New Years Resolutions are just around the corner- are you planning to start a home business in 2025? If so, then read on and let me help you find your perfect business idea – that one that lights you up and propels you to success..
Many of you have had a week or so off over the Christmas period and get to spend a solid block of time with your family, and maybe some of you are thinking how nice it would be to spend more time at home normally, and less time working for someone else. If this is you, then maybe 2025 is your year for a big change.
So, you’re thinking of becoming self-employed and/or starting a business? Maybe you’re tired of the 9-to-5 grind, or perhaps you want something that fits around school drop-offs and nap times. You might even have a spark of a creative idea but aren’t quite sure if it’s the one. Don’t worry—finding your perfect business idea isn’t about waking up one morning with a sudden epiphany. It’s a journey of discovery, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
When I started my search for my own business, I’ll admit, it felt overwhelming at times. I really didn’t want to go back to my career after my three year break to have the children, but I had no idea what to do instead. I had to try a few things and to learn about what worked for me (and what really didn’t), before I found the right combination of things for me and for our family. There were moments when I doubted myself, but I kept going, and eventually, everything fell into place.
If you ‘d like to read the long version of that, you can find the first episode of 6 here (A Mumpreneur is born)
But enough about me! Let’s take a look at how you can find a perfect business idea that lights you up and works for your life as a busy mum.

Start with Your Passions and Skills
The best business ideas often come from what you already love doing. Start by asking yourself these questions:
- What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
- Are there any skills you’ve picked up over the years that others ask you for help with?
- Have you faced a challenge as a mum that you’ve solved and could help others with?
- Do you have skills which you use in your day job in your day job that you could switch to being freelance or working for yourself?
For example, maybe you’re a whizz at creating birthday party decorations, or perhaps you’ve mastered meal planning on a budget. These might seem like small things, but they could spark a profitable idea. Or maybe you work in marketing and you feel like you could go it alone working for yourself?
When I was exploring business ideas, I originally looked at face to face options, where I was serving my client directly and/or selling things in person. But when I discovered blogging, I found that I communicate well in writing, and I enjoy producing content that gets seen by lots of people all over the world, and digital products that I can resell many times.
Look for Problems You Can Solve
All great businesses solve a problem for their customers, whether it’s big or small. Start paying attention to the issues people around you are facing—especially other mums. Here are some prompts to get you thinking:
- What do people complain about in Facebook groups or WhatsApp chats?
- Are there gaps in services or products you wish existed?
- Is there something you’ve Googled for help with but couldn’t find a good answer?
For instance, if you’ve struggled to find flexible childcare options, you might consider starting a local babysitting network. Or if you’ve figured out how to juggle home schooling with work, you could create an online course or blog to share your tips.

Consider Your Lifestyle
As a mum, your business needs to fit around your family, not the other way around. A high-pressure, 24/7 business might not be realistic (or enjoyable) right now. Think about these factors when brainstorming ideas:
- How many hours can you realistically dedicate to your business each week?
- Are you going to start your business as a side hustle alongside your main job, or will you be leaving work to do this? Consider both the time and the income consequences of this choice
- Do you want to work from home, or are you open to being out and about?
- What kind of income would you need to make it worth your while?
For me, working from home was non-negotiable. In the early days I had a child in nursery, and a child in primary school, so I needed to do drop offs and pickups at 8.30, 9am, 12pm and 3pm.
I needed something flexible that I could work on during school hours, and I knew I wanted to avoid anything requiring heavy start-up costs.
Keeping your priorities clear will help you rule out ideas that don’t align with your lifestyle.
Research the Market
Once you’ve brainstormed a few ideas, it’s time to do some research. You don’t need to spend months on this—a few hours of digging can tell you whether there’s a potential market for your idea. Here’s what to look for:
- Who else is doing it?
Check out other businesses in your area offering something similar. Don’t be discouraged if there’s competition—it’s actually a good sign that there’s demand for what you are thinking about. - What are they missing?
Look for gaps in the market. Could you do something faster, cheaper, or with a unique personal touch? - Who is your ideal customer?
Think about who would benefit most from your product or service. Other mums? Local families? Small businesses? Understanding your audience will help you refine your idea.
When I started my blog, I spent hours reading forums and social media groups to see what questions mums were asking, and I went to quite a few networking groups too, and met lots of mums in business. That helped me create content that people actually needed, rather than guessing what might work.
Test the Waters
You don’t need to go all in straight away. Testing your idea on a small scale can save you time, money, and stress. Here are some ways to start small:
- Freelancing: Offer your services on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or even local Facebook groups.
- Pop-Up Shops: If you’re selling products, try a market stall or pop-up shop to see how people respond.
- Beta Testing: Create a prototype or sample of your product or service and offer it to friends, family, or a small audience for feedback.
Testing your idea not only helps you refine it, but also builds confidence. There’s nothing more reassuring than hearing someone say, “This is exactly what I’ve been looking for!”

Overcome the “What Ifs”
Let’s be honest – starting a business can feel scary. The “what ifs” creep in: What if I fail? What if no one buys? What if I don’t have enough time?
To which I say “But what if you are a roaring success and find something that makes you truly happy?”
Here’s the truth: Every successful business owner started with those same doubts. The key is to take small, manageable steps. You don’t have to have everything figured out from day one. Start with an idea that excites you, test it out, and adjust as you go.
Your Perfect Idea Is Out There
Remember, finding your perfect business idea isn’t about creating the next Amazon or solving world hunger. It’s about discovering something you love, that fits your lifestyle and helps others in some way.
Maybe you might make millions with your idea, but most of us don’t. For me it was enough to be able to contribute enough to our family income, while being there for everything that my children needed me for
So grab a notebook, start brainstorming, and trust that your journey will lead you to the right place. Whether you’re selling handmade gifts, offering virtual services, or creating content to inspire others, your business has the potential to make a real difference—not just for you, but for your family and your community.
This is a great time between Christmas and New Year to really take stock and figure out what you want out of life. You can daydream and have silly ideas – what would your ideal life look like?
I’d love to hear about your ideas—share them in the comments, or feel free to reach out to me for a coaching session if you’re feeling stuck, and I’d be happy to help you brainstorm. You’ve got this!
Key Takeaways
- Start with your passions, skills, and the problems you’ve solved.
- Make sure your idea fits your lifestyle and family priorities.
- Research the market and test your idea before fully committing.
- Don’t let fear hold you back—small steps add up to big results.
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