Yes, you can have a baby and a business

To any woman wondering if it’s possible to own a business and have a baby — the short answer is yes. But it’s not easy. It takes planning, trust, and a lot of grace for yourself along the way.

When I was pregnant, I remember lying awake at night wondering how I’d possibly manage a newborn and a business I had just bought into. I wasn’t sure if my body or my mind could stretch that far. But I’ve learned it’s not about doing it all — it’s about preparing, trusting, and accepting help. Motherhood didn’t pause any part of the business, but it completely changed the way I led it.

A year ago, I had the opportunity to buy into a business I truly believed in — one that began with two women and a dream. Today, I co-own it with two incredible business partners who showed me immense support when, just two months after buying in, I shared the news that I was pregnant. Was it planned? No. And yes, I lost some sleep before bringing it up.

Before all this, I was the kind of person who tried to do everything myself. I would design and quote jobs, be on-site running projects, meet clients, hire staff, create job descriptions, plan employee events, and answer emails and phone calls daily — all while trying to make everyone happy. Letting go of some of those things wasn’t easy, but it turned out to be the best thing I could’ve done for the business — and for myself. In a short time, I introduced new systems and procedures that have made our operations smoother and more sustainable.

Our season runs full-blast from April to November, and I had my daughter right in the middle of it — in June, one of the busiest months in landscaping. I worked tirelessly to hire and train staff ahead of time so that things could run smoothly even if I had to step back.

Having a baby taught me that it’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to trust people. And it’s absolutely okay to let things go. In doing so, I discovered the space to focus on what truly matters — the parts of the business that needed my attention to grow in new ways.

There were many times this summer when thoughts ran through my mind like, “I can’t do this,” or “Maybe I should sell my shares.” I wondered how I would get through next season — or the one after that. I worried that my colleagues might be frustrated with me for not being as available as I once was. But I had to correct those thoughts, because at the end of the day, we are all human. We all work incredibly hard, and the business I bought into will continue to thrive.

Life isn’t easy right now, but I’m happy — and I know I can do it. I’ve learned that when we get trapped in our minds, things can spiral quickly. The key is to pause, breathe, and stay present. The future will come, but dwelling on what hasn’t happened yet only holds us back. That’s where grace and self-compassion come in.

We will move forward if we believe we can move forward. We will succeed if we believe we can succeed. And we will sink only if we convince ourselves that we will. Think positively — because that mindset truly changes everything.

When I first started at High Country Landscaping, I had mentors who gave me the freedom to focus on what I was truly good at. If they hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So now, I do the same for my team — giving people the trust and empowerment to thrive in their roles. It’s incredible what happens when you believe in others the way someone once believed in you.

To any woman standing at the edge of motherhood and entrepreneurship — wondering if it’s possible — know this: it is. It might not look perfect, but with trust, support, and grace, you can build both your business and your family, one brave step at a time.