Alicia

Mom Entrepreneur Guide: 5 Powerful Skills That Drive Business Success

Starting my own business felt like a daunting challenge, especially while managing the chaos of family life. But as I looked around, I saw a growing wave of moms who were not just surviving doing it—they were thriving. Inspired by these trailblazing women, I’ve uncovered five essential skills that are transforming more and more moms into entrepreneurial powerhouses. Here’s how they’re doing it—and how you can, too.

Mom Entrepreneur Toolkit: 5 Skills for Success in Business and Parenting

Looking at the stats, female-run businesses are on the rise, with women owning about 39% of small businesses in the United States. According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, businesses owned by women contribute $1.9 trillion in revenue annually. SoFi ran a survey in March 2024 of 1,000 mothers who owned businesses in what qualities they felt were their strongest skills, and it showed that improved problem-solving (60%), enhanced multitasking (51%), increased empathy (46%), and greater resilience (46%) were at the top of the list.

I dove into these superpowers firsthand with inspiring women, and I discovered so many of these qualities that make us successful moms can be leveraged to achieve entrepreneurial success. Each interview gave me fresh motivation to dig deeper, tap into hidden strengths, and embrace these powers in my life. Here are the five superpowers that stood out the most.

• Perseverance: Building Million-Dollar Brands 
• Intuition: Making Smart Business Decisions 
• Imagination: Unlocking Your Creativity
• Empathy: Leading with Purpose 
• Resilience: Scaling with the Right Priorities

#1 Perseverance: Building a Multi-Million Dollar Brand with Lily Kanter, Co-Founder of Serena & Lily

I learned so much from my conversation with Lily Kanter, Co-Founder of one of my favorite brands Serena & Lily. One of the most important lessons? It’s okay to ask for help! Lily shared that asking for and prioritizing consistent support at home was the foundation of her success in building the multi-million-dollar brand we know today. And she wasn’t scared to admit and be transparent about that.

Key Lesson: Support System Strategy to Persevere in Business

When assembling her support network, she focused on her needs first, then built additional help around her lead hire as required. Her husband was another key player, actively supporting her every step of the way. 

Action Steps for Moms

Lily also emphasized the importance of modeling values for her kids. She taught them that giving back is as essential as pacing yourself at work. She involves her children in global charitable activities in her spare time. Her perseverance and intentionality created a legacy both at home and in business.

Listen to the full interview: The Superpower of Perseverance.

#2 Intuition: From Lawyer to Candle-Making with Founder of Taja Collection, Annabelle DeGrazio

While perseverance laid the foundation for Lily’s success, Annabelle DeGrazio’s journey shows how intuition can drive smart, bold decisions. Annabelle DeGrazio built a million-dollar business rooted in her love for ancient art and a keen sense of intuition. She shared how trusting her gut—even in uncertain moments—allowed her to take risks that paid off. 

Key Lesson: Trust Your Gut with Solid Proof Points to Guide You

Annabelle started by giving free products to influencers with similar audiences. That bold strategy quickly paid off. She also didn’t leave her attorney position before she received a sound proof of concept before going all in. She also consistently kept her mission of bringing a personal touch to gift-giving at her company's core, including employees in brainstorming and feeling invested in the business with her.

Action Steps for Moms

Annabelle’s journey is a masterclass blending instinct with strategy, showing us how to align our passions with purpose to create something extraordinary—personalizing the art of gift-giving again.

Listen to the full episode: From Ancient Art to $1M Business.

#3 Imagination: Unlocking Creativity with Author Melissa Llarena

Once you’ve locked into an unstoppable approach and your intuition, the next step is to picture the success you hope to see. Melissa Llarena is a powerhouse who turned her creative vision into a profitable reality. She now works to coach female entrepreneurs in all walks of life by unlocking their wildest imaginations to succeed. 

Key Lesson: Unlock Your Fertile Imagination for Business Success

In our interview, she shared practical advice on nurturing the imagination, brainstorming ideas, and staying committed to seeing them through. She prioritized her goal of getting her book The Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom’s Superpower for Maximum Impact to Amazon's best-selling list, and she did! She also doesn’t hesitate to sell herself to get time with top entrepreneurs like Gary V.

