291: The kids will be grown soon

Navigating Business and Parenthood: Reflections From Tina Tower

Running a business while raising children is one of those topics that brings up a whirlwind of emotions, doubts, and—ultimately—gratitude, especially as the years fly by and the kids grow up before our eyes. In episode 291 of the Her Empire Builder Show, Tina Tower gets personal, pulling back the curtain on what life has really looked like as a business-owning mum, raising kids who have never known her to be anything else.

The End of an Era

This year marks the final stretch with both of Tina’s children still at home and in school. Her eldest has just started driving, quite literally driving down the street into his own new era, and Tina finds herself reflecting on the journey: how quickly the years of intense motherhood pass and how the “letting go” begins. It’s made her deeply grateful for the flexibility her business has afforded her—a gratitude that grows the older her kids get.

Building a Business and a Family—At the Same Time

Tina never had people following her online when her children were small, but her story is one many parents can relate to: juggling the demands of ambitious work with the responsibilities and joys of motherhood. In the early years, she ran a retail store and tutoring center, bringing her first baby with her, strapped into a sling or napping in a cot beside the till. Feeding him behind the counter while helping other mums? Just another day in the life.

But, as her baby became a toddler, and especially when her second son was born just 17 months later, Tina made the conscious decision to adjust her business model. Rather than missing out on the moments that meant so much to her as a mum, she chose a path that allowed her to be present and involved.

There have been sacrifices—times when she wished she could swap roles with her husband and be the stay-at-home parent—but Tina acknowledges that building her own business allowed both partners to share more equally in raising their sons. They were both parents, not just a “working parent” and a “primary carer,” thanks to the flexibility entrepreneurship brings.

Seasons of Hard Work and Seasons of Presence

There were busy seasons, particularly when Tina was preparing her business for sale, that required long hours and hard choices. Yet, those times were balanced by unforgettable experiences: family trips around the world, countless breakfasts and dinners shared, and a deep, communicative bond with her children that comes from simply spending time together.

The ability to press pause when life demanded—like the period when her son had a serious accident—made Tina even more grateful for her business. It gave her the freedom to be fully present with her family when they needed her most.

Choosing What Matters Most

Yes, there were tough choices. And yes, sometimes the business had to come first—financial realities don’t pause for parenthood. But whenever possible, Tina chose the moments that made her soul happy, gently reminding us all that clients and projects come and go, but family is forever.

One of her core lessons? You can have it all, but you don’t have to do it all. Tina firmly believes in sharing the domestic load with her husband and outsourcing what makes sense, allowing each of them to play to their strengths and cultivate a team mentality at home and at work.

Raising Independent Kids and Letting Go

As her children become more self-sufficient—one even embarking on adventures solo—the process of letting go is bittersweet. But Tina’s confidence comes from knowing she was there, in all the important moments, thanks in large part to the business she built around and for her family.

She encourages fellow entrepreneurs to include their kids in the journey, explaining the why behind the work, inviting them to events, and teaching them the value of hard work and teamwork. The memories they make together—like one-on-one trips to far-flung countries—are the true return on investment.

Designing Your Own Adventure

Ultimately, Tina’s message is one of hope: business ownership means you get to design the life you want, tailored to your family, your priorities, and your values. The seasons will change—sometimes you’ll work more, sometimes you’ll play more—but keeping your north star in sight will always guide you home.

If you’re in the thick of small kids and a building business, take it from Tina: “You can have it all. Choose what matters, release what doesn’t, and don’t let these precious years pass you by. They really are the time of your life.”