Being an entrepreneur can be hard. Being a parent can be hard. Balancing both is often a challenge. For Mother’s Day, we asked two questions of our members. Here they share their tips and words of wisdom.What’s it like being a mom & a business owner? What is one tip you can give to other moms that are also business owners? I love setting an example for my (very grown) children that life is for living and that taking chances can be incredibly gratifying. My kids went through their teens seeing me grow as an entrepreneur. It wasn’t always easy and there were times that we were feast or famine. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Today, both my daughter and son know that there are options and that creating their own professional reality is a real possibility. ~ Lisane Basquiat, Hera Hub CarlsbadYou don’t have to be the best at everything. ~ Eva Mondaca, Moms Helping Moms Build A BusinessComplicated. Very, very complicated. ~ Kelly Stokes Brown, KSB Marketing OnlineYou won’t know if you don’t ask. ~ Karen Brothers, Karen Brothers ServicesBe bold. Share your talents with the world! ~ Felena Hanson, Hera Hub CEOBeing a mom and small business owner is tough, it took me quite a while to find a good balance… and it’s still a work in progress. My one piece of advice would be to be patient and kind to yourself, and to make an effort to delegate more tasks and ask for help. I’ve had to learn to let go a little, both in my business and in other aspects of my life, because being a mom is messy and unpredictable, and it’s okay if things aren’t perfect all the time! ~ Katrina Oko-Odoi, Editing WormDo what works for you, and resist judging other moms for their choices. ~ Christy Heiskala, Educate to EliminateI love to have my own business and the best part is to be with my kids in my own schedule I wouldn’t change it for anything. But I have to admit sometimes is hard to balance, specially as a single mom.~ Katty Ibarra, Macro Idea StudioBeing a mom who owns her own business is pretty incredible. The fact that I am able to create my own schedule, income, clients and spend time with my kids is exactly what I dreamt of all those years working 9-5. One tip for other moms is wake up earlier than everyone else and take at least 30 minutes for yourself, whether is be to workout, read, get some emails done, whatever! Just start your day out for you and then jump in with all the other duties. You’ll feel more “together” that way. ~ Amanda Flisher 
What value did your mom instill in you and how has it helped you in your business?We learned hard work and determination in my family. My mother also taught me to ensure that I carve space out in my life for me – my dreams, my self care, my creative outlets. ~ Lisane BasquiatMy mother was a risk taker and always focused on what she wished to achieve. She was the idea person in our family. She immigrated twice and welcomed change. She was a child in England during WWII and learned to be positive through hardship and lack. I believe that I have inherited the qualities of risk taking, innovation and embracing change from her. ~ Catherine Mowbray – Lorenz, CML InternationalWhat I remember most about my mom was her determination. It never occurred to her that she couldn’t do something. In fact, if someone told her she “couldn’t” she would go ahead and do it. I’d like to think I got my fierce determination, especially in the face of adversity, and the desire for financial independence from her. ~ Kelly Stokes Brown It’s OK to give your kids cookies to keep them settled down so you can take a call. ~ Eva Mondaca, Moms Helping Moms Build A BusinessMy mom would ALWAYS say “there is a reason for everything” and that has helped me tremendously. Two years ago I was frantic about my son getting into preschool but he just wasn’t quite ready yet. I had no clue who was going to watch him as my business was growing. Then, one day a very good friend told me our mutual friend was looking for nanny jobs that had flexibility so she could be with her daughter for pick up. She has been with us ever since! “Reasons for everything!” ~ Amanda FlisherMy mom taught me to choose a career that you’re motivated and passionate about, and to put your all into it. She modeled how to be a strong, talented professional and a loving, present mother – and I’m doing my best to emulate that now with my son. ~ Katrina Oko-Odoi
