Mom vs. CEO: Finding A Village to Thrive in Both Worlds

Guest Blog Written by Allie Gibson of Growth Story | Brand Design Studio

When I began working again after having my son, I was freaking exhausted at the end of the day. Not only was I running on very little sleep, but my brain was suddenly using parts of it that had been dormant during the months I spent saying very little other than the lyrics to “The Wheels on the Bus.” I was taking meetings and giving my professional opinion on things other than diaper rash, and I loved it. 

There are two common, equally toxic camps I see debating on social media lately.

The first is the “being a mom is the only job that matters” camp.

The second is the “you should have seven sources of income, work full time, be at home with your children full time, not pay for daycare, not under-socialize your kids, do it all yourself as a ‘mompreneur’” camp.

Y’all, when did we forget about balance? 

When did being the most burnt out, overworked, and exhausted parent on the playground (or on social media) become a beacon of success?

I get it, being extreme gets engagement on LinkedIn and Instagram, and engagement leads to increased conversions for whatever your hustle is. 

But I think it’s time we draw a line between what’s encouraging to women entrepreneurs who also happen to be moms and what’s going to make them feel like they aren’t doing enough.

Mom vs. CEO…Who the Heck Am I?!

I studied advertising and graphic design in college and used my 4-year degree in a variety of marketing-adjacent roles over the decade before I had my son. I’ve always had the drive to do work that I’m proud of, and work that contributes to the success of purpose-driven businesses and organizations. As the owner of a branding agency, I am able to do just that.

When I became a mother, I experienced an identity crisis like no other. I’ve since learned this is a very common experience for many parents as they suddenly have a new title to take on. 

In the chaos of the newborn months, I put “confront existential crisis” on the bottom of my to-do list and let it marinate there, collecting dust until my kid was sleeping more than 5 hours at a time (which meant I was, too).

When I finally did emerge from the fog of postpartum, I had a great awakening.

Yes, I am a mother and I am also an entrepreneur, but neither of these things defines my entire identity. I am also an avid reader, a sometimes-yogi, a Bravo TV binge watcher. 

Would I use those things to identify myself? No, but I would use them to find a like-minded community.

Each of these aspects serve as a pillar to my identity, at the top of which is ME. Just like how YOUR identity is built up by all the things that bring you joy and add to your life. 

Enter: Mompreneur, a Covertly Anti-Feminist Term?

For working moms, hustle culture is especially detrimental. The term 'mompreneur' is popularly used to highlight the unique pressures faced by mothers who juggle business and family.

Unlike our male counterparts, moms are often expected to excel in both roles without missing a beat. This double standard not only leads to burnout but also reinforces gender biases. 

Think about it, do we ever describe a business owner and father as a dadpreneur? No, we’d just refer to him as an entrepreneur or a dad. 

So, why do we do this for moms?

The Rise of ‘Mompreneurs’

The term 'mompreneur' emerged in the late 20th century as a way to describe women who simultaneously manage motherhood and entrepreneurship. It gained traction in the 1990s and early 2000s, coinciding with the rise of women starting home-based businesses and leveraging the internet to balance work and family life.

People use 'mompreneur' to highlight the dual roles these women play, often as a form of recognition and celebration of their efforts. It serves to identify businesses as woman-owned or mom-owned, creating a sense of community and support among women facing similar challenges.

While some men might use 'mompreneur' to acknowledge the unique struggles and achievements of businesswomen, it often inadvertently underscores societal expectations that women must excel in both domains simultaneously. 

This dual expectation contributes to the pressures of hustle culture, which can be particularly harmful to working moms.

Understanding Hustle Culture in 2024

In 2024, hustle culture permeates every inch of the algorithm, emphasizing relentless productivity and the glorification of busyness. Originating from the entrepreneurial and startup scenes, it has spread across nearly all industries, fueled by social media's portrayal of the "always-on" lifestyle.

Hustle culture thrives on the belief that success requires constant effort, leaving little room for rest or self-care. It pressures individuals to equate their worth with their productivity, resulting in a competitive environment where burnout is common.

Finding the Balance

In the early days as a new mom, it seemed like there was something scary or stressful or Google-worthy every ten minutes. Our parents’ generation, bless their hearts, is too far removed from the child-rearing experience to give any truly helpful advice, and Google search results are terrifying.

What I found to be the most powerful antidote for the constant overwhelm was connecting with other women who were walking along life at the same chapter as me. When I had someone say to me “I JUST went through that last month and this is how we dealt with it,” my mental health improved exponentially.

Because we don’t live in huts like our ancestors, we are responsible for creating our village. I know what you’re thinking…great, another thing for my to-do list. And it’s true, it is on us to build what we need. But we’re lucky because there are tools at our disposal that are making this easy.

Everyone’s experience with app dating is different, but I had great success finding women with kids my son’s age using the Peanut App. The key with this option is you have to commit. Meet in person right away and lean into the shared experiences you have with people who live near you.

For business-minded mamas balancing being present with their kids, running or supporting a business, AND connecting with a village, the Beyond the 9th community is the perfect option.

The Bottom Line: We’re All Just Winging It

Finding balance as a mom and an entrepreneur is about more than just juggling roles—it's about building a supportive community that understands and uplifts you.

By connecting with others who share your journey, you can thrive both personally and professionally. 

So, embrace your multifaceted identity, lean on your village, and find a balance that works for YOU. 

At the end of the day, we're all just making it up as we go along and hoping for the best!

About Allie Gibson

Allie is the founder of Growth Story, a brand design studio that crafts comprehensive brand identities for purpose-driven entrepreneurs and organizations. She helps visionaries discover their authentic voice and visual identity, priding herself on being a cheerleader for those creating their dream job or launching their long-held vision.

Based in Downtown San Diego, Allie loves exploring the city with her husband, almost-two-year-old son, and dog. Running a business while chasing a toddler around has its challenges, but Allie gets by through connecting with like-minded parents and occasionally indulging in a margarita when necessary.

Connect with Allie on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Growth Story at growthstorybrands.com or follow the studio on Instagram.