Mompreneur Series: Interview With Erica BuchHolz, Career Coach and Yoga Instructor
These days, with working from home being easier than ever, more and more moms are becoming "mompreneurs."
Today's interviewee is Erica Buchholz, a career coach and yoga instructor.
Below is the Q&A session that I had with Erica, so you can get to know her in her own words.
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your business?
I’m Erica Buchholz, a career coach and laughter yoga instructor. I support job seekers who are looking to stop feeling so burnout at their job and help them transition into a job that is exciting and fulfilling. Through re-finding confidence, a touch of playfulness, and a new approach to job searching, I help my clients land jobs that they are passionate about, without all the workplace toxicity.
How did you decide to start your business?
It was a combination. My mom and dad are both entrepreneurs, so I always knew I would start my own business. With a young child at home and not feeling fulfilled in the last few jobs I worked, I knew it was time. I had saved up enough money to comfortably leave my full-time employment, I found a few part-time jobs to keep some income flowing, and jumped into an intensive coach training program. I’ve been running my business full-time now for 4 years.
How old are your kids?
I have an incredibly fast growing seven year old. He often gives me the best business advice, such as, “Mom, you should work a job where you are as happy as a monster truck driver is in the middle of a show.” I let him know that when I’m coaching, I’m that happy too. :)
Are your kids in childcare or at home full time?
My son was in childcare when I first began my business. Then the COVID pandemic hit, so he was home full-time with me for a full year, while we also did homeschooling. This year, he has attended public school and joined sports teams.
How do you balance your work with your family?
It is an ongoing process. Setting clear boundaries and expectations are really important for us. Each time something big changes in my business, we hit a rocky patch at home while we are all recalibrating. For example, when I started running a group program at night, we had to shift bedtime routines and expectations. I find we are all the most successful when I have clear work time and clear family time. I don’t mix the two, otherwise my son feels like he isn’t getting his full mom, and I agree. When something urgent comes up, I make sure to handle it, and then also make sure to give him dedicated time and attention when we can. If he gets 10 minutes of good quality time with me, he doesn’t seek it out when I am in the middle of a call or event.
Any tips for other moms looking to start a business?
Take a deep breath and go for it. Expect ups and downs. Set your expectations the best you can for the stage you are in at the moment. And know that those expectations will change and develop over time. Please, don’t feel like you have to go at it all alone. There are so many people out there who can support you, from other moms in business, to hired help, to supportive friends, and lovely women on the Internet you haven’t met yet. It’s okay (and encouraged) to reach out for support, you don’t have to be by yourself in the process. Pay attention to the cues your family is giving you and adapt as it feels right to you. You are much more able and powerful than you realize. It can be a really fun journey!!
You can also find Erica online:
https://jobburnoutlifecoach.com/
https://linktr.ee/jobburnoutlifecoach
Erica makes great points about needing to re-calibrate your expectations between work and family every so often. As a fellow mompreneur, I have found that this is something I need to do as well. It is important to take dedicated time for work, as well as dedicated time for your kids, so that whatever you are doing gets your full attention.
These are great tips that other mompreneurs can use! If you have questions for Erica, be sure to ask them in the comments!
To read more about Mompreneur life, check out these other blog posts:
How do you have a full time job, a family, and start a business at the same time?
Are You a Mom Entrepreneur, or Do You Want to Be?
4 Tips for Balancing Baby and Business
Mompreneur Series: Interview With Shea Hulse, Paranormal Romance Autor
Mompreneur Series: Interview with Megan Llorente, Relationship Coach & Childcare Owner