Entrepreneurship & Motherhood: Building Without Burning Out

by Imani Cohen, The Hood Healer

It’s been a week….filled with in-person readings, personal appointments, and a to-do list that just wouldn’t quit. If I went a little rogue, please forgive me. Life’s been lifing….but in the BEST ways. And in the midst of all the movement, I’ve been sitting with a deep reflection on motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the never-ending dance between the two.

Growing up, I only knew entrepreneurship.
My mother was her own boss. All of her friends were too. Same story for most of my friend’s parents. I grew up surrounded by hustlers, visionaries, and self-starters….but I also grew up feeling like work the priority. I remember my mother being vibrant when she included me in her work, or exhausted and emotionally unavailable. I spent a lot of time alone or in the care of other kids who, like me, were learning how to fend for themselves in a world where the adults were busy building.

It made me independent. Resourceful.
But it also made me feel neglected and sad.
Fast forward to now…
I’m the mother. I’m the entrepreneur. I’m the one juggling schedules, clients and growth. And while I’m so deeply grateful for the life I’ve built…..especially the role of motherhood I prayed for…. I also recognize how easy it is to unconsciously repeat the very patterns I once resented.

Which is why I’m intentionally pivoting.

I truly believe you can have it all; but you can’t do it all by yourself.
You need support. You need systems. You need structure. And yes, that often requires sacrifice on the front end…..

Finding help these days? It’s not easy.
Especially in a world where everyone wants to be seen, and few want to serve with humility and integrity. But I’ve learned that building a healthy life…..not just a successful business, starts with honest self-assessment and sacred discipline.

A few truths I’ve discovered about being a mother and an entrepreneur:


Self-care isn’t a luxury…..It’s a requirement.
You can’t pour from an empty vessel, no matter how good your intentions are. Carve out time for yourself like your life depends on it… because it does. Even if it’s just 20 minutes of silence, prayer, or journaling. You are your greatest asset, maintain yourself accordingly.

You can’t mother and martyr at the same time.
A lot of us confuse overextending with love. But constantly sacrificing your well-being for your child or your business creates resentment, burnout, and imbalance. Loving your child includes showing them what boundaries, rest, and joy look like in action.

Systems save lives.
It’s not enough to “get it done” the stuff needs to get done consistently and with ease. Whether it’s automating emails, setting office hours, or hiring a sitter for a few hours a day…..systems free up your bandwidth so your gifts can actually flow.


Ask for help before you break down.
We often wait until we’re at our breaking point to finally seek support. Don’t. Normalize asking for help….with the baby, the business, the house. You don’t earn extra spiritual points for suffering in silence.



Be present. That’s what they’ll remember.
Your children won’t remember every detail of your hustle, but they will remember how you made them feel. Make eye contact. Laugh together. Sit on the floor. Be there…..not just physically, but emotionally and energetically.

I’m still learning. Still tweaking. Still surrendering the need to do it all perfectly. But what I do know is that it’s possible to run a business, raise a child, and nurture yourself… as long as you’re willing to release the illusion of control and call in real support.

We are rewriting the blueprint.
We are healing the lineage.
And we are doing it, one conscious choice at a time.


In the spirit of honoring mothers, women, and the divine labor we carry, I’m hosting a sacred gathering on Mother’s Day in Los Angeles at Tea at Shiloh. This is a heart-centered, immersive event created to uplift, restore, and pour into women navigating motherhood, entrepreneurship, and all the demands of life.

It’s a ticketed event with beautiful sponsors curated to nourish and support women on their journey, no matter what season of womanhood you’re in. You don’t have to be a mother to attend. Just come as you are, and leave more aligned, more affirmed, and more held. You can get your tickets here

I can’t wait to see you there.

With love and grace,
Imani