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.

✨ Join Our Community of Shining Moms

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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

Simple Self-Care Practices for Busy Parents That Make a Big Difference

Let’s be real for a second: self-care can feel like a luxury. When you’re juggling diaper changes, homework help, and trying to keep up with the never-ending to-do list, taking a moment to breathe (let alone meditate) can seem laughably impossible. But here’s the thing: self-care doesn’t have to mean taking an entire day off or booking a retreat. In fact, even tiny shifts can make a huge difference. So, for all my busy parents out there, here are some quick, practical self-care practices that fit into your life.

Self-care ideas to make a part of your busy schedule

1. Morning Mindfulness: Starting the Day with You

You know that feeling when you wake up and immediately hit the ground running? Kids are asking for breakfast, and emails are piling up. It's the morning chaos. But what if you took just a few minutes for yourself before all that?

I’m talking about a simple morning ritual: deep breaths, a moment of quiet, and a quick check-in with you. A fantastic resource for this is the Nested Institute, which offers guided mindfulness practices perfect for busy parents. Think of it as a mini-meditation retreat from the comfort of your bed (or wherever you manage to carve out a corner of calm). Just five minutes to gather yourself, and boom—you're already winning the day.

2. Creative Outlets: Feed Your Soul

We tend to let our creative hobbies slide as adults, but it’s time to bring them back. Creative expression isn’t just for the kids’ arts-and-crafts hour—it’s for you, too! Whether it’s doodling, painting, or a bit of poetry, feeding your creative side can feel refreshingly therapeutic.

For a gentle, inspiring approach, check out Jenn Wert’s resources. Jenn’s programs and workshops encourage creativity and self-discovery, guiding you to tap into that inner spark. A little creativity goes a long way in keeping you grounded, so grab those colored pencils and let yourself play.

3. Mini Workouts That Pack a Punch

Hear me out: you don’t need an hour to get a good workout. In fact, a quick, high-energy 5-minute movement session can be exactly what your body and mind crave. Whether it’s a mini strength circuit or a burst of cardio, these “pocket workouts” can leave you feeling surprisingly refreshed (and no, you don’t have to change out of your pajamas!).

Lift Like a Mother has workout programs designed for moms looking to get strong and stay fit without a huge time commitment. These workouts are perfect for squeezing in some fitness between school drop-offs and snack prep. Five minutes? You’ve got that.

4.  Introduce Low-Key Meditation and Visualization

Creativity flourishes in active play but also in moments of calm. In the evenings, I love practicing simple meditation techniques with my kids, like autogenics (a form of relaxation using calming phrases) and visualization. A wonderful resource to introduce this is Brain Vacation: A Guide to Meditation from the Big World of Little Dude series. This book helps young children playfully explore relaxation and focus techniques, making it easy for parents to engage their kids in mindfulness practices. Exercises like picturing peaceful scenes or visualizing success can help kids unlock the power of their minds, promoting calm and mental resilience when life gets tough. For more tools to support these practices, Big World of Little Dude offers additional resources for parents, making it easy to foster emotional well-being at home.

5. Capture the Moments: Journaling Your Journey

Have you ever had a million thoughts but zero time to process them? That’s where journaling comes in. Taking even a few minutes to jot down your thoughts, dreams, or even random musings can do wonders for clearing the mental clutter. For a journaling experience that feels both meaningful and manageable, Memorize Your Life offers a unique approach to documenting your journey. It’s all about capturing those precious moments and reflections in a way that feels natural. It’s not about filling pages—just capturing you, one small moment at a time.

6. Seek Connection and Support

Let’s face it: sometimes, the best self-care is knowing you’re not alone. There’s power in finding community—whether a quick text with a friend or a deeper connection with a group that understands what you’re going through. Enter Polina Todisco, whose workshops and groups offer support and community for parents seeking a little extra help along the way. These aren’t just parenting pep talks; they’re a chance to be heard, supported, and inspired by others in the same boat.

Final Thoughts: Parenting yourself with self-care for moms and dads

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or require hours of free time. Small, intentional moments—whether a quick workout, a soothing tea, or a supportive community—can help you feel recharged, connected, and ready to tackle anything that comes your way.

So here’s the challenge: pick one of these practices and try it out this week. Let it be simple. Let it fit into your day. And remember: taking care of you is taking care of everyone else, too. Because when you’re feeling good, you’re unstoppable! 

