Momtrepeneurs

Maybe you've heard the term momtrepeneur?  Maybe not.  A momtrepeneur is a woman who created a business, and also has a family.  Like so many moms out there, she's balancing work, raising her children, being an attentive wife and mother, and getting very little sleep.  She gives Superwoman a run for her money, or is she Superwoman?  Hmmm.

I am in the midst of starting my own business (details to follow), and I'm also a mother and wife.  I have energy, a true work ethic, passion and a hunger to create something valuable for myself and my community.  I have support from family and friends, fortunately.  I am not unique in that there are likely millions of mothers before me who have tried to manage a family and a business successfully, and there are many mothers currently doing so, and hopefully tons more to come.  If I have a free second or a free hand, I'm on my laptop, Blackberry, in meetings, etc.  Multi-tasking is just a part of life, and I'm taking it to the extreme, but I'm hoping it's all worth it.

Here is an  interesting list called 11 Signs you Might Be Ready to Become a Momtrepreneur.  I felt like it was written for me, I bet many of you amazing moms out there will feel the same.

1. You have a child, children or are currently pregnant.

2. You had a career before you had kids.

3. You are happy living with less income so you can spend time with your kids, but you fondly remember liking that extra money to spend on manicures, nice wine, and trendy shoes. Or forget the shoes – you have a mortgage, bills and groceries to buy.

4. The thought of returning to your former day-job to earn you the income you need makes you well up with tears.

5. You have “I can do [it [better] than] that” ideas about many of the businesses you encountered during your days in Corporate America.

6. You have “I can do it [better] than that” ideas about many of the products you never knew existed before you had children – breast pumps, baby blankets, maternity wear or a way to make that spit up on your shoulder look like a new fashion trend.

7. You can out multitask Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

8. You love your family and want to be a role model for happy balanced living for your children.

9. You see other mommies sending their kids to school, running a business, making money, picking up the kids from school, making dinner, networking, having fun and decide you want to do that, too.

10. You tackled colic, chicken pox, lice, and you deserve to do something for yourself that does not require antibiotics.

11. You have always wondered what if I went for it . . .

I'd love to hear about other momtrepeneurs' experiences.  Even if you didn't start your own company, but you're a working woman, I'd love to hear your stories--the good, the bad, and the ugly.