Insights from a Brand Strategist Mama.
Building a successful business while raising children can be challenging, to say the least. It requires good time management, sacrifice, and a strong support system, especially in the beginning, when you’re laying down the foundation. In this interview with the lovely Payton Moran, we get a chance to explore her path to mompreneurship. Payton is a brand strategist, and mother of two, who shares her insights and experiences on how she got started, the challenges she faced, and helpful tips for finding success as a mompreneur.
Getting Started
Payton’s journey as a mompreneur began when she left her corporate job during her maternity leave (a repeated theme on this podcast), which coincidently was up when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States. Faced with the uncertainty of it all, (understandably) Payton wanted to stay home with her newborn, so she ultimately decided not to return to her position. However, that didn’t mean her drive and the desire to contribute financially disappeared, which led her to reflect on her skills and experiences. Thus she started her first business, an e-commerce Facebook boutique. Although she realized that this particular venture was not aligned with her passions, it sparked her interest in the creative aspects of marketing, branding, and strategy.
Key Takeaways:
1. Taking a leap during uncertain times can lead to discovering new passions and opportunities.
2. Reflecting on personal skills and experiences can lead you to identify the right business path.
3. Your first venture, even if not successful, can provide valuable insights and spark new avenues and ideas.
Evolution and Growth
After selling her e-commerce boutique, which she made a nice profit, Payton delved into freelancing, focusing on brand strategy, messaging, and marketing. She invested in herself, continuously learning and refining her skills. Payton emphasizes the importance of honing in on one’s area of expertise and finding a niche within the business coaching space. She believes that specializing in a specific area allows for deeper knowledge and better results for clients.
Key Takeaways:
1. Continuous learning and skill refinement are essential for growth and success.
2. Specializing in a niche can lead to better client outcomes and a more fulfilling career.
3. Investing in personal and professional development pays off in the long run.
The Role of Brand Strategy
Payton clarifies the misconception that brand strategy is just about color palettes, logos, and aesthetic websites. While these elements have value, they are just surface-level aspects of branding. Brand strategy involves understanding the target audience, their problems, desires, and how the business can provide a unique solution. It is about crafting a message that resonates with the ideal client and differentiates your business from competitors. Payton highlights the importance of discernment and understanding what stage of business one is in to determine the appropriate support needed, whether it be brand strategy, business coaching, or marketing guidance.
Key Takeaways:
1. Brand strategy goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about understanding and addressing customer needs.
2. Crafting a resonant message is crucial for differentiating your business from competitors.
3. Knowing your business stage helps in seeking the right kind of support and guidance.
Challenges of Motherhood and Business
Payton acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges of being a mompreneur is finding time to operate the various aspects of her business while being a full-time mother. The constant juggling act of attending to the needs of her little ones while also pursuing her ambitions can be overwhelming. She emphasizes the importance of managing emotions and letting go of the belief that one needs to do more to be successful. Payton encourages moms to focus on the essentials, such as serving clients, marketing, and selling, rather than getting caught up in the pressure to do it all.
Key Takeaways:
1. Managing a business as a mother to young children requires prioritizing and focusing on essential tasks.
2. Managing emotions and setting realistic expectations are key to avoiding burnout.
3. Focusing on core business activities can lead to more effective and sustainable growth.
Work-Life Integration
Payton shares her perspective on work-life “balance”, acknowledging that traditional self-care practices may not always be feasible for busy moms. Instead, she finds fulfillment in small moments of self-care, which for her, can be networking with other women in business, engaging in meaningful conversations, and taking time for mental reset through meditation or listening to inspiring content. Payton emphasizes the importance of finding what works for each individual and not feeling guilty about letting go of certain household tasks to prioritize business and family.
Key Takeaways:
1. Find small, meaningful ways to practice self-care within the capacity of your schedule.
2. Networking and meaningful conversations can be valuable sources of personal fulfillment.
3. Letting go of some household tasks can help prioritize what truly matters—nurturing your family and business.
Being a Role Model
As a mother, Payton recognizes the importance of being a role model for her children. She wants to show them that it’s possible to pursue their passions and build a successful business while also being present for their family. Payton believes that the later stages of a child’s life, when they start understanding and making decisions, are just as crucial as the early years. Her goal is to build her business now so that she can have the freedom to be there for her children during these important phases of their lives. Something I’ve had in my mind from the moment I started this journey.
Key Takeaways:
1. Be aware of what you’re modeling to your children.
2. Building a business now can provide the freedom to be more present in your children’s later years.
3. Showing children that pursuing passions is possible instills valuable life lessons and values.
The Fulfillment of Helping Others
For Payton, the most fulfilling part of her journey as a mompreneur is witnessing the “aha” moments of her clients. Seeing them overcome mental blocks, gain clarity, and achieve their goals brings her immense satisfaction. Payton is driven by the desire to deliver these transformative experiences and help others find success in their businesses.
Key Takeaways:
1. Witnessing clients’ breakthroughs and successes is deeply fulfilling.
2. Helping others achieve their goals can be a significant source of motivation and satisfaction.
3. Transformative experiences for clients validate the hard work and dedication invested in the business.
Building a business as a mom is a unique and rewarding journey. I hope Payton Moran’s story serves as an inspiration to you mompreneurs (and aspiring ones!). It is possible to create a successful business while raising a family.
As always you’re welcome to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe to Maternity Leave for more empowering content and exclusive interviews with industry leaders. Your journey starts here—let’s make it extraordinary together!
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Connect with Payton-
Ready to craft your own story of success? Connect with Payton at https://bio.site/paytonmoran.