‘Mumpreneur’ : the career identities of Maltese Women and their experiences of combining business with motherhood

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study is to address the research gap found in the pertinent literature regarding how Maltese ‘mumpreneurs’ view their identity vis-à-vis the dual roles of mumpreneurship: motherhood and entrepreneurship. Consequently, this leads to a discussion on the influences that led them to set-up their own enterprises. To this purpose, eight interviews with Maltese mumpreneurs were carried out and analysed using Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). This dissertation, is not based on one particular theory however its foundations are based on Korsgaard’s definition of a mumpreneur, where he describes them as “female business owners actively balancing the roles of mother and entrepreneur” (Korsgaard, 2007, pg 42). The participants were free to narrate and share their stories and experiences as far as they felt comfortable. Research shows that although most of them identify themselves more with the role of an entrepreneur they still do their utmost to fulfil the role of a mother to the best of their abilities. No matter what difficulties the world of business offers, these participants still value quality time with their children and try to attend to their needs as much as possible. Through life experiences these women have worked their own methods of balancing their private and professional lives some with a support network and others without. With a sense of pride in their mumpreneurial identities, they also outlined the characteristics that are instrumental to become a successful entrepreneur. Ultimately, these findings reveal that it is not impossible for a mother to offset the demands of motherhood and the challenges of running a business. These women broke through the glass ceiling and now are leading their commercial enterprises.