Running a business is demanding, but doing it while raising a family adds a whole new level of complexity. For many entrepreneur-parents, the daily juggle of school drop-offs, managing staff, and meeting client deadlines often blurs the line between home and work life.
Capital on Tap spoke to two small business owners, Lisa Shepherd, co-founder and director of The Biskery, and Alex Austin, managing director of Paddock Capital, to share their personal stories of balancing business growth with the demands of parenthood. Their experiences offer honest insight and practical advice for those navigating the dual roles of parent and entrepreneur.
Starting a business while becoming a parent can be both a challenge and a catalyst for change
For Lisa, parenthood was the very reason her business exists. “The Biskery would not even exist if we didn’t have children,” she explains. The idea began during maternity leave, but a setback on returning to her previous role, losing her senior title and client-facing responsibilities due to working part-time, pushed her to focus on building her own business with flexibility at its core. Today, she and her co-founder work school hours, offering the same flexibility to their whole team.
Alex launched Paddock Capital while expecting his first child, Aurora. Parenthood, he says, “has given me a renewed focus and reinforced why I need to make my business a success. I’m no longer just supporting my partner and I, but also our little one.”
Balancing business ambitions with family life comes with sacrifices, but also deep rewards
The biggest challenge for Lisa has been accepting that business growth might be slower. “There are so many opportunities when you run a small business, but many involve travelling to London, or attending evening events,” she says. “I have to remind myself why we started The Biskery: to work flexibly around our families, whilst having a fulfilling career.”
For Alex, the hardest part has been “the worry of missing out on key moments, and wanting to help with parenting as much as I can, particularly in the early stages, while also staying focused on building the business.” But both agree the rewards are immense, from strong family bonds to thriving, growing companies.
Clear boundaries help entrepreneur-parents stay present at home while keeping their businesses on track
Establishing boundaries is key. Lisa no longer works weekends and avoids screens for the first hour after school to reconnect with her children. Alex makes sure he’s “back no later than 6 pm” and switches off his phone until after bedtime, a non-negotiable so he’s fully present for bathtime and stories.
Rebecca Alford, Chief Financial Officer at Capital on Tap, says, “As Lisa and Alex have shared, balancing parenthood and entrepreneurship isn’t just about managing time; it’s about managing resources efficiently. By helping to simplify and automate financial admin, a business credit card can help free up a business owner’s time, giving them more control over their work-life balance.”
Lisa encourages parents considering entrepreneurship to see family life as a strength. “Being a parent might be your superpower,” she says, citing resilience, focus, and strong values as the advantages. Alex advises setting clear non-negotiables and getting “the buy-in of your partner, family and friends” to help balance both worlds.
Their shared message is clear: you can succeed as both a parent and a business owner, but it takes planning, boundaries, and the willingness to define success on your own terms.
Expert tips from Capital on Tap highlight how to achieve business growth without sacrificing family priorities
Rebecca shares tips on how business owners can balance parenthood and entrepreneurship:
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Establish your non-negotiables early: “Set clear rules for your time, whether that’s no work after 6 pm, or phone-free family meals, and stick to them. Structure creates balance.”
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Redefine what growth means: “Some opportunities may clash with your family commitments. That’s okay. Focus on long-term, sustainable success rather than short-term wins that burn you out.”
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Reframe parenthood as a strength: “Parenthood can make you more resilient, focused, and values-driven, qualities that will serve your business well.”
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Build a strong network: “Get your partner, family, and friends on board with your vision. Their help will be invaluable during busy or challenging times.”
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Protect time for connection: “Ring-fence daily moments with your children, like bathtime or after-school chats. Those small, consistent moments make a big difference.”