"As a business owner and mom of two small boys, I know it can be challenging to manage it all. So for Mother’s Day, I picked a handful of small businesses with mothers at the top. Because I sometimes wonder how they pull it off, so I can use their advice. And also, I think our audience might like these companies too." - Paulien Wesselink, O My Bag Founder & CEO.
Meet: Joelle Wehkamp, Creative Artist & Founder of the Godnessgang
When did you start your company? And what's your kids situation?
Joelle: I became a freelance artist & designer in November 2011, so almost 10 years ago! I’m a lucky mother of 3 wonderful kids Hugo (7) Odette (4) & Tom (1).
Are you a happy and balanced boss mom or stressed out boss mom? How do you manage?
Joelle: Happy and balanced mom I would say. Because I am a freelancer, working from home, I have all the freedom to do whatever I want and as much as I want. To me that is the positive side of working as a freelancer. Freedom. I never really feel stressed. I can quite easily mix my work time with my kids time.
What’s your best Boss Mom tip for acing life and work?
Joelle: Follow your inner voice, always. To me my inner-voice is my ‘path of my stars’ and if I listen to it carefully, everything will be just fine, relaxed and joyful.
Meet: Petra van Roon, Founder of Palais
When did you start your company? And what's your kids situation?
Petra: I started Palais in 2018. I have one daughter, Lois Aerin, she just turned 2.
Are you a happy and balanced boss mom or stressed out boss mom? How do you manage?
Petra: A bit of both to be honest! Especially during our new collection launches there's a lot less time for rest or connection. Those days I can feel like not having it figured out at all, but i just have to keep on marching ;) Then there are also the days when it all feels effortless, luckily!
What’s your best Boss Mom tip for acing life and work?
Petra: I started to get up crazy early in the morning, in January of this year. I get up 1-1,5 hr before my husband and daughter wake up and it just SAVES my day. I pray, write something and set my priorities for the day. A fellow entrepreneur mom with 3 kids gave me this tip when i asked her advice on balancing it all. She struggled quite a bit for a few years, and this was the only thing that really helped her. I gave it a try and it really works wonders for me.
Meet: Willemijn de Leeuw, Founder of Space Content Studio
When did you start your company? And what's your kids situation?
Willemijn: I started Space Content Studio in 2019, but I was already helping my husband with his company before. Later on we decided to join forces together this year. So now I have 2 companies that I run. Photography and interior. Best of both worlds I say. I started for myself when my daughter started primary school. When she started school, I had more time for myself. So the best time to start!
Are you a happy and balanced boss mom or stressed out boss mom? How do you manage?
Willemijn: I think when you start for yourself, you will experience happy times, but also stressful times. So both I say. But the thing is, when you are out of the woods, you will be more proud of yourself.
What’s your best Boss Mom tip for acing life and work?
Willemijn: Learn asking for help. Really! There are so many moms in the same situation. I have learned it especially this last Covid period. Without the lovely other moms from school and friends we survived it this last year. And other times I am there for other moms. Help each other out to reach each other's goal!
Meet: Paulien Wesselink, O My Bag Founder & CEO
When did you start your company? And what's your kids situation?
Paulien: I started O My Bag in 2010. I have 2 boys, Rijk & Beer. One is almost 3 and the other 6 months.
Are you a happy and balanced boss mom our stressed out boss mom? How so?
Paulien: Both! When I'm at the O My Bag office from 5.30pm on I already start to think I have to leave soon to pick up the kids from daycare. Then I still end up leaving at 6.15pm, because I'm scrambling to finish things. Then I'm rushing through traffic on my bike while feeling guilty being so late and wondering if they're the last one's to be picked up. 😭 #stressed
What’s your best Boss Mom tip for acing life and work?
Paulien: Ask for help. We have an au-pair since a few weeks and she is my hero! I feel more at peace with our au-pair Pamie helping us. I enjoy the children and work more and feel more relaxed on a daily basis. I know this is not a solution for everybody, but asking for help is something every mother should allow herself to do.
Meet: Thalita Van Ogtrop, Founder of The Next Closet
When did you start your company? And what's your kids situation?
Thalita: I started The Next Closet in the summer of 2013. I was in my twenties and together with my already with my current husband. There were no kiddies in sight, yet.
Are you a happy and balanced boss mom our stressed out boss mom? How so?
Thalita: A bit of both. Obviously I am a happy mom as I love to be with my kids. They surprise me every day and they really make me laugh. On the other hand I am always short on time for or my company or my kids. Running from a meeting, to picking them up from school.
What’s your best Boss Mom tip for acing life and work?
Thalita: Delegation is key and having a strong team of support around me. I have managed to secure this within The Next Closet and at home where we have a lovely nanny that is a real lifesaver (i understand that this is a big privilege) a supportive husband. My partner is also an entrepreneur and therefore quite flexible with his time. We make a good team, dividing tasks.
Love,
O My Bag moms
