Latest on the blog
Rediscovering Joy Beyond Work
In a world that praises constant productivity, doing something “just for fun” can feel almost indulgent. For many moms, especially those balancing entrepreneurship and family, every minute seems spoken for. Yet as Eve Rodsky explains in her bestselling book Find Your Unicorn Space, joy and creativity are not optional. They are essential to a balanced, thriving life.
Rodsky defines a unicorn space as the personal time and activity that let you express yourself beyond your roles as mom, partner, or business owner. It is not self-care like resting or pampering, and it is not work, even when you love what you do. It is the creative pursuit that belongs completely to you — the spark that helps you feel alive, inspired, and whole.
Why Mom Entrepreneurs Need Creative Outlets
Many Madison-area moms have built businesses around their passions, which makes it hard to separate work from creativity. When every craft, photo, or idea becomes tied to income, the joy can fade. That is why it is vital to find a non-income-producing hobby — something done purely for pleasure and expression.
Engaging in creative play reduces stress, boosts confidence, and reignites the curiosity that fuels both business and family life. It is not wasted time; it is renewal time.
Where to Explore Your Unicorn Space in Madison
Our community is full of inspiring, mom-owned spaces where you can explore new hobbies without pressure or performance.
- Wine & Design: Perfect for anyone who loves color, creativity, and conversation. Their guided painting classes let you create art simply for the joy of it.
- Blue Apple Books: A charming local bookstore where you can slow down with a good read or join a community event that reconnects you with the joy of simple stories.
- 1Cor Pilates: A peaceful studio where movement meets mindfulness. Their classes help you reconnect with your body in a calm, encouraging setting.
- Lemon & Lavender: A cozy haven for hands-on creativity. Their craft workshops invite you to play, experiment, and connect with others.
- Raging Gazebo: Ideal for book lovers and gamers alike. Explore stories, strategy, and community in a space designed for fun and imagination.
- Local Travel Agents: For moms who dream of adventure, partnering with a travel advisor from the Madison Mompreneur Member Directory can help you plan meaningful trips that nurture creativity and curiosity.
Your Permission to Play
Your worth is not measured by productivity. When you paint, stretch, craft, read, or explore simply because it brings you joy, you strengthen every other part of your life.
This week, give yourself permission to rediscover your unicorn space. Try a class, book a trip, or pick up a hobby that exists outside of income or expectation.
At Madison Mompreneur, we believe that the happiest moms and the strongest businesses come from women who make room for their own spark. Your unicorn space is not a luxury — it is a lifeline.
October 29, 2025
Owner: Lisa DeMoss
About: Eatable Rootz is a cozy plant-based micro bakery creating nondairy baked goods made with care. We love offering families healthier treats using simple, quality ingredients. Rooted in flavor and baked with love — it’s goodness you can feel good about.
Phone Number: (256) 223-3020
October 19, 2025
Welcome to another edition of our Member Spotlight Series on the Madison Mompreneur blog! This series will help you get to know the members of Madison Mompreneur as we ask them questions about their personal and professional life as moms who own businesses in the Madison, Alabama area.
We are continuing this series with the spotlight on Kelbey McGhee, Owner of Hatched Design Co.!
Tell us about yourself!
I’m Kelbey McGhee, and I’m the owner of Hatched Design Co.
How does your business help people?
As a brand and website designer, I help overwhelmed entrepreneurs find their confidence with relationship-focused branding and conversion-driven Showit websites.
How long have you lived in Madison?
I’ve lived in the area my whole life!
What inspired you to start your business?
While I was working in the marketing department for a tech company in Nashville, TN, the whole branch I had worked with was laid off. So, yes, one day I had a 9–5, the next…I had zero income and a whole lotta questions. And while being jobless isn’t exactly what I’d recommend for a good time, that layoff gave me the push I didn’t know I needed. I decided to give freelancing a go. One project led to another, and suddenly I had a real business forming in front of me. Not bad for a fresh-outta-corporate girl with a laptop and a Pinterest mood board! As I worked with more clients, I realized who I loved working with the most were women starting their own businesses from scratch. The ones who were ready to ditch the 9–5 grind in exchange for freedom and flexibility — but had no idea where to start when it came to branding. I saw myself in them. I was them. So, I made it official. Hatched Design Co was born. And it’s been my full-time gig ever since — helping women in business look and feel like the CEOs they are.
