Building and supporting local community is always front of mind for us at Madison Mompreneur. Which is why we are excited to announce another way for the whole Huntsville/Madison/Decatur/Athens area of Alabama to keep their local economy strong this holiday season – by utilizing the 2024 Madison Mompreneur Shopping Guide!

As we reflect on another incredible year, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement for the growth and connections we’ve fostered within our community.

This year has been transformative for Madison Mompreneur. We’re thrilled to share that our community has blossomed to nearly 100 members, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of moms in our area. Our friend and co-founder, Lauren, has recommitted to the vision of Madison Mompreneur, bringing renewed energy and dedication to our mission.

Throughout the year, we’ve hosted over 40 coworking sessions, creating spaces where women in business could come together to accomplish tasks, network, and support each other’s growth. These gatherings have been a powerful reminder of the strength we find in collaboration and mutual support.

We’re thrilled to announce the expansion of our community through the Mompreneurs of Huntsville Facebook group, which now connects over 1,100 local entrepreneurs. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Stephenie Walker for her unwavering commitment to women in business in the Madison area and her continued support of our group. This expansion allows us to connect with and support even more mom entrepreneurs in our region.

As we present this year’s Shopping Guide, we’re reminded of the incredible value that mom-owned businesses bring to our community. From passion projects that have blossomed into thriving enterprises to established businesses that continue to innovate, the moms of the Madison area are truly making a difference.

We encourage you to use this guide as your go-to resource for supporting local, mom-owned businesses. By choosing to shop with these entrepreneurs, you’re not just making a purchase – you’re investing in dreams, supporting families, and strengthening our community.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Here’s to another year of growth, support, and success for the mompreneurs of Madison!

Happy Shopping and Supporting Local!

The latest work trend on social media, Bare Minimum Mondays, has sparked a conversation about reclaiming work-life balance. Many employees, especially those working from home, are embracing this trend to ease into the week. On Bare Minimum Mondays, they focus only on essential tasks—skipping optional meetings and avoiding new projects. The goal is to reduce stress and allow time for personal or household tasks that often fall to the wayside.

As a mompreneur, this trend might resonate with you. One of the main reasons many moms choose entrepreneurship is the flexibility it offers. While owning a business can lead to long hours, answering emails late at night, and feeling constantly “on call,” it doesn’t have to be that way. Bare Minimum Mondays can serve as a reminder that you have control over your schedule.

Instead of diving headfirst into a packed Monday, consider adopting the idea of a slower start to your week. Use this time to prioritize essential business tasks while also tackling personal or household responsibilities. It could mean answering only urgent client emails, skipping non-essential meetings, or avoiding starting any new projects until midweek when you’re in full swing.

As your own boss, you get to decide when you’re working and when you’re not. Embracing a Bare Minimum Monday can help you prevent burnout, find a better balance between your business and family life, and create the space for a more productive and focused rest of the week. After all, your success as a mompreneur isn’t just measured by how much you do, but by how effectively you manage both your business and your personal well-being.

Want to read more mompreneur-focused content? Check out these previous blog posts and workshops:

Blog Post: WAHMing (Work at Home Mom-ing) this Summer? Tips From Our Mom + Biz Owners!

Blog Post: The Value of Co-Working

Video Workshop: Creative Mindfulness for Mom Entrepreneurs

Running a business as a mom can feel like juggling endless to-do lists for both work and home. Between managing the household, caring for your children, and growing your business, the pressure to handle everything at once can be overwhelming. One productivity technique that can help you balance these competing demands is task batching.

What is Task Batching?

Task batching is a productivity method that involves grouping similar tasks together and completing them during a dedicated block of time. Instead of bouncing from one type of task to another, you focus on one category of tasks at a time. For instance, you could group all your administrative tasks—such as answering emails, writing blog posts, and scheduling social media—into one session. By focusing on similar tasks, you reduce the mental strain caused by switching between different types of work.

Why is Task Batching Beneficial?

1. Task Batching vs. Multitasking:
Unlike multitasking, which splits your attention between multiple tasks simultaneously, task batching allows you to focus on one type of task at a time. Multitasking often feels like you’re being productive, but studies show it can reduce your efficiency and performance. Constantly switching between tasks drains your energy and can lead to more mistakes. Task batching, on the other hand, encourages sustained focus, leading to higher-quality work.

2. Creates Momentum:
When you batch similar tasks together, you get into a rhythm that helps you work faster and more effectively. For example, writing several blog posts in one sitting builds momentum because you stay in the same creative mindset. This is often more efficient than spreading out similar tasks over multiple days.

