From Entrepreneur to Mompreneur with Paris Jolly, Founder of PLNTED
Our Mompreneur spotlight of the week is the incredible Paris Jolly. Born in a small town outside of Chicago, the founder of PLNTED grew up as the child of a single mom who didn't prioritize wellness. After becoming a model, Paris uncovered some of the harmful tactics masked as wellness in the industry and wanted to make a change.
An entrepreneur at heart, Paris started her first marketing agency at the age of nineteen, and started a new agency, PLNTED Digital, soon after having her daughter. PLNTED has since evolved into a digital wellness ecosystem, including PLNTED Studio publication. As a woman who wears many hats, Paris is also the Founder of the For Her By Her Foundation, which brings wellness to underserved communities and people like her mom who didn't prioritize wellness.
Some say that having a business is like having a baby. Now that you’ve experienced both, can you confirm for us whether that rings true?
I can definitely confirm that running a business is like raising a child. Just like a seed that's planted, it won't sprout overnight. You need to nurture it with love, care, and patience. Similarly, with a business, you need to invest time, energy, and resources into it for it to grow and reach its full potential. Just like a child, PLNTED is constantly blooming and evolving, and I'm committed to ensuring that it flourishes to be the best version of itself.
How did your daily routine change after having kids?
After having my daughter, my daily routine became more structured and focused. I prioritize family time in the morning and evening and dedicate specific blocks of time for work during the day.
That being said, I have learned that unforeseen disruptions are inevitable. The key is to stay flexible and adaptable. Our businesses need constant nurturing and attention to grow strong and resilient. I always remind myself that the seed planted today won't sprout overnight, but with patience and consistency, it will eventually bloom. When faced with disruptions, I prioritize and adjust my schedule accordingly, and lean on my support system for help. It's important to remember that we can't do it all alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
What does balance mean to you?
Balance to me means being able to prioritize and manage my responsibilities in a way that allows me to achieve my goals while also maintaining my physical and mental health, and being present for my family.
What tips do you have for balancing home life with your responsibilities as an entrepreneur?
Create a schedule or routine that works for you and your family, and stick to it as much as possible. I believe in the importance of routines but also the flexibility to adapt when life gets hectic. Sometimes sticking to a strict routine can create unnecessary stress and anxiety. Instead, I prioritize tasks with deadlines and allow myself to flow through the rest. Life has taught me that nothing is worth sacrificing your mental health, so I make sure to take breaks and find balance amidst the chaos.
Delegate tasks when possible, whether it's hiring a babysitter or outsourcing work tasks.
Take breaks and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. Some ways I engage in self-care include spending time with God or practicing meditation; treating myself to little pleasures like buying trinkets or plants; engaging in a mindfulness practice like yoga or meditation; and learning to say no and set boundaries.
What do you wish you'd known before embracing your new life as a mompreneur?
I wish I had known how important it is to set boundaries and say no to things that don't align with my priorities and values. It's okay to not do it all and to ask for help when needed.
How can we do a better job of supporting new moms?
Supporting new moms means respecting their decisions without criticism, learning their individual needs, and recognizing that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Listening and providing emotional support can be just as important as offering practical help. We can also work to create a more inclusive culture that celebrates motherhood and acknowledges the unique challenges faced by new moms.
Any final words of wisdom?
Demystify the idea of work-life balance and focus on creating a lifestyle that works for you and your family. Embrace the challenges and don’t be afraid to fall apart, that's usually when you get the most clarity and answers on how to execute your next move.
