Growing a business while figuring out first-time motherhood? Now that’s a wild ride. It’s this incredible mix of chasing big dreams while also trying to keep a tiny human alive – two worlds that have completely reshaped my life over the past year.
Looking back, there have been some amazing wins and some seriously tough moments. And I want to share the real, unfiltered version of what it’s been like to juggle both. No fluff, no perfection. Just the actual strategies, lessons, and chaos that come with building something meaningful while navigating motherhood.
Since my daughter was born, one question keeps coming up: “How do you do it?”
Honestly? A mix of planning, support, and a whole lot of flexibility. It’s been anything but easy, but I’ve figured out how to roll with the unpredictability of both business and motherhood, without letting either one take a backseat.
Planning for Maternity Leave
When I found out I was pregnant in 2022, my business was at one of its lowest revenue points. At the same time, I was going through the emotional rollercoaster of IVF. But as I started to see progress in my personal journey, my business began to pick up again – proof of how intertwined our personal and professional energies can be.
Knowing I wanted dedicated maternity leave, I structured my business around predictable, recurring revenue streams. My group programs became the backbone of this plan, ensuring I could step back without financial stress while still providing value to my clients.
Keeping Momentum Alive
Throughout 2023, I focused on creating consistent, evergreen content across multiple platforms. I batch-created resources, scheduled emails, and designed automated touchpoints to keep my audience engaged – even when I wasn’t actively showing up every day.
This strategy worked. By staying visible (even in a pre-planned, automated way), my business didn’t lose momentum during my time away. Instead, it continued growing, setting the stage for a strong return.
Returning with a Fresh Perspective
When I officially stepped back into my business in October, I came in with a clear plan—and it paid off.
One of my first moves? Hosting an “Offer Party” to reignite engagement, showcase new and existing offers, and celebrate with my audience. This single event sparked momentum that led to my highest-revenue month ever!
Of course, business wasn’t the only thing demanding my attention. Motherhood brought its own set of challenges – colic, reflux, and a big house move, all while managing a business comeback. It was intense, but having predictable systems and revenue streams in place allowed me to focus on both worlds without constant overwhelm.
The Reality of Balancing Business and Motherhood
One of the biggest lessons I learned was the power of being fully present – whether in business or with my daughter.
For months, I struggled with the feeling of being split between the two. The turning point came when I introduced nursery time for Splodge (that’s what I call our daughter online!). This shift gave me dedicated, focused work hours, allowing me to pour into my business without distraction and be fully present with my daughter when I was with her.
Another game-changer? Support! Systems!
I stopped trying to do everything myself. Bringing in help – from a cleaner to a strong support network in my business – was essential. Letting go of the need to “do it all” was one of the best decisions I made.
Key Lessons from Year 1
Reflecting on everything I’ve learned, here are the biggest takeaways:
1. Momentum is everything.
Batch-creating content and automating key processes kept my business moving—even when I needed to step back.
2. No two journeys look the same.
Every parent’s experience balancing business and motherhood is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s okay.
3. Business and life will always have ups and downs.
Some seasons will be easier than others. Accepting this duality makes the challenging moments easier to navigate.
4. Boundaries and structure create freedom.
Setting clear work boundaries and defining realistic business scopes made everything more sustainable.
5. Predictability is your best friend.
Having stable revenue streams, evergreen offers, and structured systems allowed me to handle life’s unpredictabilities without business suffering.
Looking Ahead
As I step into this next chapter, I’m more committed than ever to scaling my business without sacrificing presence in my personal life. That means focusing on sustainable strategies, smart systems, and hyper-specific growth plans that allow for both expansion and balance.
To any fellow business owners navigating this dual path: You’re not alone. Whether you’re planning for maternity leave, returning to work, or figuring out how to juggle both worlds, know that there’s no perfect formula – only what works best for you.
Let’s Keep this Conversation Going
If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How have you navigated business alongside big life changes? What strategies have worked for you?
Drop me a message on Instagram @vixmeldrew.
