… and a coffee in hand.

Because sometimes, success looks like sending an email with one hand and holding a coffee (or your toddlers juice box) with the other.

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The Beautiful Chaos of Mompreneur Life

Let’s get one thing straight: building a business with a toddler isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the Moms who can send an email one-handed while reheating coffee for the third time. The ones who’ve held a Zoom call with a snack cup just off-screen. The ones who dream big—even while stepping on LEGO pieces.

When I started my business, my toddler was in full clingy mode, attached to my hip like my second laptop. Every nap felt like a timed productivity challenge. Every meltdown doubled as a crash course in emotional regulation—for both of us.

It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t polished. But it was powerful. Because somewhere between diaper changes and client calls, (sometimes both at the same time—true story) I built something real.

“Motherhood didn’t slow me down—it taught me how to move differently.“

When “Someday” Came Back Around

Before motherhood, I already knew the thrill (and chaos) of running a business. I’d built something I loved — something that felt like me. But when I became a Mom, everything shifted.

Closing that business wasn’t a failure; it was survival. I needed space to figure out who I was in this new season — and honestly, running on two hours of sleep and cold coffee wasn’t the time to chase growth.

So I pressed pause. I swapped business plans for baby naps and learned that “doing it all” sometimes means not doing it all right now.

But as my baby grew into a toddler — a little more independent, a little less attached to my hip — that creative spark started nudging me again.

Suddenly, “someday” didn’t feel far away anymore. It felt possible.

This time, though, I wasn’t starting from scratch. I was building with wisdom, boundaries, and a deeper “why.” I wanted something that worked with my family, not around them. Something sustainable, meaningful, and yes — flexible enough for snack breaks and dance parties.

Boss Mama CEO was born over a coffee date with one of my dear friends. She’d asked for advice on starting her own business, and as I coached her through it, the sparks came rushing back. This time, I felt it deep in my soul — I knew exactly what I was meant to do.

I was in a new season of life: post-divorce, finally settled into single-mama mode, and genuinely thriving. It just felt right.That same day, I opened my Notes app and started jotting down ideas. Within a month, the foundation for Boss Mama CEO was in place — and off I went.

No business plan. No perfect logo. Just determination… and a sleeping toddler.

How I Made It Work (and What Didn’t Work at All)

1. Embracing Micro-Moments of Productivity

Those eight-hour “CEO days” people talk about? Not my reality. I was clocking into my 9–5, clocking out for bedtime, and then clocking back in for my dream.

My “business hours” existed in stolen moments — nap times, early mornings before the house woke up, or those magical fifteen minutes when my toddler was fully entertained by snacks and Bluey (have you ever met a toddler that doesn’t like Bluey?).

Every window of time felt precious. I didn’t have hours to waste, so every task had to matter. One blog draft during lunch. One email after bedtime. One tiny step forward between everything else.

It wasn’t linear, and it definitely wasn’t glamorous, but it worked — because consistency stacked up faster than I realized.

💡 What worked: Treating micro-moments like gold. I broke my goals into bite-sized actions — one pitch, one post, one small win at a time.

I’m a project-management girlie through and through — organized as heck and fully powered by a plan. ClickUp became my lifeline. My motto: if it’s not written down, it’s forgotten. That’s just how my brain operates. Between my Notes app and ClickUp, every idea had a home — neatly organized, ready for action when time allowed.

💣 What didn’t: Trying to mimic a full-time entrepreneur’s routine. Once I stopped comparing my pace and started honoring my season, everything clicked.

In my last business, I constantly checked in on what everyone else was doing — and it drained me. This time, I made a pact with myself: no comparison scrolling. I stay aware of my industry (because healthy awareness matters), but I don’t peek at competitors’ feeds or launches. The comparison game is real, and honestly, it’s a waste of energy. We’re all in different seasons of life and business — and you can’t compare your Chapter One to someone else’s Chapter Twenty.

Remember when I said I built this business somewhere in the middle of changing diapers and client calls? Well, it’s true. I can’t tell you how many diapers I’ve changed while conversing with a coworker or client on the phone. Changing a diarrhea-filled diaper while trying to have a thought-provoking professional conversation is nearly impossible when you can barely breathe because of the stench, but somehow we make it work. But we do what we gotta do, mama, because no baby deserves to sit in a soiled diaper — and that, my friend, will always take priority over any conversation, client call, or Zoom meeting.

2. Designing a Business That Could Flex With Me

My business had to fit around nap schedules, snack breaks, and a full-time 9–5 job. That meant choosing a model with serious flexibility—no rigid client calls, no expecting myself to be “always available,” and no trying to squeeze everything into one impossible day.

I built around the concept of asynchronous work—content, offers, and systems that could keep running even when I wasn’t logged in. For some, that might mean digital products. For others, a service model with flexible deadlines. The key was creating a business that could coexist with my full-time job and my toddler’s unpredictable schedule.

