It can take a village to help launch a successful enterprise. So, while we can do things independently, having a supportive significant other is helpful.
We spoke with three founders to learn how cupid has impacted their businesses.
After a Big Delivery, It's Back to the Warehouse
Ashley Nickelsen's husband, Adam, was her second full-time employee (behind her). He serves as BTR Nation's logistics and fulfillment manager and is responsible for shipping every single item.
On June 13, 2022, Ashley gave birth to their first child Maddison Marie during an emergency cesarean section. Thankfully, mom, baby, and BTR Nation orders were all healthy.
"I chose not to take a maternity leave," Ashley said. "I was working from my hospital bed. And about an hour after Maddison was born, Adam had to go to the warehouse to fulfill a purchase order. So we are a team (and now a tripod)!"
Ashley started BTR Nation as a tribute to her parents, who passed away from cancer. Adam had a chance to meet her dad but not her mom. However, he has leaned into the Nickelsen family motto 'Be Bold, Tenacious, and Resilient.'
"We don't have a village here in San Francisco, so we have to REALLY lean on each other," Ashley said. "I communicate my schedule to Adam every day, and he knows when I'm on calls or in focused brainstorming sessions, he solely takes care of Maddison. And when he's at the warehouse, I work from Maddison's playpen. Every moment counts, so we're very focused and strategic. And we're constantly communicating."
Two Entrepreneurs Plus Two Separate Businesses Equals One Team
The Christians are an entrepreneurial family. Kris founded Chicago French Press, a coffee lovers' paradise sold locally in Chicago and available online nationwide. Her husband Derrick started MR. SUITABLE a men's accessories line. However, the primary business is The Christians.
"Above all else, we know that we play a team sport, and we're playing for the same team - the Christians," Kris said. "Our goal is to build a legacy and support each other by amplifying our platforms. My husband, Derrick, is always looking for ways to expand my business — forming partnerships and helping me achieve my big audacious goals with his genius marketing mind."
One of those partnerships came in a product collaboration. The Black Tuxe Premium Ethiopian coffee is distributed nationwide. Additionally, MR. SUITABLE mugs are sold in Chicago French Press brick-and-mortar downtown Chicago.
There's one role Kris and Derrick agree takes precedence – being mom and dad to their son, Derrick III.
"We have committed ourselves to prioritize our son's needs above any work obligations," Kris said. "We both wear all hats and don't get caught up in traditional gender roles. This has allowed us to be versatile parents and organize a life where our son sees us equally as parents."
Love and Marriage and Gluten-Free Desserts
Food is Anna Petrova's love language, but there are many delicacies she can't enjoy with her husband.
"When I met my husband, our food choices were greatly limited by his celiac disease as he can't eat wheat, barley, or rye," Anna said. "I was dissatisfied with the limited gluten-free options available at restaurants and grocery stores. So, over the years, we adapted by cooking at home."
During the pandemic, Anna craved the sweeter things without the guilt of not including her husband. That's when Wolfe Cravings Food Co, a gluten-free dessert brand, was born. Her first two products are tiramisu and ice cream sandwiches. And she's just getting started and hopes to create more shareable irresistible items to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.
"My husband is the inspiration for the company," Anna said. "He is my biggest advocate, champion, and chief tasting officer. I started Wolfe Cravings Food Co because I wanted to create decadent desserts we could eat together."
Tips for Balancing your Entrepreneurial Endeavors with your Personal Life Responsibilities
Take time for yourself. "Creating moments to recharge and reconnect with me is just as important as spending time with my family and spouse," Anna said. "These moments allow me to tap into my creativity and provide the fuel that drives my entrepreneurial journey forward."
Make a plan. Things happen, but if you can look ahead as much as possible, it will help in the long run. But…
Be flexible. “There will be times where you have to share responsibilities equally and it’s 50/50,” Kris said. “There are times you need to give a bit more and it’s 20/80 and vice versa. Be flexible when it comes to the needs of your partner and make room for the cyclical seasons of entrepreneurship.”
Know yourself and your working habits. "I do a lot of work in the early and evening hours," Ashley said. "That works out because that's when I'm most creative!
Outsource when possible. “Reclaiming my time by removing the tedious logistics from my schedule gives me the space I need,” Kris said. “I’m grateful for the support system that I have so that I can show up my best self at work and at home.”
Give yourself grace. We are all doing our best; some days are harder than others. That makes you human.
Not All Flowers and Chocolate - Playing Devil's Advocate
Additionally, we know many couples start businesses together. It makes sense - trust, mutual respect, and great teamwork have been established. However, keep in mind that dynamic has its own challenges.
For example, the ice cream brand Coolhaus was founded in 2009 by Natasha Case and Freya Estreller, who were dating at the time. Now married with two children, it wasn't always smooth churning for the duo. In 2014, Freya stepped away from the business.
"I actually stepped away from day-to-day operations in 2014 because we no longer had an optimal working relationship, which, as you can imagine, was spilling over into our personal lives," Freya said in an interview with ForceBrands. "We still have majority ownership of the company together, and I like to say that I'm the First Lady of Coolhaus because I pretty much have (Natasha's ear) whether she likes it or not."
Editor's Note: Coolhaus was sold at the end of 2021 to the Urgent Co. Natasha recently launched a new endeavor – LunchBunch, a meal delivery service specifically for children. Freya co-founded Future Gin (along with Natasha and two other women), a premium gin distilled in Los Angeles.
You have multiple loves in life – family, significant other, fur friends, children, and a booming business. It's not always sweet harmony. However, these relationships help put other areas of your life in perspective. Not one label – entrepreneur, wife, mother, girlfriend, daughter defines you. You define yourself.
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