7 Steps to Go From Mom to Mompreneur
Your Complete Guide to Building a Business While Raising a Family
Introduction: Your Journey Begins Here
The Moment Everything Changed
It was the third week home from the NICU, and I was sitting in the quiet darkness of the nursery, watching my baby sleep.
After weeks of beeping monitors, worried doctors, and that constant hospital smell that never quite leaves your clothes, we were finally home. Safe. Together. And I should have felt nothing but relief.
But instead, I felt something else stirring.
Holding my baby, watching that tiny chest rise and fall, I kept thinking about the life I wanted to give this little person. Not just the basics—food, shelter, security. But more. Experiences. Opportunities. Freedom. A mom who wasn't constantly stressed about money or stretched too thin between a demanding corporate job and family life.
I thought about my corporate job—the commute, the meetings, the asking permission to leave early for a doctor's appointment, the precious hours I'd miss every single day. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for my job and the stability it provides. But I knew deep in my soul that I needed more than one income stream. More control. More options.
And I realized something profound: I wanted more. Not just for my baby. For me. For us. For the family we were building.
More time. More flexibility. More control over our life. More financial security on our own terms. More purpose beyond just showing up for someone else's company.
That night, sitting in that nursery rocker, I made a decision. I didn't know how yet, but I was going to build something of my own—something alongside my corporate career that would give my family options and eventually, maybe, freedom.
From Corporate Employee to Corporate Employee + Business Owner
Here's where I am today: I still work my corporate job. Yes, you read that right.
But I'm also writing this from my home office after finishing a client project. I'm building a business that's growing every month. I have multiple income streams. I'm creating options for my family's future.
Some months, my business brings in an extra thousand dollars. Other months, it's several thousand. And the trajectory? It's pointing up. My corporate job gave me skills, stability, and a safety net while I build. My business is giving me something different: ownership of my future and a backup plan I control.
I'm not here to sell you the "quit your job and live the dream" fantasy. I'm here to show you how to build something real while keeping your stability. How to use your corporate skills to create additional income. How to be strategic about building a business that could one day replace your salary—or just give you breathing room and options.
Because here's the truth: having only one income stream, one source of stability, one option? That's risky. Building multiple income streams while you have the security of a paycheck? That's smart.
The Truth About Becoming a Mompreneur
Let me be honest with you about what this journey really looks like, because the Instagram version is misleading.
It's not always pretty. There will be days when you're juggling your corporate job, your business tasks, and your toddler is melting down in the background. Days when you question if you can really do both. Days when you're exhausted from working your job and then working on your business.
It's not overnight. Those "I quit my job and made $10K in my first month!" stories? They're leaving out something. Real, sustainable businesses take time to build—especially when you're building smart, with a safety net.
It's not easy. You'll work harder building your business on top of your job than you ever imagined. You'll learn skills you never thought you'd need. You'll sacrifice some Netflix time. You'll fail at things, pivot, and try again.
But here's what else is true:
It's absolutely possible. Women just like you—with corporate jobs, young kids, NICU experiences, and a dream for something more—are doing this every single day. They're building businesses in the margins, using their lunch breaks, their evenings after bedtime, their weekends. And it's working.
It's worth it. The security of knowing you're not dependent on one income source? The ability to earn based on your value, not someone else's budget? Building something that's yours? That's worth every late night.
It's YOUR time. Not someday. Not when the kids are older. Not when you've saved more money. The perfect time doesn't exist. But right now, while you have the security of your job? Right now is actually the perfect time to start.
Why This Book Is Different
I'm not going to sell you a dream. I'm going to give you a blueprint.
You won't find vague inspiration here like "just believe in yourself!" or "follow your passion!" You'll find actual steps. Real homework. The exact things I'm doing and have done to build a profitable business alongside my corporate career.
This book is organized into seven steps because that's how transformation happens—one intentional step at a time. Not in a giant leap. Not by quitting your job on a whim. In consistent, strategic action that you can take alongside your current job, your kids' schedules, and real life.