Action Steps for Moms

Hone in on your network and devise a strategy to connect with other leaders in your space. Come up with a communication plan and creatively brainstorm how best to get their interest. Never forget your MROI by asking yourself: Is the value I’m getting worth the time away from my kids? Her story reminds us that creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s a skill we can all harness to innovate, solve problems, and build meaningful careers.

Listen to the full interview: Mom Superpowers to Profit.

#4 Empathy: Practicing What You Preach with Author Jenna Hermans

As most moms can attest, work-life balance can feel like a myth, but Jenna Hermans showed me it’s achievable when approached with empathy and intention. As a leader in male-dominated industries, Jenna mastered the art of balancing her professional ambitions with her role as a mom of 4. 

Key Lesson: More Female Leaders Should Model Empathy 

Her ability to prioritize self-care and set healthy boundaries is a blueprint for creating harmony in your home and workplace. She believes more women can model empathy to encourage others to do the same within companies. This will lead to more open and collaborative approaches to business.

Action Steps for Moms

Code words like “I feel banana” resonate for kids at home when anyone feels off or needs space to focus on priorities and prevent burnout. Whiteboarding helps with family planning and encouraging kids to do their part around the home.

Listen to the full episode: Work-Life Balance: A Guide to Conquering Male-Dominated Industries.

#5 Resilience: Being Flexible with Seven-Figure Mom Business Owner Nikki Lindgren

Nikki Lindgren’s journey to launching a seven-figure business as a mom of three is nothing short of inspiring. Balancing the demands of parenting with entrepreneurship, Nikki shows how resilience, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to core values can pave the way for success. Her story is a powerful reminder that thriving in business is possible while being fully present for your family.

Key Lesson: Have an Employee-first Model

Nikki’s secret to success lies in her employee-first mindset. She has built a team that feels empowered and motivated to deliver their best work by fostering a workplace culture that values and supports employees. Nikki firmly believes that when employees feel appreciated and respected, they become invested in the company’s mission and contribute to its long-term success.

Action Steps for Moms

A few ways to put your employees first are:

• Providing flexibility: Recognizing the needs of her team, Nikki ensures work-life balance through policies like remote work options, flexible hours, and understanding family commitments.
• Investing in professional growth: Nikki prioritizes her team’s development by offering training, mentorship opportunities, and regular check-ins to discuss career goals.
• Prioritizing transparency: Open communication is key to Nikki’s leadership style. She ensures her team understands the “why” behind decisions, fostering trust and alignment with the company’s mission.

Read about her inspiring journey: How Nikki Built a 7-Digit Business.

The Essential Mom Entrepreneur Toolkit

Each of these women unlocked unique superpowers that helped them balance motherhood and business success. What’s your mom superpower, and how will you use it to create your own unstoppable success story? 

Action Steps to Start Today

1. Identify your dominant superpower: Where are you strong, and where do you need partners to help you grow?
2. Create your support blueprint: What help do you need to be successful, and where can you delegate the reins more to achieve business success?
3. Set measurable growth goals: Where do you hope to get in the next 3-6 months, and how can you get there faster with limited resources?

Your journey to unstoppable success starts with identifying your unique superpowers. Which of these five skills will you lean into first? Share your thoughts on social media @MomShineCo, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more actionable insights and inspiring stories.

by Alicia

Mom's Reset Guide: 7 Power Habits for Your Best Season Yet

After the success of 24 Intentions to Shine, I’m thrilled to keep the momentum going with weekly Shine Reminders throughout January. These simple yet powerful ideas will help you reset, refocus, and prioritize what matters most. Let’s make space for growth and joy—together! Here are some shine reminders on how to reset, and I’ll be posting reminders each week on our Instagram at @momshinco if you’d like to follow along and start your week off right. Check out what we’re diving into to kick off a New Year here soon!

Habit #1: Know Your Superpowers 

Take stock of your strengths and weaknesses. What are you great at? Where could you use a little help? Discuss openly with your partner or support system to fill the gaps. Some good areas to organize and focus discussion around could be related to travel, finances, and business goals, along with your own personal and family needs and how best to support each other to fill everyone’s tank in 2025. 