What sets your business apart from others in the industry?
I don’t just design pretty things—I build brands that actually work. While most designers focus on making things look good, I’m obsessed with making sure your brand attracts the right people and drives real results. I combine a decade of strategic marketing knowledge with intentional design to create brands that don’t just sit pretty on the internet—they work overtime to grow your business. Here’s what really sets me apart: I’ve been where the startups are. I know what it feels like to stare at your laptop at 2 AM wondering if you’re crazy for starting a business. That’s why my process feels less like working with a corporate agency and more like having a strategic best friend who happens to know a lot about branding! I specialize in helping entrepreneurs skip the messy middle—that overwhelming phase where you know you need a brand but have no idea where to start. Instead of leaving you to figure it out alone, I guide you through a proven process that turns your vision into a cohesive brand experience that connects with your ideal clients from day one. The bottom line? Other designers give you a logo and website. I give you the confidence and clarity to build something your whole community can’t stop talking about.
What do you consider to be your biggest success so far?
My biggest success isn’t something I built—it’s watching a client go from hiding behind ‘coming soon’ pages for months to launching confidently and booking her first $10K month within 60 days. That moment when she texted me ‘I can’t believe this is actually working!’ That’s what I’m here for.
How does your business contribute to the local community?
I’m passionate about helping local entrepreneurs in the greater Alabama area build businesses they’re proud of. When I help a local baker create a brand that attracts more customers, or design a website for a local service provider that actually converts, I’m directly contributing to our local economy and helping small businesses thrive right here at home.
How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years?
It’s 10 years down the road, and Hatched is totally killing it in the small business world. I want to be the go-to crew for entrepreneurs looking to level up their game in the area. We’re keeping things boutique. We’re not trying to be the next big corporate giant. We’re all about that quality over quantity life. We’re staying true to our roots, keeping things personal, and delivering awesomeness on a silver platter.
Who are your typical customers and how do they find you?
My ideal clients? They’re the go-getters, the dreamers, the “I’m gonna make this happen” types. We’re talking about: First-time entrepreneurs ready to make their mark, small business owners who know it’s time for a digital glow-up, corporate escapees starting their own gig, and creative souls who need help turning their ideas into a real-deal brand. These folks know that good design isn’t just pretty – it’s powerful. They’re ready to invest in their business’s future, but they’d rather leave the design magic to someone who lives and breathes this stuff (aka, yours truly). They’ll find me during local networking events, through the mouth’s of successful clients, and Instagram for national reach.
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
I’m obsessed with the puzzle of it all. Taking someone’s big, messy vision and figuring out how to turn it into a cohesive brand that actually works. Every project is like a creative challenge where I get to dig into their story, understand their people, and then design something that bridges that gap perfectly.
How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes?
I follow a mix of design blogs, marketing podcasts, other designers and industry leaders on social media, but I’m selective about it. I focus on sources that share both the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ behind trends—because understanding the strategy behind a design choice is way more valuable than just copying what looks cool. Plus, my clients often share what they’re seeing in their own fields.
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry?
Start before you’re “ready”. Don’t wait until you feel ‘qualified enough’ or have the perfect portfolio—I started with a laptop and way too much coffee! The best way to learn is by doing actual client work. Start with friends, family, or small local businesses who need help. Your skills will grow with every project, and real client work teaches you things no course ever could.
What product/service would you like for us to highlight at this time?
All-in-One Brand and Website Design: A simple, no-fuss design experience that turns your brand and website into a polished, conversion-driven home for your brand.
Do you involve your kid(s) in your business? If yes, how so?
Somewhat! My son is 3.5 and he likes to watch what I do on the computer every so often. But he likes to “type my emails” more!
What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life?
The hardest part is the constant mental switching between ‘mom mode’ and ‘business owner mode.’ One minute I’m designing a brand strategy, the next I’m dealing with a toddler meltdown because his daddy gave him milk in a red cup instead of a blue cup, then immediately switching back to take a client call. It’s not just the time management—it’s the emotional and mental energy it takes to be fully present for both sides.
