Each month I’m going to be highlighting a mom I interviewed for the Mompowerment book. I’ll share their stories and their advice and insights. The first mom I’m highlighting also happens to be the artistic mind behind the Mompowerment cover, Lilah Higgins.
Lilah is amazing in many ways. First and foremost, she is an involved and attentive mom to two young children (both are under the age of 5) and a wife. She also gets the benefit of working alongside her tech-savvy husband, Zac.
Second, Lilah’s talent is fantabulous. Her creative chops are oh-so-impressive, especially when you consider she is self-taught. Lilah is the owner of The Higgins Creative, which does branding or “up-leveling businesses visually” as she explains it. (You can also find a bit more about her background and business on her LinkedIn profile.)
And, third, Lilah is kind and giving of her time and energy. In Facebook groups, I have seen her provide great direction and feedback to those who ask. She also interviews moms (including me – so look out for that in the future) on the podcast she does with her husband. And, as if that isn’t enough, she is helping artists and makers become better business people in her Wake to Make Movement.
What does work time look like
Lilah works about 20-25 hours per week, usually about 10am-2pm Tuesday through Friday. She also works during naptime and, whenever necessary, in the evening. When she can, she tries to take off Mondays. When Lilah is making things happen in her business, she is fortunate in that her mom and sister, who happens to be a caterer, help watch the kids on Thursday and Friday mornings. On the days her family isn’t around, kids play together or watch educational videos, while she and her husband work.
Lilah’s Background
I learned so much during our chat that helped make so much sense of Lilah’s skills. She has been an artist, doing fine arts, since she was 8. Part of what helped grow her skills was having a mentor and teacher, who also happened to be an amazing artist. She is paying that forward with helping mentor other artists and makers through her Wake to Make Movement. So much paying it forward!
While Lilah might not have had formal training, she had access to programs and software through her father’s architectural business. She got to play around and teach herself how to use the tools. That is partially because of her natural curiosity, which was brought to the surface through being homeschooled by her mom. And she got her first hint of what it takes to be an entrepreneur from her dad. While she thought that entrepreneurship might not be her thing, after watching the life of a business owner dad, she eventually felt the pull because she wanted to create a life on her terms for her family. And, now, her husband gets to be a driving force in their business as well.
Lilah’s Business Growth
Lilah’s business has had a few iterations. She initially wanted to sell her artwork. She tried local shows and eventually moved to Etsy. Both of these options are highly competitive and can be hard for artists to truly succeed. About three years ago, Lilah decided to truly make a go of it. She went to the Boss Mom Academy to learn how to run a creative business the right way. And that led her to the approach of 1 to 1 design and coaching for branding and rebranding for small business owners. And she has also started a few courses such as her Lettering course.
Benefits of Entrepreneurship and working Part-time
As an entrepreneur, Lilah describes her life as being “very editable.” Since she works part-time, she is able to spend time with family and focus on kids. Something unique that Lilah shared is that she’s working toward fulfilling her lifelong dream of sailing across Atlantic with her family of four. They want to make that happen when the kids are teens.
Advice
Lilah has some advice for anyone interested in working part-time as an entrepreneur:
- Live frugally. Live within your means and you can make adjustments without being as concerned about the impact.
- Divide household and parental duties equally. Enable each partner to do his/her share.
- Find something you love to do, so that it doesn’t feel like work. Essentially, figure out how to monetize the things you love to do.
- Acknowledge areas you’re not good at and ask for help. Remember the sister who is a caterer? Lilah has her to meal planning and even helps translate that to grocery lists.
- Trello! This is one of Lilah’s main tools. Really, though, she suggests finding whatever tools you need that will make you more efficient and productive.
If you’re wanting to hang out and chat with more moms like Lilah, come join us in the Mompowerment Facebook group.