Habit #2: Lean Into AI

Need help or juggling too much? Use your favorite AI tool to brainstorm, plan, or simplify daily tasks. It’s like having an extra pair of hands! See our 16 Ways to Use AI to Simplify Parenting in a Digital Age. Let’s work smarter, not harder, and do more with less this year.

Habit #3 Harness The Power of 15 Minutes

Just 15 minutes of weekly exercise has been linked to living a longer life! Whether meditating and moving during a yoga practice, lifting weights, or bonding with your kids—just taking a moment to move and realize just how 15 minutes can change your vibe. It’s also the best brain hack when you are strapped for time. It’s hard to say no to 15 minutes of helping yourself feel better.

Habit #4: Implement Chores to Build Kids' Confidence

A daily 5-15 minute chore routine helps kids build responsibility and self-esteem—and gives you a well-earned breather. Studies show that if kids do chores around ages 4 & 5 and up, it builds their self-esteem and confidence. By doing so, you’ll raise more successful, happier kids and save yourself from going insane as well.

Habit #5: Find Quick, Anti-Inflammatory Meals

According to a study by the University of Ohio based on the diets of more than 34,500 adults, 57% of U.S. adults have a pro-inflammatory diet. But lowering inflammation doesn't have to mean more hours in the kitchen. Think about simple, plant-based, vibrant meals full of fruits, veggies, white meats, beans, and nuts that are quick and easy to prepare. Again, AI can be a godsend to help here by suggesting healthy, fast meals that the whole family will love and planning what to buy on your next grocery run.

Habit #6: Nurture Your Inner Child 

Parenting starts with being the best parent to yourself. When you model self-parenting, you teach your kids invaluable lessons about self-love, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Ask yourself daily: What do I need? What am I working on this week? How can I be there for myself?

Think of it this way – when you openly practice self-compassion, like saying, "Mommy made a mistake, and that's okay. I'm going to try again," your children learn that perfection isn't the goal. They learn healthy emotional management when they see you take a timeout to regulate your emotions (i.e., "I need five minutes to calm down and think clearly"). When facing challenges, model positive self-talk: "I can do hard things, even if they take time." Also, model and vocalize to them when you are proud of yourself for trying something new.

Remember: You can't pour from an empty cup; your children watch how you treat yourself. They'll likely mirror these same behaviors in their own lives. By nurturing your inner child, you're not just healing yourself – you're breaking generational patterns and teaching your kids to become their best advocates.

Habit #7: Listen While You Work

Turn mundane moments into opportunities for inspiration. Whether folding laundry, commuting, or running errands, lock into podcasts, audiobooks, or uplifting playlists that fill your mind with great advice and energizing ideas. We started the MomShine podcast to serve up inspiring content for other busy moms to feel supported, and there are so many great shows to tune into to inspire yourself through the many chores needed around the house.

New Year, New Mom

Ready to transform your mom life with these powerful reset habits? Whether you're a working mom seeking balance, a busy parent craving organization, or simply ready for positive change, these intentional practices will help you create the life you deserve. Remember, small habits lead to big transformations. Join our MomShine community for practical tips and daily inspiration.

by Alicia

Lessons from a Serial Entrepreneur: What Every Mom Can Learn from Lily Kanter, Co-Founder of Serena & Lily

Lily Kanter’s journey as a serial entrepreneur is a masterclass in building successful businesses while staying connected to core values. As the founder of Serena & Lily, Boon Supply, and AveryLily, she has created spaces where women thrive—not just in business but also in life. Her lessons are especially valuable for moms striving to find balance, purpose, and success in their own paths. Here’s what every mom can learn from Lily’s remarkable career.

Serena & Lily Founder Shares Mompreneur Advice

Lesson #1—Pick Strategic Partners

Lily’s story highlights the importance of choosing the right partners, a lesson moms can apply at work and in life. Here are a few rules to apply when picking partners in life and in business.

1. Choose partners who complement your strengths: Just as Lily selected Serena Dugan for her creative genius, moms can seek friends, co-workers, or mentors who fill in the gaps they have and uplift them. The key here is to embrace your own weaknesses and look for those people to partner with who can help with those gaps.
2. Build relationships based on mutual respect: Collaboration flourishes with respect and understanding, whether it’s a business or a parenting decision. Honor other perspectives different from yours and give them space to collaborate and find the right balance.
3. Create safe spaces for open dialogue: From boardroom meetings to family dinners, honest conversations strengthen bonds all around.