3. Requires Less Mental Switching:
Every time you switch between tasks—say from creating social media posts to answering emails—your brain needs time to adjust. This mental switching can slow down your productivity. By batching tasks that require similar cognitive effort, you reduce this mental load and free up energy to work more efficiently.

4. Allows for Deeper Thinking:
When you dedicate a block of time to one type of task, you can focus deeply and think critically. This is especially helpful for complex tasks like creating content, recording videos, or writing long-term business plans. You have the mental space to think strategically and come up with more creative solutions, which can help grow your business.

How to Incorporate Task Batching into Your Mom-Owned Business

Task batching can be a game-changer, especially when you’re managing both a business and a household. Here’s how you can start incorporating it into your routine:

1. Group Admin Tasks Together:
Administrative tasks like responding to emails, reconciling finances, and scheduling social media posts can take up a lot of mental energy. Block off a specific time during the week to tackle these tasks all at once. For example, reserve Mondays and Fridays as admin days, where you complete all of these tasks without interruption.

2. Create Content in Batches:
If your business relies on content creation, whether it’s blog posts, social media, or video recordings, batch similar tasks together. Set aside a day or a few hours each week to write multiple blog posts or record several videos at once. You’ll stay in a creative flow, produce more content in less time, and avoid scrambling for last-minute posts.

3. Separate Personal and Business Tasks:
One of the biggest challenges for mompreneurs is balancing personal and business tasks. Consider designating different days for each. For example, reserve weekends or evenings for household chores, grocery shopping, and family time. Use your weekdays for focused business activities. This separation can help you stay present with your family while also ensuring your business gets the attention it needs.

4. Block Household Tasks Together:
Just as you batch business tasks, you can also batch personal and household tasks. Dedicate certain times to laundry, cleaning, meal prep, and other chores. When you group these together, you avoid feeling like you’re constantly switching between managing your household and running your business.

The TL/DR:

For moms who own businesses, time and energy are precious resources. Task batching helps you stay focused, reduces the mental burden of constant task-switching, and gives you the space to think more strategically. By batching tasks together, you can manage your business more efficiently and still have the time to care for your family and yourself. Whether it’s blocking off time for admin work, content creation, or household chores, task batching can help you regain control of your schedule and increase your productivity.

Want to read more mompreneur-focused content? Check out these previous blog posts and workshops:

Blog Post: WAHMing (Work at Home Mom-ing) this Summer? Tips From Our Mom + Biz Owners!

Blog Post: The Value of Co-Working

Video Workshop: Creative Mindfulness for Mom Entrepreneurs

As a mompreneur, it often feels like you’re expected to do everything at once. Between running a business, managing a household, and caring for your family, the temptation to multitask is strong. You might try to respond to emails while cooking dinner or schedule social media posts while helping your kids with homework. But as efficient as multitasking may seem, it’s likely undermining your productivity and focus. Cal Newport’s book Deep Work sheds light on why multitasking isn’t helping you and how focusing on one task at a time can transform your business.

The Multitasking Myth

Many of us believe that multitasking helps us get more done. We’ve been led to think that handling multiple tasks simultaneously will save time and boost productivity. In reality, research shows that multitasking actually reduces efficiency and increases the likelihood of mistakes. The reason? Our brains aren’t wired to handle multiple high-level tasks at once.

When you try to multitask, your brain has to switch between different activities. This constant mental shifting leads to what’s called “attention residue,” where part of your mind remains focused on the previous task. This split focus means it takes longer to complete tasks, and the quality of your work suffers.

Insights from Deep Work

In Deep Work, Cal Newport argues that true productivity comes from focused, undistracted work. According to Newport, multitasking prevents us from engaging in deep work, which is the ability to focus without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks. This type of work is essential for producing high-quality results and making meaningful progress in your business.

For mom entrepreneurs, the concept of deep work is especially relevant. You often have limited time, so it’s critical to make the most of the hours you do have. Multitasking leads to fragmented attention, preventing you from achieving the kind of deep focus that drives real business growth. On the other hand, dedicating uninterrupted blocks of time to a single task allows you to enter a state of deep concentration, where you can think more creatively, solve problems, and complete tasks faster.

