Motherhood and entrepreneurship—two demanding roles that, surprisingly, complement each other in powerful ways. In our interview with Esther Onefuwa Oguns from the University of Macerata, we explore how moms are leveraging their unique skills to build thriving businesses, the trends fueling the rise of mompreneurs, and the challenges they face.
From resilience and adaptability to innovative problem-solving, these women are redefining success. Read on to discover the insights from Esther’s research on this growing movement.
Esther, you researched mothers starting and running businesses or ventures, combining the responsibilities of parenthood and entrepreneurship. During your research, what was the most surprising or unexpected insight about mompreneurs?
One of the most surprising findings was how much motherhood enhances entrepreneurial skills. Apart from traditional assumptions that motherhood might hinder professional growth, the skills developed through parenting – such as multitasking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence – are incredibly valuable in business. The Kauffman Foundation revealed that mompreneurs are more likely to innovate and create new things or offer new services than non-parent entrepreneurs.
The skills developed through parenting—such as multitasking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence—are incredibly valuable in business.
Are there any significant trends in the rise of mompreneurs over the past decade? If so, what factors are driving this growth?
Yes, the research highlighted a 20% increase in women starting businesses after becoming mothers over the past decade. The key factors driving this growth over the years include:
- Digital technologies enabling home-based businesses
- Growing desire for work-life flexibility
- Increased recognition of mothers’ unique entrepreneurial capabilities
- Shifting societal attitudes toward women’s professional roles
The research highlighted a 20% increase in women starting businesses after becoming mothers over the past decade.
What unique strengths and strategies distinguish mothers as entrepreneurs? Are these skills transferable to non-parent entrepreneurs, or are they specific to the parenting experience?
While some skills are deeply rooted in the parenting experience, many are indeed transferable, for instance :
- Enhanced time management
- Superior multitasking abilities
- Resilience and adaptability
- Emotional intelligence
- Creative problem-solving
These skills are valuable for any entrepreneur but are particularly sharpened by the demanding experience of motherhood. The National Association of Women Entrepreneurs found that 82% of mompreneurs believe their emotional intelligence is critical to business success.
The National Association of Women Entrepreneurs found that 82% of mompreneurs believe their emotional intelligence is critical to business success.
Your research emphasises resilience and adaptability among mompreneurs. How do these traits manifest in their entrepreneurial journeys, especially in challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic?
The research suggested that mompreneurs’ inherent adaptability became especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many women started their businesses during the pandemic due to increased flexibility and the need for additional income, others showed their ability to quickly pivot, manage uncertainty, and create flexible work arrangements proved invaluable. The Global Business Monitor highlighted that mompreneurs demonstrated higher levels of resilience during this period.
What are the main challenges and biases mompreneurs face, compared to non-parent entrepreneurs and mothers working in other jobs?
Mompreneurs face several challenges:
- Limited access to funding
- Time constraints
- Societal expectations and stereotypes
- Emotional stress of balancing multiple roles and family responsibilities.
- Potential bias from traditional funding institutions
Mompreneurs face several challenges: limited access to funding, time constraints, societal expectations, and the emotional stress of balancing multiple roles.
What types of support—whether from government policies, private organisations, or community networks—are most effective in empowering mompreneurs?
Funding options are an essential factor when it comes to supporting mothers who are entrepreneurs or who aspire to be one someday. Other effective support includes:
- Mentorship programs
- Networking opportunities
- Childcare support
- Policy initiatives recognising mothers’ entrepreneurial potential.
Are there particular policy changes that would make entrepreneurship more accessible and more equitable for mothers?
Like I said earlier, targeted funding programs for mother-owned businesses could be made available. Reduction of taxes or zero tax payment policy for businesses owned by mothers could also be implemented. Mandatory flexible work arrangement provisions and also enhanced childcare support should be implemented and there should be more professional development programs, specifically designed for mompreneurs to help boost and encourage their entrepreneurial ability and traits.
Targeted funding programs, tax reductions, mandatory flexible work arrangements, and enhanced childcare support could make entrepreneurship more accessible for mothers.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This research ultimately underscores that mompreneurship is not just a trend, but a powerful movement reshaping our understanding of entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and women’s economic empowerment. I would recommend further reading on intersectional approaches to mompreneurship which explores how factors like race, socioeconomic background, and education interact with mothers’ entrepreneurial experiences.