Lesson #2—Embrace an Imperfect Action Plan on Your Entrepreneurial Journey

Lily’s success reminds us that waiting for perfection can hold us back. Sometimes, you must go with your gut and launch into action when the right synergy and idea hits you.

• You can start before everything is perfect: Whether launching a business or trying a new parenting strategy, begin and consider these prototypes that you can iterate and improve upon as you go.
• Learn and adjust along the way: Like kids, businesses grow with love, patience, and a willingness to pivot.
• Trust your instincts while remaining flexible: Moms can find power in their gut feelings while adapting to new information.

Lesson #3—Leverage Resources That Make Sense for You and Your Business

Lily excels at balancing resources wisely—something moms know all too well. To me, this applies to helping around the house and with children as needs change and evolve. It also applies to determining if funding for your business is needed and right for what you are trying to build. As Lily shared in our interview, tech money isn’t always right for retail or commerce businesses with an entirely different supply model and path for growth. Understand your industry and ensure your financial decisions are sustainable for long-term growth.

Lesson #4—Build a Support System for Your Business and Family 

No one succeeds alone, and Lily is no exception. Moms can take notes on how they surround themselves with support.

• Invest in consistent childcare: Reliable help enables focus on personal and professional goals.
• Create reliable, professional networks: Just as Lily builds strong connections, moms can find their “village” to navigate challenges.
• Maintain strong personal relationships: Nurturing partnerships at home is essential for overall well-being.

Stephanie Fornaro, CEO and Founder of Hello Nanny!, a boutique nanny placement agency, emphasizes: “Building your support system not only helps you feel less alone, but it also directly affects your ability to thrive—both at work and at home.”

Lesson #5—Be a Values-Driven Leader at Work and Home

Lily’s alignment of business and personal values has been her guiding compass at every step—a principle moms can apply daily. She firmly believes in giving back to communities and ensuring every child gets a fair chance at success. She teaches her children about these passions and thinks about how they can give back to others in need. For one kid, it was rock climbing and building a bouldering wall for kids in an underprivileged country. As she mentioned in our interview, kids are watching, not listening all the time, so model the life and values you want them to pursue and do in their own lives. Include family in the journey by sharing your goals and fostering understanding, purpose, and support.

Lesson #6—Avoid Burnout by Blocking Time for Yourself 

For both business leaders and moms, sustainability prevents burnout and preserves joy. Proper planning can prevent burnout. Block time for self-care, family, and personal passions. For Lily, this is dedicating time to social impact organizations and finding unique ways to fuel those companies' growth. Working to continuously maintain clear direction and have a vision for your family or career allows you to navigate any distraction with purpose.

Lesson #7—Realize the Power of Reinvention

Lily’s journey proves that setbacks can be a stepping stone to reinvention—a truth every mom can embrace. During COVID-19, Lily faced difficult decisions, including stepping away from a thriving non-profit. Yet, she emerged stronger, launching new ventures like the Empower Her fund and supporting Hawaiian businesses with her latest venture, AveryLily. Her resilience is a reminder that success isn’t linear, and moms, too, can adapt and thrive amidst life’s twists and turns.

Create Your Success at Home and in Business

How can moms translate these lessons into action? Here’s how:

• Identify your core strengths: What makes you unique as a mom, professional, or partner? Lean into that.
• Seek complementary partnerships: Whether with a spouse, co-worker, or friend, surround yourself with people who amplify your shine.
• Build your support network: From babysitters to business mentors, never hesitate to ask for help.
• Embrace challenges as growth opportunities: Tough moments often spark the greatest growth.
• Stay connected to your values: Let your values guide your choices in business or parenting.

Ready to create your own success story? Join the MomShine community for inspiration and practical tips from successful women leaders like Lily Kanter. Let’s empower moms to thrive at home, in business, and beyond. You can hear our entire interview, The Superpower of Perseverance: Business Success Secrets from Lily Kanter (Ep 217), on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts for more.

by Alicia

24 Days of Holiday Mindfulness: A Mom's Guide to Finding Peace

Why Practice Daily Intentions During the Holidays?

