As we step into the second half of the year with the sun shining and school breaks upon us, I’m delighted to introduce this month’s featured entrepreneur, Gabriela Funk. Gabriela’s remarkable ability to blend her passion for business with the joys of motherhood without viewing either as a burden is truly inspiring.
Gabriela’s journey is a powerful testament to pursuing passions while managing the challenges of motherhood. Her commitment to creating a fulfilling career while staying true to her family reflects the very essence of what we strive to support. I’m excited for you to discover more about Gabriela’s remarkable story and the impact she’s making.
Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself
My name is Gabriela. I live near Zurich with my husband and our two curious daughters, aged 1.5 and 3.5 years. Although Swiss, I spent three enriching years in London before moving back home during the pandemic after my first daughter was born. Moving back wasn’t as smooth as I had expected, while the familiar remained, I felt disconnected from the countryside environment I grew up in. This feeling has now prompted us into the decision to sell our house and move away again.
I hold a PhD in digital marketing and lecture at the University of Lucerne and other institutions. I’m passionate about using my skills to support others. Known as a doer, I focus on ideas and deliver results, helping others bring their visions to life, whether through direct action or guidance.
I assist in various ways, from completing research papers to building online presences for small businesses. I even take on baking gigs—I baked my wedding cake. Recently, I’ve been writing and illustrating children’s books and managing a community for mompreneurs, helping them find a sense of purpose and fulfillment beyond their roles at home.
Tell us about your current business, what do you do?
I’m currently dedicating my time and energy to the Mompreneur Village, a community and membership program designed for moms who want to build businesses they are passionate about. Starting a business is challenging, especially for moms facing demands on their time, unpredictable schedules, and feelings of guilt for investing in themselves as opposed to their families.
The Mompreneur Village addresses these challenges by offering:
- Community exchange for a sense of belonging and accountability
- Co-working sessions to encourage consistent action alongside others
- Workshops and training to learn new skills related to business and self-management
- Time and opportunities to reflect and gain clarity
Through our support system, moms know which actions to take and when helping them stay consistent and motivated even when life gets hectic. The Village enables members to acquire necessary skills at the right times and feel connected to a community that understands their aspirations. To get a feel for the Mompreneur Village, check out our Instagram account for a glimpse into our community.
Tell us your story, how did you come up with this idea?
I’ve always wanted to pursue something that excites me and allows me to be my authentic self, but growing up, I often conformed to please others. Motherhood intensified my desire for authenticity because I felt that doing unfulfilling work was a waste of time away from my kids. I realized that loving my work would make me a better parent. When my job didn’t fulfill me, the frustration affected my parenting, motivating me to pursue my true desires for my sake and my family’s.
Before becoming a mom, I had experimented with business ideas but never fully committed. Motherhood presented the perfect opportunity to go all in. I quit my job, finished my PhD in consumer behavior, and launched my business post-maternity leave with my second daughter, starting with one-on-one coaching for research paper writers.
Feeling isolated, I started an online meet-up group for mompreneurs. I discovered a common desire among moms for fulfilling work beyond their home roles. Many struggled to maintain momentum, leading to the creation of the Mompreneur Village. I wanted a space where moms could consistently pursue their dreams, believing personal fulfillment is essential for being the best mom.
The Mompreneur Village provides a supportive community to help mothers build their businesses consistently, even amid life’s unpredictability. Our platform offers a flexible structure to help moms succeed, recognizing the need for consistent effort and community support.
What is a day like “in your heels”?
Describing a typical day is tricky because my days are dynamic and change frequently, depending on whether the kids are at home or at daycare (usually two days a week).
I embrace slow mornings and rarely set an alarm. If I wake up early, I enjoy the quiet with breathing exercises, journaling, laundry, or whatever feels right. On other days, I sleep in and wake up to my kids, bringing them into bed for cozy snuggles. This isn’t always possible, but I try to do it often before they start school.
After coffee and breakfast with the family, my day varies. It could involve work, playdates, or slower activities like cleaning, cooking, or arts and crafts with the kids. During the semester, my schedule revolves around my lectures, while in the summer, I focus more on my businesses. I often work during nap time and evenings because it feels like a hobby, but I avoid overworking and stay in tune with my needs. Prioritizing rest and sleep is essential in our family, forming a vital foundation for everything else in our lives.
Would you like to give any specific advice to fellow entrepreneurs?
It sounds cliché, but I believe in finding what you love and doing more of it, while reducing what you don’t. It’s a cycle of reflection and action to maximize our short time on this planet, all while being grateful for what you have. What used to annoy me about this advice was that it made it seem easy to know what you want, but it’s not. There’s a lot of noise and self-imposed expectations. Tuning into your true desires can be tough. It’s crucial to ignore others’ opinions and societal pressures. The challenge and beauty of life is to keep seeking what brings you fulfillment and integrating more of it into your life.
If my story resonated with you or you have thoughts or questions, the best way to reach me is through my personal Instagram. I’d love to connect with like-minded people.
You can also connect with Gabriela on her Instagram or browse her Website.
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