Why Multitasking Hurts Your Business

1. Reduces Efficiency:
   Every time you switch tasks—whether from answering a client’s email to checking your social media feed—it takes your brain time to readjust. This constant switching not only wastes time but also reduces the quality of your work. For a mom entrepreneur juggling business and family, this time loss adds up quickly.
2. Increases Stress:
   Multitasking often creates the illusion of being busy, but in reality, it contributes to burnout. The constant mental switching leaves you feeling drained without making significant progress. By focusing on one task at a time, you reduce the mental load and experience less stress.
3. Prevents Deep Thinking:
   Many business tasks require deep thinking—whether it’s planning your marketing strategy, writing content, or analyzing financials. Multitasking keeps you at the surface level of your work, never giving you the opportunity to dive deep and think strategically. In contrast, focusing on one task at a time enables you to engage with the work on a deeper level and produce higher-quality results.

How to Break Free from Multitasking

For many moms, multitasking is a habit born out of necessity. However, breaking this habit can lead to significant improvements in your productivity and well-being. Here are a few strategies inspired by Deep Work to help you shift away from multitasking:

1. Time Blocking:
   One way to combat multitasking is by using time blocks. Dedicate specific blocks of time to focus on a single type of task, such as content creation, client communication, or financial management. During these blocks, eliminate distractions and focus solely on the task at hand. This helps you achieve the deep focus Newport advocates for, allowing you to complete tasks more efficiently.
2. Set Boundaries:
   As a mompreneur, setting boundaries is essential. Let your family know when you need uninterrupted time to work, and schedule personal and household tasks outside of these work blocks. This helps create a clear separation between work and home life, reducing the temptation to multitask.
3. Prioritize Your Tasks:
   Not all tasks require deep focus. Identify which tasks in your business need your full attention and prioritize those during your most productive hours. Save less demanding tasks for times when you have lower energy, like responding to emails or organizing files.

The TL/DR:

Multitasking might feel like a necessity when you’re balancing business and family life, but it’s doing more harm than good. As Cal Newport explains in Deep Work, real productivity comes from focused, uninterrupted work. By breaking free from the multitasking trap and embracing deep work, you can manage your business more effectively, reduce stress, and create the mental space needed to truly thrive as a mompreneur.

Want to read more mompreneur-focused content? Check out these previous blog posts and workshops:

Blog Post: WAHMing (Work at Home Mom-ing) this Summer? Tips From Our Mom + Biz Owners!

Blog Post: The Value of Co-Working

Video Workshop: Creative Mindfulness for Mom Entrepreneurs

Member Highlight: Coached by Connie

Welcome to another edition of our Member Spotlight Series on the Madison Mompreneur blog! Get to know the members of Madison Mompreneur as explore their personal and professional life as moms who own businesses in the Madison, Alabama area.

Empowering Health and Wellness: Meet Connie Garcia of Coached by Connie

Connie Garcia is leading a wellness movement in Madison, Alabama with her business, Coached by Connie. With a unique approach to nutrition and fitness, Connie is changing lives and reshaping the way we think about health. Let’s dive into her inspiring journey and discover how her business is making waves in the local community.

A Journey Born from Necessity

Connie Garcia, a Madison resident for eight years, founded Coached by Connie out of a pressing need she observed in the health and wellness industry. “I was inspired to start my business due to a lack of solid information, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Connie explains. This gap in reliable health guidance became the catalyst for her entrepreneurial journey.

A Holistic Approach to Health

What sets Coached by Connie apart in the saturated wellness market? Connie’s philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: “I don’t believe in diets, challenges, or medication alone for fast results. I feel any sustainable health needs to start with fundamental basics and education.” This approach addresses not just physical fitness, but also mental health, hormonal balance, and gut health – a comprehensive strategy that resonates with her clients.

Making a Difference in Madison

Connie’s impact extends beyond individual clients. “I have been told that I’ve changed lives,” she shares proudly. Her commitment to the community shines through her willingness to offer complimentary services to those facing financial hardships but are committed to improving their health.

The Challenges and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship

Starting a business is no small feat, and Connie counts launching her LLC single-handedly as her biggest success so far. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the wellness industry? “Be prepared for the emotional roller coaster and don’t take anything personally.” This resilience has been key to her growing success.

The Future of Coached by Connie

Looking ahead, Connie envisions growth for her business. “I would like to eventually have enough clients to hire an assistant coach or possibly rent a space,” she says, outlining her 5-10 year plan. This expansion would allow her to reach more people with her transformative approach to health.

