Managing and growing a business takes time, money, and a lot of patience. Another life pursuit that demands attention in these same areas? Raising a family! So how are there women out there managing both a demanding business and raising a family? We asked 5 Vancouver Businesswomen for their advice on managing motherhood while simultaneously running their own businesses. Their answers are as unique as their businesses but reflect the sacrifices and determination it takes to follow your passions. These are their experiences:
How have you managed the transition from businesswoman to businesswoman AND mother?
Morgan Browne, Oakwyn Realty:
Becoming a mother, I knew that I would need to set strict ground rules and establish a supportive team before I could start growing both my family and my business. Holding on to my identity while being a top-notch mommy and scaling my business has been a challenge, but by sticking to my ground rules and having a support network, I have been able to balance the tasks of growing a business, a child, and a life I am passionate about.
Gillian Segal, Gillian Segal Design:
I would love to give you a step-by-step on how to achieve balance as a mother and business owner but in all honesty, I’m still managing the transition. Constant exhaustion, guilt (both as a mom and business owner), and feelings of inadequacy are things I struggle with daily. Feeling like I’m missing precious moments at home, or feeling frustrated that I don’t have more time for work tasks is a huge challenge. The only thing that has gotten me through this is an incredible support system both at home and at work (and a lot of wine). But seriously, at home, this means my husband, our nanny, our parents, friends, and family members – it seriously does take a village. At work, I am so fortunate to have an incredible team of women who support me personally and professionally. The business takes a village too and while it may be my name on the door any success we have is from the efforts of a fantastic team.
Mika McInnes, Prep Beauty Parlour:
It has been a long transition. I now have 3 children, who are 7 years old, 5 years old, and 11 months! I have always had a great team (amazing staff) who helps with time management, and a supportive husband. It's all about teamwork.
Did having your own business ever impact your decision on becoming a mother?
Gillian Segal, Gillian Segal Design:
It made me question the timing, and if it would be “a good time.” I came to realize that there was never going to be a “convenient” time. Conversely, becoming a mom has made me question my role in being a business owner. Is the stress and time away from family worth it? Ultimately the answer is always yes. My work is my passion and I hope that it sets an example to my daughters that you can do both – have a family and a rewarding career.
Devon Brooks, Sphere:
No. I was raised by a businesswoman, so I had only ever experienced that as an example. For me, it was a no-brainer. However, being a mother has influenced my business decisions. For example – I made sure that when I started my current coaching business, Sphere, that I was setting it up to scale digitally and grow the core HQ team remotely. I knew this was the most effective way to ensure that I could build a company with an incredible mission, without sacrificing my experience as a parent — something I wanted for each member of our team. Many people are in the habit of building their life around their business, but if you can mindfully build your business around your life, it can be far more enriching for everyone.
Morgan Browne, Oakwyn Realty:
My work has always been my priority until my husband and I decided to grow our family. I had concerns, but I always knew that having a family was important to me and that I would be able to manage both passions. Having a supportive network and strict boundaries has enabled me to do both.
What has been the biggest professional challenge you've faced since becoming a mother?
Tess Sloane, Eleven Eleven Talent:
When working corporately, I was not able to achieve the level of freedom and autonomy I desired to raise my sons AND break the glass ceiling. I did not want just one or the other – I wanted both. Leaving the corporate structure allowed me to create a life and business that was not limited by titles, seniority, or hierarchy. At Eleven Eleven we seek out to employ mothers. As mothers ourselves, we understand there is no greater leadership training and development than being a parent.
Devon Brooks, Sphere:
Without a doubt, this past year presented the biggest professional challenges of my life. I remember this moment when I was quarantined with my kids waiting for covid test results which were very late. Their dad was isolated in his own home. I literally couldn't touch my start-up for almost two weeks, and I would just cry when the kids were asleep because I knew that it was going to set me back months in follow-ups and missed opportunities. I had to surrender to the circumstances so that I could allow my energy to be positive and beneficial for my kids. This was a hard-ass year to be a mom and a business owner.
Mika McInnes, Prep Beauty Parlour:
It has been a challenge for sure to split my time between my husband, my kids, my business, and the staff. There is hardly time left over for me! I would say there is never enough time.
What is the most rewarding part of being a mother and a business owner?
Morgan Browne, Oakwyn Realty:
I am proud of what I have accomplished and for seeing both my child and business grow. It is most rewarding seeing what you love most in the world begin to grow and learn alongside you.
Gillian Segal, Gillian Segal Design:
Being a mom in and of itself is the most rewarding thing in the world. There is nothing like it. The most rewarding thing about being both a mother and business owner is that I am lucky enough to get to be both. Every day I feel grateful for that.
