If you’re a mom in Madison, Alabama trying to juggle family life and entrepreneurship, you’re not alone. Many of us are building businesses in the small window of quiet between school drop-off and pick-up. The good news? With the right strategies, those school hours can be more than enough to grow a thriving business without sacrificing your role as a mom.

1. Protect School Hours Like Office Hours

When the kids head to James Clemens HS, Rainbow Elementary, Liberty Middle, or any one of our amazing Madison City Schools, it’s tempting to throw in a load of laundry or run errands around town. But your school hours are your prime business hours. Treat them like an official workday whether you’re at a coffee shop in downtown Madison, coworking with us at Madison Mompreneur, or working from your kitchen table.

2. Focus on What Really Grows Your Business

As busy mom entrepreneurs, we don’t have the luxury of endless time. Instead of tinkering with a logo or overthinking social media graphics, focus on the tasks that actually move your business forward: serving clients, reaching new customers, and building relationships in the Madison community. A simple filter to ask yourself: If I only accomplish one thing today, what will matter most for my business?

3. Use Tools and Systems to Save Time

Automation and batching can be game-changers. Schedule your Instagram posts ahead of time, set up online invoicing, and create templates for emails you send often. This frees up your limited work hours for creativity, connection, and client work. At Madison Mompreneur, we often share our favorite apps and systems during our pre- and post-coworking conversations to help each other work smarter.

4. Set Boundaries You Can Stick To

Once school is out and after-school activities begin, give yourself permission to step away from work. Communicate your availability clearly to clients so they know when you’re reachable and when you’re fully in “mom mode.” These boundaries keep you from feeling pulled in two directions.

5. Define Success Your Way

Success for a Madison, AL mom business owner doesn’t have to mean scaling at lightning speed. Maybe it’s creating part-time income that helps with private school tuition or family vacations, or maybe it’s building something steady you can grow once your kids are older. The beauty of being a mompreneur is that you get to set the rules.

Running a business during school hours takes intentionality, but it’s absolutely possible. With focus, systems, and community support (hello, Madison Mompreneur!), you can thrive as both a business owner and a mom here in Madison, Alabama.

Attention Madison Mompreneurs: Business License Renewal Deadline Approaching!

As a fellow Madison business owners and a mom, there’s just too much on my plate somedays, so I wanted to share more information about Business Licenses in AL!

Key Deadlines You Need to Know

If you operate a business in Madison city, here are the crucial dates to remember:

• Business licenses expired on December 31st, 2024
• You have until January 31st, 2025 to renew without penalties
• Renewals are still possible after January 31st, but penalties will apply

What You Need to Know About Madison City Business License Renewal

The City of Madison sent renewal notices in November 2024. These notices include a list of required documents specific to your business. If your notice doesn’t list any special requirements, you can simply call the licensing department, and they’ll help guide you through the renewal process.

You can renew your business online, or visit the Revenue Office located at 100 Hughes Rd. Madison AL. The office is just to the left of the building, here’s a video I made when I renewed mine, just in case you need a visual of where to find the Revenue Office as it is tucked away on the side:

Important Notes for Different Jurisdictions

Since Madison spans across both Madison and Limestone counties, some businesses may need multiple licenses:

• Madison County (expires December 31st)
• Limestone County (expires September 31st)

For detailed information about business licenses and renewals, visit their website . You can also contact them directly at (256) 772-5651.

Madison City Business License: What Every Mom Business Owner Should Know

When you’re juggling family responsibilities and business operations, keeping track of administrative requirements like business license renewals can be challenging. Here’s what you need to know about the business license in AL, specifically for Madison city business owners:

• The business application process is straightforward and simple
• Different types of businesses may have varying requirements for their Madison city business license
• Home-based businesses still need proper licensing

Tips for Managing Your Business License Responsibilities

As busy moms running businesses in Madison County, AL, here are some practical tips to help you stay on top of your licensing requirements:

• Set calendar reminders for renewal deadlines
• Keep all business license documentation in a dedicated folder
• Consider setting aside quarterly time to review all business compliance matters
• Join local business groups to stay informed about licensing changes

Resources for Madison County Business Owners

To make the business license process easier, make sure to visit The Madison City Revenue Department as they offer guidance for your business license in AL. They have been super helpful and quick everytime I was at their office.

Remember, staying compliant with your business license requirements isn’t just about following rules – it’s about protecting the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

Madison Mompreneur Member Highlight Series: Featuring Michelle Thao of Momtastic Fitness

Today we are excited to share a Member Spotlight on another Madison Mompreneur! The Member Highlight Series is designed to 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 by shinning a spotlight on Michelle Thao, owner of Momtastic Fitness.

Introduce yourself!

I’m Michelle and I am the owner of Momtastic Fitness where I specifically work with pre/postnatal moms.

How does your business help people?

I help my clients by providing and executing safe and effective workouts for pregnant and postpartum moms. Making sure they are comfortable and knowledgeable about exercising also.

How long have you lived in Madison County?

I lived in Madison about a year but city hopped over Huntsville/ Madison area. Currently live in Meridianville.

What inspired you to start your business?

What inspired to start my business all started when I was pregnant with my daughter 6 years ago. Being in the fitness industry and lacking resources for the pre/postnatal demographic was discouraging. Moms should be able to feel seen and heard not just athletes.

What sets your business apart from others in the industry?

I’m a mom who loves fitness! Not only that but I actually work with pre/postnatal moms specifically. I mean, that’s pretty niched down! Not a lot of people actually heard of pre/postnatal trainers when they schedule a consultation with me.

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

My biggest success is having the desire to see change in people whether small or big, I celebrate them all. Seeing people getting results is already the big success.

How does your business contribute to the local community?

My business can contribute to local communities by providing resources about safe and effective exercising to the hospitals, pelvic floor therapists, doulas/midwives, etc. I think exercising during pregnancy especially can be really beneficial to these communities and physicians because not a lot of people know fitness trainers that works with moms.

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

I see it evolving into great, bigger things than what I expect! In the next 5 years or less I hope to have my own fitness studio instead of renting one.

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

Typical customers are mainly moms. They find me honestly through word of mouth

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

The part I enjoy the most is putting my expertise and knowledge into action.

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

Continuing education! In addition to continually learning from physicians and physical therapists.

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

I would say, things take time and consistency. Don’t rush into anything that doesn’t make you feel at peace when making decisions.

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

I offer FREE consultations. In late Spring, I will be starting small group training sessions.

Michelle offers training year round, so make sure to check out her website for the latest programs.

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

No, I don’t. Not really but whenever I have clients, and they bring their kids with them, I help assist the mom with their kids.

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

Oh my goodness, scheduling and keeping up with things will probably be the most challenging thing!

What business in the Madison area is your favorite?

Mine is The Exercise Coach and YMCA!

Who is your business bestie?

Yes, Shelby Simon and Kaelie Harris.

Anything else you want us to highlight?

I also offer in home training in addition to my small group classes. I would love for all pre/postnatal moms to join me.

Where can people find you?

Send me a message on my website or text me.

We love that Michelle offers specialized support for pre/postnatal moms, as moms often give so much of themselves during that season of life. If Michelle’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 Heather White of Heather Leigh Art