Thriving as a CEO and Mom: My Journey to Balancing Business and Baby

Kristin Marquet Celebrity Entrepreneu

Balancing motherhood and business is often described as a near-impossible juggling act, but for me, it became the ultimate lesson in resilience, prioritization, and redefining success. My journey to achieving “celebrity status” as an entrepreneur was far from linear—it was filled with late nights, moments of doubt, and countless sacrifices. Yet, it was also marked by breakthroughs, triumphs, and a renewed sense of purpose that came from knowing I was pursuing my dreams while raising a family.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, achieving success as a mother and an entrepreneur doesn’t come from chasing perfection—it comes from embracing imperfection and learning to adapt. Here’s how I navigated this journey, the strategies I used to balance two of the most demanding roles in my life and the lessons I hope can inspire others in similar positions.

The Turning Point: Embracing Both Roles

Before becoming a mother, I had a clear roadmap for my career. I’d built a successful PR firm, launched FemFounder as a resource for female entrepreneurs, and established myself as a thought leader in the business world. My days included strategy sessions, client meetings, and managing my team. Then, motherhood came into the picture, and everything changed—my priorities, time, and perspective.

The first turning point was realizing that I didn’t have to choose between being a present mother and a successful entrepreneur. Instead of seeing these roles as competing priorities, I began viewing them as complementary. Motherhood taught me patience, empathy, and the ability to think independently—skills that strengthened my business. At the same time, entrepreneurship allowed me to design a life where I could be there for my family while pursuing my goals.

Redefining Success on My Terms

One of the first lessons I learned was that my definition of success needed to evolve. Before motherhood, success meant hitting revenue targets, securing media features, and scaling my business at lightning speed. After becoming a parent, success began to look different—being present for my child’s milestones, finding moments of peace amidst chaos, and building a business that aligned with my values.

I allowed myself to slow down when needed and focus on what truly mattered. This shift not only allowed me to balance my roles but also helped me create a more sustainable path to success. Instead of chasing every opportunity, I became more intentional, focusing on high-impact projects aligned with my vision.

Time Management: The Ultimate Superpower

Balancing motherhood and business is a matter of time management—something I had to master quickly. Here’s how I approached it:

1. Time Blocking:

I divided my day into dedicated work, family, and personal time blocks. Mornings were often reserved for strategic tasks like planning campaigns or writing content, while afternoons were for client calls and team check-ins. Lunches and evenings were strictly family time, and I was fully present during those hours.

2. Outsourcing and Delegating:

One of my best decisions was to build a strong team and trust them with responsibilities. Delegating tasks like social media management, graphic design, and admin work freed up my time to focus on my strengths and spend more time with my family.

3. Non-Negotiable Boundaries:

I set clear boundaries for when I was “off the clock.” This meant no work emails during family dinners and no multitasking when spending time with my child. These boundaries helped me stay present and avoid burnout.

Building a Support System

No one achieves success alone, and that’s especially true when balancing motherhood and business. I leaned heavily on my support system—my partner and teamto help me navigate this journey.

1. Family Support:

My partner and I worked together to share parenting responsibilities, ensuring I had the time and space to focus on my business when needed. Open communication was key to making this balance work.

2. Outsourcing Household Tasks:

Investing in help for household chores like cleaning and meal prep was a game-changer. It allowed me to redirect my energy toward my family and business without feeling overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks.

The Role of Self-Care in My Success

It’s easy to lose yourself in the demands of motherhood and business, but I quickly realized that taking care of myself wasn’t selfish—it was essential. Self-care became a non-negotiable part of my routine, and it came in many forms:

1. Mindfulness Practices:

I incorporated short moments of mindfulness into my day, whether it was a quick run in the morning or taking a quick walk with my son (weather permitting) between meetings. These practices helped me stay grounded and focused.

2. Physical Activity:

Staying active was key to managing stress and maintaining my energy levels. Even a 20-minute brisk walk made a huge difference in my mood and productivity.

3. Regular Breaks:

I gave myself permission to take breaks, even on the busiest days. Whether I enjoyed a cup of coffee or read a book for pleasure, these moments of rest helped me recharge.

Building a Brand While Raising a Family

Building a brand that reflects my professional expertise and personal values is one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. Balancing motherhood and business gave me a unique perspective, which became a cornerstone of my brand.

For example, when I share content on FemFounder, I often draw from my experiences as a working mom. Whether I offer time management tips or share stories of perseverance, I aim to inspire other women who are navigating similar challenges. This authenticity has resonated deeply with my audience and helped me build a loyal community.

Achieving Celebrity Status: The Game-Changer

Reaching “celebrity status” as an entrepreneur was never the goal, but it became a natural byproduct of staying true to my mission and showing up consistently. Here are a few strategies that helped elevate my brand to new heights:

1. Leveraging Media Features:

Being featured in major publications like Forbes, Inc, Entrepreneur, and Rolling Stone gave my brand credibility and visibility. These opportunities didn’t come overnight—I pitched relentlessly and built relationships with journalists over time.

2. Expanding My Platform:

Launching products like the “Dream It, Earn It” Planner allowed me to reach a wider audience and position myself as a thought leader in my industry.

3. Engaging on Social Media:

I used platforms like Instagram to connect authentically with my audience. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my life as a mom and entrepreneur created a deeper connection with my followers.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

As I reflect on my journey, there are a few key lessons that stand out:

1. Perfection Isn’t the Goal:

You don’t have to do everything perfectly to succeed. It’s okay to make mistakes, learn, and grow.

2. Flexibility Is a Strength:

Adaptability is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Motherhood and entrepreneurship require flexibility and embracing change has been essential to my success.

3. Celebrate Small Wins:

Every milestone—no matter how small—is worth celebrating. These moments remind you how far you’ve come and motivate you for the journey ahead.

What’s Next?

As I continue to navigate motherhood and entrepreneurship, I’m excited about the future. I focus on expanding FemFounder’s reach, launching more innovative products, and inspiring the next generation of female entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams without compromise.

Balancing these roles isn’t always easy, but it’s a privilege I wouldn’t trade for anything. I hope that by sharing my story, I can show others that it’s possible to build a thriving business and a fulfilling family life—and that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.

Final Thoughts

Balancing motherhood and business to achieve success isn’t about having it all—it’s about making intentional choices, embracing support, and staying true to your values. If you’re navigating this journey, know it’s okay to ask for help, set boundaries, and define success on your terms. You have the power to create a life and career you love, one step at a time.

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How to Build Your Personal Brand Like a Celebrity Entrepreneur: My Journey and Lessons Learned