15 Most Successful Mum Entrepreneurs to Follow
Discover 15 inspiring mum entrepreneurs who successfully balance business and family life. Follow these trailblazing women to learn valuable insights and strategies for achieving entrepreneurial success while raising a family.
Mum entrepreneurs are mothers who have started and run businesses while raising children. Successful mum entrepreneurs have built thriving companies and managed to achieve a healthy work-life balance and make a significant impact in their industries. In this article, we'll introduce you to 15 of the most successful mum entrepreneurs to follow and learn from.
- Julie Aigner-Clark - Founder of Baby Einstein, a famous line of educational products for infants and toddlers.
- Nikki Reed - Actress and co-founder of BaYou With Love, an eco-friendly lifestyle brand.
- Sheila Lirio Marcelo - Founder and CEO of Care.com, an online platform for finding caregivers.
- Nicole Gleeson - Co-founder of The Suite Set, a luxury fashion rental service for women.
- Diana Madison - Founder of Obsev Studios, a digital media company focused on lifestyle content.
- Tamanna Roashan - Founder of Dress Your Face, a makeup education and product line.
- Bee Shapiro - Founder of Ellis Brooklyn, a luxury clean fragrance brand.
- Julia Hartz - Co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, an online ticketing and event management platform.
- Kendra Scott - Founder of Kendra Scott LLC, a billion-dollar fashion accessories brand.
- Galit Strugano Wigdor - Co-founder of Kidbox, a personalised children's clothing subscription service.
- Kimberly Swarth - Founder of Onzie, a popular activewear and yoga apparel brand.
- Sarah Davis - Founder of Fashionphile, an online luxury consignment store.
- Laura Berg - Co-founder and CEO of Alltruists, a volunteer and giving platform for families.
- Erica Zidel - Founder of SittingAround, an online platform for finding babysitters and nannies.
- Jakki Liberman - Founder of Bumkins, a famous line of baby bibs, accessories, and reusable products.
1. Julie Aigner-Clark
Julie Aigner-Clark founded Baby Einstein, a famous line of educational products for infants and toddlers. Born on January 1, 1967, in Michigan, USA, Aigner-Clark earned a degree in English and Art History from the University of Michigan. She started Baby Einstein in 1996 after becoming frustrated with the need for age-appropriate educational videos for her children. The company became a huge success, with over 30 titles in its product line, and was eventually acquired by Disney in 2001 for an undisclosed amount. Aigner-Clark has been recognised as one of the most successful mum entrepreneurs, with Baby Einstein becoming a household name and earning millions in revenue. While she doesn't appear to have a large social media following or have written any books, her impact as a mum entrepreneur is undeniable.
2. Nikki Reed
Nikki Reed is an actress best known for her role in the Twilight film series, but she is also a successful mum entrepreneur. Born on May 17, 1988, in Los Angeles, California, Reed co-founded BaYou With Love, an eco-friendly lifestyle brand, in 2017. The brand offers a range of sustainable fashion, beauty, and home products and has been featured in numerous publications such as Vogue and Forbes. Reed's commitment to sustainability and ethical production has earned her recognition as a leader in the eco-friendly lifestyle space. With over 3.4 million followers on Instagram, Reed has a significant platform to promote her brand and inspire others to live more sustainably. While she has not written any books, her success as an actress and entrepreneur makes her a notable figure among mum entrepreneurs.
3. Sheila Lirio Marcelo
Sheila Lirio Marcelo is the founder and CEO of Care.com, an online platform for finding caregivers. Born on January 30, 1970, in the Philippines, Marcelo earned a degree in Economics from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA and JD from Harvard University. She founded Care.com in 2006 after struggling to find quality care for her children and realising the need for a more efficient way to connect families with caregivers. Under Marcelo's leadership, Care.com has become the world's largest online marketplace for finding and managing family care, with over 35 million members across 20 countries. Marcelo has been recognised with numerous awards for her entrepreneurship and leadership, including being named one of Fortune Magazine's "50 Most Powerful Women in Business" and one of The Financial Times' "Top 50 Women in World Business." With over 11,000 followers on Twitter and nearly 30,000 on LinkedIn, Marcelo is a prominent figure in the business world and an inspiration to mum entrepreneurs everywhere.
