Mum Founders & CEOs – Can It Really Be Done?

Juggling a New Baby, a Boss & a Life - Why New Mum Burnout is Real

Motherhood is an all-consuming role. The sleepless nights, the relentless demands, and the emotional rollercoaster can make even the most ambitious women question how they’ll ever return to work - let alone start a business. And yet, a growing number of women are turning the challenges of early motherhood into fuel for entrepreneurship, proving that mums can be both founders and CEOs.

But can it really be done? And at what cost?

The Reality of Mum Burnout

New mums today are under more pressure than ever before. The expectation to ‘bounce back’ after birth, physically, emotionally, and professionally often feels impossible. Maternity leave is fleeting, childcare is expensive, and the corporate world rarely adapts to the unpredictability of life with a newborn. It’s no wonder so many mums experience burnout and feel a little frazzled.

For many women, the traditional workforce simply doesn’t fit with the realities of motherhood. This was exactly the case for Lizzy Shorey-Kitson, a mum of three boys and a former international marketing and advertising executive. After years of working for global brands, she realised that corporate life wasn’t compatible with the kind of motherhood she wanted.

So, she did something about it.

Lizzy stepped away from her 20 year corporate career to launch Sleepy Sundays, a wellness brand designed to support new mothers. The mission? To help mums reclaim rest, because with better sleep, everything in motherhood becomes more manageable. But her journey didn’t stop there. Recognising how many women felt stuck between motherhood and financial independence, she co-founded Brand HQ with business partner Anna Ball, a platform helping other women find their perfect business idea and turn it into reality.

Why More Mums Are Choosing Entrepreneurship

The rise of ‘mum brands’ isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement. Across the UK, women are creating businesses that work for their lives, not against them. Take The Little Loop, founded by mum Charlotte Morley, a circular fashion platform for kids' clothing that’s disrupting the traditional retail industry. Or Pip & Nut, started by Pip Murray, who turned her love of natural peanut butter into a thriving brand now stocked in supermarkets nationwide. These businesses prove that motherhood can be a catalyst for innovation.

The key driver? Flexibility. Many mothers start their businesses because they need the ability to work around nap times, school runs, and sick days. But beyond flexibility, mum entrepreneurs are driven by purpose. Whether it’s improving maternal wellness, creating sustainable children’s fashion, or developing healthier food alternatives, mum-led brands are solving problems they’ve personally faced.

Can You Really Be a Mum and a CEO?

The honest answer? It’s not easy, but it’s possible. The biggest challenge for most mum founders is finding the right business idea - one that’s not only profitable but also aligns with their skills, lifestyle, and passions. That’s exactly what Brand HQ is here to help with.

At Brand HQ, we believe that starting a business should be a strategic decision, not just a leap of faith. Through our ‘How to Find Your Perfect Business Idea’ masterclass, we help women validate their ideas, pressure test them, and leave with a proven concept ready for launch. In a world where we need more flexibility to work around children, aging parents, and additional income streams, launching a side hustle that eventually becomes a main source of income can be one of the smartest moves a mum can make.

Ready to Find Your Business Idea?

If you’re a mum who dreams of starting a business but doesn’t know where to begin, Brand HQ is here to help. Whether you’re on maternity leave, working full-time, or already freelancing, our strategic, insight-led approach will give you the clarity and confidence to take the first step.

Motherhood and business can co-exist. You don’t have to choose between being present for your children and building something meaningful for yourself. You can do both on your own terms.

Find your business idea today. Visit Brand HQ to get started.