They're the masterminds behind thriving businesses, the nurturers who raise future leaders, and the superheroes who manage to do it all – they are Black and Brown mompreneurs. These remarkable women shatter stereotypes and redefine success, one venture and bedtime story at a time. Join us as we celebrate their hustle, their heart, and their inspiring journeys in juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship.
Ladetria Warren
My name is Ladetria Warren. I'm a jewelry designer, and I work in leather goods and body products. I'm a mom of 2 who recently moved out. I have been in business for 15 years. I left corporate and became a full-time entrepreneur.
My kids were with me from day 1. My daughter became an artist at 11 and was in her first gallery show at 14. My son has become a self-taught mechanical genius.
How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)
Finding balance in daily life was a struggle as far as separating family and business time was concerned. The more I engaged my children in the business operation, the more the two became one.
What is your self-care routine?
STOP! When you feel tired, stop! When you’re hungry, stop! It’s Sunday, stop. We don't have to be in business mode 24-7 to be successful. It only causes a lack of passion and burnout.
What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?
First, you need to find a balance with partial financial security. Your business will not always cover all of your bills, leading to a stressful downfall.
Learn more about Twisted Rose!
Rosita Lawrence
Earthbyroro is a plant-based product brand that uses scents to improve your mental health.
How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)
I do it all through the strength of Jesus. The misconception is that mothers cannot be the wife, businesswoman, student, daughter, or friend all in one. As the wearer of many hats, I have learned that once I can envision it, it can come to pass. It will not be easy, but it is possible. Faith without works is dead.
What is your self-care routine?
My self-care routine is reading and being in stillness. Because I live in my head at times, I am already overstimulated by my thoughts. I need words to combat the scenarios or rabbit hole ideations. It can be a self-help book, bible, or daily devotional.
It can even be current events. It allows my mind to think of something else or challenge my thoughts with truth. Sometimes, I even bring about gratitude and appreciation for what I have and all I have accomplished. Stillness informs my mind to stop and turn off. It creates balance and helps me to lead my curiosity wherever I want it to go.
What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?
My advice to moms who want to start a business is to do it anyway. Being unsure is human, and this is okay. But do it anyway. Once you begin, allow the pieces to fall into place while you take those one-day-at-a-time steps. God never said it wouldn't be easy.
Learn more about Earth by Roro and find them on Instagram.
Vanessa Bowling Ajavon
I am the founder and CEO of Girls Vacation Club (GVC). GVC is a woman-owned and operated travel company that helps women see the world safely and confidently.
How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)
I don’t. I have had to be real about my priorities and abilities to be the best boss, mom, and employee I can be. I make sure to be the most active mom I can be while still giving priority to my business and full-time job.
As an employer, I am showing my children that anything is possible for them, and that is more important to me than “doing it all.”
What is your self-care routine?
I love TikTok! I spend time looking up things I love there mindlessly. I also listen to audiobooks on my drive to work or while cooking dinner, and I schedule regular massages to keep from holding stress in my body.
What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?
Figure out the best way to carve out time for you, your kids, your family, your partner, and your business. Each day, you have 100% to give, no more, but sometimes less. Divide your day into percentages and stick to those percentages. If you try to give 100% to your business and 100% to your kids, you WILL fail. It will not always be perfect, but seeing your business’ impact on those around you will be fulfilling and worth the sacrifices.
Learn more about Girls Vaction Club and find them on Instagram.
Dana Todd Pope
At Women's LIVE Artist Studio, we feature the artwork of local women artists on a global platform. We're located in Chicago's Navy Pier, home to 8 million yearly guests.
How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)
I seek help, resources, and wisdom beyond my understanding. Still, some things fall off. I have really learned to prioritize what's important.
What is your self-care routine?
I disconnect on weekends. I ignore my phone, and I get real rest.
What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?
Start where you can and make adjustments as you grow. Also, ask your immediate community for help.
Learn more Womens Live Artist Studio about and find them on Instagram.
Naijean Bernard
I am the founder of Jeany's Caribbean Elixirs. It's a Caribbean inspired cold pressed juice company. Our elixir recipes are passed down from our maternal grandmother in Grenada.
What is your self-care routine?
Taking a nap, watching reality TV, dining out, hiring a housekeeper biweekly.
What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?
I would suggest starting small, such as pop-up events and farmers markets. I waited to grow the business until my son was around age 7.
Learn more about Jeany's Caribbean Elixirs!