4. Nicole Gleeson
Nicole Gleeson co-founded The Suite Set, a luxury fashion rental service for women. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Gleeson earned a degree in Business and Marketing from the University of Technology Sydney. She started The Suite Set in 2014 with her sister Claudia after seeing a gap in Australia's market for high-end fashion rentals. The company has since become a leading player in the Australian fashion rental space, with a wide range of designer dresses and accessories available for rent. Gleeson has been recognised as a successful mum entrepreneur, balancing the demands of a growing business with raising her young children. While her social media following and book authorship status are unknown, her success with The Suite Set solidifies her place among notable mum entrepreneurs.
5. Diana Madison
Diana Madison founded Obsev Studios, a digital media company focused on lifestyle content. Born on December 10, 1982, in Lithuania, Madison moved to the United States as a child and later earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Long Island University. She started Obsev Studios 2015 to create engaging, high-quality video content for millennial women. The company has since produced numerous successful shows and series, garnering millions of views and a dedicated following. Madison has become a well-known figure in the digital media space, with over 138,000 followers on Instagram and a strong presence on YouTube and other social platforms. While she does not appear to have written any books, her success in building a thriving media company while raising a family makes her a notable mum entrepreneur to follow.
6. Tamanna Roashan
Tamanna Roashan founded Dress Your Face, a makeup education and product line. Born on August 28, 1986, in India, Roashan later moved to the United States and earned a degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton. She started Dress Your Face in 2015 as an online platform for sharing makeup tutorials and tips and quickly gained a large following on Instagram and YouTube. Roashan later expanded the brand to include a range of high-quality makeup products, which have become popular among professional makeup artists and enthusiasts. With over 2.3 million followers on Instagram and hundreds of thousands of subscribers on YouTube, Roashan has become one of the most influential figures in the beauty industry. While she has not written any books, her success in building a multi-faceted makeup brand while raising a family makes her a notable mum entrepreneur to follow.
7. Bee Shapiro
Bee Shapiro founded Ellis Brooklyn, a luxury, clean fragrance brand. Born and raised in Taiwan, Shapiro later moved to the United States and earned a degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. She started Ellis Brooklyn in 2015 to create high-quality, non-toxic fragrances that could compete with traditional luxury brands. The brand has become a favourite among clean beauty enthusiasts, with fragrances, candles, and body care products available at retailers like Sephora and Credo. Shapiro has been featured in numerous publications such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and has become a leading voice in the clean beauty movement. While her social media following and book authorship status are unknown, her success in building a thriving clean fragrance brand while raising a family makes her a notable mum entrepreneur to follow.
8. Julia Hartz
Julia Hartz is the co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, an online ticketing and event management platform. Born on December 5, 1979, in Santa Cruz, California, Hartz earned a degree in Communication Studies from Pepperdine University. She co-founded Eventbrite in 2006 with her husband, Kevin. She has since grown the company into a global platform with over 1 million event creators and hundreds of millions of tickets sold. Under Hartz's leadership, Eventbrite went public in 2018 and has become a leading player in the ticketing industry. Hartz has been recognised with numerous awards for her entrepreneurship and leadership, including being named one of Fortune Magazine's "40 Under 40" and one of Inc. Magazine's "35 Under 35." With over 35,000 followers on Twitter and a strong presence on other social platforms, Hartz is a prominent figure in the tech world and an inspiration to mum entrepreneurs everywhere.
9. Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott founded Kendra Scott LLC, a billion-dollar fashion accessories brand. Born on March 27, 1974, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Scott started her company in 2002 with just $500 in her spare bedroom. She has grown the brand into a global fashion powerhouse, with over 100 retail stores and a thriving e-commerce business. Scott is known for her unique designs and commitment to philanthropy, with her company donating millions of dollars to various charitable causes over the years. She has been recognised with numerous awards for her entrepreneurship and leadership, including being named Ernst & Young's "Entrepreneur of the Year" and one of Forbes' "America's Richest Self-Made Women." With over 1 million followers on Instagram and a strong presence on other social platforms, Scott is a prominent figure in the fashion world and an inspiration to mum entrepreneurs everywhere.
