Motherhood is often described as challenging and life-changing, but for these inspiring women, it became the driving force behind their dreams, passions, and advocacies, which are now thriving businesses. From launching creative ventures inspired by their children's drawings to building wellness havens, sustainable brands, and inclusive art spaces, these moms have turned their journeys into purposeful and profitable enterprises.
They are more than just entrepreneurs; they are visionaries, nurturers, and trailblazers who lead with both heart and hustle.
In honor of Mother's Day, we shine the spotlight on four remarkable women who prove that motherhood doesn't hold women back—it propels them forward.
Motherhood Made Me Better: Founders and Leaders
Karen Ayala, mom of two and founder of Bubba Doodles
Karen, 39, is based in Quezon City. She has two kids, ages 10 and 7, and owns two businesses: Bubba Doodles and a spa franchise. Her children highly influenced her decision to start both.
"Bubba Doodles started when my daughter Kali started drawing at one. Most of the time, Kali would make random doodles, but there was this particular moment when she accidentally drew something that looked exactly like a butterfly. She shouted and said, 'Butterfly, Mama!' and my heart melted. I loved and followed art before, but didn't expect to love the magic of kids' art even more."
She turned her daughter's drawing into a pendant, and Bubba Doodles was born. She now turns other kids' drawings into custom pieces, such as pendants, keychains, and more.
"At Bubba Doodles, we preserve the magic of childhood one doodle at a time so that parents and children can remember a beautiful childhood memory," she shares.
"I've always been a passion-getter. Being a mom made that trait ten times more powerful. Motherhood has also unlocked new passions that I never thought I'd have before being a mom." —Karen Ayala
She started a spa business recently, when her go-to spa near her kids' school closed due to the pandemic. She took it as an opportunity to start one of her own. "It has become a weekly girls' date place for me and my girls. Every week, we get massages and get our nails done together. They help with the business, too. I let them be the ones to compute and make the salary for the massage therapists every week, and they get P50 for it!"
Besides her businesses, Karen is also taking up her Master's in Family Life and Child Development at the University of the Philippines. "At the start of the program, I would always claim that I studied again to extend Bubba Doodles. Now that I am nearing the end of my Master's and doing my thesis, I've realized that my love for my children pushed me to take the course. I wanted to understand child development and family dynamics more to become a better mother."
She continued, "Thinking about it now, everything I do is for and because of them, because they are my passion. I will always pursue anything to make our relationship happier and better."
Karen believes that every mom is made to be a business leader. As multitaskers, empaths, and crisis managers at home, mothers are well-equipped to handle the demands of running a business and making it thrive.
"Moms also know when to say yes and no and are unapologetic. Moms are great at setting boundaries, expectations, and allowances, and I believe great leaders should possess this trait," she explains.
Karen loves being called a mompreneur because it sets the tone that she is a mom first, and an entrepreneur second. "I love my work and my businesses, but when my children need me, they come first. That, to me, is equally the hardest part because for someone who's also passionate about work."
She admits it's hard to balance running a business and raising children, but her mindset is this: "Is this a business I will not abandon?" She advises other mothers who want to start a business to think of something that matters to them—something they would return to even after a long hiatus.
Finally, Karen shares how motherhood made her a better person and a courageous leader. "Motherhood made me better because my children saw me—not the strong, feisty, powerful version that I show others, but the softer, more vulnerable, uncertain corners I tried to hide—and they loved me for it."
Janet Timbol Muñoz, mom of three and founder of Villa Grande, Kabaru Collections, and Oil Matters PH
Janet, 43, is a proud mom of three wonderful boys aged 16, 12, and 10. Her family is in Pampanga. From being a stay-at-home mom, motherhood inspired her to build businesses that nurture life: from advocating wellness through Oil Matters Ph, championing sustainable fashion and Filipino artisans with Kabaru Collections, and creating Villa Grande, a haven where families can reconnect with nature and each other.
"Motherhood strengthened my intuition, resilience, and heart-centered leadership, allowing me to grow brands that care for people, preserve culture, and protect the planet," Janet shares.
"Motherhood made me better by deepening my purpose to create, to inspire, and to lead a life that honors both my family and my greater advocacies." —Janet Timbol Muñoz
Her most recent venture, Villa Grande, is a private resort, events venue, and wellness hub in Bacolor, Pampanga. It offers serene spaces for private celebrations, corporate events, wellness retreats, and family staycations.
Janet admits that juggling motherhood and running multiple businesses is no easy feat. "The biggest challenge is carrying the weight of two worlds—giving my family and my businesses the best of me. But it also fuels my drive to keep going with passion and purpose," she explains.
Still, motherhood sharpened her saw and shaped her into the strong leader she is today.
"Motherhood made me better by deepening my purpose to create, inspire, and lead a life that honors both my family and my greater advocacies," Janet says.