Balancing Business and Motherhood

As a mother, Connie faces the universal challenge of balancing family and business. “The hours. It doesn’t seem like there’s enough in a day,” she admits. However, she finds ways to involve her children, encouraging them to work out with her and take an interest in nutrition, seamlessly blending her personal and professional passions.

A Community-Centric Approach

Connie’s love for Madison shines through in her support for local businesses. She particularly recommends her massage therapist, Amanda Peoples, highlighting the interconnected nature of the local business community.

Connect with Coached by Connie

Ready to start your wellness journey with Connie? You can find her on Facebook and Instagram. Whether you’re looking for in-person training or interested in her growing online services, Connie is ready to guide you towards a healthier, happier you.

In a world where quick fixes and fad diets dominate, Coached by Connie stands out. Through education, personalized care, and a deep commitment to her community, Connie Garcia is not just running a business – she’s leading a wellness movement in Madison, Alabama. As her journey continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the impact of Coached by Connie on the local health landscape is only just beginning.

If Connie’s experience as 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!

Don’t forget to read about other Mompreneurs, our latest member highlight was The Flour Elise

Member Highlight: The Flour Elise by Krista McDowell

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 Krista McDowell, Owner of The Flour Elise!

Introduce yourself!

I’m Krista McDowell, and I’m the owner of The Flour Elise, a baked goods and cake company in Madison, Alabama.

How does your business help people?

The Flour Elise helps people by offering baked goods & cakes for their special occasions/events.

How long have you lived in Madison County?

I have lived in Madison for 13 years.

What inspired you to start your business?

I have always loved baking & wanted to open a bakery since I was a little girl.

What sets your business apart from others in the industry?

I specialize in custom buttercream cakes & turning those fondant cakes into buttercream cakes.

What do you consider to be your biggest success so far?

I consider my buttercream hot dog cake to be my biggest business success so far!

How does your business contribute to the local community?

I offer beautiful buttercream cakes that look like the beautiful fondant cakes.

How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years?

I see myself having a storefront location & offering many more offerings that the Madison town is missing out on.

Who are your typical customers, and how do they find you?

My typical clients are looking for baked goods. They find me through Facebook, Instagram, word of mouth & vending events.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

Baking & customer service

How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes?

I’m constantly learning and getting inspiration from Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry?

Make sure you do all your research. Also be ready for lots of work & sleepless nights!

Any product/service you would like to highlight at this time?

I offer birthday cakes, and I am looking to booking some more in the coming months.

Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so?

Yes my 17 year old is my biggest helper! He goes with me to all of my events as well as washes my dishes. He is amazing!

What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life?

Making sure he feels appreciated for everything he does for me!

What business in the Madison area is your favorite?

Taqueria Luna! They’re such an amazing business & are always sharing my posts.

Who is your business bestie?

Yesss Morgan Anderson with Rainbow Realm Hair Co! We support one another, share each other’s posts, reccomend one another & chat alot. She’s truly amazing at what she does & I believe in her so VERY much!

Anything else you want us to highlight?

My sugar cookies!

Where can people find you?

Facebook

Don’t forget to read about other Mompreneurs, our latest member highlight was Michelle Thao of Momtastic Fitness

If Krista’s experience as 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!

Hello Madison Mompreneurs! We are excited to bring you a special blog post today. We have the pleasure of collaborating with Heather Jones, a certified life coach for mompreneurs, who is launching a new chapter of the Association for Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE) in Huntsville. The chapter aims to create a supportive community for military spouse entrepreneurs, providing a space for sharing ideas, celebrating successes, and navigating the unique challenges of military life together.

AMSE Huntsville Chapter

The AMSE Huntsville chapter is more than just networking. It’s a place of belonging for military spouse entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. Members will have access to mentorship, support, networking opportunities, skill development resources, and most importantly, a sense of belonging.

I’m incredibly excited to announce the launch of the Huntsville chapter of the Association for Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE)! I invite all military spouse entrepreneurs to join the AMSE Huntsville chapter. Let’s rise together!

Heather Jones

Heather is here to share her story, her vision for the AMSE Huntsville chapter, and why this community matters for all military spouse entrepreneurs.

From Career Climber to Stay-at-Home Mom: A Shift in Focus

Many of you reading this might already know the rollercoaster ride of being a military spouse and certainly the one of being a mompreneur. I certainly do. In my early twenties, fresh out of the military myself, I was on a fast track. My career was blossoming, and I was even enrolled in night school for baking and pastry arts – my dream of opening a bakery was taking shape. Then, life took an unexpected turn: my husband decided to reenlist. We discussed it thoroughly, and agreed to embark on this new chapter together. However, this also meant putting my career and business aspirations on hold.

