Motherhood is beautiful, chaotic, and often overwhelming. In the midst of raising kids, it’s easy for moms to forget their own dreams—or feel guilty for even having them. In a recent episode of the Dream to Done podcast, Jessica Erickson sat down with guest Kelli France to talk about rediscovering yourself in motherhood, building confidence as a mom, and why balancing motherhood and business isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

Here’s what every mom needs to hear: sometimes it only takes a small change to spark a major shift in your confidence and mindset.

The $5 Nail Upgrade That Changed Everything

Jessica opened up about a surprisingly powerful moment: finally giving herself permission to go to the “fancy” nail salon. For years, she’d told herself it was too expensive or too extravagant. But when she realized it was only a $5 difference, she booked the appointment.

What happened next surprised her.

With her nails freshly done, Jessica noticed she automatically wanted to dress better, style her hair, and reach out to friends. In her words, she felt like a “fancy nails” person—and that tiny upgrade transformed how she viewed herself.

The takeaway? Small acts of self-care aren’t frivolous. They can change how you show up in your own life.

Why Small Habits Create a Ripple Effect

Kelli, known for her real talk on motherhood and business, explained why little changes have a ripple effect. Whether it’s fancy nails, morning workouts, or starting a hobby, small actions influence our mindset, which in turn impacts our habits and self-worth.

As Kelli said:

“Doing your nails can create a ripple effect on so many other things.”

The simple act of taking care of yourself signals to your brain—and your family—that you matter, too.

Balancing Motherhood and Business: Why Moms Need Both

A mom of four herself, Kelli shared how starting her business saved her sanity. For her, having something that was “just for Kelli” gave her a creative outlet and a way to fulfill goals outside of parenting.

Jessica echoed this sentiment, noting that having a business gave her a socially acceptable reason to travel or take breaks she wouldn’t have allowed herself otherwise. Business trips gave her perspective—not just on her work, but on her family.

And while not every mom needs to start a business, both women agreed: moms need something that’s just for them. Whether it’s a business, hobby, or creative project, giving yourself permission to dream again is vital.

You Are the Best Mom for Your Kids

One of Kelli’s most powerful messages to listeners was simple but game-changing:

“I am the best mom for my kids.”

Instead of constantly criticizing yourself or thinking you’re failing, remind yourself that your children would choose you every time. This affirmation can change how you show up as a mom.

Kelli explained how negative thoughts like “I’m a bad mom” created a cycle of guilt and avoidance. Shifting her inner dialogue transformed not just her parenting but her entire life.

The Power of Vision Boards and Thinking Like Your Future Self

Both Jessica and Kelli emphasized the importance of knowing what you want—and visualizing it. Whether it’s through creating a vision board or practicing future self meditations, getting clear on your goals can guide your decisions every day.

Kelli shared that focusing on her future self helped her commit to healthy habits, like working out to be an active grandma someday. Jessica noted how guided meditations often helped her visualize her dreams more clearly.

Their advice?
Don’t stop dreaming after you become a mom. Instead, dream bigger.

Why Your Kids Need to See You Chase Your Dreams

Both women noted that telling your kids “you can be anything you want to be” rings hollow if you never chase your own goals. Let your children see you following your dreams. Whether that’s writing a book, starting a business, or pursuing small personal goals, your example is more powerful than your words.

Kelli shared how, even as her kids have grown and left home, she’s intentionally modeling a fun, adventurous life in midlife—because dreaming and growing doesn’t stop when the kids move out.

Practical Takeaways for Moms

• Start small. A $5 nail upgrade or 15-minute workout can kickstart your confidence.
  
• Give yourself permission. Whether it’s a hobby, business, or trip, you’re allowed to have dreams outside of motherhood.
  
• Flip your inner dialogue. Tell yourself, “I’m the best mom for my kids.”
  
• Create a vision board. Visualize what you want your future self and life to look like.
  
• Let your kids watch you succeed. Model the behavior and mindset you want them to have.
  

Final Thoughts

Balancing motherhood and business—or even just personal goals—doesn’t make you a bad mom. It makes you a whole person. As Kelli and Jessica reminded listeners, taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your family.

Whether it’s starting a business, creating a vision board, or just getting your nails done, you deserve to pursue your dreams. And remember: you’re doing better than you think.

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Ready to rediscover your confidence as a mom?
Listen to this full episode of Dream to Done and start turning your own dreams into done.

✨ Resources & Links:

• Get Kelly’s Fear Less Girl Course:https://kelli-france-d056.mykajabi.com/2-upload-me-to-kajabi_lively_sales-page 
• Follow Kelly France on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellifrance/
• Listen to Kelly’s Podcast: Finally Fearless >> https://kellifrance.com/podcast 
• Kelli’s Book: https://amzn.to/3GONphB