Tess Sloane, Eleven Eleven Talent:
For me it's simple, I run a successful global business, and yet every day at 3:00 pm, I am waiting outside the school gates. When my sons walk out of school, I am there. This was my dream.
What has been the most memorable part of the experience?
Tess Sloane, Eleven Eleven Talent:
My sons have been along for the journey, they have witnessed my working in the corporate world, starting a side hustle, leaving the corporate world, and opening my business. I love that they've been there for all the ups and downs. My hope is that it permits them to play big in their own lives.
Devon Brooks, Sphere:
It's the small moments that stand out for me. When we launched our app to the apple store, I was in a bikini with my laptop and ear pods at the beach next to my kids. I was taking turns between finessing final copy edits with the team and building sandcastles. Then I got to show my kids what mommy did from the beach in her bikini. Those seamless moments give me so much joy and pride.
Mika McInnes, Prep Beauty Parlour:
The most memorable part has been the relationships that I have built over the years with the staff and clients. Everyone has been so welcoming of my family and when they come into the salon they are welcomed with open arms!
Looking back, what is something you would have done differently?
Tess Sloane, Eleven Eleven Talent:
There were times early in the business that I de-valued our work by accepting lower payment terms or made an exception to work without a retainer that I knew wasn't the right thing to do but so badly wanted to grow the business. Those days are over. I encourage business owners, especially women, to listen to that gut feeling. I'm getting better at it now.
Devon Brooks, Sphere:
I'm not a regretful person. What I would have done differently doesn't matter as much as what I am going to do next.
Gillian Segal, Gillian Segal Design:
I have no regrets – everything, especially the harder parts, helps us to grow.
Mika McInnes, Prep Beauty Parlour:
I probably would have started having my family sooner!
What advice would you give to new moms or those looking to start a family while running a business?
Devon Brooks, Sphere:
Work with people you love and trust, no exceptions. Do whatever you can to find besties (Shout out to one of mine! – Kara Sam from Bucha Brew) who are business-owner-mothers like you, not many people will truly get the challenges you are going to face as you build your product and team. Make sure you've got your growth & wellbeing toolkit on lock so you can throttle up or down when you need to. I'm talking about all the things: your coach, your breathwork, your meditation, your exercise, your nature escapes. You will require and devour it all.
Morgan Browne, Oakwyn Realty:
You do not have to do it all! Learning to step back and hire others to take over some roles is what helped me set boundaries and become a better mother and business owner.
Gillian Segal, Gillian Segal Design:
Meet other moms, you will need their support. Talk to people who will be open and real with you about their experiences. I’m not going to lie, labour and the first few months after my first were a real shock. I felt almost mad that the world (social media especially) presents motherhood as being this magical idyllic experience. And yes, it’s magical but nobody told me my baby wouldn’t be the only one coming home in a diaper. I think women need to speak more openly and honestly about the struggles of motherhood.
Mika McInnes, Prep Beauty Parlour:
Make sure you have a good business team and support system at home, or really good time management.
Tess Sloane, Eleven Eleven Talent:
You can have both. If you feel called to begin a family and grow your family, you must have both. You are worthy of both and you can have both with ease.
The Panel:
- Morgan Browne: Morgan Browne is a fierce and passionate partner at Oakwyn Realty. Co-founding the company in 2014, Morgan has nurtured Oakwyn Realty into Vancouver's fastest-growing realty brokerage. Morgan’s can-do attitude and passion for building make it possible for Oakwyn’s forward-thinking and expansion plans. Driven to make a difference in the Canadian business community and embracing change in the real estate industry.
- Tess Sloane: Co-founder of Eleven Eleven Talent, Tess is a firm believer in the philosophy of transformation, with concrete examples throughout her 15+ years in the HR industry. She has catalyzed purpose-led paths for people and worked for global brands renowned for their transformative People Practices and HR strategies.
- Mika McInnes: Mike McInnes is the owner and director of Prep Beauty Parlour, Downtown Vancouver’s go-to beauty salon. In addition to her duties managing one of the most successful Vancouver Salons, Mika is a talented makeup artist. Her specialty treatments and talented staff have been a reliable source of treatment for Vancouverites since 2017.
- Devon Brooks: CEO and founder of Sphere, a wellbeing and self-improvement tool delivering unparalleled online coaching experiences Since exiting her first business, Blo, Devon has spent half a decade digging into purpose and leadership supporting hundreds of creatives, professionals, start-ups, and founders in articulating and realizing their potential in her work as a coach.
- Gillian Segal: Servicing clients in Vancouver and beyond, Gillian Segal Design offers a full range of interior design services, specializing in luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. With an extensive network of resources and partnerships, Gillian strives to deliver outstanding, hands-on service and beautifully creative solutions that marry their client's vision with the firm’s renowned modern eclectic aesthetic.
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