By Ashima Gupta, Multi-Unit Owner of Code Ninjas in Northridge, Pasadena and Silverlake, California
Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship is often painted as a tug-of-war in which women are expected to choose between their business and their family. Research supports this narrative, showing that becoming a mother can cut a woman’s earnings and business growth potential, sometimes by half. But through my own journey as a mother of two and multi-unit franchisee, I’ve learned that parenting doesn’t have to be a limitation – it can be one of my greatest assets.
My career began in 2006 when I moved to the United States from India. As one of only three women in my company, and a mother of two, I was motivated to create a more inclusive future for girls and young women in STEM. This ultimately led to the opening of my first Code Ninjas center in Northridge, California, in 2022 – followed by two additional locations in Silverlake/Los Angeles, California, and Altadena, California, in just two years.
Whether you are a mother or father, here are actionable tips that will help create balance and success with both your family and business.
- Involve Your Family in the Journey
One of the most rewarding aspects of being both a parent and an entrepreneur is the chance to share the journey with your family. When you’re your own boss, you have the flexibility to include your loved ones as much as you want, something many traditional careers don’t offer.
My oldest daughter teaches at one of our centers, and my youngest is actively involved in the program. This shared experience not only brings us closer but also gives them a clear view of the dedication and leadership needed to grow a business over time.
Bringing your children or partner into your entrepreneurial world can turn your business into a source of shared pride and purpose, while also strengthening family bonds.
- Embrace Patience and Resilience
Parenthood is one of the greatest teachers of patience and resilience; traits that are just as essential in entrepreneurship. Successful business owners understand the importance of keeping their eyes on the long-term vision, navigating emotional highs and lows, and responding thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.
Building resilience starts by breaking down challenges into smaller, manageable steps and addressing them one at a time. Whether you’re facing hurdles in hiring, shifts in the market, or everyday operations, focus on what’s within your control and adjust your strategy as needed. Don’t hesitate to lean on mentors or peers who have weathered similar storms—learning from their experiences can help you stay grounded. Over time, this steady and deliberate leadership becomes a powerful foundation for sustainable success.
- Stay Humble and Hungry
Much like parenting, entrepreneurship doesn’t come with a step-by-step manual. No matter how much you prepare, unexpected challenges and steep learning curves are inevitable. That’s why humility and a genuine eagerness to learn are crucial for lasting success. Create regular feedback loops within your business, invite your team, customers, and peers to share their perspectives, then act on the insights you gather. Dedicate time each month to ongoing learning, whether it’s through industry reports, leadership podcasts, or meaningful conversations with fellow entrepreneurs.
Continuously identify areas for growth, stay attuned to shifts in your market, and remain open to fresh ideas. This mindset not only sparks innovation but also builds stronger trust within your team, positioning your business to thrive with both resilience and impact.
- Be Ready to Adapt
Being both a parent and an entrepreneur demands constant flexibility. No two days look the same; kids get sick, team members call out, priorities shift, and market trends evolve. The ability to pivot quickly and calmly is a must.
Build adaptability into your operations by cross training your staff, simplifying workflows, and developing contingency plans for common disruptions. Establish weekly or monthly moments to reassess what’s working and where adjustments are needed—this helps you course-correct before small issues become bigger ones.
When challenges arise, address them directly with clarity and confidence. Don’t resist change—use it to uncover better ways of working, serving your customers, or managing your team. Staying flexible while holding onto your broader vision helps you not just weather disruptions but turn them into opportunities for innovation and growth.
At the end of the day, parenthood isn’t a limitation, it’s a powerful asset. The challenges, triumphs, and everyday moments of raising a family shape your leadership in meaningful ways, instilling empathy, resilience, and perspective that directly translate to business success.
If you’re a parent questioning whether you can build something remarkable while raising a family—the answer is a resounding yes. These two roles don’t compete; they complement each other. The patience, adaptability, and purpose you gain as a parent make you a stronger, more intentional leader. Parenthood doesn’t diminish your potential, it amplifies it.