Sustainability became my north star. My goal wasn’t just to make money. It was to build something that wouldn’t crumble the second my toddler caught a cold—or when my work day ran long.

💡 Tip: Build assets that work when you don’t—blog content, templates, or digital downloads that keep earning long after you’ve logged off, whether it’s from your office desk or the couch while your toddler plays nearby.

I leaned into blogging and online coaching because it was a business that could fit into my life, rather than the other way around. My daughter is my priority, and I knew going into this new season that no business would ever take her seat on the throne. If anything, the business would ride in the back seat.

Boss Mama CEO was built to ebb and flow with my life, not run it. I have the flexibility to operate on my own schedule, on my own terms. Some days that means working, and some days that means taking a break—and that’s exactly how it’s meant to be.

3. Releasing Perfectionism (and the Mom Guilt)

Perfection used to be my comfort zone. Then I became a mom, added a full-time job, and started a new business on the side—and perfection felt more like a pressure cooker.

Some days, I was the rockstar employee, keeping projects on track at my 9–5. Other days, I was a toddler wrangler, snack distributor, and diaper-changer extraordinaire. And still, I tried to sneak in business tasks whenever I could—drafting posts during lunch, brainstorming during nap time, replying to emails after bedtime. Learning to accept that balance changed everything.

I quickly learned that donebecame my new version of perfect. My toddler didn’t need a flawless mom, my job didn’t need a flawless employee, and my side business didn’t need a flawless launch. What mattered was showing up consistently—taking imperfect action when I could and celebrating progress, not perfection.

💡 Mantra that saved me: “Done is better than perfect—and loved is better than polished.” It reminded me that building a business in this season of life was messy, chaotic, and still completely possible.

4. Building a Support Squad

At first, I tried to do it all solo. I told myself I didn’t need help. Then came the burnout—followed by a very honest conversation with myself.

Support didn’t make me less capable; it made me sustainable. Whether it was swapping childcare with another Mom, hiring a babysitter for a few hours, or outsourcing admin tasks, every bit of help created breathing room for me to grow.

And when hiring wasn’t an option, community became my safety net. Other mompreneurs understood the late nights, the snack bribery, and the deep desire to build something meaningful. That’s a major reason I created Boss Mama CEO—to build a community of women navigating this journey together, so they know they are never alone. A safe space to vent, celebrate wins, and cheer each other on.

💡 If you’re early on: Find your circle. That one person who cheers you on can make all the difference.

5. Keeping My “Why” Front and Center

Whenever I hit a wall—and there were plenty of them—I came back to my why.

I wanted to show my daughter what it looks like to chase a dream. To show her that circumstances don’t define you, and that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to—no matter the season of life. I wanted her to see that Moms can create impact and income, not despite motherhood, but inspired by it.

That perspective grounded me. Every milestone felt less like an achievement for me, and more like a message to her: You can build the life you want, even if it starts from the kitchen table.

When my daughter turned 2, I gifted her a toy laptop and mouse. What a gift! For her entire life, she’s watched Mommy work from home, and it clearly inspired her to want to do the same. On random occasions, she’ll say, “Okay, Mommy, I gotta go work. Be back!” She grabs her little laptop, goes to her tiny desk, and starts typing away like she’s on a real Zoom call.

It warms my heart to see her mimic what she’s seen, not just because it’s adorable, but because it reminds me that she’s learning that work, ambition, and creativity are part of life—and that she can build her dreams too, in her own way and at her own pace.

“They might not remember every late night you worked—but they’ll always remember watching you go after what lights you up.”

Lessons From Building a Business with a Toddler

✨ Progress counts, even when it’s tiny.
When you’re balancing a 9–5, a toddler, and a side hustle, micro-moments are everything. That blog post drafted during lunch, the email you sent while your toddler napped, or the idea jotted down in Notes between meetings — it all adds up. Small, consistent actions stack into something meaningful faster than you think.

✨ Boundaries keep you sane and productive.
I learned to carve out clear lines between my full-time job, my toddler, and my side business. Working late into the night or squeezing in constant multitasking doesn’t scale—it just burns you out. Protect your time fiercely. Even 30 focused minutes is better than scattered hours.

✨ Small wins deserve celebration.
When your day involves a toddler meltdown, back-to-back Zooms, and client research squeezed between snack time, it’s easy to feel like you’re not moving forward. Celebrate every tiny win — that first subscriber, a completed draft, or a successful post on social media. These small victories fuel momentum.

✨ Flexibility is your secret weapon.
Your toddler, your job, and life itself won’t stick to a schedule—so your business shouldn’t have to either. Designing systems, content, or offerings that work asynchronously means progress happens even when you can’t be at your laptop.

