Work It, Mama: Mompreneur Dana Olson on the Value of Mom-Led Brands

"It gives us strength and motivation — for ourselves, and for our children," says Dana. "Moms know more than anyone how great it can feel to accomplish something — heck, even something as simple as getting our kids dressed in the morning. So the joy we feel when creating a business of our own sometimes gives us the extra push that we need."

Adds Dana, “My favorite part about what I do is watching moms re-ignite their sense of self-worth. It changes everything for them. My mission is to help moms eradicate self-sabotage while growing wildly successful, purpose-driven businesses. Dana feels that a mom who loves herself can change the world and is therefore stronger for her family. “She feels alive and loved and capable and confident," asserts Dana, "and those actions and feelings have an extraordinary ripple effect.”

Though a typical morning doesn’t quite exist for Dana, she usually starts the days at 5 a.m. as she quietly attempts to slip out of bed and not wake her teething 2-year-old or energetic 5-year-old. She says that if her kids get up before she does, it can be tough to focus on work. She starts her day with a coffee and a smoothie and a 20-minute stretch to get her brain warmed up for the day ahead.

“I’m most productive when my blood is pumping, my brain is clear, and I’ve fueled up on good nutrients,” says Dana. She then gets into her home office for a good two to three hours of work before the kids get up. Once the kids get up, Dana gets them dressed, makes breakfast, and always allows time to just roll with the day. On the days her kids need extra “me time" in the morning, she makes sure to carve out afternoon quiet time, and then she can focus on work while the kids read or do creative projects.

Moms are expected and even taught to run their businesses like they don’t have kids. Yet they’re expected to mother and keep up with the housework like they don’t have a business. “Sometimes, it’s straight up exhausting,” admits Dana. “Our kids need us, and they always come first. This means that our businesses need automation and delegation, and that we have to build them with that in mind.”

Dana tries to create balance by setting up a schedule as a family for the week. She feels it keeps everyone on the same page with what to expect. Most days, they succeed. Other days, not so much. “We’re human. There are days when the balls drop, and balance goes out the window," says Dana. "That’s life, and I choose to react with grace and laughter and loads of self-love.”

When you’re a mom who runs her own business, like Dana, stress creeps into everyday life. “Stress can be as rampant in motherhood and entrepreneurship as we let it be,” says Dana. She says she tries to set realistic expectations of what she wants to accomplish each day and makes sure she gets the support she needs to make it happen.

Dana makes sure that every day is filled with play and laughter. She likes to leave space for spontaneous outings, like trips to the park, swim time, dance parties in the kitchen, board games, impromptu loud and crazy singing.

On days that stress Dana out, she likes to carve out time for herself with a relaxing bath, complete with candles, wine, and chocolate. This allows her time to chill and let her husband take over the chaos. On other days, Dana tries to take time for herself in the evening to indulge in a long shower and just allow her mind to unravel her thoughts from the day. And every month, Dana treats herself to a pedicure and a long massage.

And she’s right. The more time moms allow for themselves, the happier they will be.

“Self-care is really a daily thing, and you being your best self means knowing when you need a change or a break or help or a boundary,” says Dana. “Our kids demand a lot of our time and energy and emotion, and we can’t serve them with our tanks on empty. That time to refuel is crucial to raising your personal vibration and hitting your self-set bar for success. Success is always on your side.”