Each step includes:
- Clear action items so you know exactly what to do
- Homework assignments because knowledge without action changes nothing
- The actual tools and people I use so you don't waste time figuring it out on your own
- Real talk about what actually works (and what's a waste of time)
- Time-saving tips because you're juggling a job, kids, and building a business
- Business fundamentals including the legal and financial structures you need
I'm not making you guess which email platform to use or which business structure to choose. I'm telling you exactly what I use, who I hired, and what's worth the investment. You get the shortcuts I wish I'd had.
Who This Book Is For
This guide is for you if:
- You're a mom with a corporate job who wants to build something of your own
- You're smart enough to know you need multiple income streams
- You have skills from your career that could translate into a business
- You're overwhelmed by all the business advice out there and just want someone to tell you what to do first, second, and third
- You want to build a business the smart way—with a safety net
- You're ready to bet on yourself but need a practical plan (not just inspiration)
- You've had a wake-up moment—NICU stay, layoff scare, or just a Tuesday—where you realized you need more control
This is also for you if you're scared. If you think "I could never do this on top of my job." If you've researched starting a business but never actually started. If you have a million doubts and only a little bit of hope.
Because that was me, sitting in that nursery rocker. And if I can do this while working full-time, I promise you can too.
How to Use This Book
Don't just read this book—work it.
Each of the seven steps builds on the previous one. You might be tempted to skip around or just read it all in one sitting. Resist that urge.
Here's how to get the most value:
- Read one step at a time. Give yourself a week per step to really implement the homework.
- Do the homework before moving on. The assignments aren't busy work—they're the actual work of building your business.
- Keep a business journal. Document your progress, your wins, your struggles. You'll want to look back on this someday.
- Share your journey. Tell someone what you're doing. Accountability makes everything more real.
- Give yourself grace. Some weeks you'll knock it out of the park. Other weeks, your corporate job will demand everything. Both are okay.
The goal isn't perfection. The goal is progress. The goal is to be further along in seven weeks than you are today.
Being a mom is already a full-time job. Add a corporate career to that, and you're running on fumes. But if you're reading this, you know there's something more calling to you—a business idea, a way to use your skills differently, or simply the desire for more financial security and control over your future.
The transition from mom to mompreneur isn't about quitting your job tomorrow. It's about strategically building a sustainable business alongside your career that works with your family life, honors the skills you've built, and gives you options. This guide will walk you through seven essential steps, each with actionable tasks, homework, and the exact tools and resources I use so you don't have to figure it all out on your own.
Important Disclaimer
Please Read Carefully:
The information in this ebook is based on my personal experience and journey as a mompreneur. I'm sharing what worked for me and the steps I took to build my business. However, I am NOT a lawyer, accountant, financial advisor, or licensed business consultant.
You should absolutely seek professional advice from:
- A licensed attorney for legal matters (business structure, contracts, compliance)
- A certified accountant or CPA for tax and financial advice
- A financial advisor for investment and financial planning decisions
- Industry-specific professionals for specialized requirements
Every business situation is unique. Laws vary by state and country. Tax situations differ based on your individual circumstances. What worked for me may not be the best approach for you.
Think of this guide as a roadmap based on one mom's experience—but please consult with qualified professionals before making important legal, financial, or business decisions. The investment in professional advice now can save you thousands (and major headaches!) later.
This is simply how I would do it based on my journey. Your journey will be uniquely yours.
Let's build something amazing together.
Step 1: Discover Your Business Idea and Validate It
The Foundation
Many moms start with passion but skip validation. Your business idea needs three things: something you're good at, something people will pay for, and something that fits your lifestyle.
Action Steps
01
Identify Your Skills and Passions
- List 10 skills you have (professional or personal)
- List 5 things you're passionate about
- List 3 problems you've solved in your own life
- Find the overlap—this is your sweet spot
02
Research Market Demand
- Search Facebook groups in your niche—what are people asking for?
- Check Google Trends for search volume
- Look at competitors—if they exist and are thriving, there's demand
- Survey your network with 3-5 specific questions
03
Define Your Ideal Customer
- Age, location, income level
- Pain points and desires
- Where they hang out online
- What they're willing to pay for solutions
Homework Assignment
Due: End of Week 1Create a one-page business concept document that includes:
Step 2: Create Your Business Plan and Financial Foundation
The Foundation
A business plan doesn't need to be 50 pages. It needs to be a clear roadmap that answers: What are you selling? Who's buying? How will you make money? What do you need to start?
Action Steps
1
Write Your Simplified Business Plan
- Executive Summary (2-3 paragraphs)
- Products/Services description
- Pricing strategy
- Marketing approach
- First-year goals (realistic and specific)
2
Calculate Your Startup Costs
- One-time expenses (website, LLC filing, equipment)
- Monthly recurring costs (software, hosting, childcare)
- Emergency fund (3 months of business expenses)
- Personal financial runway (how long can you operate without profit?)
3
Set Up Financial Systems
- Open a separate business bank account
- Choose accounting software (QuickBooks, Wave, or FreshBooks)
- Set up a system to track income and expenses
- Determine your profit goals (monthly and annually)
4
Plan Your Time Budget
- Calculate available work hours per week
- Block out family non-negotiables
- Identify your most productive hours
- Plan for childcare or support needs
Homework Assignment
Due: End of Week 2Create your business financial worksheet:
Step 3: Establish Proper Business Structures and Legal Protection
The Foundation
This step protects you, your family, and your assets. It also establishes credibility and professionalism. Don't skip this—it's not as complicated as it seems.
Action Steps
1. Choose Your Business Structure
Sole Proprietorship
Pros: Easy, inexpensive, simple taxes
Cons: No liability protection, harder to scale
Best for: Testing your idea, under $50K revenue
LLC (Limited Liability Company)
Pros: Liability protection, tax flexibility, professional image
Cons: State filing fees, annual requirements
Best for: Most mompreneurs serious about growth
S-Corporation
Pros: Tax savings at higher income, liability protection
Cons: More complex, payroll requirements
Best for: Businesses earning $60K+ profit
2. Register Your Business
- Choose and search your business name (check availability)
- Register with your state (usually Secretary of State website)
- Get your EIN (Employer Identification Number) from IRS—it's free!
- Register for state and local taxes if required
3. Get Necessary Licenses and Permits
- Research requirements for your industry and location
- Common needs: business license, home occupation permit, professional licenses
- Check with your city, county, and state
- Don't forget: seller's permit if selling physical products
4. Protect Your Business
- Get business insurance (general liability at minimum)
- Consider: professional liability, product liability, business property
- Cost: typically $300-$500/year for basic coverage
- Protect intellectual property: trademarks, copyrights if applicable
5. Set Up Legal Documents
- Create client contracts or terms of service
- Write a privacy policy (required if collecting emails)
- Draft service agreements
- Use templates from LegalZoom or hire a lawyer for custom work
Homework Assignment
Due: End of Week 3Complete your legal setup checklist:Immediate Actions:
Step 4: Build Your Brand and Online Presence
The Foundation
Your brand isn't just a logo—it's the entire experience of working with you. In today's digital world, your online presence is often the first impression. Make it count.
Action Steps
Define Your Brand Identity
- Core values (3-5 words that guide everything)
- Brand personality (if your business were a person, who would they be?)
- Visual identity (colors, fonts, imagery style)
- Voice and tone (professional? Friendly? Authoritative?)
- Your unique positioning statement
Create Your Visual Brand
- Logo (use Canva for DIY or hire on Fiverr/99designs)
- Color palette (2-3 main colors)
- Font choices (one for headers, one for body text)
- Photo style (filters, composition, subject matter)
- Brand style guide documenting all of this
Build Your Website
- Choose platform (Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, or Shopify for e-commerce)
- Essential pages: Home, About, Services/Products, Contact, Blog
- Include: clear value proposition, strong calls-to-action, testimonials
- Mobile-responsive design (60%+ of traffic is mobile)
- SEO basics: page titles, descriptions, alt text
4. Establish Social Media Presence
Choose 1-2 platforms where your customers are:
- Instagram: visual products, lifestyle, B2C
- Facebook: community building, local business, older demographics
- LinkedIn: B2B, professional services, networking
- Pinterest: DIY, recipes, home, fashion, planning
Create business accounts and complete all profile information
5. Set Up Email Marketing
- Choose platform (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Flodesk)
- Create lead magnet (free valuable content in exchange for email)
- Design welcome sequence (3-5 emails)
- Plan weekly/monthly newsletter topics
Homework Assignment
Due: End of Week 4Launch your brand presence:Brand Foundation Document:
Step 5: Develop Your Products or Services and Pricing Strategy
The Foundation
What you offer and how you price it determines your business viability. Too cheap and you'll burn out. Too expensive without proven value and you won't sell. This step is about finding your sweet spot.