When our first child arrived, the decision to stay at home felt heavy and at the same time comforting. Motherhood brought a joy I never knew existed, a fierce love that filled my days. But amidst the snuggles and bedtimes, a quiet emptiness started to grow. I realized I wasn’t pursuing anything that truly sparked my passion outside of being a wife and mom.

Lost Purpose and the Envy Monster

The truth is, I began to feel like my contributions paled in comparison to my husband’s service. Here he was, making a real difference in the world, while I felt like my role was simply to create a cozy home. Envy started to creep in and I was just not feeling settled where I was in life.

This internal struggle pushed me to explore ways to contribute and find purpose again, all while being present for my growing family. I experimented with various work-from-home options, searching for that perfect fit.

Life Coaching: Filling My Cup and Finding My Niche

It was during this period of exploration that I found life coaching. The process of becoming a life coach itself became a journey of self-discovery, helping me define my coaching style and identify my ideal client: military spouses yearning to achieve a fulfilling work-life balance while raising a family.

Life coaching wasn’t just about a career change; it became a source of personal fulfillment. As I attended to my own passions and goals, it fueled my happiness and empowered me to show up fully for others. It was like filling my own cup first, allowing me to then pour into the lives of others from a place of knowing.

Why Community Matters: You’re Not Alone

Looking around and then back at my own experience, I realize I wasn’t alone in that feeling of being “lost.” Countless military spouses put their dreams on hold, sacrificing their individuality in the process. But what if we could have both – fulfilling careers and a thriving family life – right now, not someday?

That’s the core principle behind the AMSE Huntsville chapter.

Building a Network of Support: Together We Rise

This chapter is about creating a supportive community. Imagine a space where you’re surrounded by women who “get it” – the unique challenges and triumphs of being a military spouse entrepreneur. A space to share ideas, find encouragement, celebrate successes, and navigate the ever-changing military life together.

More Than Just Networking: Where You Belong

Maybe you’re a seasoned entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level. Perhaps you’re just starting out, filled with dreams AND questions. The AMSE Huntsville chapter welcomes military spouse entrepreneurs at at any stage of your journey.

By joining our community, you’ll gain access to:

• Mentorship and Support: Connect with experienced military spouse entrepreneurs and learn from their expertise. Find a network of women on a similar path who can offer encouragement and celebrate your victories.
• Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional circle, collaborate with other military spouse entrepreneurs, and find potential referral partners.
• Skill Development: Participate in workshops and access resources designed to help you grow your business.
• A Sense of Belonging: Find a network of women who understand the unique challenges you face and celebrate your victories.

Madison Mompreneurs is proud to support this endeavor and we encourage all our military spouse entrepreneurs to consider joining the AMSE Huntsville chapter. It’s communities like these that empower us all to achieve more, together. To join, visit AMSE Huntsville chapter.

Grab your AMSE membership today!

We are so glad to have Heather as part of Madison Mompreneur community, and we are so proud of her. Learn more about what other Madison Mompreneurs are up to at our Member Highlight Blog Series.

When we dreamed up this group at the start of 2023, we were so excited for how it could change the experience of not just moms in the Madison area who own businesses, but the greater community’s ability to easily find and support mom-owned, local businesses. 

Which is why we are excited to announce a new offering to the Madison area to help check off your holiday gift list AND support the local businesses that allow our area to thrive. The 2023 Madison Mompreneur Holiday Shopping Guide is here to help you do just that!

This Holiday Shopping Guide is exactly what we have wished existed for years. It is so easy to just place a delivery or pickup order at the same big box store, hire the first service or experience that pops up in an online search, or rely on generic gift cards for gifts. We wanted it to be easier for ourselves and others to access a comprehensive directory of local businesses that truly need our support. 

We all have the same 24 hours in the day, but there are often very few of those hours that moms can devote to their businesses. Moms are building their businesses slow over time, in the small pockets between breakfast clean up and lunch prep, while we sit at soccer practice, and after bedtime when we have already worked a full day at another job. We don’t always get to go to the networking events to make connections and find potential clients. We know that our dream is worth the effort, but primary parenting responsibilities traditionally fall on us so we work to find the balance.

Investing in a business from the start can be a huge help, but as moms funding isn’t always accessible or a sound business decision. We can’t always hire additional staff or contract someone to help with small tasks. We can’t run lots of paid ads online or around town. We might not have all the pretty business cards and marketing materials.

