Welcome to The Brand It, Build It Podcast. I’m your host, Kelly Zugay — co-founder of With Grace and Gold — and today’s episode is a special one in honor of Mother’s Day. Whether you’re a mom, hoping to be a mom, or someone who supports mothers in your everyday life, I’m so glad you’re here.

Over the two years, motherhood has changed not just my life, but my approach to business, too — how I work, how I plan, and most of all, how I think about success. That’s why I started a second podcast called The Made by Motherhood Podcast — a space created especially for moms who are navigating the both/and of motherhood and small business ownership. If today’s episode resonates with you, I’d love for you to explore The Made by Motherhood Podcast, too!

Now, in today’s episode, I’m sharing a few of the biggest lessons motherhood has taught me about running a business. Whether you’re currently raising little ones or simply navigating a full or busy life while running your business, I hope this episode meets you with encouragement, grace, and support.

What Motherhood Taught Me About Running a Business

Before I became a mom, I thought I had a solid handle on balance. I had routines. Systems. Color-coded calendars. When I became a mom, I realized how much of my focus had once belonged solely to me — and how much that would change. And with that change came a whole new perspective on business, growth, and what truly matters. Here are just a few lessons motherhood has taught me about running a business:

Lesson 1: Clarity leads to confident action.

Before motherhood, I often had the luxury of overthinking — spending extra time perfecting every detail, second-guessing, and endlessly editing. But as a mom, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and act with clarity and confidence. Now, I approach decisions with more purpose and precision — not because I have less time, but because I’ve become more attuned to what matters most. In business, that means leading with intention, choosing clarity over complication, and creating a smoother, more focused experience for our clients.

Lesson 2: Systems protect your energy — and your excellence.

I’ve always valued systems, but motherhood sharpened that skill in the best way. With less time to waste and more to juggle, I became even more committed to streamlining our client experience — ensuring that every step, from onboarding to launch, is thoughtful, supportive, and refined. The systems we use at With Grace and Gold aren’t just about efficiency; they’re about creating more space for creativity, connection, and quality. They allow us to serve every client with excellence — and with heart.

Lesson 3: Success is more meaningful when it’s sustainable.

Motherhood taught me that hustle alone isn’t sustainable — and more importantly, it’s not necessary for success. I’ve learned how to build a business that honors both ambition and well-being, one that grows with purpose rather than pressure. Today, I view success not just as results, but as the way we get there — with calm, clarity, and care.

A Personal Note

If you’re listening today and you’re in the thick of raising little ones — or you’re building a business with a baby monitor by your side — I want you to know: you’re not alone. Your journey might look different than it used to… and different from someone else’s… but that doesn’t make it any less powerful or meaningful. You’re doing meaningful work — both in your home and in your business. And that’s another reason The Made by Motherhood Podcast now exists — to support you in those quiet, in-between moments. It’s where I share business tips, encouragement, and reminders that you don’t have to do it all — or do it all perfectly — to be successful.

In Closing

Motherhood has shaped me in ways I never expected — not by slowing me down, but by refining how I show up: with more clarity, stronger systems, and a deeper commitment to sustainable, purpose-driven success.

If you’re a mom in business — or someone balancing a full life while growing something meaningful — I want to remind you: you don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it all perfectly, to build something powerful.

And if you’re looking for a bit more encouragement in this season, I’d love to invite you to listen to The Made by Motherhood Podcast — a bite-sized, heart-filled podcast I created just for moms in business. It’s where I share the behind-the-scenes of business, motherhood, and everything in between.

Happy Mother’s Day — to you, and to all the women who nurture, support, and build with care. You are doing incredible work, and it matters more than you know.

Thank you for tuning in to this special episode of The Brand It, Build It Podcast. If today’s episode resonated with you, feel free to share it with a friend, or leave a review — it means so much.

And don’t forget to search for The Made by Motherhood Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. I’d be honored to meet you there.

Brand It, Build It Podcast, Hosted by Kelly Zugay

Hosted by Kelly Zugay, co-founder of With Grace and Gold, The Brand It, Build It Podcast is the best small business marketing podcast for small business owners, creatives, and founders. Weekly, brief, actionable episodes will equip you to build a successful, sustainable small business. Since 2014, With Grace and Gold has provided award-winning custom brand and Showit web design and completely customizable Showit website templates for small businesses worldwide.