7 Mompreneurs on How They’re Building Businesses and Raising Legacies

Motherhood and entrepreneurship each require vision, grit, and heart but when combined, they create a powerful kind of legacy.

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating seven inspiring mompreneurs who are growing businesses while raising families, often in the same breath.

These women don’t just juggle calendars and carpool, they’re making bold moves in business while showing their children what leadership looks like up close.

They’ve taken calls in the carpool line, closed deals from kitchen tables, and made space for both ambition and bedtime stories.

This feature honors the real story behind the title “mompreneur.”

Not perfection, but purpose. Not balance, but intention.

These women are building something meaningful, for themselves, their families, and the future. Here are 7 mompreneurs on how they’re building businesses and raising legacies:

1. Camara Samuel, Founder of Wadadli Naturals. 

I am the founder of Wadadli Naturals. We make toxin-free natural wellness products that nourish and enhance skin using Caribbean ingredients and principles of natural science.

From products like our natural deodorant, sea moss eye cream, and nourishing body oils, Wadadli Naturals wants you to live well your own way

How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)

It's been hard to balance having a business and raising a 10 month old baby. I've found the only way to make it through is by asking for help and relying on your community.

Many people assume that Mom's can't be good entrepreneurs because of responsibilities in the home, but that is what family and community is for.

What is your self-care routine?

My self-care routine is taking a nice long shower and using natural products to clean and moisturize. Then lighting a candle and relaxing on the couch to crochet.

What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?

My advice is to lean on your community to help. These people love and care for you, they want you to succeed.

Reach out to them for help with watching kids or supporting your business venture. Even something small as sharing or liking you posts is helpful.

Support Wadadli Naturals in their mission to provide natural skincare that connects to the ancestral roots of the Caribbean.

2. Dr. Qiana O’Leary, Founder of Minty Educational Services

I’m a former school principal turned full-time edupreneur and proud founder of Minty Educational Services.

We support schools and organizations through coaching, retreats, and professional development that centers wellness and equity.

I’ve built this business with my daughter by my side—because as a single mama, I didn’t have a choice.

She’s been part of the process from day one. And now?

My baby just graduated from Texas Southern University with her Bachelor of Business Administration degree. We out here doing it for the legacy!

How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)

The short answer? I don’t. I do what’s essential and give myself permission to release the rest. Folks assume mompreneurs are superhuman, but no—we’re just managing grace, grit, and Google Calendars.

I’ve built this business with my daughter in tow—from staff meetings to speaking engagements. It’s not perfect, but it’s powerful. We normalize the juggle over here and honor the wins, big and small.

What is your self-care routine?

Self-care for me is non-negotiable. I don’t wait for a breakdown to rest. I pray, set boundaries, get in some fresh air, and lean on my village.

Some days it’s a full spa day, other times it’s turning off emails and watching reruns with my daughter. It’s about soul care, not just skin care. And I treat rest like revenue—it’s that valuable.

What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?

Start where you are and trust that you already have what it takes. Perfection is not required. Your kids will see you trying, building, and growing—and that’s powerful.

I’ve taken conference calls in the carpool line and pitched proposals at kitchen tables. You can build a business and be present for your babies.

You just have to believe you’re worth the shot.

Support Minty Educational Services on their mission towards educational equity.

3. Therese Myers, Founder Yes Girls Create Inc. (YGC)

Therese is a dynamic leader, mentor, and visionary who founded Yes Girls Create Inc. (YGC), a New York-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls aged 8–18 through creativity, mentorship, and community. 

With over 30 years of corporate leadership experience and a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership, Therese's journey from executive to changemaker was fueled by a deep desire. Her mission: to create a lasting impact on young girls, especially those from underrepresented communities.

How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)

I don’t. That’s the truth—and the most powerful lesson I’ve learned on this journey. What I do is prioritize what matters most, delegate what I can, and give myself grace in the process.

As a founder, mentor, creative, and mother, the key isn’t balance—it’s alignment. When my purpose, my faith, and my calendar are aligned, I’m able to move with intention instead of pressure.

