Starting From Scratch: Becoming a Mompreneur When You Feel Out of Your Depth

Have you ever felt like you’re standing on the edge of something big, with no map and no guarantee that you’re ready for it? Maybe you’ve had the idea to start a business for weeks, even months, maybe even years. You dream about work that’s flexible, fulfilling, and meaningful. Maybe it’s been years since you worked, or you’re switching careers entirely. Maybe it’s out of necessity, like it was for me when I was laid off from my 6-figure advertising job. Whatever brought you here, it probably feels daunting, even terrifying. And that’s completely normal.

I know the feeling. I’ve been there. That strange mix of excitement and fear as you take that first step, wondering if you’re equipped, if you’re ready, or if you’re just going to fall flat on your face. Let me tell you the truth: no one feels ready. But you don’t need all the answers right away. Let’s talk about what it really means to start something from scratch, to take on the unknown, and to embrace the journey—even when you feel like you’re out of your depth.

The “Messy Middle” Is Real—and It’s Okay to Be There

When you start out as an entrepreneur, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I know I did, especially after finding out I was expecting again. That moment felt like life was piling on challenges just as I was trying to find my footing. But here’s what I realized: the beginning is almost always messy, and that’s perfectly okay. Waiting to feel “fully prepared” will only keep you stuck, because that moment doesn’t really exist. I had to ground myself in my “why.” For me, it was about creating the flexibility to be there for my family while building something meaningful. That “why” became my lifeline on the hardest, messiest days.

This “messy middle” is where you’ll learn, grow, and discover what you’re truly capable of. Give yourself permission to not have all the answers. Embrace the process—you’re doing something brave.

Tip for the Journey: Find Your “Why”

Take five minutes to jot down your top three reasons for starting this journey. Is it financial freedom? Time with family? Pursuing a passion? Keep this visible in your workspace. Your “why” will be the anchor you need on uncertain days.

Reframe Your Skills and Build Confidence Along the Way

When you’re new, it’s easy to doubt yourself, especially if you’ve been out of the workforce or in a completely different career. But think about everything you’ve been doing over the years—maybe you’ve been managing a household, raising kids, or supporting your family. These roles build skills we rarely recognize as professional. Motherhood, for instance, involves high-level multitasking, negotiation, problem-solving, and empathy. These are all skills that businesses value.

I remember my first client meetings, feeling like a fraud. Impostor syndrome had me wondering, “Who am I to think I can run a business?” But I learned to pause and ask, “Are these doubts based on fact or fear?” When I looked closely, I realized these were just stories I was telling myself, not the truth. The truth was, I’d already built something from scratch, earned clients’ trust, and made real progress.

Tip for the Journey: Make a List of Your Transferable Skills

Write down the skills you already have, even if they seem small. Include project management (juggling family schedules), budgeting (managing household expenses), and customer service (navigating kids’ requests!). This list is a confidence booster and a reminder of what you’re bringing to the table.

When Your Back is Against the Wall, Start Small

Sometimes, the push to start a business comes from necessity. You need income, and you need something that fits within your family’s lifestyle. I remember thinking, “How am I going to do this? I don’t even know where to start.” But I reminded myself: Rome wasn’t built in a day. Start with one small, manageable step.

Think of a simple, starter product or service you can offer. Maybe it’s a downloadable meal planner, a virtual consultation, or a small line of custom gift baskets for kids’ birthdays. Starting small lets you test and adjust without the pressure of a huge launch.

Tip for the Journey: Try Small-Scale Marketing

Without a big budget, I had to get creative. I used Instagram to share my story, joined Facebook groups where other moms were, and attended local networking events to connect with anyone who might need my services. Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive; sometimes, it’s about showing up consistently and sharing your journey.

Build Boundaries and a Dedicated Workspace

At first, my “office” was a corner of our family room. I didn’t have a dedicated space, but I quickly realized how much easier it was to get into “work mode” when I had even a small designated area. That little corner became my boundary between work time and family time, and my family soon understood that when I was there, I was “in work mode.” It might sound small, but having that boundary made a huge difference in helping me respect my work hours and focus.

Tip for the Journey: Designate Your Workspace, No Matter How Small

If you’re working from home, claim a specific area as your workspace. It doesn’t have to be a whole room—just a corner, a chair, or a spot at the kitchen table. This small physical boundary can help you create mental and emotional boundaries, too.

Find Your People—and Lean on Them

When I was laid off and had to start over, my first call wasn’t to an entrepreneur. It was to my friend in sales. I drove to his house, panicked and determined, saying, “I need to start selling websites now. Can you help?” And he did. He taught me how to pitch and reassured me that I could lean on him for advice. I still call him today for random brainstorming sessions.

Support doesn’t always come from where you expect. Sometimes, your biggest supporters won’t be fellow mompreneurs—they might be friends, family, or colleagues. The truth is, your network is often bigger than you think, and people are usually more willing to help than you might expect.

Tip for the Journey: Expand Your Support Network

Don’t limit your support to fellow mompreneurs. Reach out to friends, family, and past colleagues. Sometimes, all it takes is a single question or a coffee chat to get the advice and support you need.

Navigating the Journey with Flexibility and Resilience

When I found out I was expecting again, I didn’t know it yet, but that unexpected news would clarify my goals. It made me rethink my business, my time, and my family life. My back was against the wall, but that pressure helped me build a life with flexibility and freedom. Now, every decision I make—from setting work hours to choosing projects—aligns with my desire for a harmonious, flexible life that allows me to be present for both my family and my work.

As a mompreneur, resilience and adaptability are your superpowers. You might not always feel prepared, but each step forward brings you closer to something that’s meaningful and uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts: Lean into the Unknown

Starting a business, especially as a mom, isn’t easy. There are challenges, doubts, and so many unknowns, but there’s also an incredible opportunity to create something of your own. You might feel like you’re out of your depth, and some days you’ll wonder if it’s worth it. But trust me—each little win, each brave step brings you closer to a fulfilling life that’s designed by you.

So here’s to you—the mompreneur with the courage to start, to keep going, and to lean into the unknown. You’re building something beautiful, one brave step at a time. Remember, it’s okay not to have all the answers—you’re on the verge of something amazing. Take a deep breath, and know that each step forward is creating something beautiful and uniquely yours.