By Johana Rueda, Strategic Partner of Sweet Paris in Katy and Sugarland, Texas
Motherhood itself is a full-time job, and adding on the responsibility of opening your own business may seem insurmountable. I can attest to the challenge, as I experienced it firsthand when I made the journey into franchising and became a Momtrepreneur. Having embarked on this journey and finding both success and fulfillment, now I can’t imagine my life if I didn’t take the leap.
My American dream began 21 years ago when my family immigrated to the United States from Colombia. My family and I spent the early parts of our careers working in software and electrical engineering. With a deep-rooted passion for the culinary industry, we felt called to explore what options were available for those curious in becoming an entrepreneur. In 2017, we began exploring franchising – drawn to the ability to launch a business with a proven model and pre-set infrastructure. In our search, we found Sweet Paris and jumped on the opportunity to become their first strategic partner.
We opened our Sweet Paris location in April of 2018 in Katy, Texas as the first franchisee-owned restaurant for the brand. To my family, this Sweet Paris location was our first child – our chance to grow and nurture a brand. After the success of the first location, we bought a second franchise in Sugarland in 2020. During this time, our family expanded as well, and we welcomed our first of three children. Now, with three children and two Sweet Paris locations, I’ve become a full-time Momtreprenuer, working to juggle the tasks of my business and family. As someone who has aimed to master the art of being a great mother and great business owner, I hope to inspire female entrepreneurs to chase after their dreams. Below are four ways I’ve been able to achieve Momtrepreneur success.
Build a support system:
Starting a business can be challenging, but even more so if you’re doing it alone. For me, I am lucky to have my husband and my parents as my partners through this entire journey. We as a team have played the different key aspects of the operations. Besides a good partnership, it is important to have a good relationship with the franchise as they offer all the expertise that we were missing, I am very thankful for my Sweet Paris team and the support they provide.
Besides the importance of your partners and the supporting franchise team, it is imperative to surround yourself with a network of supportive individuals who can offer advice, guidance, and emotional support. No one can do it alone, and for me, surrounding myself with these types of individuals has been invaluable in managing the challenges of motherhood while launching a business.
Don’t let fear prevent passion:
Starting a business can be a scary feat. My family and I came to the United States with a dream of owning a restaurant, and while the journey was daunting, we pushed through the obstacles to make our dreams a reality. By staying true to our passion, we’ve been able to navigate challenges with resilience and determination, ultimately moving closer to our goal.
Embracing entrepreneurship as a mother sets a powerful example for my children. By showing them that it’s possible to pursue their dreams despite uncertainty and fear, I’m instilling in them the values of resilience, determination, and courage. As a mother and business owner, I want my children and the world to see me as someone who faces challenges head-on.
Make sure to adapt to changes and maintain a positive outlook as you pursue your goal. Trusting yourself and having faith in the business makes all the difference when you want to chase your dream.
Keep learning:
Just as motherhood is filled with ongoing learning, so is entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur, you need to continuously learn and adapt to changes in the market. Stay up to date on industry trends, attend workshops, read books and articles, and seek out professional development opportunities. This is crucial to staying ahead of the curve and making informed decisions for your business.
Ongoing learning doesn’t need to be daunting. It can be as simple as taking a closer look at day-to-day operations, having discussions with employees, working behind the counter every now and then, and checking in on customers. Just like motherhood, you learn every day without even realizing it, but by simply experiencing it and living in the moment. Take the time to reflect on those experiences and continue to grow as a leader.
Prioritize teamwork:
For Momtrepreneurs, prioritizing teamwork is essential for the success of your business for several reasons. Firstly, fostering a collaborative work environment promotes a sense of unity, camaraderie, and respect; creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered. Additionally, teamwork allows for the delegation of tasks and responsibilities, helping Momtrepreneurs balance business endeavors with family commitments. By strengthening relationships with your employees and fostering a culture of teamwork, Momtrepreneurs can create a thriving and sustainable business while maintaining work-life balance.
While it may feel daunting to be a mother and an entrepreneur, taking the leap and setting your sights on owning a business is more than achievable. I found franchising success through my strong support system, my passion for Sweet Paris, and my team. After investing the same dedication and effort into your franchise as I have, it will come to feel as though it’s just as similar and rewarding to raising another child.