Finding ways to be of value in the media.
22:44: Advocating for moms.

Sarah's Links:

Website: https://sarahwellsbags.com/
Book: https://goaskyourmothers.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1637745575/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwellsbags/?hl=en

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode, Laura is joined by Maggie Patterson, the creator of BS Free Business, to discuss the deceptive practices and scams prevalent in the online business world. They talk about the unrealistic income claims, the phenomenon of master resale rights, and the targeting of moms in these scams. They also discuss how to identify red flags and make informed decisions when investing in business support. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships, being discerning with purchases, and prioritizing ethical business practices.

Keywords: online business, scams, deceptive practices, income claims, master resale rights, targeting moms, red flags, informed decisions, genuine relationships, discerning purchases, ethical business practices

Takeaways

• Be cautious of unrealistic income claims and exaggerated testimonials in the online business world.
• Beware of scams that promise quick and easy success without mentioning the hard work and skills required.
• Targeting moms is common in these scams due to their desire for flexibility and financial stability.
• Trust your gut and be discerning when making purchasing decisions in your business.
• Build genuine relationships and seek support from a community that aligns with your values.
• Prioritize ethical business practices and avoid engaging in manipulative marketing tactics.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 - Introduction and Background
03:10 - Unrealistic Income Claims and Mistakes Made
06:36 - Master Resale Rights and Targeting Moms
12:55 - Red Flags and Making Informed Decisions
24:19 - Building Genuine Relationships and Conclusion

Maggie's links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsfreebusiness/
Website: https://bsfreebusiness.com/
Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/duped

Learn more about the This Mother Means Business Retreat October 2 - 4 - https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/retreat

Join us for a Community Connection Call: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/community-connection

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode, Laura interviews Amanda Cahill, host of the Redefining Motherhood podcast and an executive vice president in the telecommunications industry. They discuss the challenges of motherhood and how to redefine it to fit individual needs and aspirations. Amanda shares her personal experience with postpartum depression and anxiety and how it led her to start her podcast. They also talk about the importance of self-care, asking for help, and setting boundaries. The conversation emphasizes the need to let go of societal expectations and define motherhood on one's own terms.

Keywords: redefining motherhood, challenges of motherhood, postpartum depression, self-care, asking for help, setting boundaries

Takeaways

• Motherhood can be challenging and overwhelming, but it's important to redefine it to fit your own needs and aspirations.
• Postpartum depression and anxiety are common experiences, and it's crucial to seek help and support.
• Self-care is essential for being a happy and fulfilled mother. Prioritize activities that make you feel good and fill your cup.
• Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It's important to delegate tasks and responsibilities to create more space and time for yourself.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing burnout. Learn to say no and prioritize your well-being.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 - Introduction and Background
08:46 - Redefining Motherhood: Transitioning from Expectations to Reality
15:14 - Becoming Your Best Self: Prioritizing Self-Care
29:00 - Overcoming Societal Expectations: Embracing Individuality
34:59 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Amanda's Links:

Website: https://www.amandacahill.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacahill__/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redefining-motherhood/id1705760260

Learn more about the This Mother Means Business Retreat October 2 - 4 - https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/retreat

Join us for a Community Connection Call: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/community-connection

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode, Laura interviews Amanda Wilson-Ciocci, the founder of The Monarch & Co, about her journey as an entrepreneur and the importance of building a community. Amanda shares how her community, Monarch Momentum, was born out of the need expressed by her students in her signature program, Monarch Business Academy. They discuss the different stages of entrepreneurship that the community members are in and the importance of building a sustainable and impactful business. Amanda also emphasizes the significance of taking the time to lay a strong foundation before launching a product or service, and the importance of having a clear why and staying motivated throughout the journey.

Keywords entrepreneurship, community building, launching, business growth, stages of entrepreneurship, building a foundation, motivation

Takeaways

• Building a community can be a powerful way to support and connect with other entrepreneurs.
• Launching a product or service requires a strong foundation and a clear why.
• The longer the runway, the better the takeoff - taking the time to build an audience and create momentum before launching can lead to more successful outcomes.
• Launching is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process of learning and iterating.
• Prioritizing your life and building your business around it is key to creating a fulfilling and sustainable entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode you will hear:

11:10 - The Importance of a Strong Foundation for Launching
27:47 - Launching is a Continuous Learning Process
32:02 - Prioritizing Life and Building a Business Around It

Amanda's Links:

Website: https://www.themonarchandco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonarchandco/

Learn more about the This Mother Means Business Retreat October 2 - 4 - https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/retreat

Join us for a Community Connection Call: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/community-connection

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode, Laura shares her personal story of breaking her leg and the lessons she learned from the experience. She reflects on the choices she made leading up to the accident and the small decisions that could have resulted in a different outcome. Laura discusses the importance of asking for help and the realization that she wasn't asking for help as much as she thought she was. She also explores the impact of her energy and the types of clients and relationships she wants to focus on moving forward. Laura emphasizes the power of perspective and the gratitude she feels for the support she received during her recovery.

Keywords: broken leg, choices, asking for help, energy, perspective, gratitude

Takeaways

• Small decisions can have a big impact on the outcome of a situation.
• It's important to ask for help and not try to do everything on your own.
• Assess the energy you give and receive in relationships and make adjustments as needed.
• Gain perspective by recognizing that things could always be worse.
• Take care of yourself and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout.
• Choose to take action and make changes before the universe forces you to.