Action Steps
1. Define Your Core Offerings
- Start with 1-3 products/services maximum
- Create detailed descriptions of each
- Outline what's included and what's not
- Define delivery timeline and process
- Develop any necessary systems or templates
2. Create Your Pricing Strategy
Cost-Plus Pricing
Calculate: (Your costs + desired profit) ÷ units sold
Include: time, materials, overhead, taxes, profit margin
Value-Based Pricing
- What result do you deliver?
- What is that worth to your client?
- What are competitors charging?
- Position at, below, or above market rate strategically
Pricing Tiers
- Basic: Entry-level offering
- Standard: Most popular (price this first)
- Premium: High-touch, best results
3. Package Your Offers
- Create service/product packages with clear boundaries
- Develop onboarding process
- Create delivery systems (templates, workflows)
- Define your scope (what's included, what costs extra)
4. Build Your Sales Process
- Discovery call script or product page copy
- Proposal or quote template
- Contract or terms of service
- Payment and invoicing system
- Onboarding sequence for new clients/customers
5. Create Your Delivery System
- Step-by-step process for service delivery
- Quality control checklist
- Client communication templates
- Project management system (Trello, Asana, ClickUp)
- Feedback and testimonial request process
Homework Assignment
Due: End of Week 5Build your offer suite:Product/Service Documentation: For each offering, create:
Step 6: Master Marketing and Client Attraction
The Foundation
You can have the best product in the world, but if no one knows about it, you don't have a business. Marketing isn't about being salesy—it's about connecting the people who need your solution with your ability to help them.
Action Steps
1. Develop Your Marketing Message
- Clear value proposition: "I help [target audience] [achieve result] through [your method]"
- Origin story: Why you started, why it matters
- Proof points: Results, testimonials, case studies
- Clear call-to-action for each platform
2. Build Your Content Marketing Strategy
Content Pillars (choose 3-4)
- Educational content (teach your expertise)
- Inspirational content (motivate your audience)
- Personal content (build connection)
- Promotional content (sell your offers)
Content Types
- Blog posts (SEO-friendly, evergreen)
- Social media posts (engagement, community)
- Email newsletters (nurture relationships)
- Video content (YouTube, Reels, TikTok)
- Podcast or interviews (authority building)
3. Implement Your Marketing Channels
Organic Marketing (free but time-intensive)
- Social media content (daily/weekly posts)
- SEO-optimized blog content
- Email marketing to your list
- Networking and collaborations
- Community engagement and commenting
Paid Marketing (costs money but scales faster)
- Facebook/Instagram ads
- Google ads
- Pinterest promoted pins
- Influencer partnerships
- Local advertising
4. Create Your Marketing Funnel
Awareness
How do people discover you?
Interest
What makes them want to learn more?
Consideration
How do you build trust?
Conversion
What makes them buy?
Loyalty
How do you keep them coming back?
5. Network and Build Partnerships
- Join relevant Facebook groups and engage authentically
- Attend local business events or online summits
- Connect with complementary businesses for referrals
- Guest post or be interviewed on podcasts/blogs
- Collaborate on joint ventures or bundles
Homework Assignment
Due: End of Week 6Launch your marketing machine:Marketing Strategy Document:
Step 7: Create Systems, Set Boundaries, and Scale Sustainably
The Foundation
This is where mompreneurs often struggle. You can grow a business, but if it consumes your life and leaves nothing for your family, you've just created an exhausting job. This step is about building a business that supports your life, not overtakes it.
Action Steps
1. Design Your Ideal Weekly Schedule
- Map out family non-negotiables (school pickup, dinner time, bedtime routine)
- Block work hours realistically (when do you have childcare or focused time?)
