Navigating Parenthood and Entrepreneurship

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship and parenthood simultaneously has been a voyage into uncharted waters. In 2023, life presented me with two of my most significant roles: having our second child and launching a landscape design company. Each role is demanding, fulfilling and intricate, and balancing them has been both my greatest challenge and my most profound achievement.

In my daily life, I navigate the complexities of running a new business while nurturing my baby and four-year-old. The early mornings are a delicate dance of checking emails with an infant in my arms and a rambunctious toddler. Nap times are aligned with client consultations or drafting design proposals. Time management, once a simple concept in my pre-parental life, has now become a critical lifeline. It’s about making the most of the quiet moments before dawn, nap times and the hours after bedtime. Each day is a carefully choreographed routine of prioritizing tasks.

The unpredictable nature of both a new business and a baby means that flexibility and adaptability are not just valuable — they are essential. Some days, the to-do list is a series of checked boxes; other days, it’s about embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the spontaneity of life.

Parenthood has profoundly transformed my perspective on my business. The relentless pursuit of perfection in every landscape design has given way to an appreciation for the unknown. I’ve grown more empathetic toward my clients and my team, understanding that each project we undertake is not just about creating beautiful spaces but about crafting stories and experiences for our clients and ourselves. The emotional depth of balancing these two worlds is often overwhelming. The love for my young children, the passion for my young business and moments of self-doubt are intertwined in this journey. Yet, each challenge faced and each milestone achieved brings a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose.

I remember an instance where a critical project deadline coincided with a significant milestone in my child’s life. This conflict brought into sharp focus the delicate balancing act between my professional responsibilities and my parental duties. Choosing to be present for my child’s milestone while entrusting my team with crucial aspects of the project was not just a decision; it was a profound lesson in setting priorities and building trust.

Patience, once a virtue, has now become a necessity — understanding that growth, be it in a child or a business, is a process that cannot be hastened. Efficiency has taken on a new meaning — maximizing productivity in the limited time available. Empathy has become a cornerstone — the ability to connect on a deeper level with clients and colleagues, recognizing our shared experiences of life’s challenges and joys. The journey of balancing business and parenthood is an ever-evolving process. There are days when the scales tip more toward one aspect than the other, and I’ve learned to embrace this imbalance as part of a larger, enriching journey. It’s not just about managing two separate parts of my life; it’s about integrating them into a harmonious whole.

Looking forward, I am filled with optimism and excitement. Each new landscape project and each developmental milestone of my children are reminders of the beauty and resilience of growth. With each passing day, as my children grow and my business flourishes, I am reminded of the limitless potential that lies in the harmonious blend of nurturing a family and cultivating a business.

Women in Landscaping is a column brought to you in partnership with the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Chelsea Hartshorn is an active member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals Women in Landscape Network (powered by Envu) which provides a forum for industry professionals to support each other’s professional growth. The Network is free to all industry professionals.