Written by: Mallory McGary, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Becoming a mom changes everything. One minute you’re cruising along in life, and the next you’ve got a tiny human relying on you for, well, everything! As if the sleepless nights and endless diapers weren’t enough, now you’re dreaming about starting your own business too?
Talk about chaotic – where did you put that wine glass?
But here’s the thing: that entrepreneurial spark is real, mama.
If you’re been searching “how to make money as a stay at home mom”, you just landed at the right place.
I’m here to tell you that you absolutely can grow it into a thriving biz while rockin’ motherhood.
You just need the right foundations holding you steady through the rollercoaster ride.
Those overnight success stories are BS
Scroll through your Instagram feed and you’ll see all kinds of “mompreneurs” making it look easy. They launched a business between nap times and now are making millions working from home in their PJs!
But let’s get real. Many of those rapid-fire biz success stories are as thin as a swimsuit model’s photoshopped thighs. They’re peddling more fantasy than reality.
Trying to take shortcuts to mimic their overnight wins is like building your dream house on quicksand. It may look gorgeous on the ‘gram, but the first storm will knock it down. Don’t buy the hype, mama.
Lasting success needs strong foundations.
This is why you need solid foundations
You want real talk? In the non-filtered business world, sustainable success comes from laying solid foundations, not chasing quick gimmicks.
And get this: according to a recent Shopify study, over 60% of working mamas are looking to entrepreneurship to supplement their income.
Mompreneurs are on the rise! But done right, scaling that side hustle into a real business needs a strong base.
Intrinsic motivation is your inner fuel
Booming businesses start with internal fires, not external sparks. The passion, drive and purpose that gets you leaping out of bed each morning – that’s intrinsic motivation. It comes from a deep need to create change through your biz. If you’re not called from within, you’ll burn out quick.
Values-aligned is profit-enabled
Your biz should align with your core values or it’ll feel fake fast. Don’t just focus on what you do, but why and how. When your business reflects your values, decisions get clearer, goals feel right and you stay true to yourself.
Revenue-producing activities only
Being busy ≠ being productive. Not all tasks actually move your biz and bank account forward. Solid foundations help you spot the difference between real progress and empty hustling. Prioritize time on revenue-producing activities only.
Authenticity over ego
In the social media age, authenticity and ego can easily become blurred. It's tempting to share "real talk" or "vulnerable stories" just because they grab attention and followers. But being authentic doesn't mean doing whatever it takes to get eyeballs.
True authenticity means listening to your core voice and sharing your truth – not chasing validation through likes and comments. Don't let your biz become an ego-boosting machine.
Having a thoughtful content strategy helps. Make sure you're sharing messages that align with your values and inspire those who need your biz the most. The goal is to build trust and credibility, not just gain followers. Share your experiences genuinely, not just for attention.
Keep it real by checking that your content aligns with your goals and ideal clients. Be vulnerable when it feels right, not just when it may go viral. Use your voice to serve others, not to serve your ego. Authentic connection comes when you lead with empathy, compassion and service.
Impact over income
While getting paid is important, true success comes from the change your biz creates. How does it improve lives? Contribute to the greater good? Income is temporary, but impact is forever.
Self-worth over price tag
Pricing your offers can be tough, but remember you’re selling real value not just a service. Don’t underprice your worth. Be confident putting fair prices on the transformation you provide clients.
Micro-tasks add up
The small daily actions compound over time into big results. Scheduling social media posts, sending follow-ups, updating your website menu bar. Do these micro-tasks with discipline and your foundations will grow.
How to make money as a stay at home mom
Being a full-time parent while also earning income requires creativity and commitment. Here are some savvy tips to monetize your talents as a stay-at-home mom:
Freelance skills like writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, coding or consulting in your area of expertise. The flexibility allows you to work around parenting duties.
Teach classes or lessons in music, arts, fitness, cooking or other subjects you excel at. This can be done virtually or in-person.
Sell handmade crafts or specialty food products on sites like Etsy and Artfire. Tap into the booming handmade movement.
Offer local services like house cleaning, errands, pet care, babysitting or tutoring that fit your schedule. List on sites like Care.com.
Rent out unused spaces in your home as vacation rentals, office space or storage areas. Apps like Airbnb make this easier.
Resell toys, clothes and kids gear your family has outgrown using Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or consignment sales.
Become a social media influencer or blogger in your niche. Build an engaged audience and monetize through ads, affiliates and sponsored content.
Turn your recipes, DIYs, parenting tips or other expertise into an eBook or online course to sell.
Look for seasonal gigs like gift wrapping, event staffing or tax preparation that work with school schedules.
While juggling work and parenting solo can be challenging, joining communities of supportive mompreneurs who have done it helps immensely. They share ideas, provide encouragement and celebrate successes together.
You’ve got this, mama!
Craft your biz blueprint in a weekend
The Business Plan in a Weekend Vault is like a bridge between where you are now and your ultimate vision. It’s the supportive girlfriend who helps make entrepreneurial dreams real. In just two days you’ll gain clarity, direction and action steps tailored to your mompreneur life.
Rise up and crush it
To any mom doubting she can juggle business dreams with parenting responsibilities, know this: your mental and emotional strength is epic. Forget the molds. Mompreneurship is about trailblazing your own path and writing a new story.
The journey ahead is unpaved, but your foundations are solid. So grab your passions, muster your mom-hustle, and let’s do this! Our businesses are waiting to be built brick by purposeful brick.
Mallory McGary, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Mallory is the founder of Beautifully Blooming, a platform that helps moms create a business without mom guilt. She's a mom herself and knows how hard it can be to pursue a passion while being present for your kids. Through her coaching and resources, Mallory empowers moms to start thriving businesses while still enjoying their family life. She believes that motherhood is a blessing and shouldn't hold women back from reaching their full potential. Mallory's approach is fun and professional, showing that moms can have it all. When she's not helping moms, Mallory enjoys spending time with her own kids and trying new recipes. She's an inspiration to all moms who want to pursue their dreams while still being a devoted parent.
