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Mompreneurs & The Art of Juggling (Motherhood + Entrepreneurship)

  • Writer: Tanya Fernandes
    Tanya Fernandes
  • Sep 25
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 28

Everyone told me that having a baby would change my life completely — and they were right. I had less sleep, less money, and a lot more responsibility. But what no one told me was how much strength I would discover in myself. That strength became the fuel I needed to grow, to take risks, and to design a life that truly worked for me.


Ten years ago, I was at the peak of my career as a lead communication designer in one of India’s top brand and packaging consultancies. On paper, it was everything I had worked for. But deep down, I wanted more — more freedom, more creativity, and more meaning. So, I took the leap. I left my full-time job and co-founded TAN-TA-DAN DESIGN, an independent creative studio in Mumbai.


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The early days were intense and humbling. I would often transition seamlessly between client calls, concept sketches, and brainstorming sessions — all while managing the demands of early motherhood. Working from home gave me flexibility and freedom, but it also made me realize how much I missed the energy of creative collaboration — the spark that comes from exchanging ideas and building solutions alongside other designers.


As my child grew a little older, we decided to take the next big step: we rented our first office space, registered the company, and started building a team. Watching our studio grow from just two founders to a team of six creative designers was one of the proudest moments of my career. Mentoring this team felt a lot like parenting — nurturing their ideas, challenging them to think differently, and celebrating their growth into confident, independent designers.


Motherhood taught me focus like nothing else could. My workday between 9:30 and 4:00 became sacred. Every minute mattered. I cut out distractions, stayed intentional with my time, and set boundaries so that when my family was home, I could be fully present with them — not checking emails under the dinner table.


Our studio became more than a business — it became an extension of who I was and what I believed in: that work and life can fuel each other, not compete with each other.

Was it easy? Not at all. It was messy, unpredictable, and sometimes exhausting. But it was also exciting, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Passion, purpose, and the support of friends and family carried me through.


Looking back now, I see this as more than just an entrepreneurial chapter. It was a period of profound growth where I learned how to lead with heart, make tough choices, and create a business — and a life — that felt intentional, creative, and joyful.


💬 Your turn: If you’ve ever juggled entrepreneurship and family, how did it shape the way you work and lead today? I’d love to hear your story — let’s inspire and learn from each other.

 
 
 

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