In this episode of The Thriving Mompreneur, host Liz Kent catches up with her childhood friend, Lauren O'Connell, a former teacher who has built a successful DIY and home decor business.
Lauren, a mom of three with a fourth on the way, shares her incredible journey from staying home with her kids to turning a love for home projects into a thriving Instagram presence and local client business.
She talks about the power of authenticity, the importance of listening to your gut, and how she balances the demands of her business with the beautiful chaos of raising a busy family. Lauren's story is a testament to the fact that you can pivot your career and find a new passion while embracing the ever-changing seasons of motherhood.
Key Takeaways
You don't need a formal background to find your passion. Lauren had no formal training in design or DIY, but her passion for home projects and a desire for a creative outlet led her to build a successful business from scratch.
Embrace the seasons of life. It's okay to step back from your business when your family needs you most. Lauren shares how she took a break from her business to try a full-time job, but ultimately returned to her own flexible business when she realized it was the best fit for her family.
Trust your gut and be authentic. When Lauren felt the pull to return to her business, she listened to her instincts, and that's when things really took off. She emphasizes the importance of being authentic on platforms like Instagram, as people connect with real, honest content.
Flexibility is non-negotiable. As a mompreneur, your schedule needs to be able to adapt. Lauren highlights the challenges of balancing work with summer breaks, sick days, and daily life, and the importance of knowing your limitations and prioritizing your kids.
Connect with your community. The world of entrepreneurship, especially on social media, has room for everyone. Lauren encourages moms to reach out to others for advice and support, creating a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive.
Quotes From the Episode
"The beauty of entrepreneurship is you can kind of create something flexible around your family life."
"You know, you can't control the weather. You can't control the fact that the kids are off school for three months in the summertime…you have to just be able to take deep breaths and know that your business will change during those times."
"I think people want to see authenticity and not really anything else."
Resources Mentioned
Host Liz Kent
Instagram: @LizKentCoaching
Profit Power Session: Free 30-minute mini-coaching session for therapists and other mompreneurs looking for support in growing or scaling their business. Book here.
Website: https://www.lizkentcoaching.com/
Facebook Group: The Thriving Mompreneur Collective
Guest Lauren O’Connell
Instagram: @harryhomeowner
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