This article was written by Cara Zelas in collaboration with World of Little Dude—Helping raise kind, confident, and emotionally healthy kids.

by Alicia

Living with Endometriosis: My Journey to Diagnosis

For years, I brushed off monthly discomfort, assuming it was just part of life as a woman. Doctors had conditioned me to accept it. I repeatedly sought help, saying my periods were unbearable, but the response was always, “That’s normal for a woman your age.”

However, after my third child and a renewed focus on my health, I started questioning if my pain was normal at all. Each month, I struggled with intense agony, needing excessive pain relief, and found myself thinking I’d rather endure childbirth again than experience what was happening every few weeks. This couldn’t be “normal.”

When the pain became constant and intolerable, it was finally time to dig deeper.

Understanding the Signs of Endometriosis

The Pain I Couldn’t Ignore

It started with painful periods, which I initially attributed to postpartum changes or even perimenopause. But as the pain worsened, I decided to try an IUD to manage it—a choice I quickly regretted. Within a few months, I felt torn apart from the inside, and my doctor recommended I wait a week for a sonogram. I declined and had the IUD removed immediately. Though the sonogram showed nothing, the pain subsided, leaving me frustrated and without answers for the agony I knew would return.

“It’s All in Your Head”

Months passed with no diagnosis, and the pain affected my marriage, mental health, and ability to parent. After a stressful home remodel, convinced I had an infection, I went back to my doctor. During a pelvic exam, the pain was so severe that my doctor ordered a hysterosonogram—a thorough but painful procedure. The test revealed a polyp, considered common for “women my age.”

When my doctor suggested removing the polyp and trying another IUD, I reached my breaking point. I was done with solutions that didn’t work. I needed a new approach.

That was when things shifted. After a closer examination, my doctor mentioned something unexpected—she suspected endometriosis.

Connecting the Dots

Endometriosis? I’d heard the term in passing but never thought it applied to me. I had three beautiful children, and my fertility had not been affected—unlike the common perception of endometriosis as a condition that impacts fertility.

Finally, I saw the renowned endometriosis specialist, Dr. Camran Nezhat, who is the inventor and pioneer of modern minimally invasive and robotic surgery, who told me, “This pain is not in your head.” For the first time, I felt hopeful. I took the free Nezhat Endometriosis Risk Advisor online endometriosis quiz and scored an 85–90% match. Dr. Nezhat confirmed that surgery was a favorable option, as it would help with my pain and address other health concerns.

Endometriosis Awareness 

As we traveled through Australia before my surgery, I noticed endometriosis awareness campaigns everywhere. This is after an awareness campaign in March every year by www.Endomarch.org. I learned that doctors like Dr. Jason Abbott are helping elevate awareness about endometriosis there, reminding me that my pain wasn’t “normal.” Some of the statistics shared included:

• Endometriosis affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women and girls globally. (Source: WHO)
• Endometriosis affects 1.5 million women—a similar number to those affected by diabetes. (Source: UK.Org)
• Average diagnosis of endometriosis takes an average of 7 years (Source: University of York)

What Exactly Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (but not actual endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This tissue can spread to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and other areas like the abdominal cavity, bladder, or colon, leading to severe pain, inflammation, and scar tissue formation. Unlike typical uterine lining that sheds during menstruation, this tissue has no exit route, causing painful adhesions and cysts.

Dr. Nezhat explained that even minimal amounts of this tissue can cause significant pain and infertility, though the severity and symptoms vary widely among individuals.

Though there’s no cure for endometriosis, treatments like hormonal therapy, pain management, and surgery can help manage symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for quality of life and fertility preservation.

Taking Action Against Endometriosis Later in Life

Scheduling surgery felt like reclaiming control over my health. The diagnosis brought relief, clarity, and empowerment. My surgery uncovered endometriosis on my colon, back, and bladder. Dr. Nezhat reassured me that my pain wasn’t “in my head.”

In addition to excising the endometriosis, my appendix and fallopian tubes were removed to reduce cancer risks. I also underwent an endometrial ablation to manage future pain and bleeding.

My Endometriosis Prognosis Now

This journey is ongoing. I’m learning what works best for my body and prioritizing my well-being. I’ll have annual check-ups to monitor my pain and symptoms. Endometriosis may have been an invisible struggle, but I won’t stay silent any longer. To any woman reading this: trust your body, advocate for your health, and don’t let anyone diminish your pain. You deserve answers and relief.

Resources for Support and Information

For anyone seeking more information or support, resources like EndoMarch and AGCES offer valuable insights on endometriosis and are committed to raising awareness and supporting those affected. Remember, even a minimal amount of endometriosis can cause pain and infertility, and no one should endure this alone.

by Alicia