Hey, Laura here.

As the CEO and founder of White Elm, I've often found myself navigating the delicate balance between entrepreneurship and motherhood. It's a journey filled with highs and lows, triumphs and challenges, but above all, it's an experience that has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined.

Let's talk about the reality of the everyday grind—the hustle that defines the lives of many working mothers like myself.

It starts with finding the right school or daycare for my children and how much time, effort and energy that takes for parents. It's not simply a matter of selecting a school or daycare; it's about finding one that aligns with my values and aspirations. It's about poring over endless reviews, touring multiple facilities, and engaging in heartfelt discussions with educators, all in pursuit of a nurturing environment where my daughters can flourish and thrive.

The outcome? Impeccable when it's the right fit. An absolute disaster when it's not. Thankfully right now, we are in the clear and don't need to look for a new school in the foreseeable future! Woohoo!

Let's also not forget the morning chaos of getting my daughters ready for school, ensuring they have everything they need for the day ahead while simultaneously trying to get myself presentable for the office. It's a symphony of packing lunches, tying shoelaces, and stealing quick glances at the clock, hoping we won't be late yet again.

Everyday, we make it eventually—but every morning feels like the exact same push and pull (please tell me I'm not the only one). My kids are smart and well educated girls, so the hustle & bustle to get to school and daycare is definitely worth it. We're so grateful for their teachers and school faculty. I don't want to come across as ungrateful... it's just a struggle every. single. morning. Who else can relate?

And let's not forget the relentless pace of the weekday evenings. After a full day at work, there's no time to pause and unwind. It's an immediate transition from office duties to mommy duties – picking up the kids, shuttling them to various activities, supervising homework sessions, preparing dinner, and finally, convincing them to go to bed. By the time the house falls silent, I'm left with a few precious moments to steal for myself before the cycle begins again.

Yes, it's exhausting. Yes, it's challenging. But amidst the chaos and fatigue lies a profound sense of fulfillment. The joy of seeing my daughters grow and thrive, the pride in knowing that I'm providing for them both financially and emotionally – these are the rewards that make every sacrifice worth it.

To my fellow working mothers, I want you to know that you're not alone. We're all in this together, navigating the relentlessness that is motherhood and a career with grace and resilience. It's okay to feel overwhelmed at times, to crave a moment of solitude amidst the chaos. But never forget the incredible strength that lies within you, the power to juggle multiple roles with unwavering determination.

So here's to us, the mothers who defy the odds, who redefine the meaning of success with every step we take. May we continue to inspire and uplift one another, knowing that together, we are unstoppable.

~ Laura Woellner