10. Galit Strugano Wigdor
Galit Strugano Wigdor co-founded Kidbox, a personalised children's clothing subscription service. Born and raised in Israel, Strugano Wigdor later moved to the United States and earned an MBA from New York University. She co-founded Kidbox in 2016 to make it easier and more affordable for parents to dress their children in stylish, high-quality clothing. The company has since become a leading player in the children's subscription box market, with a wide range of brands and sizes available for boys and girls. Strugano Wigdor has been recognised as a successful mum entrepreneur, balancing the demands of a growing business with raising her children. While her social media following and book authorship status are unknown, her success with Kidbox solidifies her place among notable mum entrepreneurs.
11. Kimberly Swarth
Kimberly Swarth founded Onzie, a popular activewear and yoga apparel brand. Born on September 15, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, Swarth earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. She started Onzie 2010 to create high-quality, stylish activewear that could transition seamlessly from the gym to everyday life. The brand has since become a favourite among yoga enthusiasts and fitness influencers, with a wide range of leggings, tops, and accessories available at retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. Swarth has been recognised as a successful mum entrepreneur, balancing the demands of a thriving business with raising her young daughter. While her social media following and book authorship status are unknown, her success with Onzie solidifies her place among notable mum entrepreneurs.
12. Sarah Davis
Sarah Davis is the founder of Fashionphile, an online luxury consignment store. Born on May 5, 1974, in Los Angeles, California, Davis earned a degree in Art History from the University of California, Los Angeles. She started Fashionphile in 1999 as a side hustle while working as a lawyer and has since grown the company into a leading player in the luxury resale market. Fashionphile offers a wide range of authenticated designer handbags, accessories, and more and has become a go-to destination for savvy shoppers looking for great deals on high-end fashion. Davis has been recognised as a successful mum entrepreneur, balancing the demands of a growing business with raising her four children. While her social media following and book authorship status are unknown, her success with Fashionphile solidifies her place among notable mum entrepreneurs.
13. Laura Berg
Laura Berg is the co-founder and CEO of Altruists, a volunteer and giving platform for families. Born on January 30, 1981, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Berg earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She co-founded Alltruists in 2020 to make it easier and more fun for families to volunteer and give back to their communities. The platform offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities and gives projects tailored to each family member's interests and ages. Berg has been recognised as a successful mum entrepreneur, balancing the demands of a growing business with raising her three young children. While her social media following and book authorship status are unknown, her success with Altruists solidifies her place among notable mum entrepreneurs.
14. Erica Zidel
Erica Zidel founded SittingAround, an online platform for finding babysitters and nannies. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Zidel earned a degree in Psychology from Tufts University and a Master's in Education from Harvard University. She started SittingAround in 2011 after struggling to find reliable childcare for her children and realising the need for a more efficient way to connect families with caregivers. The platform has since become a popular resource for parents in Boston, with a wide range of experienced and vetted caregivers available for babysitting, nannying, and more. Zidel has been recognised as a successful mum entrepreneur, balancing the demands of a growing business with raising her three children. While her social media following and book authorship status are unknown, her success with SittingAround solidifies her place among notable mum entrepreneurs.
15. Jakki Liberman
Jakki Liberman founded Bumkins, a famous line of baby bibs, accessories, and reusable products. Born on August 15, 1970, in Phoenix, Arizona, Liberman started Bumkins in 1989 as a young mother looking for a better way to keep her children clean and dry. She began by designing and sewing her own bibs and burp cloths and quickly gained a following among other parents in her community. Today, Bumkins offers a wide range of products for babies and toddlers, including bibs, smocks, reusable snack bags, and more, and has become a favourite among eco-conscious parents. Liberman has been recognised as a successful mum entrepreneur, balancing the demands of a thriving business with raising her three children. While her social media following and book authorship status are unknown, her success with Bumkins solidifies her place among notable mum entrepreneurs.
How to Choose the Best Mum Entrepreneurs to Follow
When choosing which mum entrepreneurs to follow, consider the following factors:
- Relevance to your own business or industry
- Level of success and impact in their field
- Authenticity and transparency in sharing their journey
- Engagement and value provided to their followers
- Alignment with your values and goals
Who are the Best Australian Mum Entrepreneurs to Follow?
