Karen of New and Green Baby Shares her Mompreneur Story
This month’s Working Mama profile is Karen Randall of New and Green Baby. We first met Karen as a new mother in one of our Mothers Unfolding groups. She is now the busy mother of two girls, ages two and a half, and six months, and works from home running her growing business offering cloth diapering products and support.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Before children, I always dreamt of running a business of my own. I concocted many businesses in my head, but until my first daughter was born, these were just fleeting ideas that didn’t go any further as there didn’t seem to be that push or inspiration to step out of what was a very comfortable professional life.
When my daughter was born, everything changed. I was pushed and challenged to learn about new things and craft a new way of life. At that point I realized that I needed to consider another way to contribute to our family while mothering my daughter. Our personal journey of learning about and finding cloth diapers led to the idea of New & Green Baby – a place for parents to learn about cloth diapering their child, be supported in their goals, and purchase the best of the best diapers available.
How did you imagine life as a mompreneur?
I had a vision that working from home meant taking care of my daughter, playing and managing the house while intermittently working and having it all beautifully intertwined and symbiotic.
In reality, having your own business is a LOT more work than that. You are responsible for everything; there is no one to answer to but yourself. it has consumed far more time than I ever imagined it would.
How do you find balance between work and family?
It has really made me consider how to use my time effectively and learn how to manage both roles: mother and business owner. My biggest lesson is to stay present with both roles. We have secured regular childcare, and only schedule work time when I know the children are happy and taken care of. When I am done, I turn off the computer and shut the office door and let myself be mom to the girls. It is a hard balance to keep, but so important.
Coming up on two years in business I feel like I can take a step back and a deep breath and take the occasional day off here and there! We have also hired other moms to work with us so I can focus where my energies are most needed.
Any words of wisdom?
Remember the reason you jumped in and stay true to this. It is a LOT of hard work but worth it if you can make it work!