Have you already stocked up some holiday cheer for your kids? Why not give yourself some shine, too, this season? With these simple but meaningful intentions, you can cultivate balance, joy, and a growth mindset throughout the holidays. This journey of small reminders helps bring calm and purpose to each day, making the season brighter for you and your family.

How to Use This Holiday Mindfulness Guide

The beauty of this mindfulness journey lies in its simplicity. Here's how to make it work for you:

• 📱 Follow @momshineco on Instagram for daily reminders
• 📝 Write it on a sticky note where you'll see it first thing (we put ours by the coffee maker!)
• 🎯 Print and check off each day as you go

Pro Tip: Pair your daily intention with your morning routine - that first cup of coffee is the perfect mindful moment!

Daily Intentions for Moms (December 1-24)

Week 1: Building Foundation (Days 1-7)

December 1 - Choose Calm
Today, I will prioritize calm over chaos, knowing peace begins with me.

December 2 - Presence is a Gift
I will focus on being fully present in the moments I share with my loved ones.

December 3 - Say Yes to Less
I will say no to what doesn’t align with my values, creating space for what matters.

December 4 - Reflect on the Good I See
I will celebrate my children’s unique qualities and highlight their strengths.

December 5 - Empower My Choices
I will make decisions that honor my needs and energy, knowing that doing so benefits my whole family.

December 6 - Celebrate Progress
I will let go of perfection and celebrate each small step toward balance.

December 7 - Choose Moments of Quiet
I will pause and find a moment of peace, no matter how brief, in my day.

Week 2: Nurturing Connection (Days 8-14)

December 8 - Lean into Support
I will connect with other moms, remembering that I’m not alone and the power of a community.

December 9 - Let Go of the Rush
I will trust that I’m exactly where I need to be in my journey—knowing that not everything needs to be tackled at once.

December 10 - Nurture My Needs
I will do one thing for myself today to refill my cup.

December 11 - Share Kindness
I will find a simple way to spread kindness, whether through a smile, compliment, or small act.

December 12 - Practice Gratitude
I will reflect on three things I’m grateful for, allowing joy to fill my day.

December 13 - Let Go of the Guilt
I will release the need to do it all and embrace that I’m enough just as I am.

December 14 - Breathe Through Frustration
I will respond to stress with a deep breath and patience.

Week 3: Creating Joy (Days 15-21)

December 15 - Savor Small Joys
I will slow down and savor a small, unexpected part of the day—a hug, a quiet moment, or a favorite holiday treat.

December 16 - Listen Actively
I will let go of distractions, put down the phone more, and listen fully to my loved ones.

December 17 - Give Generously
I embrace generosity in spirit through words, actions, or time.

December 18 - Redefine Success
Success today means showing up authentically, not perfectly.

December 19 - Build Meaningful Moments
I’ll nurture one-on-one moments with my kids or partner, free from distractions.

December 20 - Focus on My Values
I will reflect and write down the values I want to model for my kids and live them intentionally today.

December 21 - Take Time to Reflect
I will journal or reflect on what I’ve learned about myself this season.

Week 4: Celebrating Growth (Days 22-24)

December 22 - Lead With Love
My family will feel my support, understanding, and patience today.

December 23 - Prioritize Myself
I’ll prioritize healthy choices, knowing they give me the strength to shine.

December 24 - Celebrate with Joy and Gratitude
I end this season with gratitude, love, and a renewed commitment to shine.

Tips for Success

Thank you for embracing these 24 Days of Shine. Each small act is a gift to yourself and your family, bringing balance, joy, and purpose into the heart of the season. As you reflect on each day’s intention, remember that shining starts with choosing to show up as you are and honor your journey.

More Resources

Check out 20 Quick Tips to Shine —perfect for busy moms who want simple, daily wins. For more inspiration, tune in to our podcast, where real moms and experts share powerful insights to help you embrace every part of your journey. Let’s continue to support each other and share our shine this season.

