By Janelle Jones
My house is never quiet. Between dishes piling up, emails flooding in, and kids knocking on my office door for snacks, you’d think it would be the worst place to find business inspiration. But the truth is, some of my biggest wins have come from these exact everyday moments. Taking the time to consider the everyday lessons at home sparked the perspective I needed.
Like the day my kids turned our backyard into a science lab. They wanted to test how different objects floated in water. As I observed them drop items into a bucket and record what sank or floated, I thought about how much my own work relied on testing and experimenting. That moment reminded me to treat my marketing ideas the same way: put them in the water, watch what floats, and learn from what sinks. That simple backyard experiment became the foundation for how I test campaigns today.
In the afternoon, my kids were making a bracelet out of leftover beads. They didn’t stress about whether it was perfect. They just enjoyed the process and ended up with something creative and unique. It reminded me that sometimes the pressure to have everything polished before sharing it holds us back. That bracelet pushed me to start posting simple content ideas online, even if they weren’t “perfect.” Those quick posts turned into clients who appreciated my honesty and creativity.
Finding Inspiration in Everyday Moments
One of the most beautiful things about working from home is that it is possible to find inspiration in the most minor things. During a family game night, my kids’ giggles remind me to add more play into the customer experience to make it more fun. An inquisitive question from a child can spark a lesson that can be taught through a blog post. The key is to pay attention and stay present to catch those everyday lessons at home.
Here’s a quick tip: Keep a “home sparks” notebook on your counter or phone. Any time you notice a household moment that connects to your business, jot it down. You’ll be surprised how many ideas come from the kitchen table.
Blending Family and Business Without Losing Meaning
When people ask me how I do everything that I do, I tell them that I stay focused on my why. It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day while chasing growth, so it’s essential never to forget why you started. I didn’t start my business just for profits. Although profits are nice, I started my business so that I could balance having a family while working. I wanted my family to feel connected to my business, and I wanted them to know that what I built was for them. My kids experience all aspects of my business. By watching me, they learn about problem-solving, persistence, and creativity, while I’m reminded to slow down and enjoy the process.
One practice I use is turning my projects into learning moments. If I am testing a new digital tool, I will give them a mini-lesson on how to use it, enhancing the everyday lessons at home. It connects them to each step in the business process and keeps them curious. This helps keep me connected to the bigger picture that I am not just building a business, but I’m curating their life and creating a legacy.
A Simple Framework for Turning Sparks into Wins
If you are looking for a way to blend your business with your home life, consider getting a launchpad for your business and becoming unstuck. Here is the STUCK framework that I use:
- See the Spark- Notice the little things that give you a different perspective
- Test in a simple way- Try out your new realization in a small way
- Use what you already have- Don’t reinvent the wheel, use the tools, skills, or even family support you already have
- Check for alignment- Remember your why and ask if it fits your values and long-term goals
- Keep growing slowly and meaningfully- There isn’t a rush, just consistent progress
As a small business owner with dreams of big boardrooms, some of my most powerful brainstorming sessions come from the backyard science experiment, the messy craft project, or the unplanned kitchen conversation. When you run a business from home, you find that you have to create a balance between family and entrepreneurship in ways that are personal and powerful.
So the next time you’re folding laundry, cooking dinner, or helping with homework, pause and ask yourself: could there be a business lesson hidden here? You might just find your next big win waiting for you in your living room through everyday lessons at home.
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