In this episode you will hear:

02:28 - Feeling Bored and Making Choices
09:17 - Lessons Learned: Asking for Help
16:05 - Evaluating Energy in Relationships
25:42 - Fun Moments and Gratitude
30:02 - Taking Action and Conclusion

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode, Laura interviews Megan Senese, co-founder of Stage, a marketing consulting firm for lawyers. They discuss Megan's journey of starting her own business and the challenges she faced as a working mom in a corporate environment. Megan shares her experience of feeling restricted and unfulfilled in her previous job, which led her to take the leap and start her own company. They also touch on the importance of autonomy and taking control of your own story. Megan Senese shares her journey from leaving corporate to becoming an entrepreneur and the challenges she faced along the way. She discusses the financial considerations and planning involved in making the transition, as well as the mindset shift required to embrace uncertainty and take on the risks of entrepreneurship. Megan also talks about the importance of building relationships and networking in order to grow a business, and the need for entrepreneurs to prioritize self-care and find a balance between work and personal life. She shares her big goal of tripling her revenue in two years and eventually hiring more people.

Keywords:
entrepreneurship, marketing consulting, lawyers, working moms, corporate environment, autonomy, entrepreneurship, leaving corporate, financial planning, risk-taking, building relationships, networking, self-care, work-life balance, revenue growth, hiring

Takeaways

• Taking the leap to start your own business can be scary but rewarding
• Feeling restricted and unfulfilled in a corporate job can be a catalyst for change
• Autonomy and control over your own story are important for personal and professional growth
• Being a working mom comes with unique challenges and the need for flexibility
• Finding a niche market can lead to success in entrepreneurship Leaving corporate and becoming an entrepreneur requires careful financial planning and consideration of the risks involved.
• Building relationships and networking are essential for growing a business and finding opportunities.
• Entrepreneurs need to prioritize self-care and find a balance between work and personal life.
• Setting ambitious goals, such as tripling revenue in two years, can drive growth and success in business.

In this episode you will hear:

3:00 - Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
7:53 - Taking Control of Your Own Story
14:38- Starting a Business with No Clients
18:25 - Leaving Corporate and Embracing Entrepreneurship
20:09 - Financial Planning and Risk-Taking
23:53 - Building Relationships and Networking
25:16 - Work-Life Balance as an Entrepreneur
34:27 - Setting Ambitious Goals for Business Growth

Megan's Links:

Website: https://stage.guide/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stage_marketing_women/?hl=en

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode, Laura interviews high-performance coach and author Alessia Citro about her new book, Higher Self Habits. They discuss the importance of habits and how to make them fun and freeing. Alessia shares her personal journey of discovering the power of habits and how they can help us become the best version of ourselves. They also talk about the role of movement in habits and the importance of celebrating small wins. Alessia provides practical tips and strategies for implementing habits and aligning them with our soul mission.

In this episode you will hear:

09:04 - The Power of Small, Consistent Actions
15:25 - The Role of Movement in Habits
29:32 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Keywords habits, high-performance, self-improvement, personal growth, alignment, celebration

Takeaways

• Habits can be fun and freeing when approached with the right mindset.
• Small, consistent actions can have a big impact on our lives.
• Movement is an important habit that can help us expand our energy and capacity.
• Celebrating small wins builds self-confidence and reinforces positive habits.
• Aligning our habits with our soul mission gives them deeper meaning and purpose.

Alessia's Links:

Website: https://alessiacitro.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alessiacitro__/
Podcast: https://alessiacitro.com/podcast
Book Club: https://alessiacitro.com/book-club

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this conversation, Laura discusses three ways to grow your audience: building, borrowing, and buying. Building your audience involves creating content and engaging with your target audience. Borrowing your audience involves collaborating with others who have a similar audience and leveraging their reach. Buying your audience refers to running ads to drive traffic and sales. Laura emphasizes the importance of building and borrowing before considering buying. She also shares examples of collaboration strategies, such as podcast swaps, press and PR, and product-based pop-up sales.

In this episode you will hear:
00:00 - Introduction: The Importance of Growing Your Audience
02:14 - Building an Audience
06:39 - Borrowing an Audience
09:30 - Buying an Audience

Takeaways

• Building an audience is essential for business success as it increases brand awareness and leads to more sales.
• Creating content and engaging with your target audience on platforms like social media, blogs, and podcasts is an effective way to build an audience.
• Collaborating with others who have a similar audience allows you to borrow their audience and reach new people.
• Investing money in advertising and promotional efforts can help you buy an audience and accelerate growth.
• It's important to have a combination of building, borrowing, and buying strategies to effectively grow your audience.

40 Ways to Grow Your Audience: https://www.laura-sinclair.com/pl/2148284852

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode, Laura interviews Charisse Pasche, the COO of Dapper Boi, a body and size inclusive clothing brand. Charisse shares the mission of Dapper Boi, which is to build confidence through clothing by offering gender-neutral and size-inclusive options. She discusses the challenges and sacrifices they made to grow the business, including selling their home. Charisse also talks about their appearance on Shark Tank and the impact Dapper Boi has had on individuals' confidence and careers. She shares her experience of navigating motherhood and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of self-care and finding balance. The episode concludes with Sharice providing contact information for Dapper Boi and their personal journey as mompreneurs.

In this episode you will hear:

02:57 - The Mission of Dapper Boi
06:09 - Size Inclusivity and Clothing Range
08:53 - Challenges and Sacrifices
12:02 - Appearance on Shark Tank
20:03 - Creating Space for Self-Care
22:56 - Building a Schedule and Finding Balance
28:02 - Being Partners in Business and Life

Takeaways

• Dapper Boi is a body and size inclusive clothing brand that aims to build confidence through clothing.
• The founders of Dapper Boi made significant sacrifices, including selling their home, to grow the business.
• The brand has had a positive impact on individuals' confidence and careers.
• Finding balance and practicing self-care are essential for navigating motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Charisse's Links:
Website: https://www.dapperboi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dapperboi/

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok