As Mother’s Day is a significant calendar date, our May article celebrates the wisdom of mothers who happen to be entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs who also happen to be mothers.

Running your own business is a challenging path that requires a blend of creativity, resilience and strategic thinking. But it is also a superbly rewarding training ground that offers invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Entrepreneurially-driven/experienced people can share valuable teachings for building a successful business and – just as importantly – help mould younger minds into being bold, enterprising and resourceful. 

Not surprisingly, therefore, parent-business owners have an advantageous opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences with their children, potentially helping them to lay down relevant building blocks for a successful future.

So with both Mother’s Day and business ownership in mind, we turned to our valued SHE Malta community and interviewed some of the mothers, amongst our members, about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs (the one inside their home!).

A big thank you to the following contributors …

Abigail Mamo, CEO, Malta Chamber SME’s

Hannah Cremona, Business Strategist and Mentor

Anthea Huber, Head of Design & Partner, Archi+

Stephanie Bonello, Co-founder, Crispy Studio

Daniela Azzopardi Bonanno, Advocate and Founder, Themis

“Use the stones thrown by others to build firmer foundations and go higher.” – Daniela Azzopardi Bonanno

If your child expresses their intention to start their own venture, would you encourage or discourage them to pursue entrepreneurship?

Abigail: I would certainly encourage it, including providing support to ensure that the most important considerations have been taken into account and that background work and first steps are done right.

Hannah:  I would definitely encourage them! I can’t wait to be able to brainstorm their ideas. The hardest part would be to step aside and allow them to learn the ropes, ‘only’ providing advice  when asked! 

Anthea: Encouragement absolutely. The fulfilment you get from doing something you love is something I really want them to experience.

Daniela: I would encourage them and also support them along the way, which I feel is more important because once the initial excitement wears off, it’s all down to grit and perseverance. I feel that to keep going, it’s fundamental to have the encouragement of people who believe in your vision. (Having said that, I really believe it’s important to pursue entrepreneurship only after you have spent time as an employee so that you’re aware of the dos and don’ts from a position of experience rather than theory.) 

Stephanie: Entrepreneurship can bring amazing opportunities and exhilarating experiences if you’re truly passionate about what you do. As a parent, I think it’s important to encourage our kids to pursue their dreams but also to be aware of the challenges that come with it such as financial uncertainty and the constant effort required to grow a business. It may not be easy but the journey of entrepreneurship is one that’s worth taking if you’re up for the ride!

“Under promise. Over deliver.” – Anthea Huber

 

What are the 3 biggest lessons you would pass on to your child about owning and running a business (irrespective of your first answer)?

Abigail:

1. Being your own boss and working to build something that is yours is the best feeling.

2. There are ups and downs and you need a lot of dedication and perseverance.

3. Every experience is an invaluable experience and each opportunity should be taken to learn as much as possible.

Hannah:

1. No idea is a stupid idea and not every idea is worth creating a business for right away. Know your market and timing. An empire takes time to build, just keep validating your steps along the way.

2. Partnerships are like marriage. Be sure who you associate yourself with and tie the knot with.

3. Your strengths, your skills, your experience and knowledge are your assets. Keep optimising them and leveraging them. You will always be enough. 

Anthea:

1. Under promise, over deliver:  this is a motto I live by. The point is to be accountable to your commitments so as not to let people down. I believe this earns you respect which works wonders for building relationships.

2. Low lying apples: everyday there are small ‘wins’ that you can take advantage of and that can open up a workflow/route to some more complex wins. 

3. Build a trusting team who you are comfortable delegating to. A relationship based on trust is the key to all successful relationships, more so in business. Having a competent team who you can trust blindly is crucial.

Finally, tying  all of the above: do everything you do with love.

Daniela:

1. Use the stones thrown by others to build firmer foundations and to go higher.

2. Business is not a switch, it will take time, energy and investment to grow.

3. Trust your gut.

Stephanie:

1. Never stop learning, even from people outside of your field. You’d be surprised how much you can learn from unexpected sources. Also, listen to others’ input – it can help you adapt and grow your business.

