Embracing New Beginnings: A Co-Founder's Journey into Maternity Leave and Balancing Business Leadership

As Co-founder of Libra VA Services, stepping into maternity leave for the third time is a significant milestone. Libra VA Services began in 2020, right before the birth of my son. Fast forward to today, I am a mother of two young children, aged 3.5 and 2.5 years, and eagerly anticipating the arrival of my third child in late August. As I prepare for six months of maternity leave, I reflect on the delicate balance of entrepreneurship and motherhood.

Photo by Tim Ngwena

The Birth of Libra VA Services

Libra VA Services was born out of a shared vision with my friend Lou. We recognised a gap in the market for quality virtual assistant services and decided to turn our vision into reality. Just as we were laying the foundations of our business, I was also preparing for the arrival of my first child. The simultaneous birth of my son and our business was a whirlwind, but it set the stage for a journey filled with growth, challenges, and countless rewards.

Balancing Business and Motherhood

Balancing business leadership and motherhood is no small feat. The early days of Libra VA were filled with late-night strategy sessions, client meetings, and the constant juggle of baby schedules. My experiences as a mother have profoundly shaped my approach to business. Patience, adaptability, and resilience—skills honed through parenting—became invaluable assets in my entrepreneurial toolkit.

Preparing for Maternity Leave

With the impending arrival of my third child, I am once again preparing for maternity leave. This time, the experience is different. Our business is more established, and we have a fantastic team of associates in place. Lou, my Co-founder, will take the reins while I am away, ensuring that our clients continue to receive the exceptional service they have come to expect from Libra VA Services. This approach has worked really well for us. Recently, I managed everything on my own for six months while Lou was on maternity leave after the arrival of her little boy. 

Preparing for this transition involves meticulous planning. We have outlined clear strategies, delegated responsibilities, and set up communication channels to ensure a seamless continuation of operations. Trust and transparency are the cornerstones of this process. Lou and I maintain an open dialogue, and I have full confidence in her leadership during my absence.

Embracing New Beginnings

Maternity leave is not just a pause from work; it is an opportunity to embrace new beginnings. It is a time to bond with my newborn, nurture my growing family, and recharge. This period of leave allows me to step back, gain fresh perspectives, and return to our business with renewed energy and insights.

I am also aware of the importance of self-care during this time. As mothers and business leaders, we often prioritise the needs of others over our own. However, taking care of myself is crucial for my well-being and my ability to lead effectively. Embracing moments of rest, seeking support from loved ones, and indulging in activities that bring joy are all part of my plan for a balanced maternity leave.

Looking Ahead

As I embark on this new chapter, I am filled with gratitude for my business experiences so far and excitement for what lies ahead. Libra VA Services has grown beyond our initial dreams, and I am proud of what we have achieved. I am also deeply thankful for Lou, whose partnership and friendship have been instrumental in our success. It is much easier to step away from the business knowing it is in the capable hands of one of my closest and most trusted friends. I am confident that Lou will handle any challenges with skill and integrity, ensuring the continued success and stability of the business..

The next six months will be a period of growth for both my family and our business. I look forward to returning to Libra VA with new perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose. In the meantime, I am confident that under Lou's capable leadership, our business will continue to thrive.

To all the entrepreneurial mothers out there, remember that embracing new beginnings, whether in business or motherhood, is a journey of courage, resilience, and endless possibilities. Here’s to the next chapter!

With gratitude and anticipation,

Bree