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by Alicia

Ultimate Guide: Legit Work-From-Home Jobs for Moms

The Current Remote Job Landscape for Moms

Many moms seek flexible, legitimate work-from-home opportunities in today's challenging job market. But with the largest white-collar recession underway, it’s harder than ever to stand out, let alone find jobs that truly work with the everyday juggle of everything else. Applying to jobs online only works about 1% of the time, so a more strategic approach is needed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting noticed, networking effectively, and opening doors to new remote work opportunities.

5 Proven Strategies to Land Remote Work for Moms

1. Strategy #1: Network Building

Building and maintaining a network is vital, especially in a remote work environment. It’s not just about quantity; it’s about quality and making meaningful connections. Right now, hiring managers prefer referrals because they come with built-in credibility. It saves them time and allows for evidence-based hiring. Highlighting why you’d be an asset to the team makes it easier for your contact to vouch for you.

2. Strategy #2: Strategically Job Search

In a competitive job market, simply applying isn’t enough. Studies show that job applications alone have a slim success rate. What works instead? As mentioned in #1 - Referrals! Your network can be the key to landing a job, so reaching out and making personal connections is crucial.

• Do Your Homework: Research the company and familiarize yourself with its mission, values, and products. Hiring managers are far more likely to notice candidates who show genuine interest.
• Personalize Your Approach: Start your outreach by discussing your connection—whether it’s a mutual friend, an industry event, or something specific that ties you to the company.
• Show Enthusiasm for the Company: Once you’ve established the connection, share what excites you about the company. Good hires attract other good hires, so make a compelling case for why you’re a strong fit and how you could contribute.

3. Strategy #3: Video Market Yourself

With so many applicants, it’s hard to stand out through a resume alone. Using tools like the McCoy App can be a game-changer. This platform lets you share video introductions, showcasing your personality, professionalism, and enthusiasm.

• Record a Short Intro Video: Use the app to share why you’re excited about the role, what makes you a strong fit, and why this company aligns with your goals.
• Instant Notifications: The McCoy app notifies you when someone views your video, giving you insight into the hiring process and showing interest in real time.
• Get a Head Start: Video lets you skip the initial “getting-to-know-you” phase and show off your strengths immediately, which is increasingly appealing to hiring managers.

4. Strategy #4: Join Project-Based Job Communities

If finding a full-time role has been challenging, project-based work is a fantastic option to gain experience and get your foot in the door.

• Explore Catalant: This high-level platform matches professionals with short-term projects, letting you build skills and expand your resume without committing to a full-time role.
• Look into #WorkSchoolHours and 5-Hour Club: Companies like the UK-based 5-Hour Jobs cater specifically to moms, offering roles that fit around school schedules. The #WorkSchoolHours movement, led by Ellen Joan Ford, is dedicated to helping parents find flexible roles that respect family time.

5. Strategy #5: Consider Entrepreneurship

Although we’ve been taught that being an employee is the safer financial path, a 2022 JP Morgan report says that the median self-employed household has a net worth more than four times greater than the median worker. Counterintuitively, launching a business can yield greater financial stability than working for an employer. But many are still scared to start their own thing or capitalize on a great idea. One fact that inspires me is that females own 44% of today’s businesses and that women-led businesses employ 9.4M workers and generate $1.9T in revenues annually. 

You can also get a piece of this pie with your next great idea! Don’t be scared to monetize your next great idea and carve a profitable career path on a road that might seem scary. Whether it’s launching a small online store, offering freelance services, or turning a hobby into income, start by setting aside a little time each day to plan and research your idea. Tap into resources like free online courses, local small business groups, or even micro-grants available to women entrepreneurs to help you get started with confidence. Then, you truly have the flexibility to work whenever or however you want.

Finding Legit Work-From-Home Jobs for Moms 

Finding legitimate, flexible work-from-home opportunities may require more creativity and networking in today’s market, but these strategies can give you an edge. Start with your network, make it personal, consider video to stand out, and look for project-based work as a way to build experience. We love following career coaches like JT O’Donnell at Work It Daily (on Instagram @j.t.odonnell, TikTok, and LinkedIn), where we found many of these tips for inspiration. With the right approach, you can navigate the competitive landscape and find a role that fits your life and goals. Our latest episodes on harnessing your superpowers, lighting a new path, and persevering should help spark new ideas, too.

by Alicia