✨ Comparison is the thief of joy.
Remember, your 9–5 + toddler + side business journey is unique. Other entrepreneurs might have more time, more freedom, or fewer interruptions—but you have exactly the perspective and season you need to succeed. Keep your focus on your growth, not theirs. And when you look at your little bundle of joy, remember your “why”.

✨ Self-care fuels sustainability.
Evenings are packed: outdoor play, dinner, bath, and bedtime. But carving out just a few minutes for myself at night — journaling, planning, or simply breathing — keeps me grounded and ready to show up fully for my toddler, my job, and my business. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential, especially when you’re a single mom managing multiple roles.

When I started Boss Mama CEO, I knew I wanted it to be more than a blog, more than a coaching platform, more than a brand. I wanted it to become a movement. That’s why, when designing my site, I made sure to showcase branded apparel throughout the blog.

Now, I proudly wear that gear around town, and every compliment I receive lights me up! It’s a little reminder that I’m on the right path—and that I can keep going, no matter how busy or chaotic life gets.

A Real Day in the Life

Here’s a look at how things actually ran behind the scenes during those early days:

Morning: Toddler breakfast (half-eaten, of course), coffee reheated twice, and a mental checklist running at full speed before logging into my 9–5. Between packing snacks and getting my little one ready for preschool drop-off, I’d sneak in a quick brainstorm or jot down an idea for my side business while she munched and played.

Mid-morning: Preschool drop-off, then back to work at my 9–5. I’d keep my business top of mind in small bursts—sending a quick email or drafting a note between meetings.

Midday: Preschool pick-up and a few toddler-filled hours of lunch, play, and errands. Some days, I’d sneak in business tasks on my phone while she built towers (and occasionally destroyed them). Play-Doh under my nails? Standard issue.

Afternoon: Back to work until 4 pm, keeping up with my full-time responsibilities while carving out tiny windows to move my side business forward. Every little action counted.

Evening: The last few hours of the day are all about my daughter—outdoor adventures, cooking dinner, bath time, and bedtime routine. Once she’s tucked in, I carve out my sacred “me” time: journaling, planning, or simply breathing. Self-care is non-negotiable, especially as a single mom with a little one relying on me. That quiet end-of-day ritual keeps me grounded and ready to tackle both work and business the next day.

Nothing about it looked like the glossy version of entrepreneurship I’d seen online. But it was mine, and it worked. Some days, you’re trying to get through calls while your toddler screams or chimes in over your client conversation. Embrace it, mama — it’s just a season. One day, you’ll look back, laugh, and realize it was all part of the process.

What I’d Tell Any Mom Starting Today

If you’re starting your business while juggling motherhood, here’s what I’d want you to know.

You don’t need more time—you need better focus in the time you already have. You don’t need to be superhuman—you just need to be strategic.

Start where you are. Build slow if you have to. There’s no prize for rushing. The magic happens in the consistency, not the speed.

Your little one might not remember the late nights or the piles of laundry, but they’ll grow up knowing their mom built something out of passion and persistence. And that’s a legacy that lasts. Maybe one day, she’ll grow up striving for the same things her mama did—because she grew up watching her hero do it all on her own.

Building Dreams Between Snack Times

Running a business while raising a toddler isn’t about perfect balance. It’s about creating your own version of harmony. It’s blending snack time with strategy calls, and learning to pivot when life hands you a teething phase.

Some days, you’ll feel unstoppable. Others, you’ll just keep things afloat. Both count.

Because every time you show up for your business and your family, you’re proving that motherhood and entrepreneurship aren’t opposites—they’re beautifully intertwined.

So here’s to the Moms building empires between snack breaks. The ones writing content during nap time and dreaming big after bedtime. The ones showing their kids that a Mom with a laptop and a toddler on her hip can change everything.

Quick Takeaways

• Micro-moments matter more than perfect plans. Even 10–15 focused minutes during breakfast or nap time can move your business forward.
• Build flexibility into your business from day one. Your toddler’s schedule, your 9–5, and life’s surprises require a business that can bend, not break.
• Drop the guilt, not the dream. You’re doing more than anyone sees—progress counts, even if it’s messy.
• Lean on your people—support is strength. Whether it’s friends, family, or fellow mompreneurs, a community makes the journey lighter.
• Keep your “why” close; it’s your anchor and fuel. Let it guide you through chaos, long days, and sleepless nights.

Your Turn

If this story hit home, share a piece of your journey with me here. I love connecting with other Moms building businesses in the middle of the beautiful chaos.

And if you’re just getting started, grab my Quick-Start Mompreneur Business Checklist—it’s the same one that helped me turn snack-time brainstorms into something real.

Because building a business with a toddler isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Here’s to all the incredible Moms juggling a million things—keep shining bright, cheering each other on, and building the life you love!

Ashley

Friendly Note: I’m simply sharing my journey, experiences, and lessons learned as a Mom in business. This isn’t legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check with a qualified pro for guidance tailored to you.