Balancing Motherhood and Business with Jen Morris

Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood while running a business is a challenge that many entrepreneurial moms face. In a recent episode of the Etsy Seller Success podcast, host Dylan Jaras sat down with Jen Morris, the founder of Renegade Motherhood, to discuss how moms can integrate business into their family life, build communities, and grow without feeling overwhelmed.

Jen Morris’ Journey: From Acting to Entrepreneurship

Jen Morris’ career path has been anything but conventional. With a background in acting, she learned early on how to create opportunities for herself. She started her first business at 26, diving into the world of affiliate marketing, and later became a certified health coach. However, after having children, Jen realized that many networking spaces weren’t designed with the unique challenges of motherhood in mind.

This realization led her to create Renegade Motherhood, a community that supports moms in business by providing connection, resources, and a judgment-free space to talk about both business and family life. What started as a simple Facebook post quickly evolved into a thriving network of entrepreneurial moms who are growing their businesses while raising their families.

The Myth of Balance: Embracing Seasons of Life

One of the key takeaways from the conversation was Jen’s perspective on balance—or rather, the lack thereof. She challenges the notion that balance is a realistic goal for working moms, instead advocating for the idea that life happens in seasons.

“Motherhood is just about being in different seasons,” she explained. Rather than striving for an unattainable perfect balance, Jen recommends identifying what truly matters and unapologetically letting go of things that don’t serve you. Whether it’s skipping holiday cards or opting for store-bought Thanksgiving meals, she encourages moms to free themselves from unnecessary pressures.

Time Management: Blending or Compartmentalizing?

For moms who work from home, like Jen and Dylan, time management is a major challenge. Should work and family time be strictly separated, or can they be blended? Jen believes the answer depends on personal style and family dynamics. Some people thrive when multitasking, while others need clear boundaries.

What has worked for Jen is open communication with her husband and children. She involves her kids in her business journey, explaining why she works and showing them how they are part of the team. This approach helps her children feel included rather than sidelined, making it easier for her to manage her business without guilt.

The Importance of Outsourcing and Hiring Help

Many entrepreneurs hesitate to hire help, often waiting until they are overwhelmed before making the leap. Jen recently brought on a team member to assist with social media and live events, recognizing that outsourcing was essential for growth.

However, she warns against hiring too soon or without a clear goal. “Make sure you know the problem you’re trying to solve,” she advised. Simply throwing money at a problem without a strategic plan can lead to wasted resources and frustration. Instead, she recommends defining specific objectives before bringing in outside help.

Building Community: The Power of In-Person Networking

While the online world offers incredible opportunities, Jen firmly believes that nothing replaces the magic of in-person networking. Through Renegade Motherhood, she has created both digital and live community spaces for moms in business. Live events provide an energy and connection that digital platforms simply can’t replicate.

Her advice for moms looking to build a network? If you can’t find the right community, create one yourself. Many women share the same struggles and aspirations, and by stepping up to organize gatherings or online groups, you can forge valuable relationships that support both personal and professional growth.

Avoiding Burnout: Prioritizing Joy and Rest

Burnout is a common concern for entrepreneurial moms. Jen’s approach to avoiding it involves two key components: happiness and sleep. She advises regularly checking in with yourself to see if something in your business is causing resistance. If it’s not bringing joy or moving the business forward, it may be time to outsource it, postpone it, or eliminate it altogether.

She also stresses the importance of downtime. While some may criticize activities like watching TV or playing a simple game on their phone, she sees these moments as necessary mental breaks. Another key part of her routine is participating in a women’s choir—a non-negotiable weekly activity that brings her joy outside of work and family responsibilities.

Final Thoughts: Redefining Success as a Mompreneur

For moms balancing business and family, success doesn’t have to mean doing everything perfectly. Jen’s journey is a testament to the fact that being intentional about priorities, seeking community, and allowing for flexibility can lead to both personal fulfillment and professional growth.

Her message is clear: Moms are not meant to navigate business or motherhood alone. By building supportive communities, embracing different seasons of life, and letting go of unnecessary burdens, moms can thrive in both their businesses and their families.

If you’re a mom looking for a like-minded community, Jen invites you to check out Renegade Motherhood. Whether through digital networking or local meetups, her platform provides a space for moms to connect, collaborate, and succeed—together.

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