As mom entrepreneurs, we deeply know the struggles that mothers face as business owners, but we also see the incredible value that working with a mom-owned business brings. No shady sales tactics, no run-around, no games. Our businesses often start out as passion projects, and we can continue that passion when we create products, form LLCs, and move into brick and mortar spaces. Moms are here to take care of the world, and they absolutely take the best care of their clients. 

Supporting a mom-owned business isn’t just a benefit to other moms. It is a benefit to us all, to our community as a whole. When our moms are supported and succeeding, we all do better. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. 

We won’t make you wait any longer to dive into the 2023 Madison Mompreneur Holiday Shopping Guide. Once downloaded, we encourage you to save this guide somewhere accessible so that you can continue to use it throughout the year, not just the holidays! The next time you find yourself at your regular, convenient shopping destination or searching online for a specialty service, we hope you open this guide and choose to support your local mom-owned business instead! Happy shopping!

A Look into the Lives of Moms who homeschool and run a business

Madison, Alabama is home to a vibrant homeschooling community, and within that community, there are mothers who have successfully combined their entrepreneurial endeavors with educating their children. In this blog post, we will delve into the experiences and insights of local homeschooling moms, exploring how they navigate the challenges of homeschooling while running their businesses.

The Homeschooling Journey

Homeschooling requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. Jennifer Wolverton, the founder of Log Cabin Schoolhouse LLC, shares her experience of creating classes around her children’s interests when she first started with the business, but now she’s developing new classes as her children get older to cater to her interests, such as artificial intelligence. This personalized approach to education allows for both academic growth and entrepreneurial exploration.

Jenni McCarthy, who has over 10 years of homeschooling experience, has found ways to involve her children in her businesses, Five Oaks Farm and Jenni M Photography, allowing them to learn and grow alongside her. Jenni’s commitment to continuous learning and her “figure it out” approach, developed through her homeschooling background, have been vital in her entrepreneurial journey. Her dedication to her family, businesses, and personal growth is truly admirable.

Amanda Newman, owner of Newman Massage and Wellness LLC, shares that her homeschooling journey has fueled her desire to create a space within her business that accommodates busy moms, allowing them to find a balance between motherhood and their careers. Her motivation to start her business stemmed from a desire to contribute to her household financially, pursue her passion for massage therapy, and empower her girls to believe in their ability to achieve it all.

Homeschool Moms Share Their Top 3 Tips for Balancing Business and Homeschooling

Finding a balance between homeschooling and running a business is undoubtedly challenging, but these moms have discovered strategies that work for them. By incorporating lists, leveraging technology, and embracing compromise, they have successfully pursued their entrepreneurial dreams while providing quality education for their children;

1. Lists: Making lists and working off of them allows moms to efficiently manage their tasks. Even when away from their workstations, having access to everything through their phones enables them to take care of small tasks on the go, ensuring that nothing gets overlooked.
2. Compromise: Balancing multiple businesses, homeschooling, and family life requires compromise. Moms understand that they can’t have a perfectly clean house while pursuing their goals. By prioritizing and letting go of certain tasks, they create more time to focus on what truly matters.
3. Leveraging Technology: Embracing technology has been a game-changer for homeschooling moms. With a reliable homeschool planner, a supportive spouse, and a self-sufficient website and course design, moms have been able to navigate the challenges of managing their businesses while also advocating for children and education. Taking advantage of “travel tech,” they can even teach virtual classes while on the go, making learning a unique and exciting experience for their students.

According to Jenni McCarthy, keeping up with multiple responsibilities would be impossible without her phone to help her remember everything.

Jennifer Wolverton, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of her planner, which she carries with her everywhere and relies on to stay organized throughout the day.

Amanda attributes her ability to keep up with both her business and homeschooling to effective time management, the energizing power of coffee, and the involvement of her whole family.

Are you a Homeschool mom trying to start a business?

Our local entrepreneurial homeschool moms have some words of advice:

Jennifer Wolverton says: “One day at a time. Homeschooling is a one- or two-decade adventure and so is a homeschool business. It actually doesn’t have to be a get rich fast scheme. It can be a slow simmer. It’s such a wonderful labor of love that no matter what comes of it, as long as the family is enjoying its fruits, it’s worth all the time spent.”

Jenni McCarthy offers encouragement: “You can absolutely do it, although choosing a curriculum format that allows for you to not have to teach all of the information is super helpful. I am here to make sure the work gets done, and available for any questions or sticking spots if needed. It allows me to work on my work while the kids are working on theirs.”

