Balancing Business and Parenthood

Navigating the demands of growing a business while raising a family is no small feat. For Dylan Jahraus, an accomplished e-commerce entrepreneur, educator, and military spouse, this balancing act is a journey of continuous learning and adaptability. 

Recently featured on The Growing Pains Podcast with host Alison Caffrey, Dylan shared her inspiring story of building a thriving career and family life.

Prefer to listen instead of read? Listen to the full episode here.

From Corporate to Creative: Launching a Million-Dollar Etsy Business

Dylan’s entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity. As a military spouse frequently relocating, traditional corporate roles became impractical. Instead, she launched an Etsy shop, applying her corporate e-commerce expertise to the platform. Though the early days were tough—with no sales for two months—her persistence paid off. By the fourth month, her shop was generating over $10,000 per month, and within five years, she had achieved over $1 million in profit.

Dylan’s success wasn’t without its challenges. The physical demands of running a handmade business led to serious health issues, which prompted her to delegate production to another military spouse. This pivotal shift not only improved her well-being but also laid the foundation for her next venture: teaching others to succeed on Etsy. Her Ultimate Etsy Course has since helped over 3,500 students generate $28 million in collective revenue.

Parenthood and Entrepreneurship: Juggling It All

Dylan’s story highlights the chaotic yet rewarding reality of being both a parent and a business owner. As a mother of two young boys, Dylan described the challenges of working with a newborn strapped to her chest and the decision to hire help when sleep deprivation became overwhelming. “I realized why they use sleep deprivation in torture methods,” she joked.

For Dylan, hiring support—whether for childcare or business tasks—was a game-changer. She encourages other moms to do the same when needed, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when it’s time to seek help.

Navigating Military Life and Career Transitions

As a military family, frequent moves and long periods of separation added another layer of complexity. Dylan shared how her husband’s demanding submarine officer role often left her to manage the home and business solo. However, as her business scaled, the family dynamics shifted. Her husband recently decided to leave the military, opening a new chapter for their family.

Dylan and Alison also discussed the unique challenges military families face when transitioning to civilian life, including the freedom—and pressure—to decide where to live and how to structure their lives post-military. For Dylan, the key is to approach decisions with flexibility, acknowledging that nothing has to be permanent.

Scaling a Business: Lessons in Leadership and Team Growth

Dylan’s entrepreneurial journey has evolved from running a solo Etsy shop to leading a team of 37 and launching new ventures like EtSEO, a software platform for Etsy sellers. Despite rapid growth, she remains committed to building her team strategically, recently hiring nine new employees and bringing on a fractional CFO to provide financial oversight.

“I’m excited about this new layer of strategy for both the business and our family,” she said, highlighting the importance of intentional growth and planning.

Balancing Ambition and Family Life

Dylan’s advice for mompreneurs resonates deeply: “You don’t have to choose one or the other. You can do both.” She emphasizes that balance doesn’t mean equality. Different seasons and even different parts of the day may require shifting priorities. Her message is a reminder that ambition and presence at home can coexist—with the right systems and mindset.

As the holiday season approaches and we look ahead to a new year, Dylan’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and intentional decision-making. Whether you’re scaling a business, navigating parenting challenges, or both, her journey offers inspiration and practical insights to keep moving forward.

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If Dylan’s story inspires you, check out her free educational resources on her YouTube channel, or connect with her on Instagram for personalized advice and support.