2. Learn to embrace waiting and practice patience. Growth takes time and patience, so take it step by step and appreciate the process. You’ll learn and grow as you wait.

3. Surround yourself with a supportive group of people who believe in you and your vision. They’ll be there to help you through tough times.

“Never stop learning, even from people outside of your field.”- Stephanie Bonello

Are there specific pitfalls you have encountered or mistakes you have made as an entrepreneur that you hope your child actively avoids? 

Abigail: Many times it is inadequate market research and poor financial planning. A thorough business plan is necessary. 

Hannah: Toxic ‘business’ partnerships: don’t rush into making decisions or plans even if there is just one ounce of doubt. That’s your intuition speaking; listen to it.
Starting ventures without capital (but don’t let that be an obstacle!) is not a good idea. Be very clear with your initial set up cost and maintaining costs. 

Anthea: Being hesitant or reluctant to ask questions. Although judging by the amount of questions my kids ask, I am confident they will keep this up. From my end I encourage this behaviour by making sure we (hubby and I) always give our kids real answers – no fantasy or lies. I am always surprised by how much these young kids can understand what we would deem as “complex “ replies.
Being afraid to say no. This is something I learnt by experience. People in general are greedy so setting clear boundaries is crucial to any kind of business relationship, whether it is with clients or with colleagues.

Daniela: There was a time when I frequently felt like I was on a hamster wheel  unable to stop myself from running and running. I would like to teach my children that it’s not healthy physically,  mentally and even career-wise, to reach that stage. I would want them to know that they should always retain control on the pace and narrative of their own lives and career so as to be reflective and able to change according to their needs. 

Stephanie: As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of running your business and managing your personal life. But neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and leave you feeling drained. 

Would you advise your child on how to navigate business-ownership challenges or ‘stay in the shadows’ and let them make their own discoveries?

Abigail: I would advise (and hope my child will want the advice). I’ll always be there to support as much as necessary.

Hannah: I would talk about the mistakes and the consequences through the various stories from my journey through businesses and ventures over the years. And I will allow them to use these stories as lessons if they wish when making their own discoveries. The best lessons are from the experiences we face.  Good and bad. 

Anthea: It’s ok to make mistakes and the lessons I have learned from mistakes are the ones that have remained most ingrained in me. Therefore, although I would point out the above, I would allow them to “fall”, pick themselves up and move ahead to become a stronger version of themselves.

Daniela: I am hoping that I am investing in my relationship with my children enough to allow me to have sharing and discussions of these challenges when they come to them. As a mother, I can only offer advice and unconditional support but ultimately it would be up to them whether to take up my advice or else go through the lessons themselves. I feel that my suffering has offered me growth and insight that I would not have gained otherwise so I have come to believe that life is sometimes the best teacher. 

Stephanie: Starting your own business is all about taking risks and learning from your mistakes. It can be tough to find a balance, but I would definitely be there to support and guide my children along the way. Having someone to look up to can be so valuable. I would also stress the importance of taking care of themselves and making time for self-care. Being able to thrive in all areas of life is crucial to achieving success in entrepreneurship.

“All aspects of the business plan are important. The value of thinking through all questions, brainstorming and actually writing down a plan is underestimated.” – Abigail Mamo

 

Which conventional business plan strategies/elements:

i) would you recommend as essentials ..

Abigail: All aspects of the business plan are important. The value of thinking through all questions, brainstorming and actually writing down a plan is underestimated. This is a plan that can be adjusted based on the learning experience and changing market dynamics.

Hannah: Every business needs clients. And to serve said clients you need to have a product/service that answers their needs/desires.  In reality, it’s quite simple really but we often get so lost in the glitz and glam and over complicated strategies and tactics. I see this very often with service based professionals such as coaches and consultants. Keep it simple, yet powerful, always. 