Diane Davis
Stay Motivated LLC is a mindset coaching business founded by Diane Davis. Its goal is to empower and inspire youth through positive affirmations, mindset awareness, and emotional well-being.
We aim to serve as accountability partners and provide workshops that help young individuals develop a healthy emotional mindset, utilizing their minds as tools for personal growth and prosperity.
Our mission at Stay Motivated LLC is encapsulated in our acronym MOTIVATED, which stands for “Motivation over time. I value all that evolves daily.”
We are dedicated to promoting motivation, personal development, and emotional well-being among young individuals, helping them realize their full potential and navigate their challenges with resilience and positivity.
The vision of Stay Motivated LLC is to create awareness of the importance of a positive mindset from an early age, focusing on childhood development and bridging the gap in children’s literacy. We believe that by instilling positive values and encouraging a growth mindset in children, we can lay a strong foundation for their future success and well-being.
By offering workshops and coaching services, we aim to equip the youth with the tools and skills necessary to lead fulfilling lives and positively contribute to their communities.
How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)
I am a proud mompreneur of a 19-year-old son. BOY MOM! How I juggle motherhood and being an entrepreneur is, honestly, pacing myself. I set out my monthly goals, focusing on the short-term goals and being consistent, ultimately leading to the execution of the long-term goals.
Short-term goals help me personally build a foundation for a solid business that is scalable. It is also important to ensure we rest when our body says rest. As entrepreneurs, we can be on the go and juggle multiple tasks, so REST is important. Take your rest, stay consistent, and pace yourself. After all, we are on a journey of life, and this is not a race. It's a marathon.
What is your self-care routine?
My self-care routine includes making time for myself to read insightful books and taking rest when my body needs it! Spending time in my garden, taking nature walks, reading, and cooking are all forms of self-care for me.
What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?
Take the leap of faith! If you don’t try, you will never know the limitless possibilities of success that await you! Fear is an illusion! Faith over fear!
Learn more about Stay Motivated and find them on Instagram.
Teju Aluko
I’m the Founder + Chief Experience Officer (CXO) of Branperience, a full-service Brand Experience Firm marrying the art + science of branding by elevating brand experiences through research and impact techniques that deepen your relationships with your Stakeholders and increase brand loyalty, advocacy, and longevity.
Over the past six years, we’ve developed a diverse portfolio supporting an array of industries, most notably in Sports & Entertainment, Nonprofits, and Social Impact Organizations across the Country.
Our work is for businesses and brands that center on the human experience and scientific factors that make us human – such as our emotions and feelings. Science tells us that 90% of our decisions are based on emotion, even down to how we consume products, services, brands, etc., not this rational thinking that we think – so we account for them strategically to impact the world.
How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)
I founded Branperience in a coffee shop in Milwaukee, WI, with my two daughters, barely teenagers, and $60 in my pocket after signing our first Stakeholder from a referral. They’ve been there since the start, and they’ve helped the entire way.
This journey has sparked so much development and advancement within our mommy/daughter relationships, including moving 2,000 miles across the country to Los Angeles to continue business and life five years ago.
They’re early-stage entrepreneurs, and that is in large part due to being immersed within the industries and my entrepreneurial journey – learning experientially. That’s how I’ve been able to do a lot, but not all. I have help.
A misconception I’d like to debunk as a Millennial Empty-Nester is that parenting is done once children become adults, so there’s more time for entrepreneurship. FALSE. In my experience, parenting evolves in different ways but definitely isn’t done.
It's like you move from the Board of Directors in their lives to the Advisory Board, but both boards are important and can exist in one setting during their appropriate times – and Advisory Boards still require time, direction, and support.
Your days are spent twiddling your thumbs with 24 hours of extra time because “they’re grown.” The Mompreneur role of adult children still has challenges – and time can still be one of them.
What is your self-care routine?
My self-care routine includes:
Reading: I’m an avid reader; I faithfully read a new book every month. Walking/Running: I walk/run at least 6 miles daily.
Travel—I've always traveled a lot, but since becoming an empty nester, I take a solo trip once a month. Whether out of the country, in the States, in a staycation, 48 hours, or three weeks long, I take the trip.
Restaurants—I’ve been a vegetarian/pescatarian for 11 years, so eating is always a creative endeavor for me. Because I love food, I try a new restaurant twice a month and return to my favorites—a must.
1:1 time with my daughters: They are such cool young ladies, and I enjoy including them in my self-care. Each week, I dedicate a day of the week for one-on-one time with them separately. It could be via FaceTime, a day trip, a fun activity, or anything—we get it done.