Let’s clear something up:

The biggest misconception about mompreneurs is that we’re superhuman or have it “all figured out.” We don’t.

We create systems, lean on community, and sometimes we cry, then get up and keep going. The strength isn't in doing it all—it's in knowing what not to do, and being okay with that.

As a mother, I lead with heart. As a CEO, I lead with vision. And as a woman, I give myself permission to evolve—daily.

So how do I do it all?

I don’t. I just do what I’m called to do, with love, strategy, and unapologetic intention.

What is your self-care routine?

My self care routine has evolved. Stillness is my new routine. I am learning to be still so I can hear my spirit whisper. My mind needs some calmness. Long walks, short talks and silence.

What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?

My best advice is to "Do It". If the idea is in your head, it is for the world to receive. Jump in where you are and lean into your community and If you don't have a community find one or build one.

Support Yes Girls Create Inc. on their mission to create long lasting impact on underrepresented communities.

4. Ruth Gordon-Martin, Founder of Coddle

I founded CODDLE to share my postpartum struggles and those of other moms and birthing people while building a community that empowers them through education and safe organic postpartum products.

I want every mom-to-be or birthing person prepared for the most life altering experience they will have.

Because we should have all the information, care and support we need to prepare for postpartum.

How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)

I don't, I live by my calendar. What doesn't happen within the week gets moved over to the next.

On weeks where I have a lot to do I task batch or use dedicated time blocks to do tasks. I also hire outside help, getting a cleaner, use uber for pickup etc.

What is your self-care routine?

Two to three nights per week I dedicate to TV time or a nice bubble bath. I've incorporated a massage twice per month - right after kids drop off in the morning and that's working well.

Plus the usual yoga, body balance and walking in the morning to catch up on my podcast. I also pace myself - when i need a beak I take it.

What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?

Hire some form of help. You need to decide what form of help will work best. If you don't like cleaning, hire a cleaner.

Evaluate whatever help you need or where you're coming up short or what you don't like doing and hire for it. Getting help is the only way to have balance and will go a long way for your health and well-being. Support

Support Coddle on their mission to support mother's on their postpartum journey and follow them on IG: @coddledotco 

5. Karesia Batan, Founding Executive Director of Queensboro Dance Festival

Karesia is the founder of Queensboro Dance Festival is an annual summer outdoor season of providing dance performances, classes, and parties in public spaces across Queens NYC and featuring the diversity of Queens-based dance companies.

How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)

I'm not sure to be honest. It's hard. Queensboro Dance Festival was my first baby, and I wanted to protect my drive and passion for dance when I became a mom (now of two toddlers).

It's a struggle to balance work and life while navigating my new identity of being a mom and dancer/producer/advocate. I want to keep pushing myself and expanding this identity. I have a lot of drive and I know being a mom is just one facet of me. 

I lean into my love for my work and love for my young new family. I hustle for them and want to be a good example for my kids. I want them to be proud of me while I strive to make a difference in my community.

Also, the mom energy is real-- I can somehow do a lot on less sleep, though it's not easy.  Acknowledge the small victories and value them; they add up, and small victories will come by more often than you'd think.

What is your self-care routine?

Carving out time for myself to play volleyball, dance, stretch, be with friends. Aromatherapy in the shower and investing in good skincare and hair care to get ready for bed.

What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?

You do have to plan, and talk to other mompreneurs to help quell any fears. Make sure you're clear on why you want to start your business—what is your mission? What gap is it filling?

Your time becomes very limited, so be prepared to sacrifice some things as you'll have to prioritize how you spend your time, which will make it clear to you what is important to you and where your heart is.

You also have to believe in yourself, set incremental goals and deadlines to keep it manageable and on track.

Support Queensboro Dance Festival on their mission to increase the diversity in dance.

6. Kimberly Sennet, Founder of The HIVE Maternal Wellness Center

I am the founder of The HIVE Maternal Wellness Center provides comprehensive mental health care, offering therapy, medication, or both.