Anthea: Have a clear mission and values to go by, know the market you are working in and set realistic targets – short term and long term.

Daniela: Your business plan should reflect your core beliefs and values. Customers and clients are after an authentic service which cannot be offered otherwise.  Study the market and the needs and invest in yourself prior to launching your product/service so then you act from an informed position.

Stephanie: Financial projections serve as a vital tool in clarifying objectives and tracking progress over time. Establishing a clear plan of action is essential for accurately measuring the attainment of your financial goals. With a solid financial plan in place, you can effectively evaluate your performance and make informed adjustments to stay on track.

ii) have discovered are unnecessary ..

Abigail: Today there are many off-the-shelf software options which offer state-of-the-art and affordable solutions. No need to engage professionals from the beginning and likewise setting up a company is very costly and administratively burdensome; try to delay the process via self-employment/partnership. 

Hannah: I discovered that having a website means nothing at all. Mine is currently pulled down in fact and I am still attracting new clients. We often think we need to have all the things and what you really need is a clear message with a clear offer to the right people in the right place/s at the right time. Keep it simple.  

Anthea: Unless you execute, having strategy becomes useless. Therefore set clear time to execute what you plan.

Daniela: Taking on every client that comes for the sake of income. If a client is a mismatch to your values and you have a gut feeling against taking on that client, trust it and do not take on that client. Experience has shown me that it might lead to a situation where the client is draining too much energy and time that could be used elsewhere and this often leads to unsatisfactory results. 

Stephanie: Excessive emphasis on competitors:  Although comprehending competitors and their strengths and weaknesses is crucial, it is effortless to become overwhelmed with excessive specifics. The emphasis in the business plan should be placed on the unique selling proposition and how it distinguishes your business from that of others.

“Treat it as a business from day one or risk getting stuck in ‘hobby-land’ and friend zones with no boundaries.”- Hannah Cremona

 

If you could only pick one main lesson from your answers to number 2, what would it be?

Abigail: Being your own boss and working to build something that is yours is the best feeling. 

Hannah: To have a business you need to treat it as such from the very start. This applies to the funding and how you manage your finances (oops and ouch!) to your business infrastructure, systems, processes, and policies, to your marketing message and client attraction strategy. Treat it as a business from day one or risk getting stuck in ‘hobby-land’ and friend zones with no boundaries. 

Anthea: Under promise, over deliver.

Daniela: I think it would be the first lesson since it can feel like people almost ‘enjoy’ bringing other people down, especially on social media with keyboard critics and trolls. Also competitor jealousy may know no bounds. Entrepreneurs have to take risks and step out of their comfort zones so they need to rise above words and actions that are only intended to break them – and keep going, hard as that may be. 

From all my advice, I mainly hope my daughter registers that she can do anything she dreams of and must never allow anyone to tell her otherwise. During my university years, I was told that I couldn’t be a good mother if I had a thriving career…and also that I couldn’t be a good lawyer if I had young children! I feel that I have done a good job in both. I have made my fair share of sacrifices and had to choose my priorities and yes I did miss out sometimes. But if I had to go back, I would do it exactly the same because I worked hard for both aspects of me and both aspects of me together make me complete and happy. 

So I hope my daughter knows she should be the only one setting and going after her own narrative and  goals. I hope I will be blessed to be there to support her and witness it all!

Stephanie: One crucial takeaway is the importance of embracing ‘the wait’ with a mindset of patience and perseverance. Only through such steadfastness can entrepreneurs/businesses achieve growth and evolution.

There you have it.  Some truly inspiring reflections and astute insights.

From nurturing a strong work ethic, encouraging a willingness to keep learning and fostering an understanding of effective communication…to explaining the value of taking calculated risks, teaching the necessity of embracing failure as a stepping stone and cultivating a perseverance mindset, the business lessons we can pass on to our children – as a result of our own endeavours and ventures – go beyond textbooks and conventional classrooms.

