As a mom of two and a business owner, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenge of balancing work and family. The constant pull between raising my daughters and running two businesses—Barnastics, my event agency, and Snuggle Sense, an aromatherapy-weighted blanket brand—has been both rewarding and overwhelming.

Right now, I’m in the process of launching Snuggle Sense through a Kickstarter campaign. It’s an exciting but vulnerable place—putting an idea out into the world and hoping others will see its value. At the same time, Barnastics underwent a complete rebrand in 2024, evolving from a mobile bartending service into a full-fledged event agency that executes creative visions nationwide.

Through all these changes, I’ve learned valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, self-care, and maintaining harmony between work and family.

 

Embracing Imperfection in Work and Family Life

Early on, I held myself to an impossible standard. I wanted to be the perfect mom and the perfect entrepreneur—always available, always excelling. But perfection is exhausting.

Once I accepted that I didn’t have to “do it all” perfectly, everything changed. Now, as I develop Snuggle Sense, I’ve embraced the imperfections of the process. The product isn’t live yet, and there are so many unknowns, but that’s part of building something new. By focusing on progress instead of perfection, I’ve learned to enjoy the journey and trust that each step moves me closer to my goals.

Rebranding and Scaling Barnastics: A Leap of Faith

Barnastics started in 2018 as a mobile bartending company, but in 2024, it became a full-scale event agency. This rebrand wasn’t just a business decision—it was a leap of faith. I saw the opportunity to grow beyond bartending and leverage my network of talented vendors to execute stunning events nationwide.

The transition was challenging, but it taught me the power of adaptability and vision. Today, Barnastics is about more than just events—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences and building a trusted, innovative brand.

Prioritizing Wellness While Managing Work and Family

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. For years, I ignored my own needs, running on fumes and convincing myself that burnout was just part of the process. But it wasn’t sustainable.

Snuggle Sense was born from this realization. It’s more than just a product—it reflects my journey to prioritize wellness. Combining the calming benefits of weighted blankets with aromatherapy came from my own struggles with sleepless nights and anxiety. While the product is still in its early stages, the process has reminded me that taking care of myself first helps me show up better for both my work and family.

Letting Go and Delegating in Business and at Home

As a perfectionist, I struggled with delegation. I felt like I needed to be involved in every aspect of my businesses. But trying to do everything alone led to exhaustion.

Now, as I focus on Snuggle Sense’s Kickstarter campaign and the growth of Barnastics, I’ve learned to lean on others. From working with designers to collaborating with event production teams, I’ve realized that building a team isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. Learning to let go has allowed me to focus on the bigger picture while trusting others to bring their expertise to the table.

Creating Boundaries Between Work and Family

For a long time, I blurred the lines between work and family life—answering emails during dinner and brainstorming business ideas during playtime. It left me feeling like I was never fully present in either role.

Now, I’m intentional about setting boundaries. With Snuggle Sense in its pre-launch phase and Barnastics managing events nationwide, it would be easy to let stress consume me. Instead, I carve out dedicated time for work and family, knowing that balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about prioritizing what matters most.

Celebrating Small Wins as a Mompreneur

Entrepreneurship can feel like an uphill battle, especially when paired with the demands of motherhood. But I’ve learned to celebrate the small wins—whether it’s securing a new client for Barnastics, finalizing the Snuggle Sense prototype, or simply making it through a busy day.

These moments remind me of how far I’ve come and keep me motivated to continue. More importantly, they allow me to show my daughters that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about resilience and celebrating every step of the journey.

Being Transparent About the Process

With Snuggle Sense, I’m in the thick of the journey. The product isn’t live yet, and our Kickstarter campaign is a critical step in making it a reality. I want to be transparent about this process because we often only see the polished end results of others’ success stories.

Building a brand and launching a product takes time, patience, and vulnerability. Sharing this part of my story isn’t about selling—it’s about showing that every big dream starts as an idea, and it’s okay to be in the messy middle.

Advice for Moms Balancing Work and Family

If you’re a mom navigating the world of entrepreneurship, my advice is simple: Give yourself grace. Success isn’t about having it all together; it’s about showing up, learning from each experience, and staying true to your vision.

We all have the power to create something meaningful—whether it’s a thriving business, a loving family, or a balanced life. The key is to prioritize what matters most.

Motherhood and entrepreneurship aren’t easy, but they are deeply rewarding. If my story inspires just one mom to take a leap, set boundaries, or prioritize self-care, then I’ve done my job. Together, we can redefine what it means to be both a boss and a mom—while finding balance in the process.

This article was submitted by Catarina Tucker. You can connect with her below.