Rest - doing nothing. My routine has time buffered to support rest and revitalization.
What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?
Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to call someone, and be vulnerable about needing help. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to perform. Slow motion is still motion.
Find your people. Community is so important. Seek out other mompreneurs who understand your experience so you can learn, build community, support, and inspire each other.
There is no lack. Remember, nothing is missing, everything is on time, what’s meant for you will reach you, and on the other side of fear is freedom.
Learn more about Branperience and find them on Instagram.
Emilie Hayek
Love Enlight Wellness is dedicated to providing holistic health for every BODY regardless of age, background, and expression.
We provide comprehensive offerings, such as Yoga and Meditation, Personal Training, Sound Healing, Pilates, Barre, and more, with a focus on personalized care, whether it’s a private session or a sold-out event.
The serene environment cultivated during in-home visits, studio spaces, virtual events, or events around the city provides a nurturing space for anyone seeking to restore balance, pain-free movement, and vitality to their lives.
Love Enlight Wellness is the perfect place to start or deepen your journey of finding and increasing inner and outer strength.
How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)
“Doing it all” as a mompreneur requires a combination of passion, perseverance, and audacity. It doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly all the time. It’s about setting goals, staying motivated, and being kind to myself when things don’t go as planned.
One common misconception about mompreneurs is that we effortlessly balance work and family life without any challenges. It’s a juggling act that often involves sacrifices, tough decisions, and moments of doubt.
However, it’s essential to recognize that being a mompreneur doesn’t mean sacrificing one role for the other. It’s about finding a harmonious integration of both aspects of life, knowing when to lean on support systems, and being resilient in the face of obstacles.
Ultimately, being a mompreneur is a rewarding journey that allows me to pursue my passions while nurturing my family. It’s about embracing the unique challenges and joys that come with blending motherhood and entrepreneurship and celebrating the achievements, big and small, along the way. Seeing the positive impact on my business, family, and all of our wonderful clients makes everything worthwhile.
What is your self-care routine?
My self-care routine includes a mix of activities that nourish my mind, body, and spirit.
I try to start my day with meditation or yoga to center myself, enjoy regular exercise to stay active and energized, and make time for hobbies or activities that bring me joy.
I do my best to get adequate rest and relaxation, whether it's through reading, journaling, listening to music, or throwing on a face mask. I also cherish unwinding with my loved ones—it truly takes a village! Laughing and feeling loved by my friends and family nourishes my soul in the best possible way.
I’ve learned to be kind to myself when I can’t do everything I’d like to recharge, but I also prioritize finding ways to practice self-care no matter what’s going on, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
You can’t pour from an empty cup- taking moments throughout the day to pause, breathe, re-center, and have fun is crucial for maintaining balance and happiness in life!
What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?
My advice for moms who want to start their own businesses but are hesitant about balancing it all is to believe in yourself (even when no one else does) and stay flexible. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help.
Create a strong support network of friends, family, and mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way. Don’t be afraid to take risks; be humble enough to learn from successes and setbacks.
Finding a balance between your business and family life is an ongoing process, so be patient and gracious with yourself and celebrate the milestones, no matter how small.
Once you decide to pursue your dreams, things tend to fall into place. Sometimes, even bigger opportunities than you ever imagined come your way.
Trust in your vision and keep moving forward with determination.
Learn more about them on Instagram!
Ora Wardlow
I own Cafe 322 Urban Bistro, a full-service catering and meal prep company. I also own Aura Aromas, an aromatherapy candle and whipped shea body butter business.
How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)
I start each day by pouring into myself so that I can better focus on my children and others as the day goes on.
What is your self-care routine?
My routine is to wake up, get a good word in, pray, do yoga, and meditate. I do breathwork and then shower and begin my day. On a day of rest, I either relax, take a bath, or hang with loved ones.
What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?
My best advice would be to develop a routine around what you already have going on and work to start small with whatever you want to add to your plate so that you do not overwhelm yourself and can fit more into your routine.
Learn more about Cafe 322 Urban Bistro!
From juggling deadlines to bedtime stories, these mompreneurs are proving that there's no limit to what they can achieve. Their journeys are a testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and the unwavering power of a mother's love. Celebrating their achievements reminds us of the importance of fostering a supportive ecosystem for these incredible women. Remember, there's a village cheering you on, and within you lies the strength to be both a successful entrepreneur and a phenomenal mom.
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