Amanda Newman provides some inspiration; “I would say make sure you can align your time and priorities and go for it. You are capable of so much more than you think. The beauty of homeschooling is how flexible it is. It’s truly ok to do math while cooking dinner, recite verbs in the car, and all the things in between. It’s a lot of hard work but very rewarding.”

Get inspired by How Jennifer Wolverton started her business

”I had been teaching my kids’ friends algebra and then I wrote an algebra curriculum. Then when the pandemic hit and we moved to Alabama from Pennsylvania I incorporated, and we went online like everyone else at the time. All of a sudden, I had students in every time zone. The next summer I had an Australian cohort in my Algebra Club! It truly was like dominoes. I didn’t plan it. It just happened.”

Finding Support and Resources for Homeschooling in Alabama

Homeschooling moms often face challenges when seeking entrepreneurial support specifically tailored to homeschooling. However, determined to find the help they need, some moms have taken matters into their own hands. For instance, Jenni McCarthy established the Rocket City Homeschooling info Facebook Group, a valuable platform where moms can ask questions, seek support, and discover educational resources in the North Alabama area.

Jennifer Wolverton found support from the Homeschool Trade Association, which played a crucial role in expanding her network and overcoming various business challenges. Additionally, the FPEA, the Florida homeschool convention, was highlighted as an excellent resource for networking with other entrepreneurial homeschooling moms. Jennifer Wolverton expresses her hope that Alabama will host its own homeschool convention in the future, as her experience in three different states leads her to believe it is the best state for homeschooling.

Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Milestones

Starting a business as a homeschooling mom comes with its own set of challenges. From maintaining a steady income to accommodating different schedules, these moms have encountered obstacles along the way.

Jenni McCarty reports that “The other piece that I feel like I miss out on is focused time. I don’t get a block of time to “go to work” and focus on work, and then come home and “focus on the kids” because I have been gone all day. My day, morning till night, is a lot of multitasking. I have to be really intentional about putting work messages away, and being present.”

Jenni continues “you can easily write a blog post in the amount of time it takes to match all of the socks in the laundry. The kids may have clean mismatched socks on, but the blog post will be there forever. lol. You have to find the areas you can let go of that won’t make you crazy, but will give you a bit more time to move the needle towards your goals.”

Homeschooling has influenced their entrepreneurial journey and helped shape their business in many ways. Jennifer Wolverton reports “ I find that once I found homeschooling was a part of my life, that was the first time I realized what “freedom” truly was. I don’t know if I ever would’ve started my own business if it weren’t for being a homeschool mom first. It transformed how I looked at the world I lived in. I own my day and my kids’ lives in a way I didn’t before we homeschooled. I didn’t even question the idea that you should go to school, then to college, then to work for someone else. But now I love that I’m so independent and I decide what I do each day and who I get to help. Having an LLC is an amazing thing.” and Jennifer adds “I think growing up as a homeschooler, and then also homeschooling my own kids, has forced the “figure it out” approach to everything.”

Every day holds a challenge honestly. My biggest one is setting boundaries with my time. Devoting a certain amount to my family and school and then a certain amount to the business. Amanda Newman

Nurturing Self-Care and Personal Growth

While juggling homeschooling and running a business, they have learned to carve out time for themselves. Whether it’s through diligent time management, embracing learning opportunities, or seeking moments of relaxation, these moms try and make it all work. Jennifer reports “Every morning I get up and go through the same routine and that helps.”

Amanda Newman “I’m not always the best at this but I just try to remember that I can’t care for others if I’m not taken care of. Sometimes it’s going without the extra hour of sleep so I can workout, or skipping out on a movie to make sure I get my devotion in. It’s just finding little ways to sneak it in through the day.”

Learn more about some of our local homeschooling entrepreneurial moms

You can learn more about Jennifer Wolverton on the Log Cabin Schoolhouse website. I also keep a page on FB for my advocacy work “Alabama School Choice”. I also work with the “K12 Policy Alliance and Jamie Buckland” in West Virginia – working towards education freedom.

You can visit Jenni McCarty, Five Oaks Farm website (website: Five Oaks Farm) to learn more, or book her photography sessions at, Jenni M Photography (website: Jenni M Photography). Additionally, she is involved in Five Oaks Restorations, a home renovation business that she started in 2021.