At the very least, teaching children about business and entrepreneurship can be a valuable life lesson in itself that will benefit them in later years, helping them navigate their own roadmap, whatever path they choose to take. 

The entrepreneurial journey is not for the faint-hearted. Throw motherhood into the mix and you’re playing the game on a whole new level.

Society by default tends to favour either one or the other but we know that you can be BOTH and that they are, in fact, complimentary.

Truthfully, raising a family is not dissimilar to running a business. If you think about the similarities in terms of skills that are needed, one can say that mothers already have a head start!

Today, on mother’s day, we turn to a few of our community members who are both mothers and entrepreneurs for words of advice, inspiration and personal insight.

Joanna Delia; Owner & Aesthetic Physician at People & Skin

Parenthood is proving to be an extraordinary experience… but it has never stopped me being me!

I’ve always questioned things and tried to carve my own path and this goes for both the way I run my business as well as the strategy I use when parenting. My values of always making an effort and trying my best, embracing diversity, championing truth and justice, and engaging with all the empathy I can muster are ones that I employ with both my team and wonderful patients, as well as with my family. And I know I have much to learn still – both professionally and personally!

Christine Xuereb; Gallerist at Christine X Art Gallery

I started out at the gallery months before giving birth to my first child. Most people remember me nursing at least one of my 3 kids, even until now with my two year old. I guess the greatest part of being an entrepreneur whilst being a mum is being able to work around my kids.

Olivia Bilocca; Founder & Life/Organisational Coach at Ethical Living

As a mother and entrepreneur, and I learned this the hard way, it’s impossible to be on top of your game ALL the time. You’ll fall behind, your priorities change and you need to be flexible. What’s important is to consistently give it your best and to do things with love and passion (be kind to yourself too).

Mireille Pellegrini Petit; Founder & Coach/Trainer at Thrive Positive

As mothers we invest so much energy and love to support our kids in their studies, career paths and personal development. You know your hard work has paid off when you, at mid-life have them support you in your own studies and setting up of your business, cheering you on when you want to give up, and being as proud of you, as you are of them!

Alexandra Sciberras; COO & Co-Founder at Invent 3D Ltd.

Ignore the mum guilt. Ignore unsolicited advice. Take external opinions with bucketfuls of salt. At the end of the day you know your kids AND your business best and are more than capable of making the best decisions for both of them. So trust your gut and don’t second-guess yourself!

Cher Engerer; Managing Founder at Polaris Consultancy

I used to feel guilty about taking time and energy away from my children, to pursue my business. It had to stop! My children are my world, and as is normal to most mothers, I rarely felt good enough or that I was giving enough. What I eventually realised was that everything I do is for my children. The business supports our family economy, and leaves my hours flexible enough to be fully present for them. The business gives me a sense of accomplishment and achievement, which makes me a happy mother for them. The business keeps the concept of wellbeing central in our household because we live, eat and breathe it. The business has served as a role model to my children, that if they work hard enough, show enough commitment and trust their creativity, they can build and develop something of their own.

Overall, even though it is tricky, challenging and exhausting, I feel that being a mother and an entrepreneur works. It’s like I have five babies instead of four: Aedan, Scarlett, Abraham, Lisa…  and Polaris. I feel that my work enhances our family life, makes me a better mother, enriches our family unit, and helps me develop more as a person and professional – all of which I share willingly and lovingly with my children.

Enas De Volder; Founder at Kids in Malta

We do what we do for our kids, it’s why we push ourselves to keep going even when we feel we can’t anymore, why we keep growing and smiling no matter how hard it is.

Rebecca Bonnici; Owner & CEO at BELS

I couldn’t be the kind of entrepreneur I am today, without my girls … they are my constant reminder to keep ‘fun’ in everything I do and keep me grounded when in the face of what appears to be insurmountable challenges. Looking at a problem through their eyes, simplifying it and bringing it to its bare bones makes finding a solution so much easier.

Angelique Abela; Executive Chairperson at MMH Malta Ltd.