Where can people find you?
My Website & Instagram!
If Kelbey’s experience as a mom and business owner resonates with you, we want to hear from you in the comments! And if you are a mom and business owner in Madison, Alabama email us at madisonmompreneur@gmail.com to be featured in a future Member Highlight post!Thanks for reading!
October 15, 2025
Owner: Lyndsi Alexander
About: AlexandHR provides Human Resourcing Consulting for Fractional HR needs and HR System set-up and support
Phone Number: (256) 203-3627
October 14, 2025
Owner: Arin Kennedy
About: Starfinder Financial Coaching helps millennials take control of their money so they can confidently pay off debt, build savings, and make progress toward their goals. Through personalized 1:1 coaching, clients gain clarity, a plan, and peace of mind with their finances.
October 9, 2025
Owner: Maria Troupe
About: Wine and Design is a sip & paint experience that also offers Art Buzz Kids classes and school break camps, DiYs, On Wheels (brings the pARTy to you), Paint it Forward for fundraising, and Team Building activities.
Address: 12060 County Line Rd Suite G, Madison, AL 35756
Phone Number: (256-262-4194
October 1, 2025
With Madison City and surrounding school districts heading into the 2nd quarter, all of the kid afterschool and weekend activities are in full swing. When the last bell of the day rings through the halls, it signals the start of the Mompreneur’s second shift as chauffeur and facilitator of all the activities. Not to mention, if you have a volunteer or paid role in these organizations—our coworking group alone has coaches and booster sponsors for high school teams—the workday becomes even
Why Are We All So Busy?
If you’re starting to question how you can balance your business and motherhood responsibilities during this hectic season, you’re not alone. In a “very scientific” study we conducted at a past coworking session, 4.5 out of 5 moms (yes, we’re still wondering what a half mom looks like) admitted to feeling overwhelmed by their fall schedules.
When everyone around us is overbooked, it can normalize the stress. We may even start thinking that constant busyness is just how life has to be. But here’s the truth: we don’t have to stay on autopilot. We can make intentional choices to create a healthier rhythm for our businesses, our families, and ourselves.
What To Do About It
As much as everything feels urgent, the reality is this: if everything is important, nothing is. To protect both your business and your family time, start by prioritizing commitments. That may look like trimming your kids’ activity list, saying no to one more committee, or streamlining business tasks that drain your energy.
Here are a few strategies our Madison mom entrepreneurs are using to reclaim balance:
- Batch Your Business Tasks – Instead of juggling emails, content creation, and client calls daily, batch similar tasks into focused work blocks. Even just two hours of deep focus can move your business forward faster than a scattered eight-hour day.
- Set Clear Boundaries – Let your family know your “office hours” (even if that office is your dining table). When you protect time for your business, you model healthy boundaries for your kids, too.
- Outsource When You Can – Whether it’s hiring a babysitter one afternoon a week or bringing in a bookkeeper, small investments can create major breathing room.
- Leverage Community – This is where Madison Mompreneur shines. Our coworking sessions, member directory, and events give local moms a space to connect, share strategies, and lean on each other when things get tough. You don’t have to balance it all alone.
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about designing a life that works for you. Some seasons will lean heavier toward business, and others toward family. By setting priorities, leaning into community, and giving yourself permission to say no, you’ll find that balance doesn’t have to feel impossible.
If you’re a mom business owner in Madison, Alabama, looking for support, connection, or just a reminder that you’re not the only one juggling it all, Madison Mompreneur is here for you. Together, we can pour energy back into moms while building thriving businesses that make our community stronger.
October 1, 2025
Owner: Darra Varlas
About: Capital Cookie Co. is a licensed cottage bakery in west Madison that specializes in custom decorated sugar cookies, cookie classes, macarons and classic drop cookies!
Phone Number: (208) 440-4721
September 28, 2025
Owner: Sarah Simpson
About: Accounting Solutions specializes in tax planning for small businesses and individuals. They help business owners know where their business stands year-round so they can make informed financial decisions.
Address: 103 Spenryn Dr Madison, Al 35758
Phone Number: (256) 850-0156
September 24, 2025
