How to Start a Business as a Stay-at-Home Mum (Even Without Childcare)

You want to start a business, but the kids are home, the house is chaos, and you barely have time to drink your tea while it’s hot.

You scroll past success stories on Instagram while scraping Weetabix off the floor (how does it get so cement like?) and wonder, “How are other mums doing this?”

If you’ve ever felt like building a business is only possible when your kids are bigger, at school, or some mythical moment when you suddenly “have more time” you’re absolutely not alone.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need full-time childcare, a strict 9–5 routine, or a Pinterest-worthy home office to get started.

You just need a way that works for you.

And that’s exactly what Fiona Sim is all about.

Meet Fiona: Business Strategist + Home-Educating Mum of Two

In this podcast episode, I sat down with Fiona Sim - certified business strategist, mum of two, and queen of keeping it real.

She’s not sharing the polished highlight reel. She’s talking about building a business with a toddler on your lap and a load of washing always waiting (I feel seen)

What makes Fiona’s story stand out is how relatable it is. No magic formula. No perfectly timed schedule. Just small, consistent action - even in the middle of chaos.

Here’s what we chatted about…

✅ You Can Work Around Kids (Even If It Feels Impossible Some Days)

Fiona doesn’t have a nanny, a cleaner, or a perfect parenting setup.

She’s a home-educating mum who grew her business by working in teeny tiny windows of time- often with Bluey playing in the background.

The key? Stop waiting for ideal conditions.

There’s power in starting where you are. Fiona shared that most of her business growth happens in 10–15 minute sprints - nothing fancy, just consistent.

Which brings us to…

🟡 The START Framework for Mums Who Feel Overwhelmed

Fiona created the START framework to help mums move from “where do I even begin?” to actual, doable progress.

Here’s the breakdown:

S – Simplify: Focus on one offer or idea.

T – Time: Use the time you do have, not the time you wish you had.

A – Action: Done is better than perfect. Take messy action.

R – Reflect: What worked? What didn’t? Adjust.

T – Trust: Believe in your ability to do this, even if the house is noisy and your to-do list is long.

This isn’t about hustling harder. It’s about working smarter, slower, and on your terms.

⏳ The “Pen & Paper + Sand Timer” Method

One of my favourite takeaways from our chat was Fiona’s go-to system for actually getting stuff done:

Grab a pen.

Set a 10-minute timer.

Do what you can, not everything.

Simple, right?

But also, so effective.

She swears by this approach to focus in short bursts - and honestly? Same.

I’m a pen-and-paper planner too, which is why I created a social media planner that actually makes content planning feel doable again (even during soft play snacks and bath-time chaos).

There’s a free printable version to try out first.

🧠 Managing Mum Guilt, Energy, and Expectations

Here’s what nobody tells you when you decide to start a business with young kids around:

• You’ll feel like you’re always dropping a ball.

• Some days, nothing will get done.

• That doesn’t mean you’re failing.

Fiona talks honestly about mum guilt, the mental load, and how to tune into your energy instead of forcing yourself to work during every nap.

The big takeaway? You don’t need to do it all.

You just need to do something.

• A messy Canva post.

• A voice note to a potential client.

• Five scribbled ideas in a notebook.

It all counts.

It all adds up.

And it’s enough.

👣 Small Steps Build Real Businesses

This blog isn’t about pushing you to do more.

It’s about helping you believe that you can. Even with a child on your hip.

That even without a clear routine, full childcare, or time to pee alone - your business dreams are still valid.

And they’re doable.

You don’t need 3 hours of uninterrupted time.

You just need your next 10 minutes.

🎧 Want More Support Like This?

You’ll love my full conversation with Fiona. We dive deeper into:

• How to find your focus (even with constant distractions)

• What to stop doing if you’re short on time

• And how to trust yourself to do business your way

👉 Listen to the full episode here

💌 You can also download Fiona’s free guide: Finding the Time to Grow Your Business as a Stay-at-Home Mum

And hey - if you know a fellow mum who needs this reminder?

Send her this post. Share it. Screenshot it. Pop it in the group chat.

Because we’re not meant to do this alone.

If you liked this blog you would love: Running a Business With Kids at Home? Here’s How I Survive (and Sometimes Even Thrive) During the School Holidays

About Me 👋

Hey, I’m Amanda! Award Winning Social Media Mentor, Apple Top 30 Podcaster & Amazon #1 Bestselling Author.

I mentor small business owners, like you, to get seen & get sales on social media, without the overwhelm.

With 10+ years of experience running small businesses, I know what it’s like to juggle marketing, sales, and all the things. That’s why I’m obsessed with making social media easy, fun, and profitable for business owners.

📩 Grab my FREE 30 Content Prompts here for instant content ideas!📲

📲 Let’s connect on Instagram → @amandahughes.uk