Starting a business as a mom

Becoming a new mommy is a full-time role, no doubts about that. Very quickly your lifestyle changes, as your number one priority is that little bundle of joy; keeping them safe, well-fed and happy. Your role as ‘Mom’ may be the most important responsibility you take on in your lifetime.

Though the stresses and concerns, it’s reassuring to know that other mommies will be going through the same thing. Yet, if you flip that on its head: anything you miss about pre-baby life, or anything you wish could be different about parenthood, it’s likely lots of other moms feel the same way. Therefore, raising a child can be the perfect springboard for a new business idea.

Pre-baby life: what’s changed for you?

The most successful product innovations, or new businesses, are born from a genuine unanswered need. So ask yourself, what did you used to enjoy before you became a mom, that’s now too difficult, time-consuming or expensive to keep up? It might be a beauty regime, or a food you used to enjoy eating, and perhaps there’s space in the market for a mommy-friendly alternative!

Jacqueline Smith came up with the idea for Palisade because she missed getting manicures; her product allows quick, at-home nail art and now sells at Sephora nationwide. She’s just one of many moms who’ve launched a successful business from home.

Playtime: when does your child laugh the hardest?

There’s no better sound in the world than your baby’s laugh, so naturally you’d want to make them giggle as often as you can! If you’ve found something that your little one finds incredibly entertaining, then perhaps it would be a great addition to a stroller, baby bouncer or seat? Do your research, and use a parent guide to see if any models already have such a feature, if not — draw up some plans and approach a company with the idea.

Caring for your child: what issues do you face?

When it comes to infant and child skincare, moms can face all sorts of unexpected challenges, such as skin irritations and allergies. Sometimes, no products seem to help, and you’re left to search for a solution yourself.

If you’ve found a bizarre method that seems to work — who would have thought oats could soothe skin, before brands like Aveeno came out? — then it’s worth asking your friends to trial out the approach. It’s important to sense-check new ideas with other moms first, and then if they like the product or idea, think about how you can take it further! Why not invite some of your mom friends over and host an informal focus group, to see if they can help you improve the concept even further?

You’re the expert…

Inspiration for a new business can strike at any time. If you’ve got an idea that you think could be a real addition to the market, then why not ask your friends for their opinion? You could follow in the footsteps of some amazing moms who have revolutionized mommy and baby life!