The Mommy Touch
These three women are "living the dream" of managing both family and work with apparent ease—an ease that takes a lot of planning.
Deepti, whose business supports the local economy of an Indian village by employing 100 local artisans, works in the morning while Tara is at preschool and at night when her daughter is in bed. But afternoons are mommy-daughter time.
Lauren's workday ends at 3:30 p.m. when Owen gets home from school, and she bakes at night when he's asleep. Eventually, she and Jackie plan to have their own café where their kids can come hang out and even help bake.
"The best thing about owning my own business is that I work when I need to work," said Heather. But even when she's not in the office, she stays connected to her business all the time. "My BlackBerry saves me."
Perhaps just as impressive as juggling a business and a family is the fact that all of these mom-run businesses are based on doing something worthwhile for community, families, and fellow moms. Earthentree offers children access to original, handmade toys while supporting Indian artisans whose craft might not otherwise thrive. Yummie Tummie helps moms, and women in general, look and feel better about themselves. And Made Fresh Daily sells healthier muffins and baked goods.
"I love the reaction I get when people eat my cupcakes," Bentley says. "People are happy."
What's more, these moms are happy. They're devoted to their kids, but have created something that stimulates them intellectually at the same time. Ultimately, being a mompreneur could make each of these women a better mom.