Being a mum helped in my role as Director as there is more understanding towards the needs of the working parents. Also I’ve learnt to adapt very fast, one minute I’m in a client meeting /conference call and next I’m preparing dinner or doing homework with my children.  I make sure I give my children the reassurance that I’m there for them, no matter what; remembering always it’s the quality not the quantity.

Giselle Borg Olivier; JCI Malta President 2022, Manager at Zaar Crowdfunding Malta

I wear different hats in my daily life, and while I value all my roles, the one of motherhood is probably the one that benefits the most from my different experiences and interests. My child sees the input and dedication that I give to all my roles and I believe it shows him that through perseverance one can achieve a lot.

Let these women inspire all you entrepreneurs raising a family out there.

Just like becoming a parent, entrepreneurship is NOT easy – navigating both of these roles is challenging. It requires persistence, grit and dedication but the rewards of watching your business (and family) grow and thrive definitely outweigh the struggles.

Always keep your WHY front and centre and do everything with love and passion.

You are in this for the long haul.

Happy mother’s day!

This Earth Day is all about investing in our planet. We can’t ignore the fact that how we operate will have an impact and it is our responsibility, as business owners, to implement eco-friendly practices in order to contribute to the fight against climate change.

When we talk about sustainable business, we talk about companies that strive to meet the triple bottom line; People, Planet and Profit.

Here are 4 female-led (and female co-led) businesses that are prioritizing their operations, supply chains and business strategies to create a positive impact right here in Malta!

In honour and recognition of Earth Day, let this inspire YOU to make a positive change in your own business, no matter how big or small ….

Founded by Julia Tonna in 2020, WhizzFix is an artisanal company specialising in the repair and restoration of shoes, handbags, leather garments and clothing – lovingly extending the life span of your favourite pieces. WhizzFix also offers the option to list your pre-loved luxury items for sale in their online store.

Julia, what are your key sustainability measures? 

Our services help customers live a more sustainable lifestyle through the reduction of waste by repairing and reviving items instead of their disposal. We seek to reduce the supply chain by preventing unnecessary new purchases and consequently decreasing the carbon footprint. We also seek to reduce pollution by encouraging our customers to use our delivery service.

Are you organising or participating in any Earth Day event in Malta this year? 

For this year’s Earth Day, we are working on a collaboration to save and clean up our beautiful sea with Mark Galea Pace. The idea is to rent a raft and attach it to Mark’s boat. He will then collect all the large pieces of wood and plastic in the sea around the northern coast of Malta.

Why did you decide to run an eco-friendly business? 

Seeing the number of consumers disposing of good pieces for no reason was the catalyst to start this business and make a difference. The core value of our service is to promote a more circular fashion rather than a linear one. Our mission is to encourage others to reuse and restore their items and sell or purchase pre-loved goods. We genuinely believe that there is no need to buy brand new things considering the amount of well-looked-after items that are available. It is crucial to promote buying pre-loved items by breaking the stigma associated with this topic. Whizzfix is a reflection of our passion for sustainability.

Helena and Mandy are the sisters behind Deheb Jewellery. A unique jewellery concept created to champion 18-carat gold jewellery sourced across the Maltese Islands. Ranging from intricate antique finds dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries to more recent contemporary, pre-loved classics, they’ve curated an online platform to elevate an array of handpicked pieces on a national and international level.

Ladies, what are your main sustainability measures? 

Since we are committed to generating a minimal carbon footprint, we source all stock locally and use Malta Post services where possible. Alternatively, there is DHL – supporting projects that offset carbon emissions. Our fabric bags used for packaging are made of upholstery off-cuts and are recyclable. We also operate exclusively online with no mortar store.

Are you organising or participating in any Earth Day event in Malta this year? 

One of our main objectives for this year is to continue building upon our sustainability efforts. We will be supporting Earth Day by reinvesting in becoming a 100% sustainable company. Equally, we want to ensure that we provide the necessary information through our online content for our customers to shop smart.

