Mums are like superheroes, only without the cape. I know for a fact that being a mother is challenging. It is the hardest yet one of the most rewarding jobs in the history of humankind.

Nowadays, mothers are not only running households but also their own businesses. Then, if being a mum alone is challenging, being a mother and an entrepreneur is both impressive and inspiring. And, after doing a little research, I realised that it is not impossible either if you truly put your mind to it.

Before venturing out on your own, you must first discover your passion. Secondly, you need to be sure that you are ready to give it your all and transform your passion into a business that ultimately pays the bills.

But what does it take to be a mumpreneur? Only a mumpreneur herself can shed some light on this.

Elizabeth Cortis and Janice Baldacchino, the administrators of the Malta Mumpreneur Network Facebook group, are mumpreneurs themselves. They took the initiative to create a supportive space for other women balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Cortis, mother of three-year-old twins, decided to take the leap shortly after giving birth to her sons.

“Becoming a mother was not the only reason why I decided to walk down the entrepreneurial path. I also believed in my business idea and was convinced that that particular moment was the best time to actuate it.”

Now running her own proofreading and editing business, she loves how she can spend quality time with her sons while working on achieving her career aspirations.

An accountant by profession and a mother of two, Baldacchino works as a director in a family business. In her own words, “having your own business, though sometimes challenging, has its benefits. The biggest advantage is that I have some flexibility to balance mummy duties and work commitments.”

Mumpreneurs put in a lot of hours and are most likely to work at odd times

This new, strong wave of mumpreneurs is proving that moving away from the nine-to-five office salary job might be the way forward. It gives mums the flexibility to choose where and when they work; on their own terms. Being a mumpreneur gives you a certain leeway to decide even how many hours to work. However, like with everything else in life, this is not without its challenges.

“Being a good parent is hard work,” Cortis points out. “The life of a parent is fraught with stress and sleep deprivation. Now take that and add the responsibilities of running a business into the mix – the result is that some days are pretty chaotic!”

It is easy to fall in love with the idea of being your own boss. However, being an entrepreneur has its own share of sacrifices and hard decision-making. Baldacchino admits that “juggling with meeting work commitments with that of the family is somewhat challenging most of the time.” And, as Cortis puts it, “the reality of running a business is not for everyone, and it’s certainly not an easy way out.”

Running a business and taking care of the kids can be quite a handful. In fact, more often than not, mumpreneurs put in a lot of hours and are most likely to work at odd times. Both Cortis and Baldacchino suggest that having a weekly schedule is the key to improve time management. Having family members who support them and with whom they share household chores can also make all the difference.

Unwinding is just as important as working. Unfortunately, it is easy to forget yourself when balancing work and home life. Baldacchino believes in the importance of knowing and setting your limits to avoid burn-out and mental exhaustion. On the other hand, Cortis finds it essential to take think-breaks on a regular basis. She allocates time to refocus, re-evaluate and practise mindfulness. All of which can be quite beneficial, especially if leading a hectic life.

With all its benefits, taking on the entrepreneurial route requires a lot of prioritising and dedication.

Bartolo encourages mumpreneurs to not give up on their dreams, while Cortis suggests seeking professional guidance. This, to help mumpreneurs tap into available resources and not be overwhelmed with having to do everything on their own, all at once.

If you’re thinking about becoming a mumpreneur, perhaps joining a local network can also be a good place to start. It allows like-minded women to share stories and ask for advice in a supportive environment.

Hats off to all working mums out there. You are doing a wonderful job by making the impossible possible. A true inspiration that should not go unnoticed.