Lately, I’ve had the overwhelming desire to grow and support my business. It’s a feeling that disappeared for me the moment I got pregnant (yay hormones!) and hasn’t peeked through the clouds of postpartum until now. There’s only one problem. A problem that I’m sure many other new mothers face. How to get back in the action.
It’s been what feels like forever since I’ve created a new design for my Etsy Shop. While I’ve added new designs here and there, like this space notepad that I created for my dad, or this beehive print that I used in Harper’s Winnie the Pooh themed nursery, I haven’t created a new collection in years. Those designs were created out of necessity in my personal life, which is honestly how my business was started. As my personal life has evolved, so has my desire to design certain products. For example, I used to design wedding & bridal shower invitations (you can read more about why I rebranded my business here). So how do I pivot my current business to integrate the new skills I’ve developed from becoming a mother?
I’ve brainstormed and researched many ideas (just ask my husband hah) but I keep coming back to my roots. Instead of relying on something that doesn’t come naturally to me (AKA drawing), I want to boost my confidence as I “reenter the workplace” by using my strengths. Writing, photography, website design and marketing are all areas where I feel most comfortable. So why not use it??
Here are my tips for other moms or anyone who’s trying to jumpstart their career:
Focus on your strengths
Are you great at styling and taking cute photos of your kid? Are you a master of filters in Lightroom? Use it! There’s so many ways nowadays for new moms to monetize what they’re naturally good at, from Lightroom filters to sharing their favorite products on Instagram. Instead of trying to force something that you used to be an expert on once upon a time but have since lost interest in, trying focusing on a skill that you use everyday and are passionate about.
Boost your confidence with familiarity
Sometimes you just gotta roll with what you know, whether that’s a design style that you have used a million times or a skill that you’re really comfortable with. This may not be the time to reinvent the wheel when you’re trying to get your mojo back. Start with the basics, the foundational skills you know like the back of your hand, and you’ll be feeling like a rockstar again in no time.
Go back to school
Need a little help remastering the basics? This is easier than ever with resources like Skillshare*, CreativeLive and Youtube. One of the first no brainer decisions for me after the New Year was to sign up for a discounted annual subscription to Skillshare* after my two month trial membership had ended. I’ve already learned so much from other graphic designers, artists, and social media mavens on this online streaming platform. You watch at your own pace and choose which classes you want to watch. Plus the “homework” projects they assign are a great way to put into practice those old rusty skills, or learn some new ones!
*Use the link to start a two month free trial of Skillshare! Full disclosure: I will get one month free if you use my link. Nothing crazy, but I always want to give it to you straight!
Find your new support system
I know, I know, “finding your tribe” is easier said than done. But honestly one of the best decisions I ever made as a new mom was to join a baby group. Those moms went through it with me, and they often understand me better than I understand myself. They have been my cheerleaders as I’ve returned to work and found myself again after motherhood. I would be utterly lost without them.
These struggles are something that people rarely talk about. For some moms, it’s a black and white decision on whether or not they will be returning to work outside of the home or not. But in many cases, like mine, that’s not an option. Whether it’s medical, financial or personal reasons, there are many options nowadays for moms that don’t want to work outside the home. And while it may seem like a dream to work in your sweatpants, mentally it’s a much bigger hurdle. Especially for new moms who are already isolated from the rest of the world. Finding the motivation and the confidence to produce new work can be a huge challenge when you’re lacking confidence in your brand new full-time job: child raising.
But fear not Mama, you are not alone. Far from it. I think you’ll find that the more you share about your struggle, the more community you will find that want you to succeed. The world needs the beautiful gifts that you uniquely carry. Don’t be afraid to share them.