Kids and business: a successful juggling act for mumpreneurs

After losing half her client base to an ex-staff member, Rie Bredow, Director of Rie Care and a mum-of-two, could have easily packed it all in. She was already sacrificing her own shifts and her own income to support her staff, a heavy blow for her family of four. However, spurred on by the support of her remaining staff and clientele, Ms Bredow rebuilt.

PART ONE: How these mumpreneurs became bosses of their own time

Now, in its fourth year of operation, Rie Care has expanded beyond the support care and nursing company Ms Bredow first aspired for. Influenced by personal experiences, the small provider has chiselled its own niche in the market. Like any good business, it recognised what people needed more of. 

“We’ve added a lot of services, including cleaning services and holistic health care. That’s influenced by my own disabilities and illnesses and I’ve found over time holistic health, from psychic medium right through to massage therapy and aromatherapy, have all helped me. So rather than pick one or the other I think modern-day medicine and holistic healthcare work well together. It was my goal to bring that to the community,” Ms Bredow said.

There’s also a deeply personal connection to the cleaning services, something most people wouldn’t give a second thought. Ms Bredow saw it as a perfect opportunity to engage people with difficult backgrounds back into the workforce – including people who have experienced domestic violence.

“They’re just looking to get back into life and work. They want to contribute to their household and I thought cleaning is a great entry-level job where you can work without too much stress and pressure. It’s another avenue of creating jobs and we then look at hiring those who are really in need of work, a purpose. Maybe they’re a little lost, have a disability or have escaped domestic violence,” she said.

Mum’s the word

What’s harder, being a parent or running a business? Does it really matter when you have to juggle both responsibilities at the exact same time?

There’s freedom in running your own business as you can work towards a timetable that suits your needs. Danielle Robinson, Founder and Owner of SCOUT Lifestyle Concierge and mum-of-two, has plenty of experience doing just this. She honed her craft while working in the middle of the night when the kids would be sleeping, or during those tight windows of opportunity between family-related events. But it’s not always that easy. 

“I learnt very quickly that your priorities change overnight when you become a parent. And life can be very unpredictable, no matter how organised you are,” she said. 

“The hardest part was starting [the business]. Once I decided, it was all systems go to get things up and running. I surrounded myself with other niche small businesses that provided advice and support. I learnt very early on you can’t do it all, and some things just aren’t my forte. Outsourcing is key to keeping things in momentum and also to keep you motivated.”

Danielle’s tips for productivity

• I like to start my day feeling in charge of what life may throw at me. I never go to bed without writing my to-do list for the next day. 
• Having a morning routine also helps my mindset and motivation. I get up between 5.30-6am most days and start my morning with a nutritious breakfast smoothie. 
• I always make my bed, it kick starts a chain of other good decisions throughout the day and gives me a sense of taking charge. 
• I love walking and listening to podcasts. In particular personal development and mindset books. Two of my favourite productivity books are ‘The Slight Edge’ by John Olsen and ‘Eat the Frog’ by Brian Tracy. So many tips and tricks to support you personally and professionally.

There are the little things, too. All parents know how hard it is to coordinate school drop-offs and pick-ups, let alone all the after-school activities and weekend events. So when you’re planning, don’t forget things like travel time because it might mean a job just isn’t worth it.

But remember, just because something might seem difficult, it doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help. Ms Robinson said she’s always cautious to not overcommit but there will be times when she has to reach out to family for a helping hand with the kids. That in itself has been a major learning curve as an independent business owner.  

“I’ve always been very self-sufficient, but am getting much better at asking for support when I need it. I love that my schedule is flexible so I can take time out to attend school excursions and sports days,” she said.

“Having the flexibility of owning your own business when you are running your own schedule is something I love and I could never go back to working for someone else.”

A successful balancing act

With successful businesses, you could excuse both Ms Robinson and Ms Bredow for showing the most pride in their professional lives. But it’s undoubtedly their personal ones that are the most important. Ms Bredow has seen this firsthand as her daughters went from playing as teachers at a school to being the school’s boss.

“You can tell they see what you’re doing and then they go and do that which is a positive motivator for them. I want to show they can achieve anything they put their minds to and nobody can tell you can’t, even if it’s hard,” she said.

That said, it can be hard being a parent and a business owner. It won’t be smooth sailing every day of the week, and it requires a lot of time to set things up. But if you can put in the hard work when establishing your business, you will enjoy the benefits.

“I worked really hard in the first two years to put everything in place so that I don’t have to work weekends. It’s prioritising your family time and not allowing yourself to wait for the time. Don’t wait for free time, it won’t come. You have to make it,” said Ms Bredow.

“It’s a very fine line [running a business with kids]; it’s like a tightrope you’re balancing on every day. But I wouldn’t change it for the world.”