Why is it crucial for you to be an eco-friendly business? 

The fashion industry is one of the leading suspects in generating waste and carbon emissions, so the need for a shift to a sustainable fashion is very evident. We built Deheb Jewellery as a circular jewellery brand, providing longevity to antique and pre-owned jewellery. By studying trend forecasts, we can select pieces that will regain popularity and help us identify our bestsellers. Instead of selling cheap imitations that would tarnish and ultimately end up in a landfill, we carefully curate our 18-carat gold collections made of investment pieces that will increase their value over time.

The Malta Florist, co-led by Marisabelle Bonnici, has two facets. Firstly retail; selling beautiful flower arrangements and plants online but also via their traditional brick-and-mortar store. Second, their greenhouses supply other florists with wholesale flowers. Marisabelle takes care of the website, staff and events, whilst her fiancé, Charles, works in the greenhouses and the wholesale section of the business.

Marisabelle, what are your core sustainability measures? 

We focus on using local and seasonal flowers. These are grown mainly in our greenhouses using water conservation techniques and organic growing methods. To reduce waste within the farm and our shops, we use 100% biodegradable materials in our arrangements and avoid plastics where wrapping is concerned. Instead we acquire wrapping materials from fair trade sources. We also condition our flowers to an extended vase life to avoid wastage. The imported 20% of our flowers always come from fair-trade growers. Overall, to create a more sustainable ecosystem in our fields, all the waste material from flower cleaning is composted together with manure collected from neighbouring animal farms.

Are you organising or participating in any Earth Day event in Malta this year? 

Usually we love to participate in clean-up events but with our own wedding preparations around this Earth Day, our time is limited. However, we still want to contribute and we will be planting 20 new Eucalyptus and Olive trees in our fields. On top of this, we constantly strive to educate our clients on the positive environmental impact of opting for local and seasonal flowers via our online content.

Why is it paramount for The Malta Florist to be an eco-friendly business? 

Sustainability has always been at the core of our business. Even our business cards are recyclable. It took some time for people to understand the cost of our fair-trade wrapping compared to the usual plastic alternative, but 3 years down the line, more people are understanding our vision. We all need to consider our impact on society and the planet. Protecting the Earth’s resources means protecting the longevity of our business too. We take pride in playing our part in leaving behind a healthier Malta for the next generations whilst also educating those who may not be aware of the impact their choices have on the environment.

ReRoot, co-founded by Christina Micallef, is a zero waste, low impact lifestyle  store that provides eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products. From kitchenware, household and cleaning products to cosmetics, home ware and much more! All products are plastic-free, natural and cruelty-free. The business is a family affair and is run by Christina, her husband Paul and her brother Jean Paul.

Tell us Christina, what are your core sustainability measures? 

We frequently revise our practices to be as sustainable as possible. Working closely with like-minded suppliers allows us to source our eco-friendly products and raw materials sustainably and ethically. Some of our packaging comes from reused materials and we always try to use as little material as possible. We also make use of electric vehicles for deliveries. Sustainability is at the core of our business.

Is ReRoot organising or participating in any Earth Day event in Malta this year? 

Yes! You can find us at the Earth Day Green Fair at Manikata from 22nd to 23rd April. We will be selling a range of our products, including our bestsellers. If you are attending the event, we would love for you to come and say hello!   

Why is it essential for you to be an eco-friendly business? 

ReRoot was born out of our desire to make a difference and do something about the ongoing climate emergency. We understand how frustrating it is to try and make sustainable choices whilst feeling like the current world is working against you. We are here to support everyone who wants to make a difference – no matter how small. Our mission is to make it easy for anyone to get their hands on sustainable products and make a collective change. Imagine if the world’s population (7.9 billion people) collectively decided to swap plastic bags with reusable bags!

Did this article inspire you? What sustainable practices are YOU going to adopt in your own business moving forward?

Written by Monika Kopcilova