Lan Perez, mom of three and founder of Mother Nurture
Lan, 42, is a mom of three children, ages 17, 12, and 7. Their family is based in Antipolo. In 2014, she founded Mother Nurture, the first Filipino company to produce lactation coffee and chocolate mixes. Her journey to becoming a mompreneur began after she successfully re-lactated and brought her child back to breastfeeding.
"I've always been a very hands-on mom. My parenting and business styles are intertwined. I couldn't separate the two. Sobrang attached ako that I had a hard time letting go of my kids. And just like in parenting, ganun din ako sa business. I used to micromanage every little thing, wanting to be involved in every detail," Lan shares.
Lan realized that, like her children, her businesses also needed room to grow. Letting go wasn't easy—stepping back and staying on the sidelines challenged her, but she knew it was necessary. She had spent years training her team, entrusting them with bigger roles as they proved capable. Though it was difficult, it became one of her most rewarding experiences. Watching her children and her business flourish, yet still rooted in the values she instilled, gave her a deep sense of fulfillment and pride.
"Motherhood made me better not because it was easy, but because I overcame the struggles that tried to break me." —Lan Perez
When it comes to goals, dreams, and parenting, Lan is determined and doesn't give up easily. Her creative mind has become one of her greatest assets. 
"Once I start something, kahit gaano pa siya ka-imposible sa simula, I'll always find a way to make it work. Being different? That's not always a bad thing. Sabi nga ng asawa ko, ang outrageous daw ng mga ideas ko! If I know in my heart that the idea has a purpose and can bless others, I hold on to it. Sometimes, I park it muna, and wait for the right season. Deep inside, I know, darating din ang tamang panahon. God's timing is always perfect. Because when your "why" is clear, you don't quit. You rest, regroup, and then go again—stronger, wiser, and more prepared."
She admits that being a mother and a leader can feel overwhelming. It's like carrying a never-ending task list, on top of the mental load of trying to fulfill both roles flawlessly.
"But honestly, that's not realistic. Moms are humans, too. Entrepreneurs are humans too. We get tired. We get frustrated. We make mistakes. And that’s okay—because we're not robots. We're people with hearts, limits, and emotions. They may have high expectations of us, but that doesn’t mean we have to be everything every day."
She believes that what matters is that mothers keep showing up—with love, purpose, and kindness, not just for others but also for ourselves.
"Motherhood made me better not because it was easy, but because I overcame the struggles that tried to break me," Lan says. "I endured, grew, and held on to my faith."
Catherine Cham, mom of two, and co-founder of Vico's Artism Gallery
Cathy, 64, is married to fellow architect Jun Cham and is a proud mother to two sons: Carlos, 35, who followed in their footsteps as an architect, and Victor Francesco, or Vico, 33, an internationally renowned artist. Vico has Autism.
Vico was diagnosed with Autism when he was two years and eight months old. From that moment, Cathy knew she had to secure his future. "I knew early on in our journey that Vico's life would be different. Jun and I prepared for this. When we discovered his gift in the arts, we had a clear vision: we wanted him to become an artist."
From that vision, Vico's Artism Gallery was born. Initially created to showcase Vico's works, the gallery soon opened its doors to others in the community. The gallery is now home to unique masterpieces created by children and adults with disabilities. Recently, Vico's artworks were featured in the Humankind collection of a local lifestyle and clothing brand.
"Motherhood made me better because my son taught me how to love and embrace Autism." —Catherine Cham
Cathy says she draws strength from her unwavering faith and resilience as a mother. "With the acceptance of God's will, everything else followed: patience, courage, understanding, trust, and love," she shares. "I was a young mom then, and Vico was my second child. I had to rely on what I knew about raising children, but this time, I was raising a child with autism. My husband supported me every step of the way to ensure Vico received all the love, guidance, and support he needed to live and enjoy life like everyone else.
Her faith in her son became a beacon of hope for others. "The biggest challenge of being a mom and a leader is helping other parents believe in their children's gifts. I want to lead by example for them and encourage them to embrace autism within their families."
Through their gallery, Mama Cathy has given a platform to many exceptional artists, empowering them to share their talents and shine in their light.
She says that motherhood has undoubtedly changed her life. "Motherhood made me better because Vico taught me how to love and embrace Autism.
More than mothers
These stories prove that being a mother should not hold us down. It isn't a limitation, but a launchpad. Each woman here transformed the highs and lows of parenting into purpose, building businesses that don't just thrive, but serve, inspire, and uplift others. With every joy and challenge that comes with raising their children, they unlock a strength within themselves—a superpower they never knew they had until they became mothers.
Whether by preserving the magic of childhood, championing wellness and sustainability, promoting breastfeeding, or empowering persons with disabilities, these mompreneurs prove that motherhood doesn't just make women better—it makes them powerful enough to change the world.
How has motherhood made YOU better? Join the Fireside Chat with Iya Villania, Camille Prats, Dr. Michele Alignay, and Smart Parenting editor-in-chief Ronna Capili Bonifacio at the Smart Parenting Mother's Day Fair on May 11 at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas. More details here.