We specialize in perinatal clients and their partners, centering BIPOC families. We will walk side by side with you as we navigate your perinatal journey.

We understand your struggles and have cultivated a safe place for you that provides refuge, relief and restoration.

We are here if you need us. 

How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)

The truth is I don't do it all—I can't because I am one person. The truth is I have been able to do what I do with support of my family and my community.

Black women are still still associated with the Superwoman myth, but the reality is, our people have always been rooted in community.

It is how we thrive -- it is our heartbeat. We are our best ally. When we mother each other, it shows. We may feel invisible at times, but we are not.

Our children are deeply impacted because they see what Mommy has done and will know they can do it too. 

What is your self-care routine?

My self-care routine is morning prayer, daily movement and nightly reading.

What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?

Plan ahead!

• 1) Do your research so you can get an idea of the viability of your idea.

• 2) Be honest with yourself about what you are willing to commit to and what you are willing to sacrifice.

• 3) get your support team's (family/friends) blessing because you will need them.

• 4) Make a mock schedule and try it.

• 5) Get connected with the SBA and educate yourself with their free classes and find a mentor so you can make it happen.

• 6) Get rooted in community with other Black business owners.

Work/life balance is a falsehood and you have to make peace with that because business ownership is about sacrificing in the present to secure your future.

Support The Hive and follow them on all channels: @hivewellcente.

7. Vivian Olodun, Founder of Flourish Media

I’m a funding advocate for minorities, author, serial entrepreneur, and mom. I’m the CEO of Flourish Media, a marketing franchisor based in Miami, Florida.

Through Flourish Media and our nonprofit, Behind The Leaf, I’m passionate about helping women get to the money faster.

Over the past 8 years, we’ve raised more than $15 million to support women in business, providing investor readiness training and professional development.

Flourish Media is a boutique provider of strategic marketing for lifestyle entrepreneurs with small teams. We partner with national and local clients who need a brand expert that understands government contracting and can provide risk-averse marketing solutions.

Our specialty is creating or maintaining the “celebrity factor” for clients in their industries—without burnout. We believe your gifts deserve a hyper-engaged, personalized solution. Plus, by working with us, you’re supporting a women-owned and minority business.

How do you do it all? (Please include any misconceptions about mompreneurs that you would like to settle once and for all!)

I’m often asked this question, and the truth is—I don’t do it all alone! I lean on my team, my family, and the systems I’ve put in place.

One big misconception about mompreneurs is that we have to choose between being great moms or great businesswomen. That’s simply not true.

We are capable of being both, and the magic happens when we stop trying to “balance” everything perfectly and instead blend our personal and professional lives in a way that works for us.

It’s messy, it’s honest, and it’s powerful.

What is your self-care routine?

For me, self-care is non-negotiable. I prioritize quiet moments each day—whether that’s journaling (I’m the author of Stumbling Through Adulthood, so writing keeps me grounded), enjoying a good cup of tea, or taking a walk.

I also stay connected to my tribe of like-minded women entrepreneurs who remind me that I’m not alone in this journey.

What advice do you have for moms who want to start their businesses but are hesitant because they're unsure about how to balance it all?

My advice is simple: start before you’re ready. There’s no perfect time to launch your business, and waiting for the stars to align will only delay your dreams.

Lean into your why—whether that’s financial freedom, flexibility, or leaving a legacy—and remember that you already have what it takes.

Build your support network early, ask for help when you need it, and trust that the skills you’ve gained as a mom (patience, problem-solving, multitasking!) are exactly what you need to succeed in business.

Support Flourish Media and follow them on all channels: @flourishmediaco, @vivianolo.

Leading With Love, Leaving a Legacy

These seven mompreneurs remind us that you don’t have to choose between business and family.

You can build both, and in doing so, shape a legacy your children will grow up watching in real time.

Their stories speak to the unseen effort, the quiet sacrifices, and the deep pride that comes with building something lasting.

They’re not chasing a perfect life, they’re creating meaningful ones, on their terms.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate every woman growing something powerful, whether it’s a brand, a movement, or the next generation.

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