Celebrating the Amazing Moms Balancing Work, Life & Motherhood

Behind every business is a story. And behind many of them a mother.

At Salt, we’re continually inspired by the women behind the work - the ones building businesses, leading teams, and creating meaningful careers while also raising families. There’s no singular version of balance, but there is honesty in sharing what it actually looks like behind the scenes. This series opens a window into those lived experiences: the challenges, the structure, the support systems, and the lessons learned along the way.

While each of these women’s paths looks different, a shared thread runs through them all: intention, adaptability, and a willingness to redefine what balance looks like in real time. This is not a story of perfect equilibrium, but of women building meaningful work while raising families, and learning to hold both with care.

A candid conversation on motherhood, business, and the rhythms that shape both.

What inspired you to start your business, and how has being a mom influenced your approach?

After nearly a decade in a corporate environment, I was craving a more creative path. I knew I had the drive to build something of my own, so I took a leap and started Salt. Just a few months later, I found out I was pregnant with my oldest, and everything shifted. Motherhood has made me more efficient, more intentional with my time, and more empathetic to how families truly live in their homes.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge is simply that there’s never enough time for everything. I’ve learned to let go of the idea of “perfect balance” and instead focus on being fully present wherever I am, whether that’s at work or at home, and building a strong team I trust.

What advice would you give other moms who are thinking about starting their own business?

Don’t wait for the “perfect” time - it doesn’t exist. Start before you feel ready, trust your instincts, and build systems early on that support both your business and your life.

What inspired you to start your business, and how has being a mom influenced your approach?

As a merchant by trade and someone who has always been pretty organized, I saw the opportunity to start a business which would allow me to work while my kids were in school and to also be able to be present when they got home.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and how did you overcome it?

Balancing being a mom and a business is not easy and I wish I could say that I have figured it out. I feel like I do the best I can to be present in the moment that I am in - and give that my focus. But the truth is I feel like I am always falling a little short. I know I am not alone in this. Ask any mom how they feel like they are doing and they will probably answer the same way.

What advice would you give other moms who are thinking about starting their own business?

My advice would be to do your research and understand the market. Lean on your friends and other female business owners who can provide valuable insight in the reality into owning your own thing. The ability to be able to do both work and motherhood is truly a blessing and one that I would not trade for anything. 

What inspired you to start your business, and how has being a mom influenced your approach?

Being able to work with my hands and create meaningful art that resonates with people.  I want my children to grow up seeing me do work that I love and am proud of. 

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and how did you overcome it?

I used to try for that perfect balance of work and motherhood and I’ve learned that, for me, that’s always going to be a fluid and imperfect concept.  Some days I give more to my business and other times I’m needed at home.  I have to be flexible with my schedule and sometimes that includes working with toddlers at your feet or working from the kitchen table. I’m very lucky to have a great support system of friends & family.

What advice would you give other moms who are thinking about starting their own business?

Everyone’s situation is unique and only you know what you need to be fulfilled professionally and personally.  Set up a support system for childcare whether it’s family or daycare or just chatting with other moms.  There will be many days where it feels like your failing - you’re not! Learn to ask for help.  You have to accept that this is chaotic season and just lean into it.  Give yourself grace. 

What inspired you to start your business, and how has being a mom influenced your approach?

My business actually only came to be through motherhood.  I was a corporate executive for about 20 years and somewhere along the way felt like I needed more flexibility after we had our 3 boys.  I loved my corporate job and had a really hard time making the decision to leave which, if I'm honest, was a debate for years in my head and heart before I actually made the decision.  Photography was and is such a different creative side of myself I feel so lucky to explore and had no idea that that passion would turn into a thriving business.  I say all the time that I can't believe this is how I get to spend my days so inspired by the beauty I see.  

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and how did you overcome it?

In truth, there is no balance.  I am very clear with myself on what kind of mother I want to be first and foremost and how I want to raise my children.  After that, I am firm on my boundaries with my business.  I don't take on more than I can deliver in a way I'm proud of on both sides.  I say no to a lot of work and am thoughtful in creating the life balance I want and not passively letting one overtake the other.  I feel very fortunate to be able to do so and that choice is never lost on me.  

What advice would you give other moms who are thinking about starting their own business?

This season of life with smaller kids is overflowing with newness.  New business growth and opportunities.  Sports upon sports games and practices each week when they are a little bigger.  Family milestones and commitments.  It's all very bountiful, but it's also depleting.  So my best advice is to try to be fortunate for that feeling of fullness, but mindful that you don't break yourself in the process of trying to take it all in.

What inspired you to start your business, and how has being a mom influenced your approach?

I was inspired to start The Blonde Shallot after my first baby was born, when friends and family brought over home-cooked meals in those early weeks. After leaving the city, I also came to appreciate how in the suburbs it’s a quiet tradition for loved ones to show up with food at your door. There’s something so different about a home-cooked meal—the care and nourishment behind it—that made me realize how much I valued that kind of gesture.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in balancing work and family is missing a fair share of my kids’ sports commitments. With three children involved in multiple activities, running your own business doesn’t always allow for everything to line up.

The real work has been learning not to sit in guilt around that. I’m fortunate that my husband has a flexible schedule and is able to take on many of those commitments, which helps immensely. Over time, I’ve focused on being intentional about how we spend time together in other ways - making space for moments that work within my schedule. It’s become our normal as a family, and something we’ve found real rhythm and happiness in.

What advice would you give other moms who are thinking about starting their own business?

Create a realistic support system; no mom can do it all. Identify what you’re willing to let go of or simply scale back, and don’t be afraid to outsource where you can, especially rides and logistics. I’ve found that what goes around really does come around—most people are supportive and willing to step in when needed.

Simplifying meals is another way to reclaim time, so you can actually sit down and connect at the table rather than get lost in the process. And perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned through experience: don’t neglect yourself.

Someone once told me, “the mother sets the tone of the home,” and it’s stayed with me. If you’re frazzled, overtired, and stressed, that energy inevitably carries through to your family. Even when it feels impossible, carving out small moments for yourself is essential—even if it means pulling back slightly in other areas while you’re building your dream.

What inspired you to start your business, and how has being a mom influenced your approach?  

I was inspired to start my business because I wanted to create a space where women could truly empower themselves. Being a mom has shaped my approach by helping me grow into a compassionate leader who guides both my team and patients with grace and understanding.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and how did you overcome it?  

The biggest challenge I’ve faced balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship has been juggling time between my children and business demands. It is hard to be 100% present for both at the same time. I overcame it by setting clear boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and embracing a support system that helps me maintain balance. But at the end of the day for me, it will always be family first!

What advice would you give other moms who are thinking about starting their own business?  

My advice is to go for it!  If not you, then who!  Believe in your abilities, plan realistically, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Starting a business is challenging but rewarding, very similar to motherhood!  Flexibility is key to managing both roles successfully, you can do it-I promise you!