Phenomenon: Entrepreneur Moms, Articles, living

Phenomenon: Entrepreneur Moms

by Lisa Tremblay, Monmodedevie.com
published June 09, 2010

rating: (36 Ratings)

In recent years, there has been a significant boom in businesses, shops and enterprises owned by moms across Canada. What has caused this phenomenon? Who are these emerging business-savvy mamas?

These success stories are those of ordinary women who have defied the odds and found ways of conciliating work and family, challenging conventional norms and expectations of the “working mom”.

Turn your passion into your career

While new businesses are being formed every day, many of them don’t last, but that doesn’t mean the drive to have one’s own project dissipates. While some “momtrepreneurs” may choose to continue in a field they were involved with prior to becoming mothers, others’ business ideas actually stem from being a mother.

Maternity leave is the perfect time for mothers to rediscover old passions or consider new career paths. Maman autrement was founded in 2007 by Fabienne Camilleri-Deghetto. It began as an online store which sold reusable diapers and other alternative maternity products. It opened its first store in St-Bruno de Montarville. Today, it is not only a transactional website, but also holds workshops for mothers on how to become entrepreneurs.

Use the right tools

Whether they are already self-employed or trying to get their own business off the ground, what all entrepreneur mothers have in common is the desire to maintain a career and a family without having to compromise either. Ultimately, these mothers don’t want to have to make sacrifices, so their business ventures will often be solutions that resolve this quandary for all mothers.

SOS Sitter is a great site for working mothers who are looking for babysitters. SOS Sitter offers a safe and reliable setting where parents and sitters can meet. There is also an interviewing process that ensures an effective and smooth first encounter between the two parties.

How to become an entrepreneur mother

For interested candidates, there are a number of resources, subsidies (page in French) and courses offered to help mothers start their own business. Whether it’s opening their own women's designer clothing store, or helping other women in similar situations get their careers on the go, the possibilities flourish when women come together with a common goal.

Mothers strive more than most entrepreneurs to break free from their isolation. That’s why social networks are ever so necessary. These women undergo very similar hardships and experiences and feel the need to improve their overall situation. Fellow mother entrepreneurs can exchange their personal tips and ideas pertaining to anything from telecommuting, flexible schedules and other elements that may arise in juggling work and family.

In the end, even if most companies start off small, some momtrepreneurs have launched their businesses in as short a time as one year, thanks to online structures (websites, online stores), support networks and organizations, as well as funding programs available for entrepreneurs.

About the author

Having studied communications, Lisa Tremblay is the Editor in Chief of the blog Monmodedevie.com as well as other publications. She is interested in the life lead by women, as well as in culture, education, hobbies and work life.

Are you a mom entrepreneur? Or do you dream of becoming one? Share your experience with us!

Tag(s): living, parenting, mom entrepreneurs

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missyhewett
June 9, 2010 at 12:45 pm

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For mom's who are looking for part time work that they can choose their own hours, they should check out Epicure Selections! They are a %100 Canadian owned and it is so easy to sell. Check out Melissa's Cupboard on facebook to get more info. http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=109493552403355#!/pages/Melissas-Cupboard/109493552403355 or go right to the site at www.epicureselections.com
ang011
June 15, 2010 at 2:42 pm

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I own a small boutique in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada called Runwayz. I started my business originally from home and now have a storefront in a downtown shopping plaza. We offer unique ladies accessories, gift ideas, home decor, and baby items. My website is under construction, but I do have a facebook group that any of you are welcome to join.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=184466279524&ref=ts

It is called Runwayz Boutique Medicine Hat. Our store's email address is runwayzmedhat@yahoo.ca

I have also started a wonderful group supporting local Moms in business for our area ... if you are in Alberta and would like to join please send me a message.
ang011
June 15, 2010 at 3:06 pm

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I followed the link for the subsidies page, but I would love to see the English version of this ... anyone know how?? I sent an email and received a call back from the website grants-loans.org who sell packages of information/kits with the charge of over $200 per installment of 2 installments. REALLY wishing there were more resources out there that were easier to find, where you do not have to pay a fee.