Amanda Newman, the owner of Newman Massage and Wellness LLC can be found on Facebook. Inspired by her own homeschooling journey, Amanda empowers her girls to believe in their ability to achieve both personal and professional success.

Are you a homeschooling mom in Madison with dreams of running your own business? The stories and insights shared by these remarkable moms serve as inspiration and guidance. Remember, with determination, adaptability, and a supportive community, you can successfully navigate the beautiful journey of homeschooling while running a business.

Homeschooling Mompreneur Support

For homeschooling moms in the Madison area, Madison Mompreneur offers an opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. While attending coworking sessions may not always be feasible, the networking and marketing efforts of Madison Mompreneur can still benefit these moms. Madison Mompreneur aims to create a supportive community for homeschooling mom entrepreneurs.

If you want to learn more about these extraordinary homeschooling mom entrepreneurs or join Madison Mompreneur, visit our website here.

How do you balance the demands of solo entrepreneurship and motherhood? We asked some of our members at Madison Mompreneur for their tips working at home with kids during summer break!

It’s the age old question. How do I mom like I have no business and run a business like I’m not a mom? The answer is you don’t. But until cloning is invented, we still need to figure out how to balance the demands of solo entrepreneurship and motherhood. And the perennial challenge only increases in the summer months.

Maybe your kids are at a full-time day camp or a summer activity for a couple hours each day/week, or maybe you are the Head Counselor at Camp Home. However your summer looks, it is likely different from the rhythm of the school year. Which means you are faced with figuring out how to keep your business running, your income coming in, the kids entertained, and the house not in complete shambles. We asked a few of our members what their biggest challenges are when it comes to working at home with kids?

“The most difficult thing is not having focused time,” says Heather White of Heather Leigh Art. “It can be a lot of starting and stopping and then there’s mom guilt, of course.”

Carolyn Kimbro, Owner of Peachtree Interior Design echoed this sentiment in regards to splitting time between entrepreneurial responsibilities and caretaking. “[The most difficult thing is] dividing my attention. Everyone seems to need something the minute I hop on a phone call or say I need to focus.”

Divided attention due to frequent interactions and the pull to spend time doing all the summer activities topped the list of biggest challenges during the summers at home with kids AND a business. Luckily, our members also have a few tricks up their sleeve for how to fit in work around childcare.

Shannon Carothers, a Habits Coach and Host of The Successful Mama Podcast utilized special toys to distract her boys when they were toddlers. 

“I had a bin full of special things that they could do by themselves. Because they weren’t the same toys they played with daily, it held their attention just long enough for me to complete a task or two.”

As children grow into older elementary school, they can begin to understand the demands of work and can even be a part of how you plan your day. Rebecca Guntharp, owner of FIT4MOM Rocket City utilizes a whiteboard and daily meetings at the start of the day with her kids.

“[Together] we talk through the day, add in activities that they can do independently while I’m working and activities we can do together in our free time. This really helps set the expectations for the day and gives them a sense of ownership over our schedule.”

If you are sharing your home with pre-teens and teenagers sometimes it’s just about setting boundaries. 

“I schedule all of my phone calls for the same time of day every day. The kids know if my door is closed and locked, and it is during that time, I’m on a call,” says Tracy Abney, owner of Rocket City Doulas.

Sometimes you just need to lean on your village so you can get things done. Lauren Hooper of The Minimalist Wallet (and Co-Founder of Madison Mompreneur) remarks, “I may be a solo entrepreneur, but I’m a co-parent so I make it clear with my husband that a work-from-home day is not a clean/cook/entertain the kids-at home day; I will need all the reinforcements when he gets home from work.”

Ultimately, we must all make some tough decisions about what we can and cannot do during the summer. Expectations change along with our circumstances. We get to test our flexibility, ingenuity, patience, and perseverance as moms and business owners. Being clear about what you will prioritize is really the key to not feeling like you are failing in all areas. 

Juliana Piper of PiperMâché (and Co-Founder of Madison Mompreneur) makes a drastic shift once school lets out for summer. “I perform at a bare minimum in my business during the Summer, as my goal all along was to develop a business that allowed me to spend a carefree summer with my kids.”

While that’s not the case for everyone, a life that is designed for those ebbs and flows means your business isn’t completely sidelined during school breaks. It’s business as usual at Rocket City Doulas for Tracy Abney, “[however] personal/home things definitely lose some priority…With 4 kids home more often, we have more mess and eat more food…It’s ok if the laundry waits a bit longer because I’m taking my kids to swim.”