In my early years, I had many aspirations, yet the idea of becoming a Mompreneur – a mother and entrepreneur hybrid – was a distant thought. As a child, when asked about my future ambitions, I would enthusiastically say, “I aspire to be a professional Broadway dancer!” My passion for dance was unlimited, having embarked on my ballet, tap, and jazz dance journey at five. My school years were filled with musical performances, and I loved my role as dance squad co-captain in high school. Yet, at sixteen, the unexpected journey of teenage motherhood began, gently steering my dance dreams onto a new path.
Thankfully, my upbringing was steeped in nurturing and strong moral values, guided by my parents’ devout Christian values. My father, an Ordained Deacon for over four decades, was a dedicated figure at St. Rose of Lima, Simi Valley, and a dedicated chaplain at Los Angeles County Juvenile Hall at Camp Scott. My parents’ philanthropic spirit, crystallized through founding the Deacon Mission Center Ministry Inc. in 2008, profoundly influenced my core values of community service.
Life’s challenges found me juggling two jobs while raising a family, pushing me onto a path of relentless hard work and determination. My academic journey extended over a decade, marked by the highs and lows of marriages and their endings in divorce. At 45, I found myself escaping a toxic relationship. With my young son by my side, I was confronting an uncertain future in terms of employment, transportation, and home stability.
A pivotal moment followed when my son, then six, was hospitalized and diagnosed with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and Autism (primary diagnoses). Faced with the agonizing choice between returning to work or staying at his bedside during his five-month hospitalization, I opted for the latter. It was in the confines of that hospital room, armed with only a laptop and phone, that I birthed my business venture, which continues to provide residual income. Over the years, my son’s medical journey has been challenging, exhausting, and painful, with numerous surgeries and extensive hospital stays.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned profound life lessons about choice, resilience, and gratitude. My journey has endowed me with unique expertise, born from the hardships of adversity, enabling me to help others navigate their own challenging paths.
Mompreneurism Defined:
Mompreneurism, in my view, is the entrepreneurial spirit manifested in a mother, particularly one raising a child with special needs. This pursuit is a delicate balancing act, blending the complexities of childcare with the creativity and drive of business ownership.
Statistics from the 2019 State of Women-Owned Business Report by American Express showcase the vitality of women-led enterprises in the U.S. Of the 13 million women-owned businesses, 4 million are directed by mothers.
This data illuminates the burgeoning realm of female entrepreneurship, offering a nurturing environment for mothers to nurture their business aspirations. However, for those parenting special needs children, this entrepreneurial journey takes on a more intricate and demanding form, calling for an extraordinary level of commitment and love.
Embracing the Unique Journey of Special Needs Parenting:
Parenting a special needs child is a quest marked by its distinct challenges and joys. No two children are alike, and their diverse needs demand a tailored approach. Embracing this uniqueness is crucial, as it fosters a deep understanding and empathy that can be transformative.
Entrepreneurship: A Flexible Path for Mothers of Special Needs Children:
In the United States, a 2019 Census report reveals that over three million children with disabilities are being raised, often by mothers aged between 25 and 55.[2] These mothers actively seek both online and offline support communities, focusing on securing educational resources, therapy options, and support tools for their children. Given the unique demands of parenting a child with special needs, entrepreneurship emerges as a viable alternative to traditional 9 to 5 jobs. It offers flexibility and the opportunity to balance the intricate needs of their children with professional aspirations, making it an appealing path for these dedicated mothers.
Nearly 15% of families with children who have chronic health conditions and 40% of families with intellectual disabilities reduce their time in the workforce, resulting in a lower income.[3] This is a growing segment due to the rise of entrepreneurship and the desire for flexible work hours.
Many moms in this category may feel isolated or lack access to resources because of their unique situations. Moms raising special needs children commonly seek mentorship, business coaching, and financial resources.
Unearthing and Cultivating Latent Skills:
Mothers of special needs children often unwittingly develop a remarkable skill set shaped by the unique demands of their caregiving role. Advocacy for their child develops negotiation skills while managing therapies and schedules sharpens organizational prowess. The need for creative problem-solving and the depth of empathy and resilience required in caregiving are invaluable skills in the entrepreneurial sphere.
From Skills to Purpose-Driven Enterprise:
The transition from caregiver to entrepreneur begins with recognizing the skills are strengthened through parenting. Mothers are innate leaders, adept at multitasking and navigating challenges. Imagine leading a group of unfamiliar students on a field trip – the leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills required are similar to those developed through motherhood.
My Journey: From Dreams to Mompreneurship:
As a teenager with Broadway aspirations, I never envisioned becoming a Mompreneur. However, when teenage pregnancy altered my path, I resolved to never let adversity thwart my dreams. This conviction led me to support others in creating businesses they love while managing parental responsibilities.
Today, I am the host and executive producer of the Mompreneur Conversations™ Show & Network, a platform born from my experiences. This initiative is dedicated to empowering mothers of special needs children, guiding them towards a balance of personal and professional fulfillment through entrepreneurship. Our show and coaching programs focus on identity reclamation, redefining balance, and launching passion-driven ventures.
Discovering and Channelizing Your Passion:
Finding your passion is an introspective journey. Reflect on life experiences and interests, looking for joy, fulfillment, and learning opportunities. Exploring new areas and engaging with inspirational figures can further unveil hidden passions. Aligning these passions with core values enhances the meaningfulness of your entrepreneurial pursuit.
Transforming Passion into Business:
The path from caregiving to entrepreneurship is not easy, yet it can be rewarding. Turning passion into a viable business requires market research, niche identification, and a comprehensive business plan. Building a strong brand identity and networking are crucial steps. Offer genuine value, maintain an active online presence, and continuously develop relevant skills. Adaptability and perseverance are key to entrepreneurial success.
I invite fellow mothers of special needs children to join the Mompreneur Conversations™ Show on Amazon Fire TV. Our goal is to support your confidence and help you redefine balance while embarking on a purpose-driven entrepreneurial journey.
Michele A. Wilson is a dynamic Mompreneur, TV show host, and best-selling author with over 30 years of entrepreneurship experience. For over a decade, she’s channeled her expertise to assist over 300 businesses and families in starting and safeguarding their ventures.