- Include buffer time between tasks
- Schedule business development time (not just client work)
- Protect personal time (exercise, self-care, marriage, friendships)
2. Implement Time Management Systems
Time Blocking
Assign specific tasks to specific time blocks
Batch Similar Tasks
All calls on Tuesday, content creation on Friday
Pomodoro Technique
25 min work, 5 min break
Automate
Automate recurring tasks wherever possible
Delegate
Delegate or outsource what you can
3. Establish Business Boundaries
- Set clear working hours and communicate them
- Create an away message for evenings/weekends
- Don't give out your personal cell to clients
- Set response time expectations (24-48 hours is reasonable)
- Learn to say no to projects that don't align
4. Systematize Your Operations
Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for:
- Client onboarding process
- Service delivery workflow
- Content creation and posting
- Invoicing and payments
- Customer service responses
Tools to Automate:
- Email automation (welcome sequences, nurture campaigns)
- Social media scheduling (Later, Buffer, Hootsuite)
- Appointment booking (Calendly, Acuity)
- Invoice and payment reminders (QuickBooks, FreshBooks)
- Project management (Asana, Trello, ClickUp)
5. Plan for Growth and Scaling
1
When to Scale
- You're consistently booked or selling out
- You're turning down work
- You have consistent cash flow for 3+ months
- You have systems documented
2
How to Scale
- Raise prices (easiest way to increase revenue)
- Create group programs or digital products
- Hire help (VA, contractor, employee)
- Develop passive income streams
- License your method or franchise your model
6. Protect Your Well-being
- Schedule regular CEO days (monthly business review)
- Take actual time off (not just "not working")
- Maintain self-care routines (non-negotiable)
- Connect with other mompreneurs for support
- Celebrate wins, big and small
Homework Assignment
Due: End of Week 7Build your sustainable business operating system:Your Ideal Week Template: Create a weekly calendar showing:
Conclusion: Your Mompreneur Journey Starts Now
You've just completed the seven essential steps to transition from mom to mompreneur. But here's the truth: reading this book is just the beginning. The difference between dreamers and doers is action.
Your Next Steps
This Week
- Review all seven homework assignments
- Choose the one that feels most urgent and complete it
- Share your business idea with three trusted people
- Take ONE action toward your business today
This Month
- Complete all seven homework assignments
- Launch your minimum viable offer
- Make your first sale or sign your first client
- Celebrate this milestone!
This Quarter
- Refine your offers based on real feedback
- Build consistent marketing habits
- Reach your first revenue goal
- Start building systems for sustainability
Remember This
You don't have to choose between being a great mom and being a successful entrepreneur. The beauty of building your own business is that you get to define what success looks like.
Some months, success is keeping your business alive while you focus on a sick child. Other months, success is landing your biggest client yet. Both are valid. Both are worthy. Both are part of your journey.
You're not just building a business—you're modeling courage, resilience, and ambition for your children. You're showing them that motherhood doesn't mean giving up on your dreams. You're proving that it's possible to honor both your calling to your family and your calling to your purpose.
Your Mompreneur Manifesto
Read this when doubt creeps in:
Final Words
There will be hard days. Days when you question everything. Days when you wonder if you're crazy for trying to do this.
But there will also be incredible days. Days when you land a dream client. Days when someone tells you that you changed their life. Days when you realize you're actually doing it—you're running a business AND raising your family.
On the hard days, come back to this book. Review your homework. Remember why you started. Reach out to your community. Rest, but don't quit.
On the good days, celebrate. Document your wins. Share your story. Help another mom who's just starting.
You've got this, mompreneur.
Your business is waiting. Your customers need you. Your family is cheering for you.
Now go build something amazing.
Stay Connected & Access Resources
You've completed the foundational steps to building your mompreneur dream. The journey doesn't end here! Connect with Kendra Nix and access a wealth of additional resources designed to support you as you grow your business and balance your family life.
Kendra Nix: Your Mompreneur Coach
Kendra Nix is dedicated to empowering mothers to build successful, sustainable businesses without sacrificing their family values. Leverage her expertise through her website and social channels:
- Website: kendranix.com
- Email: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: Kendra Nix
Download Your Complete Mompreneur Success Guide
Keep this entire comprehensive guide at your fingertips for easy reference. Download the PDF version to revisit strategies, review homework assignments, and stay motivated as you build your thriving mompreneur venture.
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