Some of the best Australian mum entrepreneurs to follow include:
- Janine Allis - Founder of Boost Juice, a leading smoothie and juice bar chain with over 500 stores worldwide. Allis is known for her sharp business acumen and inspirational leadership style, making her a great role model for mum entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry.
- Carolyn Creswell is the founder of Carman's Fine Foods, a famous brand of muesli, snack bars, and other healthy food products. Creswell is known for her commitment to using high-quality, natural ingredients and a strong focus on work-life balance, making her an excellent example for mum entrepreneurs in the health and wellness space.
- Gretta van Riel - Serial entrepreneur and founder of several successful e-commerce brands, including SkinnyMe Tea, The 5th Watches, and Drop Bottle. Van Riel is known for her expertise in social media marketing and influencer partnerships, making her a valuable resource for mum entrepreneurs in the fashion and beauty industries.
Who is the Best Australian Mum Entrepreneur to Follow for Small Business?
For mum entrepreneurs running small businesses, Carolyn Creswell of Carman's Fine Foods is an excellent role model. Creswell started her company as a small home-based business and has grown it into a multi-million dollar brand while maintaining a solid commitment to work-life balance and family values. Her success story and down-to-earth leadership style make her relatable and inspiring for mums running their small businesses.
What are the Benefits of Following the Most Successful Mum Entrepreneurs?
Following successful mum entrepreneurs can provide several key benefits, including:
- Inspiration and motivation to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams
- Practical tips and strategies for balancing business and family life
- Insights into industry trends and best practices
- Opportunities to connect with and learn from a supportive community of like-minded women
- Exposure to new ideas and perspectives that can help you grow both personally and professionally
How to Become a Successful Mum Entrepreneur
Becoming a successful mum entrepreneur requires a combination of passion, persistence, and strategic planning. Here are some critical steps to help you on your journey:
- Identify your unique skills, interests, and experiences that could form the basis of a successful business
- Conduct market research to validate your business idea and identify your target customers
- Develop a clear business plan outlining your goals, strategies, and financial projections
- Build a strong network of supportive family members, friends, and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement
- Invest in your own education and skill development through courses, workshops, and other learning opportunities
- Establish clear boundaries between work and family time to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance
- Celebrate your successes along the way and use setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning
What Can Help You Become a Successful Mum Entrepreneur?
One of the most valuable resources for becoming a successful mum entrepreneur is a supportive community of like-minded women who can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Joining a group like Mums & Co can give you access to knowledge, resources, and networking opportunities to help you grow your business and achieve your goals.
Another critical factor in becoming a successful mum entrepreneur is working with a skilled business coach who can provide personalised guidance and support tailored to your unique needs and challenges. A coach can help you clarify your vision, develop a strategic plan, and overcome obstacles as you build a thriving business that aligns with your values and priorities.
How Can a Business Coach Help You Become a Successful Mum Entrepreneur?
A business coach can help you become a successful mum entrepreneur in several key ways:
- Clarifying your goals and developing a strategic plan to achieve them. A coach can help you identify your strengths, passions, and unique value proposition and create a roadmap for realising your vision.
- Providing accountability and support to keep you on track. A coach can help you stay focused and motivated, even when faced with challenges or setbacks, and provide a sounding board for your ideas and concerns.
- Offering objective feedback and guidance based on their expertise and experience. A coach can help you identify blind spots or areas for improvement in your business and provide practical advice and solutions to help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
- Helping you balance the demands of business and family life. A coach who specialises in working with mum entrepreneurs can provide strategies and support for managing your time, energy, and priorities in a way that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally.
For example, a business coach might help a mum entrepreneur struggling to find time for marketing and sales by creating a streamlined social media strategy that can be implemented in just a few hours per week. They might also help a mum entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed and burnt out by developing a self-care plan and delegation strategy to free up more time and energy for the things that matter most.
In conclusion, following successful mum entrepreneurs can be a valuable source of inspiration, guidance, and support as you navigate the challenges and rewards of building your own business while raising a family. By choosing role models who align with your values and goals and seeking supportive communities and coaching resources, you can gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to thrive as a mum entrepreneur. Remember, success looks different for everyone, and the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your unique vision for your business and your life. You can achieve incredible things as a mum entrepreneur with passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn and grow.